Orebody knowledge, landscape history and mineralisation of Martite – Goethite Ores in the Hamersley Province (WA)

The Challenge

Iron ore production in the Hamersley Province exceeds 985 Mt annually. Enhanced orebody characterisation, understanding mineralisation, and its relationship with the weathered landscape are crucial for discovering new deposits, optimising extraction, and ensuring the province’s sustainability and the state’s long-term economic success. 

The Solution

This multidisciplinary research project, supported by West Australian iron ore producers, Bureau Veritas, and partners including Curtin University, UWA, MRIWA, and the Geological Survey of WA, applied advanced analytical techniques. It provided crucial insights into the Hamersley Province’s landscape evolution, weathering history, and their connections to the genesis and mineralisation of Martite-Goethite iron ore deposits, highlighting the value of collaboration and cutting-edge approaches for understanding and optimising the region’s significant iron ore resources.

Proposed Benefit to WA

Advancing knowledge of Western Australia’s iron ore resources is vital for sustaining the industry amid growing global focus on ore quality and processing. Improved understanding of mineralisation and orebody characterisation supports better decision-making in exploration, mining, and processing, ensuring profitability, royalties, and employment for Western Australia’s economy. 

Keywords: Iron ore, martite-goethite, orebody knowledge, Hamersley, characterisation, mineralisation timing