The scaling down of operations is expected to affect approximately 850 workers, which includes 650 direct employees and 200 contractors. The Western Mineworkers' Alliance is in discussions with BHP to ensure affected members are given the choice of redeployment or a redundancy package.
Overview
The Yandi iron ore mine is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 90 kilometres north-west of Newman. It is a large-scale, open-pit operation that has been a significant contributor to BHP's iron ore production. The mine is currently scaling down its operations as it approaches the end of its life due to the depletion of its ore body. The winding down of operations commenced in July 2021. While initial closure proposals emerged in 2017, strong demand for Yandi's low-impurity ore led to multiple life-of-mine extensions.
Production
Production overview - 2023: iron ore 25.5 Mt; 2022: iron ore 45.8 Mt.
Processing
Ore from the Yandi open-cut mine is processed on-site. The processing involves crushing, and where necessary, beneficiation, before being blended to create high-grade hematite lump and fines products. The processed iron ore is then transported by rail to Port Hedland for export. Following the exhaustion of the Yandi ore body, parts of the processing facilities may be used to process ore from nearby Brockman deposits.
Equipment
As part of BHP's decarbonisation commitments, the company has deployed its first electric excavator, a Liebherr R 9400 E, at the Yandi mine.
Expansion
There are no plans for expansion as the mine is preparing for closure. Operations are planned to be scaled back over the course of 2026 before ceasing altogether. In June 2025, a proposal was submitted to the EPA to extend existing operations to mine the entire remaining Yandi orebody within the current mining lease, including new above and below water table mining, as a final phase before closure. A closure plan for the Marillana Creek (Yandi) mine has been submitted and involves the selective infilling of all pits. An award-winning rehabilitation project is underway, pioneering a Seed Production Area to cultivate native spinifex seeds for revegetation. This initiative is linked to a partnership with the Banjima Traditional Owners to create employment and training pathways in rehabilitation. In January 2026, BHP announced an agreement with Rio Tinto to explore opportunities to mine up to 200 Mt of iron ore at Yandi and the neighbouring Yandicoogina operations.