Ferrowest Limited is developing two projects, both based around the Yogi iron ore deposit, 14km east of Yalgoo in the mid west region of Western Australia.The Yogi Mine Project
This project aims to mine magnetite iron ore and concentrate it on the mine site to produce 67%Fe magnetite concentrate at a rate of 4.5 million metric tonnes per annum. 3Mtpa of this product is to be exported through the proposed Oakajee deepwater port. Ferrowest will use the remaining 1.5Mtpa in the Eradu MPI Project.
There is currently a 572Mt Inferred Resource of magnetite (27,5%Fe) at Yogi with a target potential of between 0.8 and 1.2Bt (25.5%Fe to 29.5%Fe) once fully explored.
Exploration is also being conducted at Yogi for Direct Shipping Grade iron ore with a view to establishing a small but early mining operation if this exploration is successful.
The Eradu MPI Project
This project aims to produce seaborne traded merchant pig iron (MPI) at a rate of 1 million metric tonnes per annum in the physical form of iron nuggets at 96%Fe for export through the existing Port of Geraldton.
Feasibility studies are planned to be complete by mid 2013, with production scheduled for 2015.
The MPI will be exported to quality electric arc steel manufacturers that require pure iron feedstock to average down contaminants introduced by scrap iron feed materials.
These two world class projects, located in Western Australia with its low sovereign risk, low cost energy, significant iron ore resources and existing infrastructure facilities for natural gas, water, transport and port facilities will ensure that Ferrowest will be a reliable and competitive exporter of high quality iron units for steel manufacturers in the Asian region and beyond.
