Don't fret the port part, Cam.
1/. Beharra had a 12 month JCA where MWPA would "investigate the potential for 1.5 million tonnes per annum of capacity for Beharra high grade silica sand exports"
https://company-announcements.copyright link/asx/pec/ecd79575-980f-11ec-9b9f-d233877470a4.pdfPerpertual's shiny 2022 announcement all counted for nought, which was no surprise to those of us who have seen the glossy spin that team is capable of.
That expired 12 months ago (!) but the fact it existed demonstrates there's a way forward at the port for a serious producer. (you all remember $PEC, right? They are a
Lifestyle... er,
Lithium play now...)
2/. The MWPA masterplan specifically flags Silica Sand as being a target commodity for future expansion - but in layman's terms, they are not going to spend money building the infrastrcuture until there is a customer to pay for it
https://www.midwestports.com.au/development/projects/geraldton-port-maximisation-project-pmaxp.aspxView attachment 60388773/. Back in August 2021, $VRX recognised that until this infrastructure is built, there was no need/ability to send train loads of silica sand to Geraldton:
http://epbcnotices.environment.gov....d-4cba-48b6-8dab-f3091fc31cd5?t=1631313220024But it's clear that if we started mining this year, the port would and could handle road trains of the product.
I'm engaged enough in the logistics industry to be able to say that there *is* a plan for expanding the handling of silica sand, and the land for the receival shed for the product has been earmarked in the Geraldton port precinct. Just who gets there first, and stakes a claim to the available capacity, is the fun part.
https://www.australianmining.com.au/geraldton-port-upgrades-boost-for-mineral-resources/As for the longer term, that will be interesting. Cinnabon has not given up on a rail loadout for A/N. There has been some early engagement from $VRX around building such a facility in the future.
As always, DYOR - and bring the receipts
