Cape Preston

Cape Preston is a rocky headland located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is situated 67 kilometres (42 mi) West South West from Karratha.

Cape Preston is a standard Bureau of Meteorology reference point for coastal weather reports, it is located between Wallal and North West Cape.

The area is noted for its rich marine biodiversity and contains a large number of species of crustaceans, corals, molluscs, fish and echinoderms. A number of habitats suitable for sustaining exist around the cape including mangroves, sandy beaches, algal meadows, coral reefs, roxky reefs and soft sediment communities.[1]

Resources company Austeel was granted permission to build an Iron Ore operation in the area in 2003 following environmental approval being given by then minister Judy Edwards. Construction of the operation was to commence in late 2004.[2]

A contract was awarded to develop the mine to a Chinese company, China Metallurgical Group Corp, in 2007. The project, estimated to cost $1.98 billion, is to include the magnetite mine, a water desalination plant, a thermal power plant and port facilities.[3]

On 23 April 1989, the category four Tropical Cyclone Orson hit the cape, killing four Indonesian fisherman.[4]

See also

Coastal regions of Western Australia

References

  1. ↑ "Department of the Environment and Conservation - Dampier Archipelago - Cape Preston". 2006. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  2. ↑ "ABC News - Austeel gets permission to mine Cape Preston iron". 2003. Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  3. ↑ "Bulk Materials Online - Chinese firm to dig Down Under". 2007. Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  4. ↑ "Bureau of Meteorology - Tropical Cyclone Orson". 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-26.

Coordinates: 20°51′0″S 116°12′0″E / 20.85000°S 116.20000°E