Important step forward in transition to magnetite
22 March 2023
SIMEC Mining has received operational approval from the South Australian State Government for the Cook’s North and Cook’s North West iron ore mining projects near Whyalla.
The Cook’s North and Cook’s North West project will expand and maintain the current SIMEC hematite iron ore Middleback Ranges mining operations providing important continuity as the company continues its transition to magnetite iron ore and a low emission GREENSTEEL and Carbon Neutral 2030 (CN30) future.
SIMEC Mining Executive General Manager Iron Ore Operations, Jacqui Higgins acknowledged the significant work that went into these regulatory approvals along with the extensive stakeholder engagement with landholders, traditional owners and other interested parties.
Today’s announcement is reward for everyone’s efforts, it’s another tangible outcome and forward step in the journey we are on towards a sustainable GREENSTEEL future,
Jacqui higgins
The new project, located about 60km from Whyalla, will see the establishment of new pits and infrastructure on land already approved for exploration and mining.
“A big part of the effort that went into these submissions was engagement with external stakeholders who have worked with us to achieve these approvals to everyone’s satisfaction,” Jacqui said.
In a media release issued on the expansion, Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis acknowledged GFG’s confidence in the area’s mineral deposits and a willingness to plan for future expansion and retain workers in the region.
“The Upper Spencer Gulf has been earmarked by the Government as a future minerals and renewables powerhouse and operations such as SIMEC’s will support regional communities while ensuring minerals and metals are being discovered and mined as we transition to net zero carbon emissions,” Minister Koutsantonis said.
“The South Australian Government looks forward to SIMEC’s continued investment in the Upper Spencer Gulf Region as it seeks to realise an ambitious plan for green steel and South Australian exports of refined and value-added products.”
Jacqui thanked the SIMEC Mining team and all contributors to the project.
“Today’s announcement is reward for everyone’s efforts, it’s another tangible outcome and forward step in the journey we are on towards a sustainable GREENSTEEL future,” Jacqui said.