mining firm dismisses mussel worries

Mining firm dismisses mussel worries
ABC On-line 8.45am 7/9/09

A company wanting to ship iron ore through Port Lincoln has dismissed concern from mussel growers.

Centrex Metals says mussel licences should never have been granted in the area's channel.

Managing director of local company Kinkawooka Mussels, Andrew Puglisi, says there is great uncertainty about the effect that large ore ships in the channel would have on local mussel leases.

Kinkawooka produces more than 800 tonnes of mussels annually for local and export markets.

Mr Puglisi says Port Lincoln is a vital growth area for the industry.

"Port Lincoln is a pristine area for growing mussels, it's an evolving industry with huge potential in the Australian and world arena," he said.

He argues large iron ore ships could churn up sediment in Port Lincoln's harbour and harm mussel growing.

"It's one of the most unique ports in Australia at the moment for the natural ability to collect juvenile mussels."

But Centrex Metals managing director Gerard Anderson said it was stupid to have put mussel licences near the channel.

"Their arguments are like buying a house next to an airport and complaining about plane noise," he said.

A decision on whether the port can be used to export ore from Eyre Peninsula is expected within days.