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Posted by Allen Newton
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26 June, 2026
MINERAL Resources’ decision to mothball its Lucky Bay garnet operation is expected to cut export throughput for Mid West’s Port of Geraldton, removing a developing bulk‑minerals trade.
The company will place the project into care and maintenance from July 1, citing rising operating costs and market disruption linked to the Middle East conflict. Lucky Bay has been exporting garnet through Geraldton since commissioning, contributing to the port’s minor‑bulk mix alongside mineral sands and fertiliser.
According to ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt, the closure will cost about 110 jobs, making MinRes one of the largest single employers in the Kalbarri–Northampton region. Shire of Northampton chief executive Andrew Campbell told the ABC the shutdown would have “a very significant short‑term impact” on local retail and hospitality businesses, with flow‑on effects likely if families relocate.
MinRes said in an ASX statement that the mine’s financial performance had been “materially impacted” by the conflict in the Middle East, a key market for garnet sales. The company will consider divestment and expects to declare a $40 million loss in upcoming accounts.
The suspension adds to a run of commodity‑driven contractions affecting WA’s regional ports, following downturn‑related reductions in nickel and lithium exports through Esperance and Kwinana.
Mid West Ports has not issued a statement, but the loss of Lucky Bay volumes is expected to be reflected in coming throughput figures.
