Fortescue Metals has celebrated its first ore shipment through the second train unloader in Port Hedland.

 

The unloader forms a key component of Fortescue’s expansion of Herb Elliot Port, which will support its increase in output from the Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek mines.

 

The commissioning of the train unloader follows the opening of Fortescue’s third berth and second outload circuit at the port in May. Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Nev Power said the milestone demonstrates Fortescue’s commitment to its expansion in the Pilbara.

 

“We’re commissioning the second train unloader only a few weeks before our new ore processing facility at Christmas Creek comes on line, which will lift production capacity from the Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek mines to a combined to 95mtpa,” Mr Power said. 

“This is a tremendous achievement for Fortescue and I am extremely proud of the employees and contractors for completing this massive construction project safely, ahead of time and under budget.”

 

A third train unloader is expected to be commissioned before year end. Both facilities were constructed locally in Henderson, near Fremantle by Metso. More than 350,000m3 of earth was moved and 15,000m3 of concrete was used to construct them.