Shark Bay Salt

Shark Bay Rock is situated within the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, a coastal-arid zone characterized by low-relief limestone plateaus and aeolian sand deposits. The flat to gently undulating terrain typical of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area periphery facilitates bulk earthmoving operations with minimal overburden complexity. However, proximity to sensitive coastal geomorphology imposes strict spatial constraints on extraction footprint expansion, directly influencing bench design and haul road alignment for mass movement efficiency.

Operating in a remote Gascoyne setting, this site presents significant FIFO roster management challenges given the distance from Carnarvon (~900 km north of Perth). Workforce mobilization relies on Carnarvon Airport as the primary FIFO hub. Key B2B operational considerations include:

• Rotational rosters typically structured on 2:1 or 8:6 cycles
• Camp self-sufficiency requirements for water, power, and catering
• Supply chain dependency on North West Coastal Highway for consumables
• Limited local contractor pool, increasing reliance on Perth-based vendors

Limesand and limestone extraction at Shark Bay Rock operates via open-cut quarry methodology, with primary crushing circuits adapted to the low-hardness, high-calcium carbonate matrix typical of Gascoyne coastal formations. Key engineering parameters include:

• Primary jaw or impact crusher sizing for sub-75mm product gradation
• Screening circuits for construction-grade aggregate and road base specification
• Dust suppression systems critical given arid wind exposure
• No flotation circuit required — physical separation governs product quality

Operations adjacent to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area impose elevated ESG obligations under both State and Commonwealth environmental frameworks. B2B procurement partners must verify:

• Compliance with Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) and ATSIHP Act 2021
• Environmental licensing under DWER with strict groundwater and coastal buffer conditions
• Preferred supplier alignment with Malgana and Yingkarta Traditional Owner groups
• Rehabilitation bond obligations and progressive landform restoration commitments