Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan 2017 1 Copyright notice and disclaimer Copyright in this publication is owned by the Crown in Right of Tasmania, represented by the Department of State Growth. Information in this publication is intended for general information only and does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information in this publication. Readers should make their own enquiries and seek independent professional advice before acting on or relying upon any of the information provided. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon information in this publication. Images used within this publication remain the property of the copyright holder. For further information on this publication please visit: www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au © State of Tasmania June 2016 Photo credits Images courtesy of the Tasmanian Government, Rob Burnett, Tasrail Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan 2017 2 Table of contents Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Background ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Mining and mineral exploration in Tasmania ........................................................................................................................... 5 Policy linkages .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Western Tasmania supply chain characteristics .......................................................................................................................... 9 Key findings ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Current infrastructure capacity and constraints ....................................................................................................................... 10 Western Tasmania regional freight task ................................................................................................................................. 10 Current infrastructure capacity ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Key findings .................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Planning for the future ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Drivers of production and growth for the Western Tasmania mining industry ........................................................... 12 Growth scenarios ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Capacity and demand .................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Key findings .................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Strategic objectives ........................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Identifying options for improved supply chain productivity and efficiency ..................................................................... 15 Actions ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 Identifying options for enhanced infrastructure capacity .................................................................................................... 17 Actions ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19 Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan 2017 3 Introduction The Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting Tasmania’s mining sector. Mining contributes more than $800 million annually to Tasmania’s gross state product and directly employs over 3500 people. Together with the mineral processing sector, it employs more than 5000 people and it represents nearly 50 per cent of Tasmania’s total state exports. The Tasmanian Government, through the Department of State Growth, has developed the Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan (the plan), with the support of a grant from the Australian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund. The plan aims to support Western Tasmanian mining industry development through improving the productivity and efficiency of export supply chains in the region. The objectives of the plan are to support industry growth and development through: improved supply chain productivity and efficiency; and enhanced infrastructure capacity where required. The plan builds on a previous infrastructure audit, the Western Tasmania Industry Infrastructure Study (WTIIS), completed in 2012, which identified transport as the primary infrastructure priority for the region. The plan builds on the WTIIS by extending the geographical scope to include the northwest region, as well as Burnie Port and Port Latta. The plan was informed by the 2011-12 Tasmanian Freight Survey and an extensive program of industry discussions, including representatives from mining, agriculture and forestry industries and comprehensive supply chain mapping. Infrastructure owners and managers including TasPorts, TasRail and State Growth Roads Division were also consulted. While the plan identifies that there is sufficient infrastructure capacity in place to meet current demand and a range of future growth scenarios, it highlights the importance of ongoing planning and monitoring of mining sector developments. It also identifies that there are opportunities to continue to enhance the efficiency of existing mining supply chains. A primary focus for government will be preparing detailed analysis of roads and bridges for both existing and possible future vehicle configurations, enabling targeted enhancements to public infrastructure such as bridges to improve supply chain productivity and efficiency. Regular, ongoing monitoring of mining sector growth and projected demand will also be key. Through implementing the actions outlined in this plan the Government will ensure that the development of the Western Tasmanian mining industry continues to be supported by productive and efficient transport infrastructure. Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan 2017 4 Background Mining and mineral exploration in Tasmania Tasmania is one of the most highly mineralised regions in the world and has an extensive range of high grade mineral deposits including: Metallic minerals - copper, gold, silver, iron, tungsten, tin and zinc. Industrial minerals - ultra-high purity silica flour, magnesite, limestone, dolomite, fluorite and coal. Non-metallic construction materials - building stone, aggregate, gravel and sand. $2.85 billion worth of minerals were mined and processed in Tasmania in 2015-16. The majority of the state’s mining operations are located in Western Tasmania. This includes the Rosebery (zinc, lead, gold, copper and silver) and Savage River (iron one) mines. Queenstown’s Mount Lyell mine (copper, gold and silver) was also in operation until transitioning to care and maintenance in June 2014. Significant deposits of construction materials including road base and surfacing materials, gravel, sand and clay are also extracted from Western Tasmania. The major mineral commodities mined in Western Tasmania are exported into domestic and international markets with some processing undertaken within the state. $1.61 billion of minerals were exported in 2015-16. Construction materials extracted are processed for use in Tasmania. Generally the mineral deposits support longer-lasting operations producing small tonnages annually (between 20 000 and 200 000 tonnes), however, in combination, the operations across the region produce significant freight volumes. There are over 500 mining leases in Tasmania, with a range of operating statuses, including in active operation, under care and maintenance, new mines under development and exploration projects/prospects. The following figures provide maps of current statewide mines and mineral processors and proposed mining operations. Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan 2017 5 Major mining and mineral processing operations May 2017 Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan 2017 6 Proposed projects May 2017 Western Tasmania Export Corridor Plan 2017 7 Policy linkages The Western Tasmania