First Sinosteel shipment a landmark for Mid West region

Despite being delayed by some days due to heavy swells, the MV “Hai Lang” departed with 60,000 tonnes of ore mined from the Koolanooka Blue Hills project from the Geraldton Port to China steel mills.
The ship’s departure followed an official celebration held in Geraldton last week, where premier Colin Barnett was joined by Sinosteel vice president Jiang Hong along with federal, state and local politicians, industry and community leaders, and Chinese delegates to commemorate the landmark.
A positive bank feasibility study for Sinosteel’s Weld Range was also unveiled at the event.
“Going forward, the Koolanooka and Blue Hills mines will produce 1.5 million tonnes of ore per annum for 5 to 7 years, which is expected to equate to around $25 million worth of royalties for Western Australia,” said Sinosteel Midwest chief operating officer Giulio Casello.
“Progressing the Koolanooka project through planning, approvals and development to its first shipment will lay the foundation for advancing our major project at Weld Range. This will be the largest direct shipping ore (DSO) project in the Mid West and is expected to produce 15 million tonnes per annum for at least 15 years and create 1000 jobs during peak construction.”
Although discovered before the Pilbara, the Mid West region was eclipsed by the rapid growth of its northern rival in the 1960’s, with the rich Tom Price and Mount Whaleback deposits offering more scope for development.
However, with the massive rise of China’s steel industry, and its insatiable demand for iron ore, the Mid West has at last emerged as a feasible export province.
Contact: www.sinosteelmidwest.com.au