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Approximately 115-128 direct jobs

The Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility, operated by Lynas Rare Earths Ltd, is Australia's first rare earths processing facility and the largest outside of China. Officially opened on 8 November 2024, the facility is fully commissioned and producing, and is currently ramping up operations. It processes rare earth concentrate from Lynas' Mt Weld mine to produce Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC), which is then shipped to Lynas' Malaysian facility for separation into individual rare earth products. The facility is a key part of Lynas' 2025 growth plan. In late 2025, production was impacted by significant power supply disruptions.

Production overview - 2024: gypsum 24738.2 t, iron ore 8613.9 t.

The facility employs a cracking and leaching process. Rare earth concentrate is mixed with sulphuric acid and processed in a large rotary kiln to convert rare earth phosphate minerals to rare earth sulphate. This is followed by a leaching stage where water is added, impurities like iron phosphate are removed, and the solution is neutralised to produce Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC). By-products, including gypsum and iron phosphate, are returned to the Mt Weld mine site for storage.

The core processing equipment includes a 110-metre long, 6-metre high rotary kiln, which is one of the largest in Australia. Other key equipment includes large pressure filters, agitators, steel and rubber-lined tanks, FRP tanks, and a spray tower.

The facility is a key part of Lynas' 2025 growth plan.

The Newman West mine, also known as the Mount Whaleback mine, is a significant iron ore operation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is described as the biggest single-pit, open-cut iron ore mine in the world, more than five kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide. It is a key component of BHP's larger Newman Operations. Ore is transported via the Mount Newman railway to Port Hedland for export.

integrated Newman processing hub, including primary crushers and ore handling plants. A portion of the ore undergoes beneficiation at the Whaleback Beneficiation Plant.

truck and shovel/loader mining method. Mobile mining fleet includes haul trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, drill rigs, and ancillary vehicles like dozers and water carts.

The Newman East mine, also referred to as the Eastern Ridge hub, is an iron ore mine operated by BHP Group. It is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Australia, approximately eight kilometres east of the town of Newman. The mine is part of the Mt Newman joint venture. The specific orebodies that constitute Newman East include Orebodies 18, 23, 25, 24, and 32.

Processing of ore from Newman East occurs at the Newman Hub, which includes a processing plant at Orebody 25 consisting of a primary and secondary crusher, and a screening plant.

22 CAT 793 haul trucks, autonomous haulage fleet, processing plant at Orebody 25 consisting of a primary and secondary crusher, and a screening plant

approximately 850 workers, comprising 650 direct employees and 200 contractors

BHP's Yandi iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia is currently scaling down operations as it approaches the end of its life due to the depletion of its ore body. A gradual reduction in activities is planned throughout 2026 before a complete cessation of operations.

Production overview - 2022: iron ore 45.8 Mt.

crushing, beneficiation, ore handling

Liebherr R 9400 E electric excavator, crushers, ore handling plants

BHP and Rio Tinto have agreed to explore opportunities to mine up to 200 million tonnes of iron ore at the shared boundary of their neighbouring Yandi and Yandicoogina operations.

The permanent workforce for the initial Area C operation was estimated to be around 150 people.

Mining Area C contains a significant resource of Marra Mamba type iron ore.

Production overview - 2023: iron ore 121.8 Mt.

The operation consists of open-cut mines, three ore handling plants, and one train load-out facility. Ore is crushed and screened before being transported by rail to Port Hedland.

Over 800 pieces of mining equipment, including 300 trucks and 45 excavators. Autonomous blast hole drill rigs are being deployed, and automated trucks are in progress for deployment.

Mining Area C, together with the adjacent South Flank mine, forms what BHP refers to as the Mining Area C hub. This combined hub is expected to be the largest operating iron ore hub in the world, with a production capacity of 145 million tonnes per year. Studies are underway for a potential expansion of Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) production to 330 million tonnes per annum, with a feasibility study expected to be completed in calendar year 2025.

600 operational roles

ramping up to full production capacity of 80 Mtpa; first ore achieved May 2021; on track to reach full production capacity by end of 2024 financial year

80 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) crushing and screening plant, overland conveyor system, stockyard, train loading facilities

autonomous-ready fleets, autonomous haul truck fleet

800 (permanent workers); up to 120 (for a development contract)

Production overview - 2024: iron ore 73111 t; 2023: iron ore 66801000 kt.

