Strandline secures port access for Coburn exports

Under the port access and services agreement, Strandline is permitted to export 230,000 tonnes per annum of mineral sands product, including heavy mineral concentrate, premium zircon, zircon concentrate, chlorine grade ilmenite and rutile products – for an initial 10-year term.

Strandline managing director Luke Graham said the agreement marked a key milestone for Strandline on its path to finalising project funding for Coburn through the agreement with Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA).

“Establishing the port agreement with MWPA provides Strandline long-term certainty to export its mineral sands products and represents another strong endorsement of the Coburn project,” Strandline managing director Luke Graham said.

“Coburn is a world-class critical minerals project and benefits greatly from its proximity to established infrastructure and mining services in the Mid West region.

“Strandline is rapidly meeting the key conditions required to finalise our project funding. Coburn’s technical and financial quality is reflected in the top-shelf calibre of our suppliers, contractors and customers, as well as the $150 million loan facility secured with Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).”

The MWPA has had experience handling similar mineral sands products through the Port of Geraldton for many years. It will be responsible for loading the product into vessels on a campaign basis, as well as providing access to Strandline for the port facilities.

MWPA chief executive officer Rochelle Macdonald said that the authority was looking forward to continuing its working relationship with Strandline.

“On behalf of MWPA, I congratulate Strandline on the signing of a port services agreement, which brings the Coburn project a step closer to development,” Macdonald said.

“Strandline’s investment in the Coburn project is another important step in the development of the Mid West region, creating significant economic benefit for the local community.”

The port access and services agreement follows Strandline finalising major binding offtake contracts with consumers in Europe, America and China, covering 72 per cent of the project’s forecasted revenue.

The agreement is subject to customary conditions and Strandline making its final investment decision for developing Coburn.