Atlas Iron has forecast a modest fall in the iron ore price over the next three years.
However, it also says its low-cost production will keep margins healthy as its continues to target a more than seven-fold increase in production by 2017.
Chief operating officer Jeremy Sinclair told the miner's annual shareholders' meeting in Perth on Tuesday that the company took the more bullish outlook on the iron ore price than other Western Australia-based competitors.
Atlas has forecast iron ore at between $US120 and $US140 per tonne over the next three years.
This compares with Fortescue Metals Group founder Andrew Forrest tipping a long-term iron ore price of $US80 to $US100 per tonne, which he has said was "sensible".
Atlas received an average price during the September quarter of $US152 per tonne.
Chief commercial officer Mark Hancock said there had been much negative press about the iron ore pricing falling 30 per cent in October but pointed out to investors that it was from a high base.
The iron ore price last week rebounded by eight per cent.
Atlas Iron managing director David Flanagan said the company was comfortable with a move to more regular iron ore pricing from previous quarterly arrangements.
Chief development officer Ken Brinsden said the miner could expand its existing mines in Western Australia's Pilbara region from six million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) currently to 12Mtpa in 2012/13.
It seeks to further expand to 15Mtpa by 2015 then 46Mtpa by 2017, but new port allocation and rail was required for the long term plan.
It would consider developing new rail itself, but would prefer another party to take it on, Mr Flanagan told reporters after the meeting.
AGO Price at posting:
$3.14 Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held
