Port attracts mining interest

Iron ore, bauxite and coal mining companies have shown interest in Albany Port due to its berthing capacity and potential to accommodate iron ore carriers after the proposed Southdown project dredging is completed.

A strategic meeting was held by the Albany Port Authority board last Thursday to discuss potential and existing trade in the port, attended by senior executives from grains, woodchips and iron ore industries, CBH, Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport.

Albany Port Authority chief executive Brad Williamson said while Grange Resources had promised a financial close by the end of the year with dredging to start next year, the board were keeping an eye out for business opportunities in the meantime.

“Other mineral product companies are talking to us such as bauxite, coal and iron ore,” Mr Williamson said.

“Other trades are also interested in the port once we have established that depth through dredging, we are having early discussions about that.”

Mr Williamson said unlike other WA ports, Albany Port had spare berthing capacity.

“There’s a huge boom in mineral prices, Esperance has capacity restraints, Oakajee hasn’t been built yet, Geraldton has capacity restraints,” he said.

“There are mining companies desperate to get some cashflow and even though it’s a huge haul-distance, they are considering it because they can’t go through other ports.”

Yilgara Iron Producers Association chief executive David Utting, who made a presentation at the strategic meeting on Thursday, said his company would consider using Albany Port.

“It is not inconceivable that the southern part of the Yilgarn Iron Province could also utilise Albany Port,” Mr Utting said.

“There are also iron companies in the wheat belt such as AAMG and Magnetic Resources that could find Albany attractive.

“The port is run on a very professional basis and is one of the best in the State to deal with.”

Mr Utting also said the iron industry had the potential to deliver enormous economic benefits to the Albany.

toyah.shakespeare@albanyadvertiser.com