For the first time in over 17 years, trains are again shipping iron ore from Iron Knob to the port at Whyalla in South Australia.
Arrium Mining has announced this morning that the rail line has now been commissioned, “…while the commissioning of the crushing and screening operations is entering its final stages.”
Greg Waters, Arrium Mining’s Chief Executive, Greg Waters, said the achievement marked a milestone for the operation.
“There’s been some excellent work in recent months to enable us to rail out this parcel of ore, signalling the first time this has occurred from our Iron Knob operation this century,” Mr Waters said.
“This means we can transport ore from Iron Knob via rail – rather than via road train – which is vital in minimising our impact on the local community by reducing interactions between light and heavy vehicles.”
Mr Waters said the company had pushed through with the project despite the the downturn in the global iron ore market.
“This latest milestone is the result of the ongoing hard work of our employees and contractor partners under what have been difficult circumstances in recent months,” Mr Waters said.
“The fact we continue to progress on-time and on-budget is a real credit to everyone involved in the project from conceptual design through to construction and implementation.”
Arrium Mining have awarded Indigenous mining company, Walga Mining,the contract to deliver crushing and screening; material handling; and train-loading activities at the Iron Knob mine.
Mr Waters said the arrangement will provide jobs for between 30-40 people.
“Walga has a talented and experienced team who have a genuine desire to make this a successful operation,” Mr Waters said.
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