Fortescue Metals Group said first production for its Iron Bridge magnetite project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia has been pushed to the second half of April from a previously scheduled start in March. 

Once online, Iron Bridge will produce 22 million tonnes per annum of high grade 67% Fe magnetite concentrate. 

“The project continues to make significant progress, while managing the impacts of weather on activity at the site and associated infrastructure. Commissioning activities are well progressed on Dry Processing Line A and water commissioning of the Wet Plant is near completion,” said the miner.

Fortescue said the project capital estimate is unchanged at US$3.9 billion, with its share approximately US$3.0 billion. Iron Bridge is an Unincorporated Joint Venture between Fortescue subsidiary FMG Magnetite (69%) and Formosa Steel IB (31%).

Source: Fortescue