The Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has handed down a key approval for BCI Minerals’ Mardie salt and potash project in WA.
DWER has greenlit the second phase of BCI’s groundwater monitoring and management plan for Mardie, which includes the utilisation of real-time data derived from the seawater filling of evaporation ponds 1–3. This follows BCI and Mardie receiving federal environmental approval in September 2024.
BCI will now work towards obtaining approval of the second phase of the groundwater monitoring and management plan for Mardie from the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
If approved, it will pave the way for Mardie to commence production. BCI is expected to achieve first salt on ship in the second quarter of the 2026–27 financial year (FY27).
“BCI appreciates the continued support the Mardie project has received from DWER and DCCEEW,” BCI managing director David Boshoff said.
“With construction progressing strongly, the company is excited and ready to commence filling the remaining ponds and crystallisers as soon as we receive DCCEEW’s approval.”
Located 80km south of Karratha in the Pilbara region, Mardie currently has an operating life expected to exceed 60 years and is supported by a syndicated facility agreement worth almost $1 billion.
In its report covering the first half of FY25, BCI said construction activities at Mardie continued to advance with over 56 per cent of the salt-first phase complete. Construction of the crystallisers are also over 41 per cent complete.
“Key priorities (for H2 FY25) include commissioning the jetty head, progressing crystalliser construction, and finalising the design of the salt wash plant,” the report said.
“Additionally, approval of the resubmitted groundwater monitoring and management plan (will enable) the filling of ponds 4– 9. Each of these milestones will further de-risk the project and strengthen its long-term viability.”
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