The proposal is for a change to BHP Billiton's approved iron ore proposals in the Eastern Ridge area, located approximately three kilometres north-east of Newman. The proponent’s approved iron ore proposals for the Eastern Ridge area are:

• Orebody 25 Extension Project (Ministerial Statement 712, 28 October 2009) for an open cut above and below the water table mine for Pits 1 and 3;
• Orebody 24/25 Upgrade Project (Ministerial Statement 834, 8 July 2010) for an open cut mine above the water table and associated infrastructure; and
• Orebody 32 Above Water Table Iron Ore Mine Project (Ministerial Statement 1018, 15 October 2015) for an open cut mine above the water table and associated infrastructure.