Hydrology and Waterways Study for Mine Road Upgrade

Pilbara Minerals Limited engaged BG&E Resources to undertake a hydrology and waterways assessment of the Pilgangoora Mine Site and Wodgina Mine Access Road, including the conceptual design of floodway crossings.

Following the conceptual design phase, our Geotechnical and Civil teams have been collaborating in a joint effort with Pilbara Minerals to progress detailed design and site investigations for the delivery of the road upgrade project.

The Pilgangoora Mine operation consists of two processing plants, the Pilgan Plant located on the northern side of the Pilgangoora area, which produces a spodumene concentrate and a tantalite concentrate, and the Ngungaju Plant, located to the south, which produces a spodumene concentrate.

The Wodgina Access Road to the Pilgangoora Mine Site is situated between Port Hedland and Mulga Downs in Western Australia’s Pilbara Region. The road is currently unsealed and extends approximately 24 km from Great Northern Highway, where a new intersection will be required.

The design scope involves upgrading 24 km of the Wodgina Road to a sealed road to facilitate increased haulage capacity via super quad road trains. This includes 11 major floodway crossings, 12 km of site access and haul roads, and a new intersection at Great Northern Highway.

Our involvement initially commenced in Dec 2022 with completion expected in November 2023.

When complete, the road upgrade will improve the efficiency and safety of transporting critical minerals to Port Hedland to meet the increased demand for resources to enable the global transformation toward clean energy and a sustainable future.

Images courtesy of Pilbara Minerals Limited © 2023