Construction Fill Material

Sources

Cockatoo Island has a long history of iron ore mining, dating back to the 1950s, with operations conducted by BHP, Portman Mining, and later Pluton Resources. Over decades of mining activity, several stockpiles of low-grade material and by-products were created, along with multiple quarry and borrow sites across the island.

These existing disturbed areas now present a valuable opportunity to supply bulk fill and construction material for civil and infrastructure projects, supporting sustainable reuse and minimising the need for new extraction where possible.

Bulk Fill Material

The residual materials and quarry sources on Cockatoo Island are well suited for use as bulk fill in a range of civil construction applications. These materials can provide stable, cost-effective solutions for landform reconstruction, embankment fills, and foundation base layers, particularly in remote or infrastructure-scarce environments. Their availability on-island reduces the need for imported fill and supports efficient site preparation for industrial, marine, and transport developments.

Flexible Pavement Aggregates

Select waste rock and crushed materials from historical mining operations on Cockatoo Island can be processed and graded for use in flexible pavement construction. When blended appropriately, these aggregates can be incorporated into bituminous pavement system as base and subbase to improve load distribution, durability, and resistance to deformation. Their iron-rich composition contributes to enhanced structural performance, making them a practical option for haul roads, airstrips, or access roads.

Sustainability

By repurposing existing stockpiles and quarry materials, Cockatoo Island presents an opportunity to reduce environmental disturbance and extend the value of previously mined resources. Utilising these materials for construction fill helps minimise the footprint of new extraction, divert waste from long-term storage, and supports a circular resource model in line with modern sustainability standards. This approach aligns with responsible land use and regulatory expectations for legacy mining sites.

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53 North Beach Road
North Beach, WA 6020

1300 413 706