HANCOCK Iron Ore has achieved first ore from its newest Pilbara operation, McPhee Creek, marking a major milestone for the privately owned mining group and signalling future uplift in iron‑ore flows through Roy Hill’s export supply chain.
The company confirmed the milestone in an official media release, noting that ore has now been produced and transported to Roy Hill for processing and blending. The McPhee development — located about 30 kilometres north of Nullagine — is forecast to produce around 8 million tonnes per annum over a 15‑year mine life.
Hancock says the project will help extend Roy Hill’s long‑term production volumes, with McPhee ore feeding into the existing processing and logistics system. Roy Hill exports through Port Hedland’s dedicated berths, meaning McPhee will ultimately contribute to sustained throughput at the world’s largest bulk export port.
McPhee ore will be blended at Roy Hill, supporting consistent product specification and helping maintain high‑volume export schedules through Port Hedland’s South West Creek berths.
Additional ore sources reduce reliance on single‑pit feed, improving Roy Hill’s ability to manage maintenance cycles, weather impacts, and grade variability.
Hancock’s partnership with the WA Government to upgrade 92 kilometres of Marble Bar Road improves heavy‑haul connectivity, emergency access and regional logistics efficiency — indirectly supporting the broader Pilbara freight network.
Hancock Iron Ore CEO Gerhard Veldsman said the milestone reflects the combined efforts of Hancock’s operations and the HanRoy project team, who navigated approvals and construction to deliver WA’s newest iron‑ore mine.
Hancock Prospecting’s Group Projects CEO Sanjiv Manchanda highlighted the economic contribution of the project, noting its role in supporting jobs, royalties and regional businesses.
WA transport minister Rita Saffioti welcomed the achievement, describing McPhee’s delivery as “another exciting milestone for Western Australia’s resources sector and a huge win for local jobs and the Pilbara,” while emphasising the significance of the Marble Bar Road upgrade.
With commissioning complete and first ore now delivered, McPhee is positioned to become a key satellite source for Roy Hill’s export operations. The project’s integration into the existing rail‑to‑port supply chain underscores Hancock’s strategy of leveraging multi‑asset ore streams to sustain long‑term Pilbara export capacity.