The former Port Augusta power stations site is set to be transformed into a modern port, providing export shipping options to mining operations and projects in the North Gawler, Curnamona and Braemar iron ore regions.
Construction of the the port - which will be called Port Playford - is set to begin mid this year, while the first shipment from the port scheduled for late 2022.
The state government approved Port Augusta Operations' development application earlier in the week.
Planning Minister and Deputy Premier Vickie Chapman said PAO plans to invest more than $100 million in the project in the next 18 months, unlocking $160 million worth of existing assets at the disused site.
Port Playford's development is planned to create more than 100 jobs during construction, and 80 permanent positions for ongoing port operations.
Stage 1 of this project has already received more demand enquiries than its proposed capacity, which is fantastic news for our company and SA.
- SHAUN SHAN
"This development will bolster the local economy and create a pipeline of growth opportunity for Port Augusta," Ms Chapman said.
"There is scope for this site to accommodate a range of commodities and activities, including mineral processing."
PAO intends is to load commodities onto shallow-draft self-unloading vessels at the facility's wharf, via existing rail links, to cape-sized, ocean-going bulk carriers, moored at existing offshore trans-shipment points south-east of Whyalla.
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"The economic benefits of this development are already materialising with the signing of legally binding commitments with key customers," PAO managing director Shaun Shan said.
"Stage 1 of this project has already received more demand enquiries than its proposed capacity, which is fantastic news for our company and SA."
"The development strongly aligns with key state, regional and local development directions and will unlock significant economic benefit within Port Augusta and across regional SA."
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