May be of interest (apart from WFE):BHP Billiton moves on Port...

May be of interest (apart from WFE):

BHP Billiton moves on Port Hedland expansion

April 19, 2011

BHP Billiton has released the environmental impact details of its proposed Port Hedland development in Western Australia for government approval and public comment.

The proposed outer harbour facility is integral to BHP Billiton's future expansion plans at its Western Australia iron ore operations.

BHP Billiton says the Public Environmental Review Draft Environmental Impact Statement, just released, will be available for public comment for a period of eight weeks.

?The public comment period is an opportunity for interested stakeholders to make their views known to government,? the company says.

?BHP Billiton is growing in the Pilbara to meet increased global demand for iron ore. To accommodate this growth, we are seeking both commonwealth and Western Australia government approval to build a new port, the proposed Outer Harbour at Port Hedland.?

The expansion project involves the construction and operation of landside and marine infrastructure for the handling and export of iron ore.

It includes rail connections and spur from the existing BHP Billiton's Newman rail line to proposed stockyards at Boodarie.

?Rail loops will be constructed at Boodarie along with stockyards and associated infrastructure such as car dumpers, stackers, reclaimers and lump screening plant,? the company says.

An infrastructure corridor including conveyors, access roadway and utilities from the stockyards to the proposed
marine jetty offshore from Finucane Island, will also be required.

?We plan an abutment, jetty, wharf, dredged channel, basins and berthing pockets offshore from Finucane Island to accommodate bulk carriers,? BHP Billiton says.

?This will comprise supporting infrastructure including access roads, upgrades to existing roads and utilities, buildings, temporary construction facilities and communication systems.?

The Office of Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) determined that the proposal required assessment at the level of Public Environmental Review (PER) under Western Australia?s 1986 Environment Protection Act .

?Therefore a coordinated assessment is to be undertaken,? BHP Billiton says.

?We have prepared and published for public review a single document in accordance with Western Australia?s Government procedures under the relevant Environment Protection Acts.?

BHP Billiton?s operations currently involve a complex integrated system of seven mines, more than 1,000 km of rail and four operating berths at Port Hedland.

A significant expansion program encompassing mines, rail and additional port facilities is currently underway.

?BHP Billiton Iron Ore is committed to sustainable development that derives value for the company, its employees, contractors, the environment and the communities in which it operates,? the company says.

?Central to the BHP Billiton operating philosophy is its desire to be regarded by the community as a valued citizen.

?BHP Billiton Iron Ore is committed to minimising impacts and enhancing benefits in undertaking the proposed Outer Harbour Development.

?We intend to follow through on continuous improvement to the health, safety and environmental performance of our operations.

?This includes the maintenance of constructive relationships and ongoing engagement with the Indigenous and non-Indigenous local and regional communities.?

http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/news/articleid/73347.aspx