- Gold Valley exports first shipment of iron ore from Port of Esperance
- More than 78,000 tonnes of iron ore from the Wiluna West mine sets sail to China
- Port of Esperance iron ore circuit demonstrates multi-user capability for the first time in its history, with two exporters sharing its assets
Southern Ports and Gold Valley have celebrated an historic first at the Port of Esperance following the departure of bulk carrier MV Sifnos carrying more than 78,000 tonnes of iron ore from the Wiluna West mine in the Northern Goldfields.
The successful delivery, storage, loading and departure of the vessel marks the first time the port has had two iron ore customers sharing its iron ore circuit assets, including shed space, ship loader and berth.
Gold Valley joined Mineral Resources Limited as the Port of Esperance's second iron ore customer when a deal was agreed upon with Southern Ports in August.
Delivery of Gold Valley's iron ore commenced at the start of October with a 900-kilometre journey by truck and rail from the Wiluna West mine site to Esperance ahead of the export.
A vital link in the Port of Esperance's iron ore circuit was upgraded in the lead up to the milestone shipment through the Cook Government's $2.8 million investment in conveyor replacements.
As stated by Ports Minister David Michael:
"Western Australia's mining industry continues to drive the country's economy with our ports playing a critical role in connecting trade to the world.
"Southern Ports opening its Port of Esperance to a second iron ore customer is another example of how the ports sector is driving economic benefits for the southern regions of our State.
"The Cook Government continues to invest in the growth of our ports as part of the vital supply chain that boosts our economy and to deliver when new trade opportunities arise."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne:
"This is an outstanding outcome for the Goldfields-Esperance region.
"Attracting Gold Valley's export task to the Port of Esperance will support the jobs of workers at the port and in the rail freight supply chain."
As stated by Gold Valley Chairman Yuzheng Xie:
"It was a proud moment for everyone at Gold Valley to watch the MVSifnosload with our Wiluna West iron ore before it heads to China.
"Exporting through the Port of Esperance has opened new opportunities for us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Southern Ports."
