Perth, June 26, 2008 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Further to the Aurox Resources (ASX:AXO)(PNK:AUOXF) earlier announcement, we are pleased to attach a copy of the media statement issued by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in relation to the Company's agreement with the Port Hedland Port Authority for a magnetite shipping facility.
Aurox agreement highlights vital development role of State's ports.
An agreement between the Port Hedland Port Authority and iron ore producer Aurox Resources Limited for use of the new multi-user public berth at Utah Point highlights the vital role of the State's public ports in developing mineral exports.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the agreement also underlined the viability of transparent access regimes for multi-user facilities in supporting new entrants into the resources industry.
"This agreement will see ore exports initially at six million tonnes per annum (mtpa), rising up to 10 mtpa after five years, using about half the capacity of the new berth, which is due for completion in 2010," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The port has already received commitments for a total 16.5 mtpa of capacity for iron ore, manganese and chromite through Utah Point.
"Means to increase berth capacity are being investigated, to meet continuing demand of other customers.
"While Aurox will develop its own storage and retrieval facilities, the port will develop storage facilities that smaller operations can lease and all exporters will use the port's conveyor and shiploader.
"There could be 10, or more, smaller scale exporters using the public facilities to get a foothold in the industry. Some may grow to the point where it becomes economical for them to develop their own infrastructure."
The Minister said the A$225 million public berth at Utah Point with a potential capacity of about 20 mpta, could increase the port's current output through the public user facilities by up to 400 per cent and provide many benefits including:
- capacity to accommodate small Cape class vessels of up to 120,000 DWT;
- freeing up access on existing public berths and berthside land to facilitate an additional 1.2 million tonnes annually in new bulk, general cargo and container trade;!!
- providing access to export facilities for emerging iron ore juniors; and
- relocating manganese and chromite stockpiles away from the town, reducing health risks and improving amenity at the West end of the town.
"With the inclusion of BHP facilities, Port Hedland Port's exports are expected to reach 130 mpta this financial year and rise to about 180 mpta in 12 months, maintaining its position as one of the world's largest bulk export ports," Ms MacTiernan said.
Contact
Minister's office
+61-8-9213-6400
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