This port seems a little different to OPR & Anketell in the...

This port seems a little different to OPR & Anketell in the sense that it has much lower capex, and relatively low volume.

Therefore, lesser scale, less environmental impact, less approvals required, shorter timeline for development, no rail project attached to the port etc. etc.

It really does hinge on IOH finding the right partner. i.e. one with deep pockets, the same priorities, same philosophy & goals, and an iron clad agreement with non-performance penalties to avoid a Mistubishi/OPR style back-flip.

OPR fell over because the MMX/Mitsu partnership became dysfunctional, they just didn't have the cash to pay the billions capex and the magnetite project was blown out of the water when iron ore prices retreated. It wasn't anything to do with the Govt IMHO.

Anketell had AQA & FMG fighting over it until prices retreated and then suddenly it became an unwanted project... Again too expensive, too much risk even for FMG. Again not really a Govt issue just a case of pure economics.