Arc and FIJV MOU a boost for Geraldton Port

GERALDTON Port in Western Australia’s Mid West is set to be the beneficiary of a joint venture between rail company Arc Infrastructure and magnetite miner FI Joint Venture (FIJV).

The two companies have formalised cooperation on a potential rail‑based export pathway for the Yogi Magnetite Project, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly assess freight and port logistics across the Mid West.

Arc’s official media release confirms the MoU will examine rail loading, transport, unloading and port storage, with the parties aiming to design a multi‑user, open‑access supply chain where practicable. The work is intended to support FIJV’s magnetite production and establish a long‑term pathway to Geraldton Port.

Arc Infrastructure chief executive Stephanie Unwin said the scale of magnetite development in the Mid West was “highly promising”, noting Arc was positioned to make strategic investments to unlock bottlenecks and bring new customers onto rail. She said a rail‑based solution would reduce road wear, ease congestion and improve safety across regional freight routes.

FIJV managing director Reza Azimi said the company looked forward to working with Arc and Mid West Ports Authority to identify rail solutions capable of supporting Yogi’s production profile.

FIJV has previously confirmed its magnetite strategy through an MoU with Green Iron & Steel Australia, outlining plans for downstream processing and export readiness.

The collaboration comes as Mid West Ports Authority continues to expand export capacity for emerging producers, and as mobile‑loader and common‑user models gain traction across WA’s regional ports.

Arc and FIJV’s agreement marks a significant step in establishing a dedicated magnetite freight pathway for the Mid West, with rail emerging as a preferred option for large‑scale, long‑distance transport and future multi‑user access.

The Arc–FIJV agreement has the potential to reshape Geraldton’s bulk‑freight profile, positioning the port as a central hub for Mid West magnetite. A rail‑based supply chain for FIJV’s Yogi Magnetite Project would introduce a new, large‑scale export stream, adding significant tonnage alongside existing iron ore, grain and mineral sands operations.

A dedicated magnetite pathway would place additional demand on berth allocation, stockyard space and environmental controls, particularly given Geraldton’s recent scrutiny over dust emissions from other magnetite exporters. The port may need to adjust scheduling, expand storage areas and accelerate planned infrastructure upgrades to accommodate a second magnetite proponent.

Arc Infrastructure’s focus on rail also carries operational benefits for Geraldton. A shift from road to rail would reduce heavy‑haul traffic entering the city, easing pressure on regional roads and improving safety. More predictable rail movements would support smoother port operations and reduce congestion around key freight corridors.

With FIJV joining Karara as a magnetite exporter, Geraldton would strengthen its role as the primary deep‑water gateway for Mid West magnetite projects. The development aligns with broader regional planning, including surge‑protection works and future berth expansion under the port’s PMaxP program, which are designed to support multi‑user growth.

If progressed, the Arc–FIJV supply chain would mark one of the most significant freight additions to Geraldton in more than a decade, diversifying export activity and reinforcing the port’s strategic importance to emerging Mid West mining projects.