yilgarn presentation in china

Interesting to note that Yilgarn Infrastructure are giving a presentation on their proposal in China in front of the Minister who is currently reviewing the tender.

Yilgarn Oakajee plan detailed in China
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Friday, 30 May 2008
Vivienne Ryan

OAKAJEE Port hopeful Yilgarn Infrastructure will present its concept rail plan that will stretch throughout the emerging Mid West iron ore province, at an infrastructure seminar in Beijing today.

Yilgarn’s chairman John Saunders will present his infrastructure blueprint for the region, including a concept rail route which could stretch as far east as Golden West Resources’ Wiluna West project, north to Murchison Metals’ Jack Hills and south to Mount Gibson’s Extension Hill.

Yilgarn’s “regional solution” trunk and branch rail system has been touted by the infrastructure bidder as a solution to accommodate all Mid West miners.

The strength of the Mid West relies on the port and rail infrastructure which could make other potential deposits in the region viable if put together correctly, and is currently the focus of a State Government tendering process between two Perth-based infrastructure companies, Yilgarn and Oakajee Port and Rail.

Yilgarn’s presentation will be made to Australian and Chinese delegates, including the WA Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan, who has the final say on the rail and port and has been on a week-long tour of China’s ports.

The minister and her army of Western Australian port chiefs, including Fremantle, Geraldton, Dampier and Port Hedland port chairmen, have spent the week inspecting Chinese infrastructure, industrial zones and a port machinery company.

Before leaving, the minister said the trip was important towards building good trade and investment links with China. MacTiernan will also address the infrastructure seminar today.

Today’s Beijing presentation is part two in a series of four seminars pieced together by the Australia China Business Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, titled “Australia and China: Cooperation in Infrastructure for Resource Development”.

The seminar made its debut in Perth at the beginning of the month with Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Gary Gray.

Seminar speakers today include the National Development and Reform Commission of China, CITIC Pacific Mining, Deacons and the Department of industry and Resources.

Yilgarn’s presentation reflects on Australia’s partnership with China in Asian infrastructure including Vietnam’s Cailan Hot Plate Rolling Mill, Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium and Nepal’s West Seti Hydroelectric Project.

Presumably the joint Chinese-Australian role in the projects was used as an example of success from Saunders, as the 50:50 model is what Yilgarn is proposing for the Mid West infrastructure.

Saunders is also expected to paint a happy picture of a Chinese and Australian marriage in the Oakajee arena, even as the Federal Government tightens its grip on foreign investment in the resources sector