weld range study not completed till at least 2008

However Mrs Sim Baker said it was time for the Mid West to step up into the mining game, which until now had been dominated by the Pilbara.

But she said this was only possible if there was a port in the region which could support capesize vessels.

"I believe that Geraldton [Port] at the moment can only handle maximum panamax size vessels (60,000 to 70,000 tonnes). We are exploring...the development of a port outside of Geraldton to handle the capesize vessels, which [carry] at least 200,000 tonnes," she said.

Mrs Sim Baker said the agreement between Midwest and Sinosteel included a number of studies to determine if the Weld Range site was viable and if a port could be constructed at Oakajee.

She said these studies would take until at least 2008 to complete.

"It takes a while because it is a massive project so it's very important that we study and plan it properly," she said.

Midwest Times 29/6/2005