New mine deals to grow Geraldton port exports

Geraldton Port’s annual exports are expected to surge by 1.5 million tonnes from existing mines and a further 2m tonnes now agreements have been signed with the owners of three new mines. In Geraldton yesterday, WA Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said jobs were being created in the region. “Every time that the port is putting through more tonnage, there’s more people coming into the region generally,” she said. Strandline Resources, GWR Group and Fenix Resources have signed port services agreements, with the WA Government expected to start a major growth spurt in the Mid West within two years. Fenix is expected to export 1.25m tonnes annually from its Iron Ridge iron ore projects 490km north east of Geraldton, with first shipment expected in early 2021. GWR Group will export 500,000 tonnes a year for its C4 Wiluna Iron Ore Stage 1 project, with first shipment also expected in early 2021. From 2022, Strandline Resources is to export 230,000 tonnes a year of mineral sands from its Coburn project, 240km north of Geraldton near Shark Bay. Earlier this year the WA Government endorsed the Port of Geraldton Master Plan, expected to grow the port’s exports from 14.95m to 50m tonnes a year over the coming 15 years. The State has funded the $10m Wharf 4 strengthening and rail replacement project to upgrade a key piece of Geraldton Port infrastructure, paving the way for long-term growth in mineral sands export from Geraldton. Wharf 4 is the primary export wharf for mineral sands, talc and concentrates from Geraldton Port, and will be used by Strandline Resources. Mid West Ports Authority is currently finalising tender negotiations for the Wharf 4 works, which are expected to get under way in 2021. Ms MacTiernan said new resources projects were coming online through the Mid West. “These port services agreements will see a significant expansion of exports through Geraldton Port over the next two years, creating local jobs in Geraldton and across the region,” she said. “Our investments at Gerald-ton Port mean trade can con-tinue to expand, ensuring a bright future for the city and the re-gion.”