CITIC Pacific Mining (CPM) plans to undertake a capital dredging programme at the Port of Cape Preston, where magnetite concentrate is exported. This dredging will return the harbour to natural depth and enable CPM contractors to utilise vessels with a deeper draft and larger capacity.
CPM has already received approval through the EPA to undertake dredging and is authorised to approximately 4.5 million cubic metres of dredged material. CPM has now applied for a Sea Dumping Permit from DCCEEW to dispose of dredged material at an offshore DMPA.
CPM has informed WAFIC that after having undertaken modelling of dredge plumes and evaluation of potential environmental impacts to marine and benthic organisms to support the Sea Dumping Permit Application, CPM does not believe there are potential impacts to commercial fisheries in the area. WAFIC has distributed information on this proposal to relevant licence holders and received minimal feedback.