Innovations in iron ore (different approaches to mine development and new technologies) is one of the key articles in IM’s September issue (currently at the printer). Hot news, too late to include, is the potential of the new integrated Oakajee port and rail infrastructure project to be maximised through a new governance framework, proposed by OPR Chief Executive Officer Chris Eves at the Mid-West Resources Forum in Geraldton today. Eves said bottlenecks and scheduling issues at other Australian export terminals, such as Dalrymple Bay in Queensland, highlighted the need for co-ordinated management of all parts of the mid-west transport supply chain.
“The performance of the supply chain – the interaction of mining, rail and port operations – will be a major factor in maximising the value of extraction and sale of export iron ore from the region, of creating efficiencies as well as creating new value – and we believe our integrated solution provides the best opportunity to bring all elements together to deliver that,” Eves said. “Coordination and cooperation are driving principles of our port and rail project.
“We plan to put together a Mid-West Logistics Association, comprising all iron ore producers and infrastructure service providers, to plan and manage the co-ordination of delivery of product from mine to customers.”
Eves said the Mid-West Logistics Association could also provide a forum for long-term planning for any expansion of infrastructure and monitoring of the efficiency and value of the supply chain. “Oakajee has been more than a decade in the making. Now that we’ve moving forward with this important project, we want to make sure we deliver the best outcome for the industry and the region as a whole.”
Eves said once the State Government declared the rail route, OPR would move ahead with the development of its rail network to deliver a timely transport route for local miners. “Our commitment to certainty and timeliness are aligned with the commercial imperatives of our customers and we look forward to delivering an integrated, coordinated transport solution to unlock the value of the mid-west.”
Eves said the Association would also be a forum for consultation and coordination. “Our focus now is to finalise the project parameters and the rail route with the State Government later this year, as well as engaging local stakeholders and potential clients for the earliest possible start-up of the new integrated transport solution.”