City moves quickly to approve mine contract

A Geraldton company is set to achieve a larger turnover than the City of Greater Geraldton itself after landing a haulage and crushing contract with a Wiluna iron ore mine, which could inject up to $65 million a year into the local economy. QEM Group founder and owner Todd Quadrio said his 2021 work book totalled $120 million. “We currently employ over 100 people out of the Geraldton community, we’re still looking for more, so at the end of the day we will be employing 120-140,” he said. Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City, which turned over about $80 million a year, was keen to issue the necessary licences. “As the City was winding down before Christmas, the application for planning and building came in,” he said. “With all hands on deck, directors, managers and staff joined together and we managed to turn around all approvals in under seven days. “Council delegates a lot of responsibility to its staff, it’s a very deliberate thing that we do to not stifle projects.” To fulfil the contract with the Golden West Resources and Pilbara Resource Group joint venture, Mr Quadrio said QEM was building special sheds and installing specialised facilities at Deepdale Road in Narngulu to transfer the ore. “We physically cart the material in and put it through our transfer station which is what the City approved for us due to its low impact,” he said. “We transfer it there and down to Geraldton port, into the shed ready for the ship.” Mr Quadrio said by issuing quick approvals, the City “obviously understood the importance of the project and benefit to the community.” “It will put $60-65m per annum into the Geraldton economy over its life span,” he said. Mr Van Styn said a $65m injection to the economy created an “immediate effect” of more than $100m. “Every truck driver spends their wages on housing and food and groceries,” he said. “That compounds, so that ultimate number is probably more like $300-$400m.” Mr Quadrio said full production was expected to start on January 10.