Bonython headway as South Australia seeks port builders

<p>Stuart Petroleum was making progress on its bid to build a major diesel fuel terminal and a refinery at Port Bonython, a spokesman said today (Thursday, May 8) in the week that the South Australian government called for expressions of interest (EOI) in developing it as a minerals outlet.</p> <p>Stuart reported last week that negotiations, involving its Port Bonython Fuels joint venture with Scott Group formed last year, had continued on land, jetty and diesel supply issues.</p> <p>Highlighting his commitment to developing the port earlier this week, SA premier Mike Rann said : </p> <p>&#8220The existing port facilities in the Upper Spencer Gulf are committed to capacity, and with the rapid expansion of the mining industry, we must consider extra port facilities as a priority."</p> <p>The EOI document covered development of a deepwater bulk commodities export facility that could handle 7m-13m tonnes a year of iron ore, primarily, but copper concentrate and other product eventually.</p> <p>The facility would have to be able to: </p> <p>Handle capesize ships either directly moored or through barging </p> <p>Provide access to interstate rail line </p> <p>Be scalable to meet the changing needs of the minerals exporters and</p> <p>Ensure fair and open access. </p> <p>Complicating factors would include protection of Giant Cuttlefish, native title, visual impact, noise, dust, and beach and shack access.</p> <br />