Mr WOOD - 2005-02-09
My question relates to the Bootu Creek Mine, which is a great venture for the Territory. What involvement will the government play in getting manganese from the mine to the port and onto the ships? If it has an involvement, has the government let any contracts? If so, what companies have contracts? What will be the overall cost of any government involvement in the project?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. This is a very important project for the development of the Territory, and also the development of the railway line and the port. It is envisaged that somewhere between 500 000 to 600 000 tonnes of manganese ore will make its way from Bootu Creek, which is near Tennant Creek, to the port via the railway.
It is my understanding, member for Nelson, that there is probably 60 km of roadworks between the mine and the Stuart Highway that will be undertaken by Bootu Resources. There will also be an underpass at the highway, once again undertaken at the expense of Bootu Resources. Government will be investing some $14m in a bulk loading facility. Shipments are expected to begin in July. There will be an interim arrangement for loading ships until the bulk loader is built, which will be not too much later in the year.
At present, there is a lot of design work going on and there could possibly be some contracts let for that design work. The up-front cost is $14m for a bulk loading facility. However, let me emphasise to the member for Nelson that there are other enterprises in the Territory, and probably beyond, that would be very interested in a bulk loading facility. Garnet Sands in Central Australia is a possible customer. I believe that investment of $14m by the port and government into a bulk loading facility is a worthy investment. We are a government that is moving the Territory ahead, member for Nelson, and I thank you very much for your question.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. This is a very important project for the development of the Territory, and also the development of the railway line and the port. It is envisaged that somewhere between 500 000 to 600 000 tonnes of manganese ore will make its way from Bootu Creek, which is near Tennant Creek, to the port via the railway.
It is my understanding, member for Nelson, that there is probably 60 km of roadworks between the mine and the Stuart Highway that will be undertaken by Bootu Resources. There will also be an underpass at the highway, once again undertaken at the expense of Bootu Resources. Government will be investing some $14m in a bulk loading facility. Shipments are expected to begin in July. There will be an interim arrangement for loading ships until the bulk loader is built, which will be not too much later in the year.
At present, there is a lot of design work going on and there could possibly be some contracts let for that design work. The up-front cost is $14m for a bulk loading facility. However, let me emphasise to the member for Nelson that there are other enterprises in the Territory, and probably beyond, that would be very interested in a bulk loading facility. Garnet Sands in Central Australia is a possible customer. I believe that investment of $14m by the port and government into a bulk loading facility is a worthy investment. We are a government that is moving the Territory ahead, member for Nelson, and I thank you very much for your question.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016