Weld Range Public Environmental Review

The Public Environmental Review (PER) document for Sinosteel Midwest’s flagship Weld Range Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) project will be released for a six week public consultation period, from 6 September to 18 October 2010.

Weld Range is located 65km southwest of Meekatharra and 50km northwest of Cue in WA. The Weld Range project is expected to produce 15 million tonnes per annum over 15 years and will be a cornerstone customer for the planned Oakajee port and rail infrastructure.

Sinosteel Midwest has recently announced the completion of a Bankable Feasibility Study for the Weld Range project and is aiming to commence production by late 2013, with the first shipment of Weld Range iron ore scheduled for 2014.

Social, Economic & Environmental Impact

Weld Range has the potential to become a strategically important stand-alone iron ore development in the Mid West region, effectively underpinning the third party infrastructure required to support the project and other potential iron ore projects in the region.

The project will create around 1000 jobs during construction and more than 850 long-term jobs, including employees and contractors. It will lead to flow on benefits for local businesses through the purchase of products and services, and the investment of capital will boost the regional economy. When in production, Weld Range will contribute approximately $5 billion to Federal and State revenues through royalties and taxation.

Sinosteel Midwest is committed to open and transparent communication with local government, native title claimants, business owners and residents throughout the life of the Weld Range project. The company seeks to make a positive, sustainable contribution to the communities in which we operate through sponsorship and support initiatives, training programs and responsible management of the environment.

An Environmental Management Plan for Weld Range has been developed which identifies and minimises any environmental impacts associated with the project across flora and vegetation; land disturbance; noise and dust management; water disposal; rehabilitation; and waste management.

The PER Process

In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986, a Public Environmental Review (PER) document has been prepared for the Weld Range project which describes this proposal and its likely effects on the environment in detail. The PER is available for a public review period of 6 weeks from 6 September to 18 October 2010.

To download a copy of the Weld Range PER document, click here.