Mardie Salt Project begins operations

The third largest solar salt project in the world has commenced operations in Pilbara, Australia after BCI Minerals received final approval for its Mardie Salt and Potash Project.

Located 80 kilometres south-west of Karratha, the project is capable of producing 5.3mt of high-quality industrial salt for export to customers around the world.

An essential ingredient in many manufacturing processes, including batteries and solar panels, the uplift in Western Australia’s industrial salt production will support the economic diversification of the Pilbara, and help to establish the State as a global clean energy powerhouse.

Construction of the Mardie Project commenced in February 2022 and is now more than halfway complete, with more than AU$ 700m invested to date. The construction phase of the project will generate around 750 jobs and, once fully operational, the Mardie Project will support over 140 permanent, full-time jobs.

In recognition of its significance to Western Australia, the project was granted Lead Agency status by the State Government, helping to streamline approvals.

Operations at the site commenced with the filling of its initial evaporation ponds. Salt will be exported through a new port facility and jetty stretching 2.4 km, which is located at Mardie and managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority.

BCI Minerals will use transhipment services from its jetty which enables direct, efficient, and cost-effective access to key markets by loading ocean-going vessels up to Newcastlemax size.

The first export of high-quality industrial salt is expected to occur in 2027.

Read more: CSL and BCI partner on Mardie Project transhipper

Mardie Project Layout / Credit: BCI Minerals