The Western Australian Governmnt has hailed the opening of a new iron ore export facility at Geraldton Port in the state’s Mid-West Region.

 

Premier Colin Barnett congratulated Karara Mining on the opening of the new $200 million facility for shipping haematite and magnetite ore from its Karara mine, 220 kilometres east of Geraldton.

 

State Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the milestone by Karara partners Gindalbie Metals and Chinese steel producer, Ansteel, had laid the foundation for further development of the Mid-West magnetite industry.

 

“The project generated more than 1,500 construction jobs and will create 500 operational positions, as well as indirectly employing 300 people in the Mid-West,” Mr Buswell said.

 

The Premier said expanded facilities at Geraldton Port would enable the project to work towards its full potential, while new, deepwater shipping facilities at Oakajee, 20km north of Geraldton, were established.


“Oakajee Port will accommodate Cape Class vessels, much bigger than those using Geraldton Port, and be better able to support Karara’s targeted production of 30 million tonnes per annum,” Mr Barnett said.