Premier opens Mining Area C

30/10/03
Premier Geoff Gallop today opened BHP Billiton's Mining Area C in the central Pilbara.
Dr Gallop said the opening was a significant moment for Western Australia's resources sector and showed that WA was ready to meet growing global demand for iron ore, particularly from China.
"Strong demand for iron ore within China is driving expansion throughout WA's iron ore industry, attracting investment and creating jobs and opportunities throughout the State," the Premier said.
"Iron ore surged from 110million tonnes in 1992 to 172million tonnes in 2002 and there are plans that would see production increase to 260million tonnes over the next decade.
"Add to that a number of new proposals for iron ore processing projects, and it is evident that WA will continue to play a growing role in meeting the world's hunger for iron ore."
Dr Gallop said while this was clearly a very exciting time for the iron ore industry and for WA, the current expansion phase was also strategically significant.
The Mining Area C mine underlines the importance of joint ventures and WA projects being able to integrate into the world's industrial supply chains.
"I am particularly pleased to welcome the world's largest integrated steel producer, POSCO to WA," Dr Gallop said.
"POSCO's role as an equity partner and foundation customer for the ore is seen as a vote of confidence in WA and we look forward to a long and productive relationship."
The Premier also said Area C, and BHP Billiton Iron Ore's project management, was highly significant from a social and sustainability perspective.
"BHP Billiton Iron Ore is to be commended for the fact that over five per cent of the construction workforce are of Aboriginal descent, the project was completed without any serious injuries or environmental incidents, and 84 per cent of the capital expenditure was spent here in WA," he said.
Dr Gallop said the opening of Mining Area C sends out signals that the State is internationally competitive and that we build successful partnerships with the world's leading companies.
Premier's Office - 9222 9475