Ten new houses for Mineral Resources’ permanent residential workforce in the Pilbara town of Onslow have begun taking shape as part of a commitment to invest in the local community.
The first of the modular, four-bedroom family homes was delivered to Onslow’s Barrada Estate in August after being transported 1400km by road from Perth.
MinRes purchased 10 lots at Barrada Estate in Onslow, each spanning at least 600 square metres, as part of the company’s landmark Onslow Iron project.
The investment will encourage Onslow Iron employees, particularly those with young families, to relocate to Onslow and become active members of the coastal town.
The spacious properties will feature four bedrooms and two bathrooms, an outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, boat storage area and waterwise garden.
Caption: Render of the MinRes Onslow homes
The buildings are being manufactured in Perth by Modular WA, with local Onslow businesses involved in the earth works, power, carpentry, plumbing, painting, fencing and pool installation.
The remaining nine houses will be delivered over the next three months and it is expected the first homes will be occupied by MinRes people by the end of the year.
Onslow Iron is forecast to ship around 35 million tonnes of iron ore per year via the Port of Ashburton from mid-2024, with innovative solutions that ensure dust-free transport from mine to ship.
Construction has begun on a 500-room accommodation resort at the Ken’s Bore mine site, 150 kilometres east of Onslow. Works will also soon begin on a second, 250-room resort located in Onslow.
The MinRes resorts will set a new standard for the fly in, fly out (FIFO) lifestyle in Australia’s mining industry, with rooms three times the size of typical FIFO accommodation and industry-leading amenities.
MinRes Onslow Iron Project Director Darren Hardy said: “Onslow is a wonderful place to live and we want to encourage our people to call the town home and become active members of this thriving community.
“The investment in these high-quality homes is part of our meaningful commitment to deliver long-term benefits and economic opportunities for Onslow.”
Modular WA director Jason Sjoland added: “With an average manufacturing time of 12 to 14 weeks for each home, offsite modular construction is an ideal solution for regional and remote areas.
“Our trusted network of local trades are also incredibly important. Engaging with them gives us the opportunity to share and grow with the communities we are building in.”
