The proposal is to develop an open-cut iron ore mine at Yarrie, located approximately 200 km east south-east of Port Hedland, Western Australia. The proposal is an extension of BHP's existing Goldsworthy iron ore operations which include mining deposits at Shay Gap, Nimingarra and Sunrise Hill. The high grade iron ore reserves at these current mines are nearly depleted. The proposal to mine approximately 35 million tonnes of iron ore over a period of about six years includes an extension of the proponent's Goldsworthy railway line 25km to Yarrie. The railway line currently terminates at Shay Gap.