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Page 30 of 147 (3508 total)
Finniss Lithium Operation

Northern Territory, Australia · Open Pit

Care And Maintenance
Lithium
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2024Lithium4.8 %95020 t
2023Lithium-28837 t
Opened
2022-01-01
End year
2038
Mine life
10 years
Capex (est.)
USD 120.00M
Workforce
The restart of the operation is expected to create over 400 direct and indirect jobs in the Northern Territory.
Overview
The Finniss Lithium Operation is owned and operated by Core Lithium Ltd and is located on the Cox Peninsula, 88 km by road from Darwin Port. It is the Northern Territory's first lithium mine. Mining operations were paused in January 2024 due to market conditions, and the site transitioned to care and maintenance in mid-2024. In March 2026, Core Lithium's board approved a Final Investment Decision (FID) to restart the operation, backed by a funding package from strategic partners and an equity raise. The restart plan focuses on repositioning Finniss as a lower-cost, long-life project. Early works and site preparation are set to begin immediately, with the first production of spodumene concentrate targeted for the September quarter of 2026.
Production
Production overview - 2024: lithium 95020 t; 2023: lithium 28837 t.
Processing
The operation uses an existing 1 million tonne per annum processing plant. For the quarter ending 31 March 2024, lithia recoveries averaged 63%.
Equipment
Caterpillar 777G Dump Trucks and Liebherr R9200 and R9150 Excavators
Expansion
The restart will occur in stages, beginning with the recommencement of open-pit mining at the Grants deposit to extract remaining reserves of 0.8 to 1.0 Mt of ore over a 12-18 month period. This will be followed by the development of the BP33 underground mine. The plan for BP33 involves extending the mine deeper to increase its life from around 3-4 years to approximately 10 years.
Companies & ownership
  • Core Lithium
    ASX:CXO · OTC:CXOXF
US Project

Texas, United States · Processing Facility

Under Development
Rare Earth Elements
Capex (est.)
USD 258.00M
Workforce
approximately 100 direct jobs
Overview
The Lynas US Project is a planned rare earth processing facility in Seadrift, Texas. The facility is intended to process both Heavy and Light Rare Earths. The project is being developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Defense (DoD). Feedstock for the facility is planned to be sourced from Lynas's Mt Weld deposit and Kalgoorlie facility in Western Australia.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP)

Pahang, Malaysia · Processing Facility

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2025Rare Earth Elements-10970 t
2024Rare Earth Elements-10908 t
End year
2036
Mine life
10 years
Production
Production overview - 2025: rare earth elements 10970 t; 2024: rare earth elements 10908 t.
Processing
The Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) in Gebeng, Kuantan, processes mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) shipped from the Lynas facility in Kalgoorlie, Australia, and separates it into individual rare earth products. The plant has recently achieved the first commercial production of separated Heavy Rare Earths (HRE) outside of China, specifically Dysprosium Oxide (Dy) and Terbium Oxide (Tb). In March 2026, the facility produced its first samarium oxide. The Malaysian government has renewed the operating license for the plant for 10 years, effective from 3 March 2026. This renewal comes with the condition that Lynas must cease the production of new WLP (Water Leach Purification) radioactive residue by 2 March 2031. All WLP generated between March 2026 and March 2031 must undergo thorium extraction to reduce its radioactivity.
Expansion
Lynas has received a 10-year renewal for its Malaysian operating licence, commencing on 3 March 2026. As part of the license conditions, the company is required to submit an upgrade plan for the LAMP by 3 June 2026, and begin physical construction and facility modifications from 3 March 2028. The company is no longer permitted to construct any new permanent disposal facilities for the WLP residue. Lynas has also signed a memorandum of understanding with JS Link from Korea to collaborate on the development of a new magnet manufacturing facility in Malaysia.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Mt Weld Concentration Plant

