Published Wednesday, 02 July, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
PORT ALMA STUDY MORE THAN JUST COAL: BLIGH
Xstrata is to start a $4 million pre-feasibility this month into development of a possible $750 million to $1 billion coal port at Port Alma, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
“The study will be completed by June 2009 with an environmental assessment conducted during the pre-feasibility phase,” said Ms Bligh.
“Their study will also analyse two additional berths for products, other than coal, being part of any redevelopment.
“This is a win win for the State.
“While Xstrata gets to further examine the Port’s coal capacity two non-coal berths is a bonus,” said Ms Bligh.
Member for Rockhampton and Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said that apart from being a coal port the extra non-coal berths mean Port Alma has the chance to return to its past as a pivotal Central Queensland trade link.
Ms Bligh said Xstrata’s study is another step towards Queensland’s additional coal export capacity meeting growing global demand.
“It is especially exciting given the possibility of the Southern Missing Link connecting to the Surat Basin coming on line.
“Dredging of Port Alma harbour would be needed to ensure its long-term viability and growth. At present Port Alma can only handle vessels up to 35,000 tonnes, but with dredging, vessels of up to 90,000 tonnes could be considered.”
Port Alma currently is used for importing of explosives and general cargo. Exports of about 180,000 tonnes a year have included salt from nearby Bajool, frozen beef and tallow, explosives, scrap metal and general cargo.
Xstrata’s pre-feasibility study will include geotechnical investigations, hydrographic survey work and sedimentation studies.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
“The study will be completed by June 2009 with an environmental assessment conducted during the pre-feasibility phase,” said Ms Bligh.
“Their study will also analyse two additional berths for products, other than coal, being part of any redevelopment.
“This is a win win for the State.
“While Xstrata gets to further examine the Port’s coal capacity two non-coal berths is a bonus,” said Ms Bligh.
Member for Rockhampton and Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said that apart from being a coal port the extra non-coal berths mean Port Alma has the chance to return to its past as a pivotal Central Queensland trade link.
Ms Bligh said Xstrata’s study is another step towards Queensland’s additional coal export capacity meeting growing global demand.
“It is especially exciting given the possibility of the Southern Missing Link connecting to the Surat Basin coming on line.
“Dredging of Port Alma harbour would be needed to ensure its long-term viability and growth. At present Port Alma can only handle vessels up to 35,000 tonnes, but with dredging, vessels of up to 90,000 tonnes could be considered.”
Port Alma currently is used for importing of explosives and general cargo. Exports of about 180,000 tonnes a year have included salt from nearby Bajool, frozen beef and tallow, explosives, scrap metal and general cargo.
Xstrata’s pre-feasibility study will include geotechnical investigations, hydrographic survey work and sedimentation studies.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500