Located 80 kilometres south-west of Karratha, the project is capable of producing 5.3 million tonnes of high-quality industrial salt for export to customers around the world.
An essential ingredient in many manufacturing processes, including batteries and solar panels, the uplift in Western Australia’s industrial salt production will support the economic diversification of the Pilbara, and help to establish the State as a global clean energy powerhouse.
Construction of the Mardie Project commenced in February 2022 and is now more than halfway complete, with more than $700 million invested to date. The construction phase of the Project will generate around 750 jobs and, once fully operational, the Mardie Project will support over 140 permanent, full-time jobs.
In recognition of its significance to WA, the Project was granted Lead Agency status by the State Government, helping to streamline approvals.
Operations at the site commenced with the filling of its three initial evaporation ponds. Salt will be exported through a new port facility and jetty stretching 2.4 km, which is located at Mardie and managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority.
Once the initial three ponds are filled, BCI Minerals will update and resubmit its Groundwater Monitoring and Management Plan (GMMP) for further approval before filling evaporations ponds 4 through 9.
Construction of the salt-first component of the Project is over halfway complete with more than $700 million invested to date.
With an operating life of 60 years, the Mardie Project is expected to contribute $4.8 billion to GDP and create 750 jobs during construction and 140 permanent full-time jobs during operations.
The Company will use its newly constructed 2.4km export jetty to meet rapidly growing salt demand in Asian markets with first export of high-quality industrial salt targeted for Q2 FY27.
BCI Minerals Managing Director, David Boshoff, said the Mardie Project is on track to becoming a major player in the global salt market.
“Australia hasn’t developed a salt project of this significance in 25 years, and the Mardie Project will be Australia’s largest solar salt project and the third largest globally,” he said.
“With the projected growth in demand for high grade industrial salt in our target Asian markets, BCI Minerals is strongly positioned to supply global markets with Mardie salt for generations.”
Federal Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King, said the project would play a significant role in Australia’s transition to the net zero economy.
“Salt is a key input to industrial manufacturing and is part of the energy transition, as a key mineral in the development of clean technologies, including solar panels and battery systems,” she said.
“Not only is this operational commencement moving our country in the right direction to lead on the use of our natural resources, but also advancing the region’s future economic diversity.
“This is a great example of how the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility is producing results for Australia – creating jobs and prosperity, while also helping us get to net zero.”