Karara Iron Ore Project, Western Australia

Operators: Gindalbie Metals  and AnSteel (one of China’s leading steel and iron ore companies)

Location:  The operations, located 225km inland from Geraldton in the WA Mid West region is the result of a $2.57 billion project which has been in development since early 2009 and is currently in the final phase of construction.

Timeframe:   Approaching commissioning, due September 2012

Employment:   Karara Mining will require a permanent workforce of approximately 600 on a long-term basis once in full production.

Status: Karara Mining is fast approaching commissioning in September this year for our 8Mtpa magnetite operations and already underway with feasibility for 16Mtpa expansion.  Key Facts:

• World-class magnetite deposit and multiple hematite deposits with 30Mtpa potential for a mine life in excess of 30 years.  First major magnetite operation "Opening the Mid West"
• 2.4 billion-tonne ore body covers an area 800m wide by 3km long and has been so far been drilled to a depth of 300m
• Karara's open pit will be similar in size to the Kalgoorlie super pit once complete with a  processing plant for operations and maintainability. 
• Dry stacked tailings - only one in Australia to use this world leading technology.  The production of dry tailings represents a significant investment in water recycling capacity at Karara, allowing the project to reduce its water consumption by about a one third.
• Commitment to training and education including their University Scholarship Program which is open to students in site local communities who have a firm commitment to work at a professional level in a mining company.

Awarded Contracts and Employment Opportunities include:

• Brierty; awarded a A$150-million, three-and-a-half year contract to provide hematite mining and associated services, plus authorisation to procure key plant and facilities.
• Downer EDI; awarded the mining operation contract in February 2012, generating 120 jobs. Valued at approximately $570 million over six years, the contract is on the largest single operation contracts for the project and will include the provision of drill and blast, and load and haul services: http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/blog/karara-mining-awards-mining-contract-downer-edi-mining.

To read more about Karara Mining, browse their Blogs and Jobs: http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/company/karara-mining-ltd-0