Fortescue implements trial mining at Cloud Break

Fortescue implements trial mining at Cloud Break

Australia's Fortescue Metals Group Ltd announced the implementation of a trial mining program at the Cloud Break deposit in Western Australia. The cost of the iron ore project is A$2.3 billion ($1.74 billion), sources report. This mining trial will be the first of its kind for a surface miner on Marra Mamba iron ore. Fortescue's mining contractor is currently preparing the ground for the operation of the Wirtgen surface miner “SM”. A second machine is reportedly on the way to the project. If the company decides to mine the site, it will acquire a third machine. The trial is scheduled for a six-week period in order to accurately determine ore extraction rates and operating costs of the Wirtgen machines in the various Marra Mamba rock types. If Fortescue decides to carry on with the project, the deposit is expected to produce 45 million tons of iron ore per annum as of the end of 2007.