Portman's Koolyanobbing expansion given the go ahead

11/07/03
Indigenous Affairs Minister John Kobelke announced today he had approved a section 18 application, under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, for expansion of the Koolyanobbing Iron Ore project in the northern Goldfields.
Mr Kobelke said the application, from Portman Iron Ore Limited, was to expand its open pit mining operations to include Windarling and Mount Jackson, north of Southern Cross.
"Both registered and unregistered native title claimants in the region indicated there was nothing of sufficient heritage value in the project area to prevent approval being granted," he said.
The registered claimants gave written support, for approval of the application.
"In making the decision I have considered the views of local Aboriginal people and the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee, which did not support approval prior to further work being done," Mr Kobelke said.
"The approval is conditional on Portman Iron Ore Limited consulting with registered Native Title groups on material uncovered in the project area."
Portman would also be required to report to the Registrar of Aboriginal Sites on the impact of the project on known Aboriginal Sites and material.
"To minimise the impact of known archaeological sites, the Registrar of Aboriginal Sites will provide a permit for an archaeologist to work with representatives of the registered native title claimants to record findings and, where appropriate, salvage material in the project area," he said.
Mr Kobelke said it was important for the Government to find the balance between the protection of sites of Aboriginal heritage significance, and the long-term economic sustainability of the region.
The Portman expansion project, in conjunction with the current Koolyanobbing mining operation, is expected to bring substantial economic and employment benefits to the Goldfields, as well as flow-on effects from the upgrade of Koolyanobbing-Esperance railway and the expansion of facilities at the Esperance port.
The project is expected to create 300 new jobs.
Minister's office: 9222 9211