An estimated capital investment of more than $100 million into the regional and state economy will see Port Augusta Operations transform the former Port Augusta power station site – one of South Australia’s most historically significant industrial sites – returning commercial shipping to Port Augusta for the first time in 50 years.

Our Development Application, which was submitted in July 2020,  involves the development of a new iron ore export port featuring upgraded and new infrastructure and facilities designed to receive, store and handle iron ore. At this stage, it is anticipated the port will be operational by late 2022.

This new port will be known as Port Playford in recognition of former Premier Sir Thomas Playford and his role in the establishment of the Leigh Creek Coalfield and Port Augusta Power station.

Find out more about Port Augusta Operations
Discover more about the Port Playford project
Learn more about our stakeholder strategy

Benefits

Port Playford is anticipated to deliver the following benefits to the Port Augusta region and South Australia.

Activation of a currently inactive site and decommissioned infrastructure

Ongoing site management, including dust management and ash dam revegetation

An estimated capital investment of more than $100 million into the regional and state economy

Creation of over 100 jobs in the region during construction

Creation of 80 permanent positions to support ongoing port operations

Increased support for the export of iron ore from both the Gawler Craton, Braemar and Curnamona mineral provinces

Bulk commodity export option with reduced logistics costs

Indirect jobs creation within industries supplying the port with goods and services

Economies of scale achieved by transhipping from barges to larger ships