Ore is crushed, and where necessary, beneficiated and blended to create high-grade hematite lump and fines products. A new beneficiation plant is planned as part of the Jimblebar Hub expansion.

The mine was BHP's first to have a fully autonomous haul truck fleet, which was completed in 2017. Jimblebar is also trialling Caterpillar's Cat® Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system on battery electric and diesel electric mining trucks, including the CAT 793 fleet.

The Jimblebar Hub Combined Proposal is a planned expansion and amalgamation of the existing Jimblebar operations with Orebody 18 and Orebody 31. This includes new above and below water table mining, overburden storage areas, a new beneficiation plant, an overland conveyor, and other infrastructure. The project is currently being assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority. A development contract valued at approximately $109 million was awarded to NRW Civil & Mining for various works to support sustainable production, commencing in November 2024 and scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026.

Newman Operations is an integral part of BHP's Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) business in the Pilbara region. It consists of two main sites: Newman East (which includes Orebodies 18, 23, and 25) and Newman West (formerly known as Mount Whaleback). The Mount Whaleback mine, which began operations in 1968, is the world's largest single-pit, open-pit iron ore mine. Ore from the Newman Operations is transported by rail to Port Hedland. The processing hub at Newman includes three primary crushers and three ore handling plants, one of which is the Whaleback Beneficiation Plant.

Production overview - 2021: iron ore 78000000 t.

The Newman East site has transitioned to fully autonomous CAT 793 haul trucks.

BHP has an "Air Quality Roadmap for Newman Operations" which includes a planned expenditure of up to $230 million over five years for dust mitigation work at the Eastern Ridge and Whaleback sites. A project is underway to develop the Western Ridge deposits, which will replace production from depleting orebodies around the Newman operations. This is expected to deliver an average of 25 million tonnes per annum for about 12 years, with the ore being processed through the existing Newman facilities.

Approximately 15,000 direct and indirect employees.

Production overview - 2024: iron ore 9700000 t; 2023: iron ore 9400000 t.

The operation involves the extraction and beneficiation of iron ore at the Germano complex in Minas Gerais. The ore is then transported as a slurry through a pipeline, approximately 400 kilometres long, to the Ubu complex in Espírito Santo for pelletising. Following the restart of operations in December 2020, a new filtration system was implemented. This system allows for approximately 80% of the tailings to be dry-stacked, with the remaining 20% deposited in a confined pit, eliminating the need for traditional tailings dams.

Samarco plans to invest more than $1 billion to restore its operations to full capacity by January 2028. In 2024, USD311 million was invested in strategic initiatives, including the start-up of another plant in Ubu and the reactivation of a second concentrator and a new tailings filtration plant at the Germano Complex.

around 16,300 direct and contracted employees

Production overview - 2025: iron ore 15.1 Mt; 2024: iron ore 9.7 Mt.

The company uses a new filtration system that allows for the dry stacking of 80% of the generated tailings, with the remaining 20% deposited in a confined pit. This system is part of a move away from the use of dams for tailings. The integrated system includes mining, beneficiation, slurry transport via pipelines, pelletising, and shipment. The Germano Complex has two operating concentrators and a tailings disposal system, while the Ubu Complex has pellet plants and port facilities.

Samarco is undergoing a gradual resumption of its activities with the goal of reaching 100% of its production capacity by 2028. The company is currently operating at 60% of its installed capacity. An investment of up to $2.8 billion is planned to restore full capacity. The company concluded its bankruptcy protection process. A definitive settlement was reached in October 2024 in connection with the 2015 Fundão tailings dam collapse.

Approximately 850 workers, including 650 direct employees and 200 contractors, are affected by the scaling down of operations as of October 2025. Another report from the same time mentioned about 600 staff and 150 contractors.

Winding down operations. Operations are being scaled back through 2026 before ceasing altogether due to the depletion of the ore body. The ramp-down of production and decommissioning of infrastructure began in July 2021.

Production overview - 2021: iron ore 68 Mt.

Ore is processed on-site where it is crushed, and beneficiated if necessary. It is then blended to create high-grade hematite lump and fines products. The processing facilities include multiple crushers and ore handling plants.

In August 2024, a Liebherr R 9400 E electric excavator became operational at the mine.

