CAPE PRESTON

  • AUCPN
  • Latitude: -20.829
  • Longitude: 116.192
  • West Australia
  • Port in Australia

Location: Cape Preston Western Australia Australia

Cape Preston is a significant marine port located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This port primarily supports resource extraction activities, particularly those of the mining industry.

Description:

Cape Preston, managed primarily for private industrial operations, serves as the export and shipping point for the Sino Iron Project, which is operated by CITIC Pacific Mining. The port is integral to the export of iron ore and other minerals mined in the Inland Pilbara region.

Specifications:

Location:

  • Coordinates: Approximately 20° 57' S latitude and 116° 08' E longitude.
  • Province: Pilbara, Western Australia.
  • Proximity: About 100 kilometers south-west of Karratha, and moderately close to other key maritime facilities in the region.

Port Infrastructure:

  • Berths: The port infrastructure includes a wharf and several berths used to accommodate large capesize vessels.
  • Loading Facilities: Equipped with advanced conveyor systems and ship loaders to facilitate bulk material handling.
  • Depth: Deep-water access to accommodate large bulk carriers.
  • Port Services: Designed to facilitate iron ore export, but does not typically serve as a general cargo port. Predominantly focused on bulk mineral exports.

Operation:

  • Operator: CITIC Pacific Mining.
  • Commodity: Primarily iron ore.
  • Capacity: High-capacity operation, capable of handling millions of tonnes of iron ore per year.

Environmental Considerations:

  • Compliance: Operates under strict environmental guidelines set by both local and national regulatory bodies. The port includes facilities designed to minimize the environmental impact of shipping and loading operations.

Logistics:

  • Connectivity: The port is connected to the Sino Iron mine via a 30-kilometer-long slurry pipeline.
  • Support Facilities: Includes maintenance areas, storage facilities, and administrative buildings.

Summary:

Cape Preston is a specialized, high-capacity export facility tailored to the needs of the iron ore mining industry in Western Australia. The port's infrastructure, designed for deep-water bulk carriers, supports large-scale mineral export operations, playing a critical role in Australia's mining economy. The location's strategic significance is underscored by its integration with massive mining projects and its ability to handle the demands of modern resource exports efficiently and sustainably.

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