The finished seawall at the new Lumsden Point hub. Picture: Pilbara Ports
Dredging work at Port Hedland’s new logistics and multi-user hub has begun with about one million cubic metres of material to be removed over eight weeks.
The dredging will create a deeper access channel, swing basin and berth pockets for vessels at the new $450m Lumsden Point hub, the WA Government says.
Lumsden Point will be used for the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades and support direct shipping services to the Pilbara.
It will feature dredged channel access and turning basins, two new multi-user berths, and a central access road and service corridor connecting to the Great Northern Highway.
Western Australian Minister for Ports David Michael says it is “fantastic” to see the project start.
“The commencement of dredging and reclamation works represents a significant milestone in the project’s advancement which will help diversify trade in the Pilbara,” he says.
The minister expects the Lumsden Point facility to boost Australia’s gross domestic product by $2.1 billion per annum.
(The first customers have been secured with Mineral Resources and Pilbara Minerals each signing a commitment agreement.)
A graphic of what the finished hub will look like. Image: Pilbara Ports
“It is expected to save 3.6 million tonnes of emissions by 2055 by supporting direct shipping to the Pilbara and providing a pathway for renewable energy infrastructure,” Mr Michael says.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King says the work is part of $565 million worth of port upgrades in the Pilbara.
“We will continue to partner with the Western Australian Government to ensure that this vital infrastructure progresses,” she says.
The WA government is contributing $96.6m to the Lumsden Point project while BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill and Hancock Prospecting have given $65m towards the dredging.
Jan De Nul (Australia) Pty Ltd was awarded the dredging and land reclamation contract; extensive preparatory works is already complete culminating with the arrival of the company’s cutter suction dredge in Port Hedland.
Environmental monitoring is under way and dredged material will be disposed of at a designated reclamation area within Lumsden Point under an approved Environmental Management Plan, the government says.
State MP for Pilbara Kevin Michel says Lumsden Point is key to the Pilbara’s future economic growth and global significance.
“The port expansion will solidify the Pilbara’s role as a driving force in the green energy transition, unlocking new trade pathways and creating hundreds of local jobs that will directly benefit our communities.”
Details about the Lumsden Point project is available at www.pilbaraports.com.au
