The Yandi paleochannel is an ~90-kmlong, almost continuous concentration of high-grade pisolitic iron ore with low P and Al2O3 contents (58–60% Fe, ~0.05% P, 1–2% Al2O3, 3–5% SiO2, ~10% loss on ignition [LOI]). Mining exposures show the ferruginized channel to be ~500–600 m wide and 50– 70 m deep. The main ore horizon (Barimunya member) overlies basal clay and conglomerates (Munjina member) and is di-vided into upper and lower CID (Ramanaidou et al., 2003). CID ore comprises predominantly ooids and pisoids with hematite or goethite nuclei concentrically rimmed (cortex) by layers of vitreous goethite (Ramanaidou et al., 2003). Rounded to angular fragments (1–10 mm) of hematite, goethite, and maghemite, often rimmed by a thin goethite cortex, also constitute the channel fill (Ramanaidou et al., 2003). Wood fragments (1 mm to ~5 cm) replaced by goethite, or rarely by hematite, are abundant, but larger branches or trunks are rare. Late-stage massive and botryoidal vitreous goethite cements channel sediments, forming the ore matrix (Ramanaidou et al., 2003). Post ferruginization weathering has partially destroyed the characteristic CID texture in nearsurface horizons. The upper CID is also mor jointed and cavernous, hosting vertical solution pipes locally lined or infilled by clay, botryoidal goethite, and opaline silica.

Yandi is an open-cut mine.

Ore is crushed, beneficiated (where necessary) and blended at the processing hubs – to create lump and fines products that are transported along the Port Hedland–Mt Newman rail line to the Finucane Island and Nelson Point port facilities at Port Hedland.

Facilities, use & condition: 4 primary crushers, 3 ore handling plants, stockyard blending facility and 2 train load outs (nominal capacity 80 Mtpa).