Western Australia, Australia · Processing Facility

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2024Rare Earth Elements-12790 t
Overview
The Mt Weld Concentration Plant is an operating processing facility owned by Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. Ore is mined from the adjacent Mt Weld open-pit mine and processed on-site through crushing, grinding, flotation, and filtration to produce a mixed rare earths concentrate. This concentrate is then transported to Lynas' processing facility in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, for initial processing into a mixed rare earth carbonate, or shipped directly to the Lynas Malaysia refinery for further separation and production of finished rare earth products.
Production
Production overview - 2024: rare earth elements 12790 t.
Processing
crushing, grinding, flotation, and filtration to produce a mixed rare earths concentrate
Expansion
Lynas is currently undertaking a major expansion project at Mt Weld, which progressed well during the 2024 financial year. Stage 1 of the expansion, focusing on concentrate dewatering, was completed with commissioning starting in the June 2024 quarter. The broader expansion aims to support a production capacity of 12,000 tonnes per annum of NdPr oxide finished product. This expansion is part of the 'Lynas 2025' growth initiative.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Mt Weld

Western Australia, Australia · Open Pit

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2025Rare Earth Elements-3212 t
2024Rare Earth Elements-10908 t
Opened
2011-01-01
Mine life
20 years
Production
Production overview - 2025: rare earth elements 3212 t; 2024: rare earth elements 10908 t.
Processing
Ore is processed at the on-site concentration plant through crushing, grinding, flotation, and filtration to produce a mixed rare earths concentrate. The concentrate is then transported to Lynas' Kalgoorlie facility for initial processing or to the Lynas Malaysia refinery for separation and production of finished rare earth products.
Equipment
The mining fleet includes 120t to 200t class hydraulic excavators and 80t to 150t class rear dump haul trucks.
Expansion
A significant expansion project is underway to increase capacity at the Mt Weld mine and concentration plant, targeting feedstock production to support 12,000 tonnes per annum of finished NdPr oxide product. This expansion is supported by a 63% increase in Ore Reserves announced in August 2024. The updated Ore Reserve is 32.0 million tonnes at 6.4% TREO for 2.0 million tonnes of contained TREO. The Mineral Resources estimate was also increased by 92% to 106.6 million tonnes at an average grade of 4.12% TREO. A new hybrid renewable power station is also being constructed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
U.S. Rare Earths Processing Facility

Texas, United States · Processing Facility

Under Development
Rare Earth Elements
Overview
A planned heavy and light rare earth separation facility in Seadrift, Calhoun County, Texas, owned by Lynas Rare Earths. The project is currently on hold and considered unlikely to proceed due to stalled agreements and a failed wastewater treatment partnership. Lynas is now pursuing other avenues, including expanding production in Malaysia, following a modified supply agreement with the U.S. Department of War.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP)

Pahang, Malaysia · Processing Facility

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2023Rare Earth Elements-16780 t
Opened
2012-01-01
End year
2036
Mine life
10 years
Workforce
675-strong workforce (2020)
Production
Production overview - 2023: rare earth elements 16780 t.
Processing
The plant processes rare earth concentrate from Lynas's Mt Weld mine in Western Australia. The processing involves three main stages: cracking and leaching, solvent extraction, and product finishing. The facility produces a range of separated rare earth materials, including Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr), Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), and mixed heavy rare earths (SEG).
Expansion
Lynas is expanding its operations in Malaysia with the construction of a new Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) separation facility. This facility will have the capacity to process up to 5,000 tonnes per annum of HRE feedstock. The initial phase of this expansion is expected to commence production of samarium from Mt Weld feedstock in April 2026. The expanded product suite will include dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, samarium, terbium, and yttrium. In March 2026, Lynas secured a 10-year renewal for its Malaysian operating licence, valid until March 2036. The renewal is subject to several conditions, including the cessation of radioactive residue production within five years and an investment of 1% of its annual gross sales into research and development in Malaysia.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility

Western Australia, Australia · Processing Facility

Operating
GypsumIron Ore
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2024Gypsum-24738.2 t
2024Iron Ore-8613.9 t
Opened
2024-11-08
End year
2049
Mine life
25 years
Capex (est.)
USD 528.00M
Workforce
Approximately 115-128 direct jobs
Overview
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
Production overview - 2024: gypsum 24738.2 t, iron ore 8613.9 t.
Processing
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.
Equipment
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.
Expansion
The facility is a key part of Lynas' 2025 growth plan.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
  • Lynas Kalgoorlie Pty Ltd
Mt Weld

