Atlas starts mining at Wodgina

Atlas Iron has announced it started mining at its direct shipping ore project at Wodgina, south of Port Hedland.

In a statement Atlas said that with mining starting at Wodgina and the new Utah Point port facility due to open soon it was on track to quadruple its combined Pilbara exports to 6 million tonnes per year by December.

See full statement below:

Atlas Iron Limited (ASX Code: AGO) is pleased to announce that mining has started at its Wodgina DSO Project, located 110 kilometres South of Port Hedland in the Pilbara of Western Australia (see Atlas announcement dated 30 April 2010).
With the commencement of mining at Wodgina and the scheduled delivery of the new multi-user port at Utah on 17th September, Atlas is on track to quadruple combined Pilbara exports to 6 Mtpa rate by December 2010.
The Karriyarra people, the WA State Government, Talison Minerals, Engenium, BGC, CSI and RED Engineering as well as the entire team at Atlas have all provided important contributions to this project and their efforts are very much appreciated. Atlas is now destined to become a significant iron ore exporter, employer and contributor to regional communities, the State of Western Australia and the nation.
"Our New Projects team, have not only delivered our second mine in as many years, they have set up a strong culture focused on safety and performance." commented David Flanagan, Atlas' Managing Director. "It's one thing to make discoveries but very much another to be able to turn them into mines. Wodgina represents a great opportunity to create real value for our shareholders as we build a great iron ore company."
Atlas celebrated the first blast at Anson on the 17th June. Mining is initially focusing on waste removal as the company ramps down into the starter pit in preparation for ore mining next week. Atlas will commence ore processing (crushing to 10mm) in July and road train haulage (up to 107 tonnes per unit) of ore into Port Hedland in August.
Utah Point Development
Atlas will be shipping iron ore through Utah in Port Hedland at a rate of 6 Mtpa later this year. Atlas continues to engage with Goodline, Pinc Group, the Port Hedland Port Authority and a number of key stakeholders as the Utah Point development is advanced for delivery of first ore on ship on 17th September 2010.
The delivery of the Australian made, Delta 7,500tph ship loader to Port Hedland in the first week of June 2010 is a major milestone. There has been significant advancement in engineering works on site in recent weeks as additional resources become available.
Ore from operations at Pardoo is currently being stockpiled (currently 165,000 tonnes) in Port Hedland in preparation for ship loading through Utah and shipments through Berth 1 in Port Hedland. Atlas' next shipment through Berth 1 of circa 60,000 tonnes is due in late June / early July 2010 depending on loading rates achieved by other berth users.