Premier Carmen Lawrence today announced work would start next month on the massive $500 million Marandoo iron ore project.
Dr Lawrence said the project developers, Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd, had formally advised the State Government that funding for the development of the new iron ore mine had been approved.
Construction activity would begin in the next few weeks.
"Marandoo is one of the biggest iron ore developments in recent years and will be of enormous benefit to all Western Australians," the Premier said.
"The iron ore mine is about three times the current size of the new Channar operation, and is predicted to yield about 10 million tonnes of ore each year when production begins in 1994.
"The construction phase will provide up to 800 new jobs. Once operating, about 350 people will be employed by the Marandoo mine.
"Export income of about $250 million a year will be generated by the mine."
