Ridges Iron Ore

The Ridges Iron Ore project (Sam North deposit) is situated in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, approximately 2,000 km north of Perth. This extreme remoteness creates compounded supply chain lead times for consumables, wear parts, and heavy equipment. The terrain is characterised by rugged Kimberley ironstone ridges, seasonal wet-season access restrictions, and limited sealed road infrastructure, all of which impose critical logistical constraints on continuous B2B vendor engagement and materials replenishment cycles.

The project operates as a joint venture between Ridges Iron Ore and Habrok, with KMG as ultimate owner. Current status is Operating, with Crushing Services Australia (CSA) contracted since 2024 for primary crushing and screening services. Diesel dependency is significant: remote power generation drives all site infrastructure 24/7, including crushing circuits, conveyors, and camp utilities. B2B procurement cycles must account for fuel logistics, generator maintenance contracts, and wet-season operational continuity planning.

• Primary contractor (crushing/screening): Crushing Services Australia (CSA)
• JV structure: Ridges Iron Ore + Habrok
• Ultimate owner: Kimberley Metals Group (KMG)
• Power source: Diesel generation (remote grid-independent)

Operations are based on Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) methodology — open-cut mining targeting high-grade hematite ridges requiring minimal beneficiation. The primary crushing circuit deployed by CSA processes run-of-mine material through jaw and cone crushing stages, followed by multi-deck screening to achieve export-grade lump and fines fractions. No flotation plant is present; the DSO model eliminates complex reagent circuits. Key engineering demands include:

• High-abrasion wear liner replacement cycles (ironstone feed)
• Dust suppression systems for dry-season operations
• Mobile crushing and screening fleet (CSA-managed)
• Road haulage to port — no rail infrastructure confirmed

As a remote Kimberley operation, the ESG footprint is dominated by Scope 1 diesel emissions from mobile fleet and stationary generation. No confirmed solar hybrid or battery energy storage system (BESS) integration has been publicly disclosed to date. The project's decarbonisation pathway remains nascent relative to Pilbara-scale peers. Indigenous land engagement under Western Australian heritage frameworks is a material ESG obligation. B2B vendors supplying to this site should anticipate:

• Mandatory Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) compliance requirements
• Scope 1 emission reporting obligations for contractors
• Potential future solar-diesel hybrid integration as ESG pressure intensifies
• Biodiversity offset requirements under Kimberley conservation frameworks