KOOLAN Island off the Kimberley coast of WA is set to become a logistics hub catering for offshore industry following the purchase of MGX Resources iron ore operation by Crestlink.
Crestlink has struck a $20.2 million deal to acquire the Koolan Island iron ore operation in a transaction that positions the private port proponent to integrate Koolan Island with its proposed $300 million Cockatoo Island supply base, creating what it describes as a nationally unique combination of deep‑water port access, aviation capability and offshore‑ready infrastructure.
MGX, formerly Mount Gibson Iron, will ship its final ore from Koolan in July, eight months after halting mining due to geotechnical risks. Crestlink will assume responsibility for an estimated $30 million in rehabilitation obligations, with MGX completing some remediation works ahead of handover.
Koolan Island already hosts a deep‑water port, a 2.1 kilometre CASA‑compliant aerodrome, a 300 room camp, and ancillary marine and logistics facilities. Crestlink chief executive Eanna Doolin said the island’s existing infrastructure gives the company a platform unmatched in the Kimberley.
“The strategic location, along with its scale, operational capability and close integration of the aerodrome and deep‑water marine access provide a level of capability that is unique nationally, and unrivalled in the Kimberley,” Mr Doolin said.
The company argues the Browse Basin and wider northern Australia are underserved by modern logistics infrastructure, particularly for offshore energy, defence, emergency response and remote‑area services. Koolan’s port, combined with Cockatoo Island’s planned supply base, is intended to fill that gap.
The Cockatoo Island project cleared the WA Environmental Protection Authority last year and is backed by US private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.
The Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation has been working with MGX and Crestlink for several years on future land use planning. Chairman Gary Umbagai said the group supports Crestlink’s direction.
“We’ve built that relationship properly — through respect, listening and sitting down together on Country,” Mr Umbagai said. “Any future for Koolan Island must look after Country, respect our cultural responsibilities and create something positive for the next generation.”
The Dambimangari already operate a small cultural centre on the island, and potential future uses canvassed include defence, medical, tourism and cultural activities.
MGX chief executive Peter Kerr said the sale marked the scheduled end of the company’s time on Koolan Island and would allow it to focus on its Northern Territory gold prospects.
“This transaction demonstrates MGX’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy by completing key rehabilitation activities and facilitating longer‑term use of the existing infrastructure assets,” Mr Kerr said.
MGX will retain some plant and equipment for redeployment to its gold projects.
The acquisition requires clearance from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the ACCC, with completion expected in late 2026.