The scope includes the design, fabrication, supply and erection of an enclosed 284m-long ore storage facility and associated materials handling.

The design is already well underway and onsite construction works are expected to start in January 2023.

"This project fits perfectly into our core business and will provide employment for about 60 site personnel and opportunities for local businesses," Kerman managing director Chris Kerman said.

"To deliver a world class facility for MRL we will call upon our previous experience in the design and construction of port bulk storage and materials handling facilities in locations such as Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Port Kembla and Whyalla.

"We are very pleased with the opportunity to design and construct a storage facility with these dimensions in the Pilbara region. Once constructed, this facility will be one of the largest enclosed bulk storage buildings in Australia's cyclone region."

MinRes' $2.4 billion Ashburton project is expected to produce 30 million tonnes of iron ore per annum.

It is shovel-ready but awaiting government approvals.