Karara mine
Iron ore mine in Western Australia
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The Karara mine is a large iron mine located in the Mid West region of Western Australia. Karara has estimated reserves of 2 billion tonnes of ore grading 35.5% iron metal. It is one of the few magnetite producers in Western Australia. It is owned by Ansteel Group (52.16%) and Gindalbie Metals (47.84%).[1] The mine is operated by Karara Mining Limited.[2][3]
The Karara mine, as seen from the air | |
  Karara mine Location in Western Australia | |
 Interactive map of Karara mine | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Location | Shire of Perenjori |
| Western Australia | |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 29°11′28″S 116°45′38″E |
| Production | |
| Products | Iron ore |
| Production | 8 million tonnes per annum |
| History | |
| Opened | 2010 |
| Owner | |
| Company | Ansteel Group and Gindalbie Metals |
| Website | https://www.kararamining.com.au |
Timeline
- In 2011, steelwork for the Karara project was delayed by major floods in Thailand.[citation needed]
- In 2014, production was increased by over 35% in the June quarter, with more than 2 million tons of iron ore being shipped. Despite the increase the project was still not making a profit.[4]
Transport
The Karara mine is linked to the Arc Infrastructure network by the 79-kilometre (49 mi) long Karara railway. The ore would be initially transported by a narrow gauge railway to the existing port of Geraldton in quantities up to 10 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). When a standard gauge railway is built to a new port at Oakajee, the tonnage would increase to at least 30 Mtpa. The common part of the narrow gauge and standard gauge routes will be dual gauge.[according to whom?]
The Karara branch joins the main line just north of Morawa.