Port Augusta Operations secures approval to build new SA port facility

A new port facility is due to be constructed at the site of the old Port Augusta power stations as the South Australian Government approves Port Augusta Operations’ Development Application for the transformational project. 

The new facility is going to be called Port Playford and it will provide export shipping service to existing as well as future mining operations and projects from within the iron ore regions of North Gawler, Curnamona and Braemar. 

Port Augusta Operations is planning to invest approximately $100 million over the next 18 months to deliver Port Playford. 

“It’s estimated that this development will create more than 100 jobs during construction and 80 permanent positions for ongoing Port operations. 

“This development will bolster the local economy and create a pipeline of growth opportunity for Port Augusta,” Minister for Planning Vickie Chapman said. 

Proposed project layout (source: Port Augusta Operations)

Port Augusta Operations intends to utilise the new port to load commodities onto shallow-draft self-unloading vessels at the wharf, via existing rail links, to Cape-sized, ocean-going bulk carriers that are moored at the existing offshore trans-shipment points to the south east of Whyalla. 

“The economic benefits of this development are already materialising with the signing of legally binding commitments with key customers. 

“The development strongly aligns with key state, regional and local development directions and will unlock significant economic benefits within Port Augusta and across regional South Australia,” Port Augusta Operations Managing Director Shaun Shan said. 

The Development Application includes the following infrastructure and facilities: 

• Enclosed iron ore offloading facility at the rail line 
• Enclosed conveyor system associated with transferring material from freight carriages to the main storage shed 
• Enclosed main storage shed (to accommodate up to 200,000 tonnes of iron ore) located at the wharf area 
• Enclosed conveyor system from the main shed to the smaller wharf-side storage sheds 
• Transfer equipment associated with transfer of materials from the wharf-side storage sheds to the transhipment barge 
• Upgrade of wharf area to provide new dolphin (marine structures used for berthing and mooring) for the transhipment barge to berth against and tie up to during loading 

Construction on Port Playford is expected to commence by mid-2021, with the first shipment from the new port anticipated for late 2022. 

Source: Premier of South Australia – Media Releases; Port Augusta Operations (1, 2); Australian Mining