Brockman Mining submits proposal to Fortescue Metals for access to rail in Pilbara
Brockman Mining (ASX:BCK) is attempting to gain access to the "below rail" infrastructure in the Pilbara owned by Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG).
The
stakes are high as Brockman is seeking rail access to allow it to haul
up to 20 million tonnes of hematite iron ore product per annum from
Marillana, for a term of 20 years.
Other options are also being
evaluated by Brockman focused on securing an infrastructure solution
that enables it to commercialise its Marillana Project.
The
access proposal, made under section 8 of the Western Australia Railways
(Access) Code, would see Brockman seek acccess to Fortescue's TPI’s
railway infrastructure from approximately the 219 km point on the TPI
mainline.
At this point Brockman would then construct a rail spur
to its Marillana Iron Ore Project, to approximately the 23 km point on
the TPI mainline near Port Hedland, where Brockman would construct a
rail spur to connect with the proposed North West Infrastructure
facilities in Port Hedland.
An analysis of the TPI railway
infrastructure and Fortescue’s operations conducted by Indec Consulting
concludes that there will be sufficient capacity available for the
Access Rights to be provided by TPI, which would complement its existing
railway operations.
Brockman does not seek access to TPI’s
above-rail services, as haulage services would be provided by an
experienced haulage operator.
Recent statements by Fortescue
provide some encouragement for Brockman which advocated its support and
provision of third party access on its TPI rail system on a commercial
basis.
