The mining company told the Australian Stock Exchange it will use rail to move up to four million tonnes of ore annually from its Peculiar Knob project, near Coober Pedy.

Executive chairman Bob Duffin says the agreement locks in use of the port for a decade, with potential to add a further 20 years.

He says the company may also use the facilities for other projects across Australia.

“If our iron ore projects at Hawks Nest are approved by the Commonwealth and if the Penrhyn coal project is developed then that will provide a long-term solution for us for the port access issue,” he said.

via ABC News

A public meeting at Port Adelaide has given them a chance to voice concerns about possible dust pollution and noise levels.

Mining company IMX Resources is planning to export two open-top train loads of magnetite per day through Port Adelaide, from next year.

Adelaide University toxicologist Dr Ian Musgrave was at the meeting and raised potential health problems which dust might cause.

“Especially as the prevailing winds from the port tend to sweep across residential areas,” he said.

Flinders Ports CEO Vincent Tremaine says there will be protocols for export.

“We’ve had experts have a look at the open top and they’re of the view that no dust will escape,” he said.

Mr Tremaine says dust will be managed properly by appropriate loading of carriages and using water to avoid dust.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council remains unconvinced and says it will watch closely any conditions set by the Environment Protection Authority.

Councillor Peter Jamieson is worried.

“There’s always that residual dust in the container and that could be blown out again as those trains leave to go back up to the mine,” he said.

The magnetite will be mined just south of Coober Pedy in outback South Australia.

ABC News