BCI Minerals is currently constructing a salt project and export facility, located at Mardie, 80 kilometres south-west of Karratha. The construction of the marine structures, including the jetty, is now 74% complete. A significant amount of dredging is required to achieve the necessary depth for both the berth pocket and a 4.9-kilometre channel leading to deeper water.
Originally, approval was granted for the disposal of dredge spoil on land; however, BCI Minerals ha made the relevant applications to change the disposal site to an offshore DMPA.
After WAFICs objections to the proposal, Mardie received federal approval under EPBC Act to dispose dredge spoil offshore.