Aquila Resources Limited has advanced the approval processes for the West Pilbara Iron Ore Project.
The project includes the development of Anketell Port, and construction of a railway, mines and mine infrastructure south west of Pannawonica.
Port Facilities
Western Australia’s Department of State Development (DSD) has given its support to the assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of an amendment to the Anketell Port public environmental review to describe a revised port layout.
The amendment document describes and evaluates changes to the port proposal and addresses submissions received on the original public environmental review. The DSD acknowledged that the environmental data and analysis in the draft public environmental review was a significant consideration in the Dampier Port Authority’s master planning process.
The public environmental review amendment document will be available for examination for 30 days from next week. On the current schedule a report from the EPA as to the environmental acceptability of the proposed Anketell Port development is anticipated late in the March Quarter 2012.
The revised proposal provides for other mining companies to participate in the port development of up to 100Mtpa.
Mine and Rail Facilities
Progress is being made in respect of other approvals necessary for the Project. State and
Commonwealth Ministerial environmental approvals for the mine and rail elements are expected before the end of the year.
The Stage 1 Project Management Plan for the construction and operation of the mining operations has been approved by the Department of Mines and Petroleum.
Applications for Mining Leases and other tenure necessary for the mining operations and infrastructure such as Miscellaneous Licences have been lodged with the Department of Mines and Petroleum.
Assuming a successful completion of Native Title agreements, receipt of the Mining Leases is expected by mid-2012. A plan of these tenements is shown below.
A majority of the Project’s substantial mine and rail footprint has been covered by heritage surveys, which have been undertaken in consultation with Traditional Owners. Native Title negotiations are well advanced, with some agreements expected to be finalised this year.