The Karara mine is a large iron mine located in the Mid West region of Western Australia. Karara has estimated reserves of 2 billion tonnes of ore grading 35.5% iron metal. It is one of the few magnetite producers in Western Australia. It is owned by Ansteel Group (52.16%) and Gindalbie Metals (47.84%).[1] The mine is operated by Karara Mining Limited.[2][3]
Location | |
---|---|
Location | Shire of Perenjori |
Western Australia | |
Country | Australia |
Coordinates | 29°11′28″S 116°45′38″E / 29.19111°S 116.76056°E |
Production | |
Products | Iron ore |
Production | 8 million tonnes per annum |
History | |
Opened | 2010 |
Owner | |
Company | Ansteel Group and Gindalbie Metals |
Website | https://www.kararamining.com.au |
Timeline
edit- In 2011, steelwork for the Karara project was delayed by major floods in Thailand.[citation needed]
- In 2014, production was increased by over 35% in the June quarter, with more than 2 million tons of iron ore being shipped. Despite the increase the project was still not making a profit.[4]
Transport
editThe Karara mine is linked to the Arc Infrastructure network by the 79-kilometre (49 mi) long Karara railway. The ore would be initially transported by a narrow gauge railway to the existing port of Geraldton in quantities up to 10 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). When a standard gauge railway is built to a new port at Oakajee, the tonnage would increase to at least 30 Mtpa. The common part of the narrow gauge and standard gauge routes will be dual gauge.[according to whom?]
The Karara branch joins the main line just north of Morawa.
References
edit- ^ "Karara Iron Ore Mine, Australia". mining-technology.com. 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
- ^ "Home page". Karara Mining. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ "NRW in line for A$702 million Karara Mining iron ore gig". International Mining. 18 June 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ "Karara Iron Ore Project backers unsure of profit time frame". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2015.