bhp billiton is currently spending a$1.85 billion on its "rapid growth project 4", aimed at increasing its annual iron ore output to 155 million tonnes. to achieve this, upgrades to both mines and port facilities are necessary. the project is scheduled for completion by 2010. as a follow-up, "rapid growth project 5", with a budget of a$4.8 billion, targets a further production increase of 50 million tonnes annually. additionally to upgrades at the mines and ports, it will also include duplication of existing railway lines and is scheduled for completion in late 2011. the jimblebar mine is part of another expansion project, launched in 2010 and aimed at increasing production from the pilbara mines to 240 million tonnes of iron ore annually by 2013. the expansion of jimlebar, together with an expansion of the inner harbour at port hedland and works on the duplication of rail tracks is estimated to cost a$2.15billion. the project is titled "rapid growth project 6".