Metalnewsnet 7 May ：

PerthNow Business reported that at least 7 infrastructure options to export its iron ore to a WA port are being considered by emerging Pilbara iron exporter Flinders Mines.

Dr Kevin Wills MD of Flinders said that the company's current 550 million tonnes inferred and indicated resource 175 kilometers south of Dampier is well located with existing rail and port networks.

Dr Wills said that negotiations for mine gate sales and third party access were continuing satisfactorily with a number of parties.

He added that "The seven shipment options are currently under detailed review as part of the pre feasibility study and I am expecting the PFS being undertaken by WorleyParsons to be completed by September this year. Importantly, the Pilbara iron project does offer numerous short term and long-term infrastructure development solutions for both rail and port legs of mining, shipping and exporting our ore to global markets. This choice has been aided by more recent developments in the Pilbara including the WA Government's decision to back a new multi user port at Anketell, 30 kilometers east of Karratha."

He said that “Flinders Mines expected to commence its Bankable Feasibility Study for the project in the December quarter this year, having already drilled more than 1000 holes on the Pilbara project. The 2010 drilling program started a week ago with three RC drill rigs working around the clock, drilling an estimated 12 holes a day to continue to prove up the projects resource.”

Part of the current campaign is aimed at testing open intersections and higher grade areas to increase the projects resource size, JORC status and grade, particularly at the flagship Delta prospect.

Delta has been targeted as likely first open cut low cost mining operation and is being considered for fast-tracking to potentially allow Flinders Mines to commissioning the projects first mine towards the end of 2012 focused around Direct Shipping Ore mining opportunities.

(from perthnow)