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Middleback Range: Project Magnet

 

Resource:

Iron ore

Company:

OneSteel
www.onesteel.com

Status: Operating
 Map of South Australia showing location of the Iron Chieftain mine

OneSteel operates open-cut mines in the Middleback Ranges producing both magnetite and hematite ore for steel production and export respectively.

Some is also shipped to Port Kembla and Newcastle New South Wales, in the form of blended fines and pellets.

In 2005 the company embarked on a major expansion initiative, Project Magnet, designed to extend the Whyalla operations a further seven years to beyond 2027 by
processing magnetite to steel in the integrated Whyalla Steelworks and high grade hematite ore sold to global markets.

Phase One was successfully completed in 2008 with 1.3 Mt steel and 4.4 Mt hematite produced. Further expansion to increase production and iron ore sales capacity under Phase Two has brought quick results with the 2009 target of 5 Mt exceeded (5.1 Mt) and current operations are now running at a rate of 6 Mt per annum.

As part of Phase Two, OneSteel has also commenced an extensive program of exploration, optimisation and mine
extension to increase reserves and resources. Extension drilling at the Iron Knob, Iron Monarch, Iron Princess, Iron
Baron and Iron Duchess North mines has already proved successful with the new Iron Chieftain mine opening in 2010.

OneSteel is confident there is sufficient ore to maintain external sales at 6 Mtpa for at least 10 years. The 2010–11 exploration program will focus on drill testing six new
targets.

 

Documents

In May 2011 OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd prepared a document to support new development proposals for the existing South-Southern Middleback Ranges, including:

  • a new mining lease (ML) to extend the current Iron Duchess mine
  • a new Miscellaneous Purposes Licence (MPL)
  • additional purposes to existing MPLs  

The document submitted by OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd in support of their applications describes the type of operations proposed and the measures to be undertaken to rehabilitate the land.

OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd, South SMR Mining Area: Development Proposals, Iron Duchess-North Mine Extension and Iron Duke/Magnet WRD Extension (.pdf 12.9Mb, opens in new window)


Other documents

Other publicly available documents relevant to the project can be accessed via the South Australian Resources Information Geoserver (SARIG).

Open the application, go to Databases (top left grey navigation bar), select Publications and Reports from the drop-down list.

For a copy of the reports in an alternative format contact Customer Services:
Phone:  +61 8 8463 3000
Email: pirsa.customerservices@sa.gov.au