The North West Iron Ore Alliance (NWIOA), a cooperative of iron ore producers focused on the Pilbara, has applauded the announcement from the Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore, on the introduction of an A$80 million exploration incentive program to increase the level of mineral exploration in the State. Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the NWIOA, Justin Walawski, said the initiative appeared part of a broader agenda and was an example of the positive support being provided to junior miners by the Western Australia State Government.

Walawski: “The allocation of government funding to enhance mineral exploration in Western Australia is an extremely encouraging move that will lead to new discoveries and increased diversity of potential mineral producers. Initiatives such as this will play a vital role in improving the State’s reputation and the long term contribution of the resources industry to the Western Australian economy. Importantly, many in the industry will see this as part of a broader agenda to create diversity in the sector and the Government should be commended.”

Walawski said the planned expansion of Utah Point, part of the Port Hedland port, was another example of the Government’s focus on an initiative vital to the long term development of diversity and the junior iron ore industry in Western Australia. Walawski:”While some naysayers have suggested the Utah Point expansion may be delayed; the Government and the Port Hedland Port Authority (PHPA) appear to be driving the expansion to proceed as planned and on schedule. This kind of resolve from the Government and the PHPA is welcome and sends a strong message about how important the ongoing development of the Port Hedland port is to economic growth in Western Australia.”

The North West Iron Ore Alliance was formed in 2007 to support the development of a junior iron ore sector in the Pilbara. Its member companies are Atlas Iron, BC Iron, Brockman Resources and FerrAus, all of which have agreed to cooperate on issues such as infrastructure development and access, statutory approvals and community development.