MP to give mine ruling in a month

Premier Mark McGowan has told the Telegraph he expects Environment Minister Stephen Dawson to make a final decision on Mineral Resources’ proposal to mine in the Helena Aurora Ranges “within the next month”.

The Kwinana-based organisation wants to mine for iron ore at the site north of Southern Cross, but the Environmental Protection Authority recommendation was to reject the plan.

MinRes representative Gary Gray has urged the State Government to make a “balanced decision” in regards to the proposal, especially as the project is critical to securing the long-term employment of 425 people in Kwinana.

Mr Gray said the company was aware of the environmental impacts the proposal would have but labelled them “precisely defined” and as such manageable.

Mr Dawson agreed with the EPA findings but said he would consult with ministerial colleagues to ensure the social, economic and environmental aspects of the proposal are considered before a final decision was announced.