Infrastructure

The Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance is working with Government and other stakeholders to progress a number of major infrastructure and planning projects to allow for the successful development of a viable iron ore industry in the Mid West region.

330kV transmission line between Perth and Geraldton: The planned 330kV transmission line from Perth to Geraldton is fundamental to meeting the growing demand for power in the Mid West. State Government has commitment to building the 330kV transmission line but as yet the timing has not been confirmed.

Geraldton Port and the Southern Transport Corridor (STC): A significant issue facing the expansion of the iron ore industry to date has been the bottle-necks in the capacity of the Geraldton Port and associated rail and road infrastructure. It is critical that expanded capacity of key infrastructure is achieved in coordination with planned mine development and output.

Oakajee Port and associated infrastructure: The newly elected State Government has indicated strong support of the Oakajee deepwater port and Alliance member companies welcome that support. Alliance member company projects at Jack Hills, Mt Gould, Robinson Range, Wiluna West, Weld Range and Karara are all planning to export through this port on the basis of its timely development.

Mid West rail system: Companies are providing or planning significant funding contributions to enable the development of the region’s rail system to accommodate the transport task resulting from the development of the region’s iron ore industry.  Alliance member companies are currently awaiting the definition of the rail corridor from Oakajee port to the Weld Range and Jack Hills mines by State Government. Once this has been confirmed, environmental investigations, land tenure matters and rail design works can be progressed.

Sustainable water allocation: Adequate supply of water is critical to the growth of the Mid West. All iron ore companies are committed to the sustainable use of our valuable water resources and implementation of responsible water management practices. Potentially significant unexplored groundwater aquifers still exist in the Mid West and the Alliance is promoting the investigation of these resources and responsible allocation of water quotas reserved for the sustainable development of industry to protect our economic future.