BHP Billiton Iron Ore Completes Owner-operator Transition In Pilbara

(RTTNews) - BHP Billiton Iron Ore (BHP, BHP.AX, BBL, BLT.L) said it would complete its owner-operator transition in the Pilbara with the last contractor run site, Orebody 18, transitioning to BHP Billiton operation by the end of the financial year. Mining service provider, Macmahon, has managed the operation since January 2007, and is working with BHP Billiton for a smooth transition for the operation.

BHP Billiton started the move to owner-operation in 2011 with the purchase of HWE Mining units and followed with the transition of the Yarrie operation to owner-operator in 2013.

BHP Billiton President Iron Ore, Jimmy Wilson, said the move was consistent with the firm's decision to move the Western Australia Iron Ore business to a 100 per cent owner-operated model.

He added, "Excess trucks and shovels made available due to improved productivity at our other mining operations will be used at Orebody 18, resulting in no additional truck and shovel purchases required to operate the site. As an additional productivity measure for the Iron Ore business, we have made the decision to suspend production at our Yarrie operation until further notice."