Centrex Metals proposes to construct a deep water marine port on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia to address existing infrastructure hurdles and enable the development and export of magnetite ore from the Eyre Peninsula. The port will be developed in four stages. The first stage will allow the export of hematite and grain and additional stages will allow for the export of magnetite. The estimated cost of the project is A$150-200 million and construction of the jetty is expected to be completed, ready for export in 2014.
The port site is located approximately 210 km northwest of Adelaide, 70 km northeast of Port Lincoln, 21 km northeast of Tumby Bay and 20 km sout-west of Port Neill. The Lipson Island Conservation Park is located 1.5 km south of the port. The site is located within the District Council of Tumby Bay in the General Farming and Coastal zones.

Centrex believes that the port site is a rare location that affords deep water (20 m) suitable for exporting in Cape id vessels (>160,000 t) relatively close to the coast (515 m) and near to existing rail and social infrastructure. Environmental assessments undertaken have not identified endangered or significant habitat within close proximity of the proposed site in either land or marine environments. It is Centrex’s objective to develop the port with minimal environmental impact and maximum community benefit.

The proposed port is intended to facilitate transport of Eyre Peninsula’s abundant natural mineral resources, especially the rich iron ore reserves concentrated on the Eyre Peninsula, to international markets. The port may also serve as a multi-use export gate for grain, serving local agricultural businesses on the Eyre Peninsula. Development and operation of a purpose-built port facility will reduce the demand for and maintenance of transport corridors and facilities associated with existing ports in SA, including at Port Lincoln.

Centrex submitted a referral to the Department of Planning and Local Government in December 2010. On 6 January 2011, the project was declared a major project by the Minister for Urban Development and Planning.