Dampier Salt Limited has signed an agreement with Leichhardt Industrial Group for the sale of the Lake MacLeod salt and gypsum operation in WA for A$375 million.
The sale’s completion is contingent on achieving certain commercial and regulatory conditions, which are anticipated to be fulfilled by the end of the year.
Rio Tinto Managing Director Port, Rail & Core Services Richard Cohen said Dampier Salt will be able to focus on improving operational savings at its other two Pilbara operations due to Lake MacLeod’s sale, while the new owner will be able to maximise its potential.
“Until the completion of the sale, the Dampier Salt leadership team’s focus will be on safety, delivering on plan, and maintaining respect for all people at Lake MacLeod and in the Carnarvon community,” Cohen stated.
“We are pleased Leichhardt has committed to retaining all Lake MacLeod employees, ensuring continuity of operation and providing job stability to the 130-strong workforce.”
Lake MacLeod, one of Dampier Salt’s three solar salt sites, is located in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region. It comprises a salt operation of approximately 1.5 Mtpa, a gypsum operation of 1 Mtpa, and a deepwater port at Cape Cuvier, 70 kilometres north of Carnarvon.
