The state environment watchdog has today recommended the expansion of the Albany Port, paving the way for Grange Resources to achieve operational efficiencies for its Southdown magnetite iron project.
The Environmental Protection Authority today released its advice and recommendations to the environment minister on the proposal to expand the Albany Port to cater for larger Cape size vessels.
The proposal involves dredging in Princess Royal Habour and King George Sound for a shipping channel, berth pocket and turning basing.
The EPA said the dredged material would be used to reclaim land to construct an additional berth adjacent to the port, with excess dredge material placed in deep water within King George Sound.
Up to 12 million cubic metres of material would be dredged over a seabed area of about 247 hectares, the EPA said.
Stringent operating procedures have been put in place by the EPA, including protocol for when whales and other large marine life are present in the operational area.
In a statement today, Grange said the EPA recommendation is another significant milestone for the Southdown project, which late last year received state government approval for the mine and associated pipeline infrastructure.
"The use of the larger Cape Size vessels will contribute to shipping and operational efficiencies, as well as reducing by two thirds the shipping movements required in the Albany harbour compared to the current smaller vessels," Grange said.
The mine has a potential life of more than 30 years and is expected to employ more than 600 people.
The project is currently at definitive feasibility study stage.
Shares in Grange were up half-a-cent to 33.5c at 13:28 AEDT.
