Oakajee project reaches turning point

<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> The Oakajee Port &amp Rail team (OPR) will spend the next six months completing the final version of the Bankable Feasibility Study and obtaining the Western Australian Government’s approval for the terms of construction. </span> <p>By Sineva Toevai and Jennifer Perry<br /><br />OPR submitted the draft version of the study in the first half of the year.<br />“By the end of the year, we’re aiming to have all the feasibility work finished so that funding for the project can be organised,” OPR chief executive John Langoulant said.</p><p>“In addition to the feasibility studies, agreeing supply chain agreements with the mid-west miners and securing environmental approvals will be critical to meeting the 2014 target.”</p><p>Strong interest from iron ore miners prompted OPR to lift its planned port capacity by almost 30% to 45mtpa earlier this year.</p><p>“Once these key elements are in place, construction will start almost immediately, he said.”</p><p>The Oakajee project will deliver an integrated open access, bulk commodity supply chain to transport iron ore from WA’s mid-west region to international customers.</p><p>OPR will create a deepwater port, 25 km north of Geraldton, linked to regional mines by approximately 570 km of rail.</p><p>The associated open access rail network, to be funded, constructed and operated by OPR, will be scalable to allow operations up to 80-100mtpa with single track and passing loops. System and train control will be situated at Oakajee. The rail infrastructure includes spur lines to Jack Hills and the Weld Range and a short spur to allow connection to the southern mines.</p><p>The Oakajee project is a partnership between OPR, government, the private sector, and Australian and international partners.</p><p>OPR was established in September 2007 to pursue a joint venture between Murchison Metals Ltd and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, each of which has a 50 per cent economic interest in OPR.</p><p>The WA and Federal Governments have committed $678m for the construction of the common use port infrastructure, including channel, turning basins and breakwaters. OPR will construct and operate the infrastructure and the Western Australian government will own the facilities.<br />Sinosteel Midwest, Karara Mining and Crosslands Resources are the potential foundation customers.</p><p>The first shipment of ore through Oakajee is expected in 2014.</p><p>Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lloydslistdcn.com.au ">www.lloydslistdcn.com.au </a>The Australian Journal of Mining – <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theajmonline.com.au">www.theajmonline.com.au</a></p><p>&nbsp</p>