Gold Valley’s first shipment from Esperance Port
Gold Valley has exported its first shipment of iron ore from the Port of Esperance, with bulk carrier MV Sifnos setting sail with more than 78,000t or iron ore from the Wiluna West mine in the Northern Goldfields towards China.
This marks the first time the port has had two iron ore customers sharing its iron ore circuit assets, including shed space, ship loader and berth.
WA Ports Minister David Michael says the State’s mining industry continues to drive the nation’s economy, with the ports playing a critical role in connecting trade to the world.
“Southern Ports opening its Port of Esperance to a second iron ore customer is another example of how the ports sector is driving economic benefits for the southern regions of our State,” he said.
“The [WA] Government continues to invest in the growth of our ports as part of the vital supply chain that boosts our economy and to deliver when new trade opportunities arise.”
Gold Valley joined Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) as the Port of Esperance’s second iron ore customer when a deal was agreed upon with Southern Ports in August.
Delivery of Gold Valley’s iron ore commenced at the start of October with a 900km journey by truck and rail from the Wiluna West mine site to Esperance ahead of the export.
A vital link in the Port of Esperance’s iron ore circuit was upgraded in the lead up to the milestone shipment through the WA Government’s $2.8m investment in conveyor replacements.
Gold Valley chairman Yuzheng Xie comments on this historic and momentous occasion.
“It was a proud moment for everyone at Gold Valley to watch the MV Sifnos load with our Wiluna West iron ore before it heads to China,” he said.
“Exporting through the Port of Esperance has opened new opportunities for us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Southern Ports.”
Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne says Gold Valley’s export via the Port of Esperance this will supports jobs at the port and in the rail freight supply chain.