Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
I’m excited to announce that fabrication of Tasmania’s new mineral shiploader for the Port of Burnie has commenced at Somerset with the project on track to be completed by mid 2023. The project, awarded to Tasmanian firm COVA-Haywards commenced immediately after the contract was awarded in August.
The new shiploader will double the loading speed of the existing equipment. It is now well-advanced with the detailed design being completed.
The Federal Liberal Government has provided $64 million to the new shiploader, which will be a major bonus for the Tasmanian mining and mineral processing industries as the main export facility. Importantly, this gives both resilience and long term confidence to West Coast mining sector, employing local people.
Key components for the shiploader are now being manufactured on the North-West Coast by a sub-contractor to COVA Haywards.
TasRail is also well advanced with site preparation works at the Port of Burnie.
In the coming months, major fabrication of the shiploader structure and wharf conveyor units will start at Haywards’ Western Junction site in Northern Tasmania.
There are an estimated 140 jobs linked to the design and construction of the new shiploader.
TasRail will maintain the current shiploader in a fit-for-purpose condition until the replacement facility is commissioned.
