Environment Minister Donna Faragher has given environmental approval to Pilbara iron ore developer Aurox Resources Limited for its 100 per cent owned iron ore project.

The project, located midway between Karratha and Port Hedland, is to mine and process up to 10.1 million tonnes per annum of magnetite ore over a 15 year mine life. 

Mrs Faragher had set stringent conditions on conserving flora and vegetation; managing fauna, particular during the laying of slurry and return water pipelines; protecting the quality of surface and groundwater; and ensuring site rehabilitation after the closure of the mine.

The Minister said the State Government was focusing on improving approvals processes so that Western Australia could continue to attract investment in development and key industries while maintaining high standards of environmental protection.

She said work had been progressing well, particularly with the recent release of the Environmental Protection Authority’s review of Environmental Impact Assessments.