Operated by Rio Tinto, Dampier Salt’s Port Hedland Saltworks runs 24/7. A giant facility, it draws salt water in from the Indian Ocean, evaporating it to become hypersaline. This is then stored in giant crystalised ponds, where the salt itself is grown.
Yes, they use seawater to grow more salt for export, a process that creates exceedingly high-grade salt—higher even than what we use on our food.
The Port Hedland Salt Lakes are said to produce about 3.2 million tonnes of salt a year. It’s evident in the expansive salt lakes and giant salt stacks you can see from Redbank Bridge Lookout.
For those who are interested, specialised Saltworks tours operate that allow you to get up close to the salt lakes, with access to the Saltworks area where you can learn all about the process.
Speak to our friendly receptionist who can help you organise a tour.