600

South Flank is Australia's largest new iron ore mine in over 50 years, forming one of the world's largest iron ore hubs with Mining Area C. It commenced operations in May 2021, exceeding its 80 Mt/year nameplate capacity in FY2025. The high-grade ore aims to increase BHP's WAIO average iron ore grade. It created 9,000 jobs during construction and supports 600 operational roles, replacing production from the Yandi mine.

80 million tonnes per year nameplate capacity

The project includes an 80-million-tonne-per-year crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system, stockyard and train loading facilities.

The mine integrates advances in autonomous-ready fleets and digital connectivity. The deployment of autonomous haul trucks was completed in May 2023.

4,103

Mining Area C is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 120 kilometres north-west of Newman. It is part of BHP's Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) operations. The mine consists of eight open-cut mines, three ore handling plants, and one train load-out facility. Ore is transported via a 39-kilometre spur line to the main railway that connects to the port facilities at Port Hedland. Mining Area C is integrated with the newer South Flank mine to form the 'Central Pilbara hub', which is the largest operating iron ore hub in the world with a combined production capacity of 145 million tonnes per year.

Production overview - 2023: iron ore 36.1 Mt.

The processing at Mining Area C involves crushing the iron ore before it is transported. The facility includes three ore handling plants.

BHP is focused on increasing productivity at its WAIO operations, with the ramp-up of the Central Pilbara hub being a key component. The company is also progressing with the tie-in of its Port Debottlenecking Project 1 and Rail Technology Programme to further enhance capacity. A significant amendment to the Mining Area C – Southern Flank operations was proposed in March 2025, involving increased dewatering and an expansion of the development envelope to extend the project life until 2073.

up to 120 personnel

Production overview - 2023: iron ore 66801 kt.

two-stage crushing circuit, deslime plant, wet screens, desliming cyclones, belt filtration, tailings thickening and disposal

autonomous haul truck fleet, Caterpillar's Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system, CAT 793 battery-electric and diesel-electric mining trucks

NRW Civil & Mining development works ($109 million contract, scheduled completion Q2 2026); Jimblebar Hub Combined Proposal (merging Jimblebar Iron Ore Revised Proposal, Orebody 18, and Orebody 31); Jimblebar Beneficiation Project (new beneficiation plant, main construction and commissioning Q3 2025 to Q3 2027, estimated capex $500 million - $1 billion)

BHP's Newman Operations are a key component of its Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) business. The operations consist of two main sites: Newman East (formerly Eastern Ridge) and Newman West (formerly Mount Whaleback). The Mount Whaleback mine, which commenced operations in 1968, is the world's largest single-pit iron ore mine. Ore from the Newman Operations is transported by rail to Port Hedland for export.

Production overview - 2023: iron ore 78 Mt.

The Newman Operations serve as a central processing hub. This includes three primary crushers and three ore handling plants, one of which is the Whaleback Beneficiation Plant. At Orebody 25, the processing infrastructure includes a primary and secondary crusher, and a screening plant.

The Newman East site has transitioned to a fully autonomous haul truck fleet, utilising CAT 793 haul trucks.

BHP is advancing the Western Ridge Crusher Project, a significant development to sustain production at the Newman Operations. This project is expected to replace production from depleting orebodies. The Western Ridge development is projected to have a life of 31 years and will involve the mining of four iron ore deposits. The crusher project is expected to deliver an average of 25 million tonnes per annum over approximately 12 years, with first production anticipated in the first quarter of the 2027 financial year. The total investment in the Western Ridge Crusher Project is expected to be US$943 million.

Approximately 20,500 (including direct and contract workers) as of early 2026.

Production overview - 2025: iron ore 15.11 Mt; 2024: iron ore 9.7 Mt.

The processing method involves an integrated system of mining, beneficiation at concentrators, slurry transport via pipelines to pelletising plants, and shipment from the port. A new filtration system has been implemented which allows for 80% of the generated tailings to be dry stacked, with the remainder deposited in a confined pit, enabling operations without the use of a conventional tailings dam.

Samarco is undergoing a gradual restart of operations with the goal of reaching 100% of its production capacity by 2028. The restart of a second concentrator was expected in the first quarter of calendar year 2025, which would increase production capacity to 60%. As of December 2025, volumes were reported to have risen following the restart of the second concentrator. The company plans to invest to lift production capacity to approximately 26 million tonnes per annum (100% basis) through the staged recommissioning of remaining infrastructure during calendar years 2028 and 2029.

approximately 800 permanent workers. A development contract awarded to NRW Civil & Mining in October 2024, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026, will employ a workforce of up to 120 personnel.

