MinRes Onslow Iron Project Marks Major Resource Surge
Mineral Resources (MinRes) has delivered a significant update to its flagship Onslow Iron ore project, announcing a 35% increase in its mineral resources for 2025. Located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, the updated figure now totals 2.1 billion tonnes (Bt) of iron ore at an average grade of 56.7% Fe, reinforcing the project’s role as a cornerstone project in the future of Australia’s iron ore sector.
The resource revision comes as MinRes intensifies its Onslow Iron ramp-up strategy, aiming to achieve nameplate production capacity by late 2025. This momentum underscores the company’s ambition to evolve from a mining services provider into a long-term iron ore powerhouse.
A Flagship Project in Western Australia’s Mining Heartland
The Onslow Iron project, a joint venture between MinRes and partners including Baowu and AMCI, is positioned within the West Pilbara, one of the most resource-rich terrains in the world. Its strategic location not only provides direct access to global shipping routes through the Ashburton Port but also supports MinRes’ integrated mine-to-port logistics solution—an essential component of its low-cost, high-efficiency model.
The updated iron ore resources Western Australia reflect both brownfield exploration success and improved geological modelling across the Ken’s Bore and Buckland Hills tenements.
Image 1: Ken’s Bore deposit, the cornerstone of the Onslow Iron project.
Source: Mineral Resources Media Kit
Exploration and Drilling Drive Confidence
The increase in Onslow Iron ore reserves is supported by over 115,000m of infill and step-out drilling conducted in 2024, which provided greater certainty in ore continuity and distribution. According to MinRes, nearly 80% of the total resource now qualifies as Indicated or Measured—an essential metric for unlocking long-term mine planning and investment certainty.
Chris Ellison, Managing Director of MinRes, highlighted that having a clearer geological understanding is essential to achieving the company’s production goals. “This resource growth confirms our strategy to build Onslow into a Tier-1 operation that can deliver consistent, long-life output at scale,” he said in a statement.
Onslow Iron Ramp-Up Accelerates Toward Production
The iron ore project ramp-up 2025 is progressing on multiple fronts. Construction of haul roads, crushing infrastructure, and the transshipment hub at Ashburton is nearing completion. The company has already commenced commissioning of its autonomous haul fleet, while its first ore-on-ship (FOOS) milestone remains on track for Q4 2025.
The Onslow Iron project is designed to produce up to 35 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) at full capacity, positioning it as a key alternative supplier of low-alumina, low-phosphorus ore—especially vital as global markets seek to lower blast furnace emissions.
Image 2: Infrastructure under development at Ashburton Hub supporting Onslow Iron logistics.
Source: Australian Mining
Broader Implications for WA’s Iron Ore Expansion
This development is also part of a broader WA iron ore expansion trend, with multiple mid-tier producers aiming to diversify Australia’s global iron ore export base beyond the majors. While Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue dominate exports, the growth of projects like Onslow Iron enhances Australia’s resilience, especially as China diversifies its supply chains.
Additionally, the project is a test case for Pilbara iron ore development that reduces reliance on rail by incorporating road haulage and modular transshipping methods—a model that could reshape future operations in difficult terrains.
Image 3: Onslow Iron’s autonomous haul trucks being tested near Ken’s Bore.
Source: Australian Mining
MinRes Positions for Long-Term Market Strength
With its 2025 update, MinRes has shown strong intent to capitalise on structural shifts in global steel demand and resource nationalism. Its Australian mining resource update reflects confidence in robust long-term pricing, supported by supply discipline and decarbonisation-driven demand for premium ores.
As part of its forward plan, the company is evaluating options for further brownfield expansion, downstream processing integration, and additional offtake agreements with Asian steelmakers. Meanwhile, community engagement programs and Traditional Owner consultations continue to progress alongside construction.
Conclusion: MinRes Deepens Commitment to Iron Ore Leadership
The MinRes Onslow Iron resources 2025 update cements the project’s place among Australia’s largest emerging iron ore assets. As it shifts from development to production phase, the Onslow Iron project is set to redefine the dynamics of Western Australia’s iron ore sector—combining innovation, scale, and logistical flexibility.
With production ramping up and reserves increasing, MinRes is making a clear statement: it’s no longer just a mining contractor—it’s a major force in Australia’s next wave of iron ore growth.
