The Western Australian Government has revealed that upgrade works on Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland have reached an early construction milestone.
The project will provide new multi-user facilities, including a general cargo berth and minerals export berth. Lumsden Point will increase export capacity for new energy metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, facilitate the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades, and support the rapid growth of direct cargo ship services linking the Pilbara with Asian ports.
Construction has wrapped up on the first stage of seawalls, with the second stage set to be completed in March next year. Progress is being made on the next stages of the project, including the creation of a new access channel, swing basin, and berth pockets at Lumsden Point.
The WA Government allocated $66.1 million in its 2022-23 State Budget for the construction of the seawalls. MGN Civil was awarded the contracts to build the east and west seawalls. Pilbara Ports is currently inviting tenders for the construction of the causeway, which will connect the wharf area to the proposed logistics hub.
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The new facility will support several Federal Government programs and initiatives, including Boosting Australia’s Diesel Storage Program; Pilbara Hydrogen Hub; Critical Minerals Strategy 2022; and the Recycling Modernisation Fund.
Ports Minister David Michael said the port upgrade would help to increase access and imports to new renewable energy infrastructure, as well as export pathways for critical minerals for the state.
“The Lumsden Point development is critical to the green transition in Western Australia and around the world,” Michael said.
“The development will unlock fresh opportunities for the region, cementing the Pilbara as Australia’s economic powerhouse for decades to come.”
The project is being funded in part by a $129.1 million contribution from the State Government, as well as the Commonwealth Government which is contributing investing $565 million for common user port upgrades in the Pilbara.