NT-focused iron ore project developer Western Desert Resources...

NT-focused iron ore project developer Western Desert Resources sets Dec date for first exports

VALERINA CHANGARATHIL
The Advertiser
November 15, 2013 10:10AM

IRON ore explorer Western Desert Resources has set early December as the date for its first export shipment out of Northern Territory.

The South Australian company's transformation from explorer to miner has been slightly delayed due to late arrival of barging equipment, chairman Rick Allert told shareholders at its annual meeting.

Western Desert has a five-year deal with Hong Kong-based global commodity trader Noble Resources International to export 3 million tonnes of direct shipping ore per year from its flagship Roper Bar iron mine.

Mr Allert said the first trucks will next week begin hauling ore 165 kms from the mine site to a loading facility at Bing Bong for shipping through the Gulf of Carpenteria.

Total capital cost of the mine is AUD$60m per 1 million tonnes of annual production.

"We are proud that we have been able to achieve the development of the mine and the associated infrastructure, including a 165 kilometre haul road in record time," Mr Allert said.

He thanked shareholders for supporting the project the several capital raisings.

Mr Allert said the focus for the company in the next 12 months would be to deliver its shipment and explore and improve the level of resource at the Roper Bar iron ore project as well as repaying debt.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/ntfocused-iron-ore-project-developer-western-desert-resources-sets-dec-date-for-first-exports/story-fni6uma6-1226760968131