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The Port of Esperance in Western Australia will welcome a new iron ore exporter in a deal to boost iron ore trade by up to 1.5 million tonnes a year.
The new agreement will see Gold Valley Iron Ore be granted access to critical iron ore infrastructure at the port, including rail receival facilities, conveyors, shed space and the ship loader.
Gold Valley Iron Ore is expected to export its first shipment from the port in September this year.
“Opening up Port of Esperance infrastructure to a second exporter will see iron ore trade capacity maximised, resulting in a positive boost to the Western Australian economy,” WA Ports Minister David Michael said.
“I am pleased to see the use of the rail system for this trade, which would otherwise be trucked by road to the Port of Geraldton.
“Unlocking this groundbreaking new opportunity at the Port of Esperance is backed by continued investment in our regional ports by the WA Government.”
Gold Valley Iron Ore is the second customer to be able to access the iron ore circuit through the port, and the first from the Wiluna area.
“The Port of Esperance is a vital cog in the regional economy, so this is a huge win for the local community and the wider Goldfields-Esperance region,” Agricultural Region member of the legislative council Shelley Payne said.
“Iron ore has been a vital trade commodity through Esperance port for 30 years and it is great to see that a second iron exporter has been secured.”