A new explosives facility has been officially opened in Myalup, Western Australia, in order to support the mining industry.
WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston officially opened the McLarty State Explosives Facility, which includes 36 explosives storage and manufacturing sites.
So far, 19 of the sites have been leased while construction is underway at all sites. One will be managed by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), while a further 14 have strong commitments for development. Two sites remain unallocated.
The facility replaces the Baldivis Explosives reserve, which is expected to be returned to LandCorp in June.
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Explosives storage facilities provide highly secure areas for the storage and manufacture of packaged explosives, including fireworks.
“It’s pleasing to see that overall take up of sites has surpassed expectations with a good mix of local, interstate and international companies using the new facility,” