BHP Greenlights Ministers North Iron Ore Development
BHP has approved a US$900 million investment into the Ministers North Project, a high-grade Brockman ore deposit located southeast of Yandi in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The project will operate as a satellite extension of the existing Yandi mine, leveraging established infrastructure to deliver 20 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) once ramped up.
Project Scope and Infrastructure
The Ministers North development encompasses several key infrastructure components designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Yandi operations:
- Haul road and land bridge: Construction of a 13-kilometre haul road connecting Ministers North to the Yandi processing infrastructure
- Crushing upgrades: Installation of new primary and secondary crushers at Yandi to support additional throughput capacity
- Mine development: Development of the Ministers North orebodies as a satellite extension of existing Yandi mining operations
- Target production: 20 Mtpa of high-grade iron ore once the project reaches full capacity
Strategic Importance for BHP
The project plays a critical role in sustaining BHP's medium-term iron ore production target of 305 Mtpa on a 100% basis across its Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) operations. BHP WAIO Asset President Tim Day emphasised that Ministers North builds on Yandi's 30-year legacy while securing continuity as the original mine matures naturally.
Joint Venture Structure and Timeline
Ministers North is a joint venture between BHP (85%), Itochu Corporation (8%), and Mitsui & Co (7%). Site works commenced in July 2026, with first ore expected in financial year 2029. The approval coincided with BHP reporting a record iron ore year, with most production originating from the Pilbara region. This investment demonstrates continued confidence in long-term global iron ore demand and the strategic value of maintaining high-quality Pilbara supply.
