The South Australian Government has selected part of the Cape Hardy Port Precinct as the location for a new desalination plant.
This decision will form a key part of the Northern Water Project and is a significant component of the State Prosperity Project, to provide more sources of water across northern and regional South Australia for critical mining operations.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) member, Iron Road, has agreed to sell land for the project.
AMEC has welcomed the decision and congratulated Iron Road on its agreement with the South Australian Government.
AMEC CEO, Warren Pearce, said that this project is another step forward in opening up the Eyre Peninsula for greater development and new economic opportunities.
“AMEC has long been a strong supporter of the Northern Water project and Cape Hardy is the obvious choice for its location at Iron Road’s future multi-user port facility site,” Mr Pearce said.
The project is set to unlock critical water supply required for several mines in the region and over time, to future hydrogen projects and the community at large.
“Access to water is a baseline requirement for the mineral and exploration and mining sector. To see the long-term commitment from the State Government is reassuring. The development of a new Port on the Eyre Peninsula has been AMEC’s number one infrastructure priority for many years and Cape Hardy has always been the standout choice for its location.
“Securing water for the mines of today and the future is more important than ever, with demand set to increase as critical minerals and renewable energy projects come online and governments seek to transition to decarbonised economies and industries.”
With this announcement complete, work will continue on further developments, including a proposed multi-user port facility to facilitate iron ore and other potential bulk commodities, as well as AMP Energy’s green hydrogen and Advanced Fuels Precinct.
“Well done to Iron Road’s CEO Larry Ingle and his commercially innovative, hard-working team, in staying the course and demonstrating their keen desire to develop the region into one that can support increased capacity for South Australia’s major growth ambitions.”
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