en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hancock Iron Ore's McPhee Creek mine, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, has commenced production, delivering its first batch of ore after nearly 19 months of construction. The project involved an investment of A$840 million (US$579 million).

The mine is situated approximately 100 kilometers north of the Roy Hill Mine and 30 kilometers north of Nullagine. Originally planned to start production in 2023, the project faced delays due to environmental and regulatory approval issues, with the federal government granting final permission only in September 2024.

Feasibility studies for the McPhee Creek mine began in early 2019, when Hancock Prospecting acquired Atlas Iron. The company's board formally approved the project's development in 2021.

According to Hancock, the development work included collaborating with the state government to upgrade and pave 100 kilometers of roads. The project also involved moving 1 million cubic meters of earth and constructing mine facilities, workshops, and a 220-room accommodation camp. The company reported a smooth transition from construction to operational readiness without any disruptions.

Once fully operational, ore after primary crushing will be transported by road train from the McPhee Creek site to the Roy Hill facility for processing. The processed iron ore will then be shipped for export through port facilities.

Hancock Iron Ore stated in a release that the McPhee Creek mine is a testament to the collaboration of engineering, construction, approvals, safety, environmental, and stakeholder teams, all working together with an unwavering "problem-solving" mindset. The company noted that the vision and drive of its Executive Chairman, Mrs. Gina Rinehart AO, continue to shape Australia's resources industry, and her leadership played a key role in turning McPhee Creek from concept into reality, marking a proud achievement for all involved.