The project is planned as an open-pit mine with an annual capacity of 7.5 million tons and is expected to extend the company’s Pilbara Hub production profile for more than five years while strengthening its cost structure.
Lamb Creek is located only 50 kilometers from MinRes’ Iron Valley facility. Products from both sites will be blended and transported to Utah Point for shipment to international markets via Port Hedland. The company’s Engineering and Construction teams have officially commenced the installation of 16 kilometers of new haul roads, a crushing facility, and supporting infrastructure.
MinRes stated that its in-house engineering capability accelerates project delivery, with the first ore from Lamb Creek expected to be produced in the fourth quarter of the 2026 financial year.
Chris Soccio, MinRes Chief Executive Officer – Iron Ore, emphasized the project’s significance in expanding operations in Pilbara:
“Lamb Creek supports our five year vision for Pilbara Central, which plays an important role in our iron ore portfolio. I thank all MinRes employees who have contributed over many years to bringing this project to life.”
Soccio also highlighted the early discussions and strong collaboration with the region’s traditional owners, the Banjima people.
With the commissioning of Lamb Creek, the company will gradually close its existing Wonmunna iron ore operation. All employees at Wonmunna will be transferred to the new project, ensuring no job losses.
MinRes acquired Wonmunna as an undeveloped project from the Australian Aboriginal Mining Company in the 2021 financial year, and delivered its first ore after only a five month construction period. Since then, the company has opened nine pits and produced more than 26 million tons.
In the Pilbara Region Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves report published in August this year, MinRes announced a 161 million ton Mineral Resource with a 57% Fe grade and a 51 million ton Ore Reserve with a 57.5% Fe grade. The Pilbara Production Hub has a production target of 9–10 million tons per year for the 2026 financial year.
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