Govt releases Anketell port plan

The Western Australian government has released a master plan for the Anketell port project, which is a critical piece of infrastructure in Aquila Resources' proposed $7 billion West Pilbara iron ore project.

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said access to port space was an increasingly rare and valuable commodity in the Pilbara.

“Development of Anketell port will help unlock the potential of the West Pilbara by aiding further development of the state’s natural resources,” he said.

“This master plan is a clear guide for proponents who are seeking additional routes to bring ore to market.

“This may well be the last major new port in the Pilbara.”

At full development, the Anketell port would have capacity of about 350 million tonnes per year, around 20 per cent more than the total shipments through Port Hedland in 2012-13.

The plan includes provisions for a substantial infrastructure corridor and more than 800 hectares of industrial land to support activities and future mining operations.

Initial environmental approvals for the site are in place, a native title agreement has been signed and an Aboriginal heritage survey is currently under way. 

The Department of State Development and the Dampier Port Authority, who will continue to work collaboratively as the project progresses, have jointly developed the plan.

Meanwhile, Aquila has announced it will not accept the takeover offer proposed by Mineral Resources earlier in the week, and recommended its shareholders accept the current $3.40 per share offer.