Western Australia, Australia · Open Pit

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2023Rare Earth Elements-1864 t
2022Rare Earth Elements-15970 t
2021Rare Earth Elements-15761 t
2019Rare Earth Elements-19737 t
Opened
2011-01-01
Capex (est.)
USD 330.00M
Workforce
1102 (Lynas Rare Earths employees in 2023). The Mt Weld expansion project is expected to create 100 jobs.
Production
Production overview - 2023: rare earth elements 1864 t; 2022: rare earth elements 15970 t.
Processing
Ore is processed at the on-site concentration plant through crushing, grinding, flotation, and filtration to produce a rare earths concentrate. This concentrate is then sent for further processing at Lynas' facilities in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and Kuantan, Malaysia. The Kalgoorlie facility produces a Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) which is then shipped to Malaysia for final separation. A new Apatite Leach Circuit will be developed as part of the expansion to process apatite-rich ores.
Expansion
A significant expansion project is underway at Mt Weld, aiming to increase production capacity to be sufficient for 12,000 tonnes per annum of NdPr finished product. The expansion includes the construction of a new hybrid gas-renewable power station to replace the existing diesel one, targeting up to 70% renewable energy penetration. Stage 1 of the expansion (Concentrate Dewatering) was completed and commissioning commenced in the June 2024 quarter, with Stage 2 expected to be completed by the end of FY25. The project has a capital expenditure of approximately A$500 million. A new Apatite Leach Circuit will be developed as part of the expansion to process apatite-rich ores.
Power sources
DieselNatural GasSolarWind
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
U.S. Rare Earths Processing Facility

Texas, USA · Processing Facility

Under Development
Rare Earth Elements
Capex (est.)
USD 258.00M
Overview
The U.S. Rare Earths Processing Facility is a project by Lynas USA LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lynas Rare Earths. It is planned for the co-location of Heavy and Light Rare Earth separation and processing in Seadrift, Texas. The project is supported by the United States Department of Defense (DoD).
Processing
co-location of Heavy and Light Rare Earth separation and processing
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP)

Pahang, Malaysia · Processing Facility

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2024Rare Earth Elements-10908 t
2023Rare Earth Elements-6142 t
Opened
2012-01-01
Production
Production overview - 2024: rare earth elements 10908 t; 2023: rare earth elements 6142 t.
Processing
The Lynas Advanced Materials Plant processes rare earth concentrate from the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia and Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) from the Kalgoorlie facility. The process involves three main stages: cracking and leaching, solvent extraction, and product finishing. In the cracking and leaching stage, the concentrate is mixed with sulphuric acid and heated to convert rare earth phosphates to sulphates. Water is then used to leach the rare earth sulphates, and impurities are removed. The resulting solution is neutralised and fed into the solvent extraction circuit. Solvent extraction uses a liquid-liquid counter-current process to separate the rare earths into groups and individual elements. In the final product finishing stage, the separated rare earth elements are precipitated as solid carbonates or oxalates, with some being calcined to produce oxides. The plant produces a range of products including NdPr oxide, cerium carbonate, cerium oxide, lanthanum-cerium carbonate, lanthanum-cerium oxide, and a mixed heavy rare earths compound.
Expansion
In March 2026, Lynas Malaysia's operating licence was renewed for ten years, commencing from 3 March 2026. The company has also expanded its processing capabilities to include heavy rare earths. In May 2025, the first production of Dysprosium Oxide was achieved. The new heavy rare earths separation circuit has the capacity to separate up to 1,500 tonnes of heavy rare earths per year. The expanded product range is expected to include dysprosium, terbium, unseparated samarium/europium/gadolinium, and holmium concentrate. An announcement in October 2025 detailed plans for a new Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) separation facility at the plant with a target processing capacity of up to 5,000 tonnes per annum of HRE feedstock. The initial flowsheet for this new facility includes separated Samarium, Gadolinium, Dysprosium, Terbium, Yttrium, and Lutetium.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility

Western Australia, Australia · Processing Facility

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Opened
2024-01-01
Capex (est.)
USD 800.00M
Overview
The Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility is the first of its kind in Australia, designed for the value-added processing of rare earth concentrate. It processes concentrate from Lynas's Mt Weld mine, producing Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) which is then shipped to Malaysia for separation.
Production
Produces Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC).
Processing
Cracking and leaching to produce Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC).
Equipment
110-metre long rotary kiln
Expansion
Part of Lynas's 2025 growth plan; MREC to supply planned U.S. facility in the future.
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Mt Weld

