The Lumsden Point development will increase capacity at the Port of Port Hedland, easing congestion on existing infrastructure and catering for forecast trade growth in the Pilbara.
Lumsden Point will deliver two additional multi-user wharves, known as PH5 and PH6. Two mobile harbour cranes will operate on these wharves to facilitate the export of battery metals and minerals as well as the import of wind turbines, solar panels and general cargo. The wharves will also be capable of handling bulk liquids and chemicals.
Dredging will create a deeper access channel, swing basin and berth pockets to ensure the safe and efficient berthing of vessels at the new facility.
Over 100 hectares of reclaimed land will be developed for logistics and operational use. This includes laydown areas, biosecurity infrastructure to support the growing demand for direct shipping to the Pilbara, and lease lots to allow customers to develop additional infrastructure on site.
Lumsden Point is strategically located to provide direct access between the port and the Great Northern Highway. Construction of a new interchange will include a roundabout, bridges and access ramps. This will improve road safety, accommodate increased traffic volumes, and allow over-size and over-mass cargo to be transported between port and road.
Pilbara Ports is committed to minimising dust generated during construction of Lumsden Point. We have controls in place to minimise dust including regular watering of unsealed roads and construction areas.
No. Trade through Lumsden Point has ceased to allow construction. Allowing trade would interrupt works and add significant delays to the development timeline.
The master plan for Lumsden Point includes a shiploader, linked by conveyors to four storage and receival sheds. This facility would be used for the export of bulk commodities, including lithium.
There are already two common-user shiploaders available at the Port of Port Hedland for bulk export, with the Lumsden shiploader envisaged to be the third.
The demand for outload capacity at the port does not currently justify immediate investment in a large-scale bulk export facility at Lumsden, and so construction of a shiploader and conveyor will be staged to match market growth.
Initially, bulk commodities will be exported via rotating containers using mobile harbour cranes. Pilbara Ports has purchased two mobile harbour cranes, which will be made available on an open access basis for bulk exports and other stevedoring tasks.
Pilbara Ports will also preserve a conveyor corridor and is currently installing ship loader rails in readiness for future demand. As the port continues to grow, this means we can install a shiploader and conveyor system when it is needed by customers.
Funding for this infrastructure would require commercial agreement between Pilbara Ports and the private sector.
With the two existing shiploader facilities already available, as well as the capacity to export bulk commodities via rotainers, and with current demand levels, constructing a third ship loader at Lumsden Point is not required to service customer demand.
Pilbara Ports works closely with lithium producers to ensure port services align with their needs. Expansion of export capacity is carefully timed to match growth expectations and market conditions.
The project is expected to generate an average of 3,600 full-time jobs per year over the life of the project.
The scale of the project means both local and FIFO resources are required.
Pilbara Ports is committed to providing local business with opportunities to work on the Lumsden Point project. A local business register has been developed to help tenderers identify local sub-contractors. Details are provided via the project delivery and business opportunities page.
Pilbara Ports implements State Government procurement initiatives to ensure more jobs and business opportunities are given to Western Australians, including implementing the following government policies to its procurement processes:
Tenders for the major packages of work are advertised on the Tenders WA website.
Check the project delivery and business opportunities page for work package details.
Pilbara Ports engaged with the Kariyarra Traditional Owners as a part of the consultation process to obtain heritage approvals under section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Approval was granted in June 2016.
The Kariyarra Traditional Owners have also been engaged about the development of the general cargo wharf and for the naming of roads within the project’s boundaries.
Pilbara Ports will continue to provide updates to the Kariyarra Traditional Owners on the project and timings as works progress.
Yes, Pilbara Ports has received State approval under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
View further information via the statutory environmental approvals and permits page.
Pilbara Ports has developed a Mangrove Monitoring and Management Plan and Construction and Dredge Management Plan which includes monitoring and management of mangrove health, benthic communities and habitats and water quality and will be implemented during construction to negate potential environmental impacts.
Management actions include routine mangrove health surveys and sedimentation, and water quality monitoring.