Area C mine
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mining |
| Founded | October 30, 2003 |
| Headquarters | Newman , Australia |
| Products | Iron ore |
| Owner | BHP (85%), Itochu (8%), Mitsui Iron (7%) |
The Area C mine is an iron ore extraction site situated in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 92 kilometres to the west-north-west of Newman. The ownership structure consists of BHP holding an 85% stake, with Itochu owning 8%, and Mitsui Iron possessing the remaining 7%.
This mine is part of the Mount Goldsworthy joint venture, which also includes the Yarrie and Nimingarra mining operations.
Overview
The mine commenced official operations on 30 October 2003, inaugurated by Premier Geoff Gallop, although ore shipments via rail to the port began earlier on 16 August. Customers received bulk samples starting in late 2001. The initial production goal was set at 15 million tonnes of iron ore per year.
Transportation of ore is carried out using the Mount Newman railway line, delivering the material to Port Hedland for export purposes.
Originally, mining activities were managed by HWE Mining under a contractual agreement; however, BHP Billiton assumed full operational control in September 2011 after acquiring HWE’s subsidiaries, thereby centralizing management of Area C’s mining processes.