Western Australia, Australia · Open Pit

Operating
Rare Earth Elements
Companies & ownership
  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
    ASX:LYC · LSE:0A2N · OTC:LYSDY
Newman West

Western Australia, Australia · Open Pit

Operating
Iron Ore
Opened
1968-01-01
Autonomous haulage
No
Overview
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.
Processing
integrated Newman processing hub, including primary crushers and ore handling plants. A portion of the ore undergoes beneficiation at the Whaleback Beneficiation Plant.
Equipment
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.
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
  • Mitsui & Co.
  • ITOCHU Corporation
Newman East

Western Australia, Australia · Open Pit

Operating
Iron Ore
End year
2030
Autonomous haulage
Yes
Overview
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
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.
Equipment
22 CAT 793 haul trucks, autonomous haulage fleet, processing plant at Orebody 25 consisting of a primary and secondary crusher, and a screening plant
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
  • Mitsui Iron
  • ITOCHU Corporation
Jansen Potash Project

Saskatchewan, Canada · Underground

Under Development
Potassium
Mine life
100 years
Capex (est.)
USD 13.30B
Workforce
5500 (construction); 900 (full-time operations)
Overview
The Jansen Potash Project, located approximately 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is a large-scale underground potash mine currently under development by BHP Group. It is poised to become one of the world's largest potash mines. The project is being developed in stages, with Stage 1 construction surpassing the halfway point and first production anticipated in mid-2027. Stage 2 of the project has also been approved and is underway. The total investment in the project, combining Stage 1 and 2, is approximately CAD$14 billion.
Production
Stage 1 is expected to produce approximately 4.15 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of potash. Following the completion of Stage 2, the total production capacity of the Jansen mine is expected to be approximately 8.5 Mtpa. There is potential for two further expansions that could increase the ultimate production capacity to between 16 and 17 Mtpa.
Processing
Surface processing facilities will include a mill, product storage building, and a continuous automated rail loading system.
Equipment
Sandvik MF460 borer miners, Sandvik PO140 extendable conveyor continuous haulage system, battery-electric vehicles (including 10 underground battery-electric loaders from Sandvik), ABB hoisting systems (including a friction hoist with a 75-metric-ton capacity)
Expansion
The project is being developed in stages, with Stage 1 construction surpassing the halfway point and first production anticipated in mid-2027. Stage 2 of the project has also been approved and is underway. As of January 2026, Stage 1 of the Jansen project is 75% complete, with the total investment estimate for this stage increased to US$8.4 billion. Stage 2 of the project is also advancing, with a targeted first production before 30 June 2031. The approval of a US$4.9 billion investment for Stage 2 will double the mine's production capacity. There is potential for two further expansions that could increase the ultimate production capacity to between 16 and 17 Mtpa.
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
Spence

Antofagasta Region, Chile · Open Pit

Operating
Copper
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2025Copper-268000 t
2023Copper-240000 t
Opened
2006-01-01
End year
2067
Mine life
50 years
Autonomous haulage
Yes
Production
Production overview - 2025: copper 268000 t; 2023: copper 240000 t.
Processing
The Spence mine processes both oxide and sulphide ores. The processing facilities include leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) for oxide ores to produce copper cathodes. For sulphide ores, a concentrator plant is used to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates. The concentrator has a nominal ore throughput capacity of 95,000 tonnes per day.
Equipment
The mine operates with a fully autonomous fleet, which includes 33 haul trucks and five drilling rigs.
Expansion
The Spence Growth Option (SGO) project was a significant expansion that included the construction of the concentrator plant, which began production in the 2021 financial year. This project has extended the mine's life by over 50 years. A new desalination plant located at Mejillones Bay and a 154 km water pipeline were also built to supply water to the mine. In March 2024, the mine's haulage operations became fully autonomous.
Water sources
Desalination
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
Escondida

