KBR received a contract from Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting to provide engineering, procurement management and construction management for the Hope Downs 4 iron ore mine in western Australia. Valued at USD 1.285 billion, the mine is located 1000km north of Perth as part of a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting. Set to produce 15 million tns/yr, construction on Hope Downs 4 will begin February 2011 with completion expected in early 2013. The project will include an ore processing plant sized to accept 220t capacity haul trucks; bulk fuel, lubricant and explosive facilities to support ongoing mining activities; stockpile stacking, reclaiming and train export facilities to transport product to Rio Tinto port facilities at Dampier and Cape Lambert; construction of temporary and permanent accommodation including power, water and communications infrastructure, and administration, warehousing and workshop building facilities to support mine operations and maintenance requirements.
