The home of BHP interests in the Pilbara, Port Hedland is currently experiencing rapid growth. When BHP announced that it would construct a Hot Briquette Iron Plant as well as a capacity expansion project for its current operations, these two projects, valued at $2 billion, created 2,000 new jobs.
In a few short years, Port Hedland’s population has increased from 12,500 to 20,000 people. Once the construction period is finished, and the new Briquette plant comes on line, the population is expected to settle back to 15,000 – 16,000 residents.
The new Plant will use a gas reforming process that converts iron ore into pure iron. The value adding component of this operation will see raw iron ore, currently worth $28 per tonne, increase to $148 per tonne.
“Port Hedland Town Council must cope with rapid development and ensure infrastructure needs are met,” said the Mayor, Cr Geoff Blackman. “Assistance from the State Government and BHP to the tune of $930,000, plus $358,000 from Council, will assist with meeting sanitation and refuge collection needs, safety and law and order issues.”
When work on the two BHP projects began two years ago, Council experienced a massive 700 percent increase in planning applications. Over the next three years, some $7 million will be spent on the South Hedland Enhancement Scheme.
Again with funding from BHP and the State Government, infrastructure development will see an increase in community facilities, additional link roads and footpaths, youth facilities and new parks and gardens established in what is the largest population centre in Port Hedland.
