A plan from resources giant BHP to create new mines, expand existing projects and create tens of thousands of jobs in the West Australian Pilbara over the next 50 to 100 years has been approved by the state government.
BHP's Pilbara Expansion Strategic Proposal details the miner's planned and potential operations across the Pilbara including mining operations, rail, storage areas, dams and associated mine infrastructure.
It's now been approved by the Environmental Protection Authority with strict conditions including a requirement the company develop a cultural heritage management plan, a mine closure plan and contribute to a fund to compensate for any residual impacts in the region.
"This is a major job-creating plan for Western Australia that has the potential to deliver tens of thousands of jobs for local Western Australians," Premier Mark McGowan said on Friday.
"It is another sign our economy is improving with the major miner taking a long-term view of its proposals in the state."
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said the Pilbara held immense environmental value and a focus of the EPA assessment was to ensure the BHP proposal did not significantly impact on areas such as the Karijini National Park and Fortescue Marsh.
"The EPA gave BHP's strategic proposal careful consideration, including considering the impacts to fauna, flora, surface and ground water, air quality, landforms and social surrounds," Mr Dawson said.
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