Oakajee Port

Oakajee Port is a proposed deep water port to be built in the Mid West region of Western Australia, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) north of the city of Geraldton to service the region's growing iron ore industry. Approval by the Government of Western Australia for the construction and operation of the port and rail facility was announced on 29 July 2008,[1] with the contract being awarded to Oakajee Port & Rail Pty Ltd, a joint venture between Murchison Metals Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation.[2]

Delays

Construction was expected to commence in 2011 with completion possible by 2014.[1] The project, including the associated rail project and rolling stock is expected to cost about A$4 billion. The port will have an initial capacity of 45 million metric tons of iron ore annually.

In 2012, media speculation on the cancellation of the project increased with announcements of delays and cutbacks [3][4] however the Premier of Western Australia Colin Barnett has publicly stated his desire to facilitate conciliation between the various parties involved [5]

In June 2013 Mitsubishi announced they were suspending work until an investment partner could be found.[6]

As of November 2014 the project remains mothballed.[7]

Location

The port and facilities will be constructed within approximately 6,400 hectares (16,000 acres) of land owned by the State Government. The property is used as farmland but 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) is zoned for heavy industrial and 200 hectares (490 acres) zoned for support industries.[8] It is roughly bordered by the Buller River to the south, Coronation Beach Road to the north and the Moresby Ranges to the east.

History

Oakagee was a location on the Northampton railway line in the era between 1879 and 1957.[9]

The site was first considered as a port and railway terminus approximately 30 years ago.[8]

Opposition to the project from locals has highlighted environmental concerns including the destruction of the nearby and pristine Coronation Beach.

Lobbying in favour of the project has been from a partnership known as Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance which includes miners Mount Gibson Iron, Midwest Corporation (ASX:MIS), Murchison Metals Ltd (ASX:MMX), Gindalbie Metals (ASX:GBG), Golden West Resources, Royal Resources Ltd, Asia Iron Holdings Ltd and Atlas Iron Ltd.[10]

The alternative project considered by the government was to deepen and enlarge the existing Geraldton Port, however this was considered non-viable due to environmental issues associated with the port being situated relatively close to the city.

Railway

The new port will be served by a dual gauge railway line providing for both narrow gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) and standard gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in).

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Oakajee Port and Rail to build new Mid-West iron ore port". Government Media Office. 29 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  2. ↑ Jesse Riseborough (30 July 2008). "Oakajee Iron Ore Port, Rail Cost May Rise 17% to A$3.5 Billion". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  3. ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-08/opr-more-difficult-to-get-up/4301946
  4. ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-08/oakajee-port-and-rail-project-on-hold/4361300
  5. ↑ http://www.skynews.com.au/businessnews/article.aspx?id=814425
  6. ↑ http://www.dsd.wa.gov.au/8080.aspx
  7. ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-27/tradional-owners-reach-agreement-on-mid-west-mine/5919636
  8. 1 2 "Oakajee Deep Water Port, Industrial Estate and Murchison Rail Link". Mid West Development Commission. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  9. ↑ "Military Camp at Oakagee.". Geraldton Guardian (WA : 1906 - 1928). WA: National Library of Australia. 26 October 1906. p. 3. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  10. ↑ "About us". Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance. Retrieved 2008-07-30.

External links

Coordinates: 28°33′34″S 114°33′54″E / 28.55944°S 114.56500°E / -28.55944; 114.56500

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