State Government extend trucking licences while Terra Mining continue negotiations to transfer ore to rail

Interim licences granting a mining contractor permission to freight iron ore via road, heavily increasing trucking movements through Mid West towns, have been extended. The licence issued to Terra Mining’s contractor Campbell Transport has been extended until March next year while negotiations to use a nearby rail network continue. The State Government granted Campbell Transport interim commercial goods vehicle licences (CGVLs) late last year, allowing the transportation of iron ore through the quiet shires of Perenjori, Morawa and Mingenew, after Terra Mining restarted operations at Extension Hill in the Shire of Yalgoo. The licences were valid until March 31 while commercial negotiations on the transport of iron ore by rail were finalised between the company and rail owner ARC Infrastructure. The trucking schedule saw an increase of 160 trucking movements per week in January, 250 movements a week in February and 317 movements a week in March. A Department of Transport spokesperson confirmed the licences were reissued with new conditions improving safe transport of product this month. Trucks are now restricted to a 40km/h speed limit through built-up areas such as Perenjori, Morawa and Mingenew, and the department has the power to add more conditions to the licence. The licences expire on March 31, 2025. An ARC Infrastructure spokesperson said the rail network owner had been in discussions with Terra about transitioning to rail and it was committed to bringing new tasks on to rail. “Users of our network benefit from a high level of supply chain reliability and, in turn, local communities benefit through a reduction in truck movements on regional roads,” they said. “While we cannot comment on the status or detail of individual negotiations, we can confirm that we have had discussions with Terra Mining about the potential for their task to transition to rail. “We will continue working with Terra and other key supply chain providers to assist Terra in determining their preferred mode of transport moving forward.” A DoT spokesperson said it would reassess the situation in two months and add on conditions if required, with the expectation Terra begins transitioning from road to rail. “DoT will liaise with affected shires and other stakeholders throughout the course of the two-month period, keeping open the option for additional conditions to protect community amenity and safety,” the spokesperson said. “During this period, the company is required to demonstrate progress towards transferring the majority of its production to the rail network. This will involve substantial investment in rail infrastructure as well as commercial agreements with rail service providers.” Terra Mining was contacted for comment.