Aquila Resources approves West Pilbara iron ore project

Monday, 14 Nov 2011

Aquila Resources Limited advise that it has advanced the approval processes for the West Pilbara Iron Ore Project in which the Company holds a 50% interest, regarding the development of Anketell Port and the development of a railway, mines and mine infrastructure south west of Pannawonica.

Port Facilities
In a letter received today, DSD has given its support to the assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority of an amendment to the Anketell Port PER to describe a revised port layout.

The amendment document describes and evaluates changes to the port proposal and addresses submissions received on the original PER and DSD acknowledged that the environmental data and analysis in
the draft PER was a significant consideration in the Dampier Port Authority’s master planning process.

The PER amendment document will be available for examination for 30 days from next week. On the current schedule a report from the EPA as to the environmental acceptability of the proposed Anketell Port development is anticipated late in the March Quarter 2012.

The revised proposal provides for other mining companies to participate in the port development of up to 100Mtpa.

Mine and Rail Facilities
Progress is being made in respect of other approvals necessary for the Project. State and Commonwealth Ministerial environmental approvals for the mine and rail elements are expected before the end of the year.

The Stage 1 Project Management Plan for the construction and operation of the mining operations has been approved by the Department of Mines and Petroleum.

Applications for Mining Leases and other tenure necessary for the mining operations and infrastructure such as Miscellaneous Licences have been lodged with the Department of Mines and Petroleum. Assuming a successful completion of Native Title agreements, receipt of the Mining Leases is expected by mid-2012.

HIGHLIGHTS
1. Department of State Development supports amendment of the Anketell Port Public Environmental Review to accommodate up to 100 million tonne per annum capacity development
2. Environmental approvals from the State and Commonwealth governments for the mine and rail facilities are expected before the end of the year

3. Applications for Mining Leases and Miscellaneous Licences submitted to the Department of Mines and Petroleum

4. The Department of Mines and Petroleum has approved the Stage 1 Project Management Plan for the mining operations