http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/06/3236364.htm?site=no...

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/06/3236364.htm?site=northandwest§ion=news

Flinders Ports welcomes more mining export interest

Posted June 6, 2011 09:46:00

The operator of Port Pirie's port, Flinders Ports, says mineral exporters would help upkeep at the facility, with many berths currently lying empty.

Carpentaria Exploration is the second company to indicate it would like to export iron ore from Port Pirie, with WPG awaiting final approvals to build an export facility.

The Port Pirie Council is currently investigating how many barges could be operated from the port.

CEO Vincent Tremaine says some berths are so under-utilised that the amount of maintenance is an issue often debated within the company.

"We have a number of berths that are seriously under-utilised to the point where its a major decision of ours from time to time as to how much maintenance we put into it," he said.

"Now the fact that these businesses are coming along means that we will keep the whole facility maintained and that's good for everyone I think."

However, WPG's executive director, Bob Duffin, has warned that any additional companies looking to export through Port Pirie would mean changes to the development approval process.

It has been approached by more than one company to share its export facilities capable of holding eight million tonnes.

Mr Duffin says the community has had a large say in initial approval processes, particularly on the issue of train traffic through the town.

"There's been some push back from some local authorities and local stakeholders who have requested that we be limited to one train per day," he said.

"I think people want some comfort that we're not going to make too much noise, that we're not going to make too much in the way of disruptions to traffic."