Antofagasta Region, Chile · Open Pit

Operating
Copper
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2023Copper0.82 %1055 kt
2022Copper0.78 %1000 kt
2007Copper-1.483 Mt
Opened
1990-01-01
Mine life
65 years
Capex (est.)
USD 4.40B
Autonomous haulage
Yes
Workforce
As of 2023, the total number of workers on site was 10,567, consisting of 3,621 employees and 6,946 contractors.
Overview
The Escondida mine is the world's largest copper mine, located in the Atacama Desert, 170 kilometres south-east of Antofagasta. The operation consists of two open-pit mines: Escondida and Escondida Norte. It is a copper porphyry deposit. The main orebody is hidden by hundreds of metres of overburden, which is how it derived its name, meaning 'hidden' in Spanish. The mine has been in production since 1990.
Production
Production overview - 2023: copper 1055 kt; 2022: copper 1000 kt.
Processing
The mine operates three concentrator plants: Los Colorados, Laguna Seca 1, and Laguna Seca 2. It also has two leaching operations for oxide and sulphide ores. The sulphide ore is processed through flotation to produce copper concentrate, while oxide and low-grade sulphide ore are treated via leaching and solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) to produce copper cathodes.
Equipment
The mining fleet includes electric rope shovels and a large fleet of haul trucks. A full fleet replacement of 160-188 haul trucks is underway, transitioning to new Caterpillar 798 AC diesel-electric models that will enable autonomous operations. The Escondida Norte pit operates with 33 autonomous trucks and 11 autonomous drills. The operation also utilises in-pit crushers and an extensive conveyor system.
Expansion
In March 2026, BHP submitted a proposal for the "Escondida New Concentrator" project to the Chilean Environmental Assessment System. This project involves an investment of between US$4.4 billion and US$5.9 billion to replace the Los Colorados processing plant, which is nearing the end of its operational life. The new concentrator is designed to produce between 220,000 and 260,000 tonnes of copper per year and will allow Escondida to maintain its overall processing capacity of 460,000 tonnes of ore per day. Construction is planned to begin in February 2027, with first production anticipated between 2031 and 2032. The construction phase is expected to create an average of 2,500 jobs, with a peak of up to 6,000 workers.
Water sources
Desalination
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
  • Rio Tinto
    ASX:RIO
  • JECO Corp
  • Mitsubishi Corporation
  • JX Nippon Mining & Metals
  • Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
Cliffs Nickel Mine

Western Australia, Australia · Underground

Care And Maintenance
NickelCobalt
Opened
2008-01-01
Overview
The Cliffs Nickel Mine is located in Western Australia, approximately 700 km north-east of Perth. It is situated 4 kilometres south of the Mount Keith Nickel Mine and 60 kilometres north-northwest of Leinster.
Processing
Nickel sulphide ore mined at the Cliffs underground mine is transported by road to the Leinster concentrator for processing. The ore is processed through a concentrator and dryer. The comminution circuit at Leinster consists of primary crushing and a SAG mill, followed by sulphide flotation to recover nickel.
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
Leinster Nickel Mine

Western Australia, Australia · Underground

Operating
Nickel
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
Mount Keith Nickel Mine

Western Australia, Australia · Open Pit

Care And Maintenance
Nickel
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2023Nickel16.3 %165500 t
Opened
1995-01-01
Workforce
While a specific current workforce number for Mount Keith is not available, at the time of its acquisition by BHP in 2005, the mine employed 950 people. The broader Nickel West operations, which include Mount Keith, employ around 3,300 people. The temporary suspension of Nickel West's operations is estimated to affect 1,600 workers across the mines and smelters.
Production
Production overview - 2023: nickel 165500 t.
Processing
Disseminated sulphide ore is mined from the open-pit operation, crushed, and processed on-site to produce nickel concentrate. The processing involves conventional crushing, semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) and ball milling, separation, flotation, and thickening and recovery. The nickel concentrate is then transported by road to Leinster for drying before being taken to the Kalgoorlie smelter.
Equipment
The equipment fleet at Mount Keith includes haul trucks such as the Caterpillar 793 with payloads around 270 tonnes.
Expansion
BHP has announced the temporary suspension of its Nickel West operations, including the Mount Keith mine, from October 2024. A transition period will commence in July 2024, with handover activities for the temporary suspension to be completed by December 2024. This decision is due to an oversupply in the global nickel market and a sharp fall in nickel prices. BHP intends to review the decision to suspend operations by February 2027. During the suspension, the company will implement a care and maintenance program.
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
Olympic Dam