The Jimblebar mine is a significant contributor to BHP's Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) operations. The mine is an open-cut operation and is home to BHP's first fully autonomous haul truck fleet.

Production overview - 2024: iron ore 73111 t; 2023: iron ore 66801 kt.

The processing facilities at Jimblebar include three primary crushers and a central ore handling plant with a nominal capacity of 71 Mtpa. The plant produces both lump and fines iron ore products. The processing method is a dry process involving crushing and screening.

three primary crushers and a central ore handling plant with a nominal capacity of 71 Mtpa; fully autonomous haul truck fleet

BHP is proposing a significant expansion of the Jimblebar operations, known as the "Jimblebar Hub Combined Proposal". This proposal involves the consolidation and expansion of three existing iron ore operations: the Jimblebar Iron Ore Revised Proposal, Orebody 18, and Orebody 31. The expansion plans include mining both above and below the water table, the development of new overburden storage areas, and the construction of a new beneficiation plant and an overland conveyor. The proposed project has a maximum life of 46 years. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Western Australia has recommended the proposal for environmental approval. A final decision from the Minister for Environment is pending. A December 2023 Mine Closure Plan has been developed for the proposed Jimblebar Hub. A development contract awarded to NRW Civil & Mining in October 2024, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026, will employ a workforce of up to 120 personnel.

4,103 people (in 2023)

Mining Area C is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 120 kilometres north-west of Newman. The mine is situated on the traditional lands of the Banjima people. It consists of eight open-cut pits. The combined Mining Area C and South Flank hub has a production capacity of 145 million tonnes per year. Ore is transported from the mine via a 39-kilometre spur line that connects to the main railway system, which leads to ship loading facilities at Port Hedland.

Production overview - 2024: iron ore 105868000 t; 2023: iron ore 36.1 Mt.

Ore is processed through three ore handling plants and one train load-out facility. The processing involves crushing and screening to produce lump and fines products.

Mining Area C, in conjunction with the adjacent South Flank mine, forms one of the world's largest iron ore hubs. The combined operations are expected to continue until around 2050, with potential for further extension. A recent proposal suggests a significant amendment to the approved operations, with a maximum project life until 2073. Mining Area C is integrated with the South Flank mine, which achieved its first ore in May 2021. This integration forms the Central Pilbara hub, which has seen record production volumes. BHP is assessing options to potentially increase the production of its Western Australia Iron Ore operations to 330 million tonnes per annum, which may include enhanced ore beneficiation.

The Mount Whaleback mine is part of BHP's Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) operations. For the fiscal year 2025, WAIO produced a record 290 million tonnes of iron ore (100% basis). In the half-year ending 31 December 2025, WAIO produced 146.6 million tonnes (100% basis). The production guidance for WAIO for the 2026 fiscal year is between 284 and 296 million tonnes (100% basis).

Ore from Mount Whaleback is processed through crushing and screening plants. High-grade ore is crushed to less than 100mm and sent to train loadout stockpiles. Lower-grade ore is treated at a beneficiation plant. The ore is then transported by rail to Port Hedland for export.

The mine utilises a fleet of haul trucks, including Caterpillar 793 models with a payload of 240 tonnes. Other equipment includes 988 and 972 Cat loaders, 30t excavators, 50t articulated dump trucks, Cat D6 dozers, 14m Cat graders, 15t rollers, and 45t articulated water carts. The processing facilities include primary and secondary crushers.

BHP is advancing the Western Ridge Crusher project, which is a sustaining tonnes proposal for its Newman operations. This project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. BHP is also investing in a sixth car dumper and associated infrastructure at Port Hedland and aims to increase WAIO production to more than 305 million tonnes per annum by the end of fiscal 2028. A mine closure plan has been developed for the broader Newman hub operations, which is integrated into the life of asset planning.

Approximately 13,000 people in 2023 (1,700 direct employees). A 2021 report noted approximately 1,500 direct employees and 8,000 indirect workers.

The Samarco mine, a joint venture between BHP and Vale, officially began operations in 1977. It consists of the Germano complex (mines and processing plants in Mariana and Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais) and the Ubu complex (pelletising plants and port terminal in Anchieta, Espírito Santo). The complexes are connected by three 400 km pipelines for iron ore slurry. Operations were suspended after the Fundão dam failure in November 2015 and gradually restarted in December 2020, with a phased ramp-up aiming for 100% capacity by 2028.

