The proposal is an expansion of the existing Sino Iron Project approved under Ministerial Statement 635 (as amended).

The proposal is required to accommodate continuation of mine operations associated with the existing two billion tonnes mining rights afforded to Sino Iron and Korean Steel in accordance with existing commercial agreements. It includes the expansion of the mine pit, waste dumps and Tailings Storage Facilities.

The proposed mine pit expansion will increase in depth from 220 m to approximately 400 m and the footprint of the project will increase by up to 7336 ha (from 2734 ha to no more than 10 100 ha). The proposal will also include the requirement to increase the discharge of groundwater from 2 GLpa to up to 8 GLpa from mine dewatering into the mouth of the Fortescue River.