First shipment of iron ore from new Geraldton Port

21/2/04
Today, for the first time in 30 years, iron ore is being shipped out of Geraldton Port.
This afternoon, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan inspected the loading of the first ore from Mount Gibson Iron Limited's Tallering Peak operation - the 38,000 tonne load is bound for Nanjing, China.
The first shipment is the direct result of the Gallop Government's $103million Port Enhancement Project, completed late last year.
The massive project included deepening the harbour basin and access channel - allowing bigger vessels to enter the port and opening up new export opportunities.
"Today's first iron ore shipment from Geraldton Port is a key moment in securing the Mid-West's economic future," Ms MacTiernan said.
"A new export market has been created for the Mid-West through strategic infrastructure investment by the Gallop Government.
"The Mid-West community will reap major economic benefits as iron ore provides another export string to the bow of the region."
The Minister said an estimated 1.5million tonnes of iron ore would be exported from Geraldton during the next 12 months - ore loads are expected to reach up to 55,000 tonnes in future shipments.
Vessels up to Handymax size can now be fully laden at Geraldton, decreasing costs through efficiency in operations.
"Geraldton is emerging as a very attractive proposition for exporters," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The Mount Gibson Iron Limited Project is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the new opportunities the Geraldton Port can now deliver to the region."
The Minister said the Gallop Government was committed to building stronger regional economies through investment in strategic infrastructure.
"The Port Enhancement Project is part of a wider strategy to develop investment and employment opportunities throughout the Mid-West," she said.
"This strategy includes the $46million sealing of the Mt Magnet-Leinster Road at Sandstone and the $72.2million Southern Transport Corridor and the Geraldton Regional Plan."
Geraldton MLA Shane Hill welcomed today's historic shipment.
"Within three years of winning office, Labor has delivered on its pledge to secure Geraldton's economic future," Mr Hill said.
"Today we are witnessing the opening up of a new export market for the Mid-West and the benefits of the Gallop Government's massive infrastructure investment."
Mining exports from the Geraldton Port now include iron ore, mineral sands, talc, copper and zinc concentrates and garnet - imports include fertilizer, fuel and mineral sands.
The agricultural sector is also benefiting from the new port with a record harvest currently being shipped from Geraldton.
Minister's office: 9213 6400