Production overview - 2024: iron ore 9.7 Mt; 2023: iron ore 9 Mt.

Beneficiation at the Germano complex involves crushing, milling, desliming, and flotation to produce an iron concentrate from itabiritic ore. The concentrate is transported as slurry via pipelines to the Ubu complex for pelletising. New tailings management includes a filtration system for dry-stacking 80% of sandy tailings, with the remainder deposited in a confined pit, eliminating conventional tailings dams for new waste.

Mine fleet (being renovated and acquired), bulldozers, front-end loaders, trucks with a 177-tonne capacity. Processing infrastructure includes concentrators, a new filtration plant, and four pelletising plants (one Metso Outotec plant). An overland conveyor system transports ore over a distance of 4 kilometres.

A gradual restart of operations commenced in December 2020, implementing a phased ramp-up of production. As of December 2024, Samarco was operating at 60% of its production capacity, with the goal of reaching 100% capacity by 2028.

Approximately 8,000 full-time employees and over 1,000 contractors. Total of 11,000 residents across 11 WAIO villages.

An integrated system located in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia, comprising five mining hubs and four processing hubs, connected by over 1,000 kilometres of rail infrastructure and port facilities.

Production overview - 2023: iron ore 253000000 t.

At each mining hub, the ore is crushed, and where necessary, beneficiated and blended to produce high-grade hematite lump and fines products.

Over 800 pieces of mining equipment, including 300 haul trucks and 45 excavators. Integrated system includes car dumpers at the port, with plans for a sixth car dumper at Port Hedland. Rail network consists of approximately 180 locomotives.

Assessing alternatives to increase production to 330 Mtpa. South Flank mine ramping up to 80 Mtpa by end of 2024 financial year. A$1.4 billion approved for a sixth car dumper at Port Hedland, expected to support over 305 Mtpa from Q4 2028 FY, with construction starting December 2025. BHP entered a binding agreement with GIP for WAIO's inland power network, with GIP providing US$2 billion for a 49% stake, expected to complete end of 2026 FY.

The Apurimac Iron Ore Project is under development, with Strike Resources aiming to resume small-scale mining. Permitting was paused in July 2025. Long-term plans for 20 Mtpa production depend on infrastructure like the proposed Andahuaylas-Marcona railway.

Production overview - 2021: iron ore 35000 t.

The project plans to use conventional open-cut mining methods. High-grade Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) is processed through crushing plants. A pre-feasibility study considered coarse, wet magnetic beneficiation to produce a concentrate with over 68% Fe.

The project has the potential to support a significant iron ore operation, with a long-term objective of producing 20 million tonnes per annum. This is largely dependent on the development of supporting infrastructure, such as the proposed Andahuaylas-Marcona railway, which would connect the project to a port.

177 direct employees (as of August 2023)

The Pumpkin Hollow Project is located near Yerington in Lyon County, Nevada, USA. It is a high-grade iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposit, comprising Eastern Area (underground) and Western Area (open-pit) deposits. As of late 2025, Kinterra Capital is advancing the restart of the underground mine and progressing the adjacent Southwest Open Pit project towards construction readiness.

The underground mine was designed to produce 5,000 short tons per day. The first phase of open-pit development has a capacity of 37,000 short tons per day, expanding to 70,000 in the second phase. In 2023, the mine produced over 27,000 tons of copper concentrate.

Underground ore processing involves a concentrator designed to process 5,000 short tonnes per day, using a primary jaw crusher, SAG mill, ball mill, and rougher/cleaner flotation units to produce concentrate. Expected recovery rates are 92% for copper, 78% for gold, and 70% for silver. The open-pit processing plan includes a throughput concentrator in the first phase, with a second phase to add a milling and flotation circuit.

Underground crusher and conveyor system, Geho de-watering pumps, rehabilitated ore passes, SAG mill, ball mill, pebble crusher, classifying cyclones, main production shaft, three ventilation shafts.

Open-pit development is planned in two phases, with the first phase having a capacity of 37,000 short tons per day, expanding to 70,000 in the second phase. The adjacent Southwest Open Pit project is projected to have a 20-year mine life.