esperance port upgrade moves ahead

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/esperance-port-expansion-moves-ahead-2014-05-07

Thought there would be an announcement by Mindax given the importance of this but anyway...Should find out who gets to use the port some time in the next few months.

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has moved ahead with its plans to expand the Esperance port, appointing Yilgarn Esperance Solution (YES) as the preferred proponent to develop the multi-user iron-ore export facility.

The multi-user iron-ore export facility would increase Esperance port’s iron-ore handling capacity from the current 11.5-million tonnes a year to more than 20-million tonnes a year.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said that YES, a consortium led by rail and freight operator Asciano, was one of two shortlisted bidders that were requested to submit a proposal to develop the facility.

“After an extensive bid process, I am pleased to announce YES has been chosen to design, build and operate the facility as well as provide all project funding and associated costs,” he said.

“The companies which make up YES have a proven track record in developing and operating ports in Australia and internationally.”

The Minister’s approval was based on a recommendation from the board of the Esperance Port Authority following an extensive procurement process.

The consortium would now enter into contract negotiations with both the Esperance Port and potential users of the multi-user export facility, and would be required to comply with all current environmental licences under which the port operates.

Nalder said a major upgrade of the Esperance port access corridor would further improve access and efficiency at the port.

The A$120-million Esperance port access project includes a series of road and rail upgrades to increase access into the port and improve safety and efficiency for local commuter and tourist traffic.