- Operations are underway at the Mardie Salt and Potash Project (Mardie Project) after receiving all necessary environmental approvals
- Filling of evaporation ponds 1, 2 and 3 has commenced
- Construction of the salt-first component is over 50 per cent complete
- First salt on ship on target for Q2 FY27
BCI Minerals has commenced operations at its Mardie Project after receiving all necessary Western Australian and Commonwealth government environmental approvals.
The Company has begun filling evaporation ponds 1, 2, and 3 as it works to bring online Australia’s largest solar salt project, producing 5.3 million tonnes of industrial salt each year.
Once the initial three ponds are filled, BCI Minerals will update and resubmit its Groundwater Monitoring and Management Plan (GMMP) for further approval before filling evaporations ponds 4 through 9.
Construction of the salt-first component of the Project is over halfway complete with more than $700 million invested to date.
While construction of the Project commenced in 2022, the latest approvals enable BCI Minerals to move forward with construction in the northern area of the project footprint (see Figure 1).
With an operating life of 60 years, the Mardie Project is expected to contribute $4.8 billion to GDP and create 750 jobs during construction and 140 permanent full-time jobs during operations.
The Company will use its newly constructed 2.4km export jetty to meet rapidly growing salt demand in Asian markets with first export of high-quality industrial salt targeted for Q2 FY27.
BCI Minerals Chairman, Brian O’Donnell, said this was a pivotal moment for BCI Minerals as it moves into production with the support of the state and federal governments.
“BCI Minerals has worked closely with all state and federal government regulators and appreciates their support over the years to enable BCI Minerals to reach this point,” he said.
“The financial support from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund and Export Finance Australia is a critical part of our funding package, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with government to deliver a great, sustainable and responsible project for Australia.”
“BCI Minerals also appreciates the ongoing support of its shareholders, especially with the recent capital raise.”
BCI Minerals Managing Director, David Boshoff, said the Mardie Project is on track to becoming a major player in the global salt market.
“Australia hasn’t developed a salt project of this significance in 25 years, and the Mardie Project will be Australia’s largest solar salt project and the third largest globally,” he said.
“With the projected growth in demand for high grade industrial salt in our target Asian markets, BCI Minerals is strongly positioned to supply global markets with Mardie salt for generations.”
Federal Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, the Hon. Madeleine King MP, said the project will play a significant role in Australia’s transition to the net zero economy.
“Salt is a key input to industrial manufacturing and is part of the energy transition, as a key mineral in the development of clean technologies, including solar panels and battery systems,” Minister King said.
“Not only is this operational commencement moving our country in the right direction to lead on the use of our natural resources, but also advancing the region’s future economic diversity.
“This is a great example of how the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility is producing results for Australia – creating jobs and prosperity, while also helping us get to net zero.”
Figure 1: Project footprint showing the full OMP area and the original DFS area