South Australia, Australia · Underground

Operating
CopperGoldUranium
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2025Copper-316 kt
2025Gold-361 koz
2025Uranium-3.2 kt
2024Copper-322 kt
2024Gold-370 koz
2024Uranium-3.6 kt
Opened
1988-01-01
Workforce
BHP has approximately 8,000 employees working across its Copper SA projects, which includes Olympic Dam.
Overview
Olympic Dam is one of the world's most significant polymetallic orebodies, comprising an underground mine and a fully integrated processing facility. It is located 560 kilometres north of Adelaide. The operation is a part of BHP's Minerals Australia operation and has been owned and operated by BHP since 2005.
Production
Production overview - 2025: copper 316 kt, gold 361 koz, uranium 3.2 kt; 2024: copper 322 kt, gold 370 koz, uranium 3.6 kt.
Processing
The operation features a fully integrated metallurgical complex. This includes a grinding and concentrating circuit, a hydrometallurgical plant with solvent extraction for copper and uranium, a copper smelter, a copper refinery, and a recovery circuit for precious metals.
Equipment
Ore is hauled underground via an automated train system to crushing, storage, and hoisting facilities.
Expansion
BHP is advancing a series of growth projects at Olympic Dam. A new decline to the Southern Mine Area is progressing, with completion expected in FY2028, which is anticipated to unlock up to 2.5 million tonnes per annum of additional vertical capacity. The company is also studying a potential Smelter and Refinery Expansion (SRE). A potential Final Investment Decision is on track for the 2027 calendar year. The first phase would increase concentrate smelting capacity to between 1,100 and 1,400 ktpa.
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
Mt Arthur Coal

New South Wales, Australia · Open Pit

Operating
Coal
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2024Coal-15367907 t
2023Coal-14172415 t
Opened
2002-01-01
End year
2030
Workforce
approximately 2,000 people
Overview
Mt Arthur Coal is a large open-cut thermal coal mine situated in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 5 kilometres south-west of Muswellbrook. Owned and operated by Hunter Valley Energy Coal Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BHP, it is the largest coal mine in New South Wales. The mine produces thermal coal for international customers in the energy sector. Production at the current Mt Arthur Coal operation commenced in 2002.
Production
Production overview - 2024: coal 15367907 t; 2023: coal 14172415 t.
Processing
The mined coal is transported by truck to the on-site Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) with an approved processing capacity of up to 36 Mtpa of ROM coal. The process involves crushing, screening, cleaning, and sorting. After processing, the coal is transported via the Main Northern Railway line to the Port of Newcastle for export.
Equipment
The mining operations utilise a range of large-scale equipment, including trucks, electric shovels, excavators, dozers, graders, drills, and water carts. The fleet includes Liebherr R 9800 (800-tonne) and R 996B excavators, as well as Liebherr T 282C off-highway trucks.
Expansion
BHP plans to cease mining at Mt Arthur Coal by the end of the 2030 financial year, proceeding with a managed closure process. The New South Wales Government granted approval for mining activities to continue until 30 June 2030. Post-closure plans include exploring a pumped hydro energy storage project with ACCIONA Energía and a A$30 million community fund. A A$1.9 billion contract extension with Thiess was secured in 2024 for mining services.
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
Caval Ridge Mine

Queensland, Australia · Open Pit

Operating
Coal
Commodities, grades and output
YearCommodityAv. GradeOutput
2024Coal-6.5 Mt
2023Coal-9.36 Mt
Opened
2014-01-01
End year
2056
Autonomous haulage
Yes
Workforce
approximately 1,500
Production
Production overview - 2024: coal 6.5 Mt; 2023: coal 9.36 Mt.
Processing
The mine includes a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP). The CHPP processes coal from Caval Ridge and also from the adjacent Peak Downs mine, which is transported via an overland conveyor. The plant has a designed processing capacity of 14 to 15 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) and is capable of producing 8 Mtpa.
Equipment
Mining operations are carried out using a conventional dragline excavator and truck fleet. The mine also utilises Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS), which were introduced in 2018.
Expansion
The Caval Ridge Mine Horse Pit Extension project has received approval. This extension will sustain the existing workforce and extend the mine's operational life to 2056. The project involves extending one of the two pits to extract approximately 15 Mtpa of run-of-mine coal.
Companies & ownership
  • BHP Group
    ASX:BHP
  • Mitsubishi Development
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