BHP Billiton is seeking government approval for a planned expansion of its Port Hedland operations in the Pilbara Region that would would double its current iron ore output in the medium term.

The timely release of the environment reports today is indication of BHP's intent to expand the project further and complete in two to three years.

The said expansion, according to company statements, would like to make rooom for more than doubling its iron ore production in the Pilbara region of Western Australia,

The development at Port Hedland, the world's second-largest iron ore port, would see BHP's exports from the site increase to 350 million tonnes a year by 2020 from about 150 million tonnes a year now, according to a presentation put out by the miner last month.

BHP said it targets dredge surrounding ports for shipping vessels, as well as the construction of rail links and roads.

The company says the project is unlikely to have a significant impact on endangered marine species, and will not change the conservation status of any species of fauna.

BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group -- the three major miners in Pilbara -- plan to add 50 percent to their production from the region in just over three years.

Pilbara a remote area of Australia's far northwest -- produces about 40 percent of the world's iron ore, an essential ingredient in steel-making.