Mining Magazine > Panorama > BHP opens Newman Mining Hub

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BHP Billiton has officially opened the Newman Mining Hub in Western Australia. The Hub will be the centre of BHP’s Eastern Pilbara iron ore operations' mining, crushing and screening activities. It is a key component of the company's Rapid Growth Project 4, which will increase installed capacity across BHP's WA iron operations to 155Mt/y. The additional capacity associated will be ramped up during 2010.

The introduction of the Newman Hub will mean that the company's Mt Whaleback operation will be equipped to mine, crush and screen ore onsite, rather than at Port Hedland prior to shipping.

BHP’s iron ore president, Ian Ashby, said: "The commissioning of the Newman Mining Hub marks the beginning of an exciting time for our business, with one of our largest expansion projects nearing completion. The further integration of our mine, rail and port facilities will ensure greater efficiency in production across our WA iron ore business. We are also pleased that the community of Port Hedland will benefit through reduced dust emissions as we move some of our key production processes inland to the Hub.”