Mt Webber operation to boost Pilbara and the State

Atlas Iron opens fifth iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara Region
Date: Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Atlas expansion to create 200 jobs once fully operational, and yield 15 million tonnes of iron ore per year by 2015. 

On 15 July 2014, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion congratulated Atlas Iron as he officially opened the company’s new Mt Webber iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

“This is the fifth iron ore mine to be opened by Atlas since 2008 and is testament to the hard work of a young and proud Western Australian company,” Mr Marmion said.

“In 10 years, Atlas has grown from one man with little more than a dream - to a significant iron ore producer that provides jobs for more than 600 people.”

The Minister also paid special tribute to company founder and 2014 Western Australian of the Year, David Flanagan.

“David has built a company that is a truly remarkable WA success story,” he said.

“The Western Australian of the Year award is recognition of his contribution not just to the State’s resources industry, but across communities in the Pilbara, Perth and the Goldfields.”

The Mt Webber mine is the lowest-cost operation in Atlas Iron’s suite of projects.

“Over the next decade, the Mt Webber mine will make an important contribution to WA’s resources sector,” Mr Marmion said.

“In turn, this sector is fundamentally linked to the success of the State’s economy and the quality of life enjoyed by all West Australians.”

Fact File

  • Atlas was first listed in December 2004 as Atlas Gold Limited, a $9million exploration company with one employee
  • In the financial year 2013-14, Atlas Iron shipped 10.9 million tonnes of iron ore from its Pilbara operations, a 47% increase over the previous year
  • Atlas has shipped 30 million tonnes since production began
  • Atlas expansion to yield 15 million tonnes per year by 2015
  • Mine to create 200 jobs once fully operational.