QUBE’s ports and bulk operations have secured a significant contract that will see an expected 30,000 tonnes of mineral sands shipped through the port of Melbourne every three weeks.
The contract is with Iluka Resources, which is developing the rutile-rich West Balranald project in the Riverina district of south-western NSW. Owing to its relative depth (approximately 60 metres below surface), Iluka is developing West Balranald via a novel, remotely operated, underground mining technology.
The company says this technology enables access to ore bodies previously thought uneconomic, with marked reductions in both environmental disturbance and carbon intensity relative to traditional extraction techniques.
In releasing half-year results earlier this week Iluka said progress on the Balranald project had been pleasing ahead of its commissioning this half: “Mining rigs are in place, stope development is advancing and concentrator modules are being connected. Balranald is an important source of critical minerals for Iluka over the next decade and mining is expected to commence in Q4.”
Under the logistics contract with Qube the mined ore will be loaded in Rotabox half-height containers and railed to Melbourne’s Appleton Dock, where in turn two mobile harbour cranes, shipped over from Gisborne and Tauranga by heavylift/MPP AAL Hong Kong last month, will discharge the ore into vessels at B berth.
It will then be shipped to Geraldton for processing at Iluka’s Narngulu mineral separation plant.
Todd Emmert, Director of Bulk for Qube, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting our customer to help unlock the critical resource potential of the eastern Murray Basin and the development of a new industry for the region.
“Our freight and logistics solution will leverage our heavy haulage and rail infrastructure experience and expertise, together with our proprietary Rotabox technology and specialist trailer equipment, which will be bult using local suppliers, to deliver critical minerals from pit to port, helping support jobs and stimulate economic growth and development across the supply chain.”
Trains from Balranald will use an existing siding at Appleton Dock, from which Rotaboxes will be transferred and stacked wharfside to await loading.
A Port of Melbourne spokesperson told DCN "As per our Port Development Strategy, planning is also being undertaken to expand the use of the Appleton Dock Wharf Siding to cater for bulk cargo activities.
“Port of Melbourne is working closely with tenants and other port users to finalise arrangements.”