Coastal developments

To support increased iron ore production towards a target of 353 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a) by 2015 both Dampier and Cape Lambert port facilities are expanding.

Cape Lambert is situated 40 kilometres north of Karratha and currently its operations include train-dumping, primary and secondary crushing and screening, ore stockpiling and blending and ship loading. Employees at the port live in the nearby town of Wickham.

The expansion of Cape Lambert will increase the ports capacity from 80 million tonnes to 183 million tonnes by 2015. This will be achieved through the construction of a new 1.8 kilometre jetty and four-berth wharf to run parallel to the existing wharf. The building of the new jetty and wharf requires a dredging programme as well as significant marine and on-shore works. Aerial photographs monitoring our dredging activities are being taken regularly.

Dampier is situated 12 kilometres from Karratha in the Pilbara region. The port currently has two ship-loading terminals, one at Parker Point and the other at East Intercourse Island. Each terminal has facilities for train unloading, product stockpiling and blending and ship loading. The workforce for Dampier port comes from the nearby towns of Dampier or Karratha.

In September 2010, Rio Tinto announced an investment of US$230 million for the second incremental expansion of Dampier port by five million tonnes. 

Significant upgrades to community and social infrastructure and accommodation are also under study to support an expanded workforce in the region.

We want to hear from you if you would like project information or wish to provide us with feedback. Contact our community information line on 1800 992 777.