New bulk cargo jetty at Kwinana to service nickel project at Murrin Murrin

30/10/98

Transport Minister Murray Criddle today officially opened a new bulk cargo jetty at Kwinana which will service Anaconda Nickel's major nickel and cobalt project at Murrin Murrin.

The new facilities will cater for the importation of 500,000 tonnes of sulphur per annum to be used in the nickel processing plant at the minesite.

The first shipment of 46,000 tonnes of sulphur arrived from Vancouver in September, and a second ship earlier this month unloaded a further 45,000 tones destined for Murrin Murrin.

Murrin Murrin which is expected to become one of the world's biggest nickel mines.

"The Fremantle Port Authority has invested $7million in the bulk cargo facilitity at Kwinana and Brambles have injected $11million into the project, including a 120,000 tonnes capacity shed which will be used to store the product," Mr Criddle said.

"The transport and storage task associated with the Murrin Murrin project is enormous and has required the fabrication of ammonia tanks, the construction of an ammonia rail siding and loading stations by CSBP, the supply of 74 flat top Westrail wagons and 168 sulphur containers.

"The first stage of the Murrin Murrin project is expected to produce 45,000 tonnes of nickel and 3000 tonnes of cobalt a year and provide permanent direct employment for about 650 people," he said.

Mr Criddle said the bulk cargo jetty was an example of a successful partnership between Government and the private sector.

"Anaconda Nickel is contracted to use the facilities for 15 years but the infrastructure will be available for all port users, providing an opportunity for new bulk trades," he said.

Media Contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333