Emerging junior iron ore producers in the Pilbara have been given a boost today after the North West Iron Ore Alliance secured two new multi-user berths in the Port Hedland inner habour.
Emerging junior iron ore producers in the Pilbara have been given a boost today after the North West Iron Ore Alliance secured two new multi-user berths in the Port Hedland inner habour.
The Alliance, in consultation with Planning and Infrastrcuture Minister Alannah MacTiernan and the Port Hedland Port Authority, confirmed the reservation of the berths which have yet to be built.
The berths, and associated infrastructure, will have the capacity to export up to 50 million tonnes of iron ore each year, sufficient to cater for the initial production of Alliance members BC Iron Ltd, Atlas Iron Ltd, Brockman Resources Ltd and FerrAus Ltd.
The berths could be in operation as early as 2012.
Alliance chairman Megan Anwyl said the organisation had already received expressions of interest from engineering companies to carry out the scoping study for the development of the berths and associated infrastructure.
The full announcement is below:
The North West Iron Ore Alliance has secured a key strategic plank of the infrastructure required to support the emergence of a new generation of iron ore producers in the Pilbara region after the Western Australian Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Hon Alannah MacTiernan in consultation with the Port Hedland Port Authority confirmed the reservation of two new multi-user berths in the Port Hedland inner harbour for use by Alliance members and other potential junior producers.
The two berths earmarked for the Alliance members and other junior producers subject to certain conditions precedent, would have the capacity for up to 50 million tonnes of iron ore exports per annum, sufficient to cater for the initial production of its member companies - Atlas Iron Limited, BC Iron Limited, Brockman Resources Limited, and FerrAus Limited.
It is expected that the two berths and associated port infrastructure may be operational as early as 2012. The ultimate long term capacity is envisaged to be accommodated as part of the Outer Harbour development, which in itself is yet to be approved.
In welcoming the announcement, the Independent Chair of the North West Iron Ore Alliance, Megan Anwyl, said the port capacity reservation represented a major breakthrough for the junior companies that make up the Alliance, and demonstrated the Government's strong commitment towards the diversification of the iron ore industry.
"Minister MacTiernan and the Port Hedland Port Authority CEO, Andre Bush, should be congratulated for their efforts to maximise access to the inner harbour for the benefit of the State," Ms Anwyl said.
"This is a very important step forward for the Alliance and confirms our position within the Government's long-term vision for the continued development and expansion of the port at Port Hedland," she continued.
"This is proof that collaboration brings benefits."
"The Alliance has already received Expressions of Interest from engineering companies to conduct a detailed Scoping Study for the port development work required for the new berths and associated infrastructure," Ms Anwyl added. "We expect to announce the appointment of the preferred Project Manager shortly."
"This is further excellent news for communities in the Pilbara, as increased diversity in the iron ore industry will bring real benefits to improve the lifestyles of Pilbara residents," she commented.
The North West Iron Ore Alliance was formed in 2007 to support the development of a junior iron ore sector in the Pilbara. The member companies - Atlas Iron, BC Iron, Brockman Resources and FerrAus - have agreed to cooperate on issues such as infrastructure development and access, statutory approvals and community development.
Collectively the members of the North West Iron Ore Alliance have the potential to deliver over 50 million tonnes of iron ore per annum by 2014, generating in excess of $220 million in State royalties per annum.
