Vision for the Mid West

The Mid West region of Western Australia was one of the first iron ore mining provinces identified in Western Australia, but was not significantly developed due to the massive iron ore reserves discovered further north in the Pilbara during the 1960s.

More recently, however, a number of factors have emerged to create a unique window of opportunity to build a strong iron ore mining industry in the Mid West. Because of its strategic location, existing infrastructure and substantial iron ore resources, the Mid West offers an attractive environment for investment by iron ore companies.

While the current market demand for iron ore has been impacted by the economic downturn, the Mid West iron ore industry continues to have a positive and profitable long-term outlook. The Alliance remains committed to paving the way for a sustainable iron ore industry in the region that will have life well into the future.

The Mid West is uniquely placed to provide an opportunity for the many steel producers around the world that are seeking to diversify their sources of supply, with a view to ensuring long-term security of supply and access to long-life iron ore resources.

In addition to this, a number of niche markets have also emerged that are better serviced by smaller operators. Steel mills located along the Yangtze River in China, for example, are limited to smaller sized transportation vessels, with some mining operators in the Mid West ideally positioned to take advantage of such markets.

The Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance believes this combination of factors makes the development of a successful iron ore industry in the Mid West/Murchison area a unique and valuable opportunity for the region and the State of Western Australia.