Name of the Project
Mardie salt and potash project.

Location
On the Pilbara coast of Western Australia.

Project Owner/s
Potash developer BCI Minerals.

Project Description
An optimisation study has delivered a bigger project and an improved layout, compared with the July 2020 definitive feasibility study (DFS). 

The project will be the first major salt project developed in Australia in two decades and the only Australian operation to produce commercially saleable salt and sulphate of potash (SoP). With the potential expansion into newly acquired tenements (not included in the optimisation), it can become one of the largest evaporative operations globally.

An expansion of the evaporation area has resulted in an increase of about 20% in salt production, from 4.4-million tonnes a year in the DFS to 5.35-million tonnes a year in the optimisation study, as well as an increase in SoP production, from 120 000 t/y to 140 000 t/y.

Mardie will, ultimately, include a 100 km2 evaporation pond and crystalliser system, two processing plants and a new export facility.

Using an inexhaustible seawater resource and a production process driven mainly by natural solar and wind energy, there is potential to optimise and expand the project beyond the currently planned production levels.

The project’s operating life is estimated at a minimum of 60 years.

Potential Job Creation
During construction, 490 jobs are expected to be created, while 2 200 jobs are expected to be created during operations.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The results of BCI’s design and cost review, completed in June 2023, have resulted in an improved net present value of A$2.6-billion, compared with the A$1.5-billion estimated at the time of the final investment decision.

Capital Expenditure
A$1.44-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
BCI Minerals entered full-scale operations in August 2025. Key infrastructure packages, including seawater intakes, evaporation ponds, transfer stations and haul roads, are largely complete, with first salt-on-ship still targeted for the December 2026 quarter.

Latest Developments
BCI has advanced its SoP programme, completed engineering work and awarded a pilot plant contract while deferring some crystalliser spending until a final investment decision is made on a full-scale SoP facility.

The company has said the focus for the 2026 financial year will be on crystalliser construction, advancing the salt wash plant and progressing jetty dredging to stay on track for first exports in late 2026.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
The DFS was managed by BCI, with support from GR Engineering Services (DFS lead engineer), additional support from Worley, CMW Geosciences, Preston Consulting, RPS, Roskill, Argus Consulting, Braemar ACM Shipbroking and KPMG, besides others; and Engenium (project management contractor).

Contact Details for Project Information
BCI Minerals, tel +61 8 6311 3400 or email info@bciminerals.com.au.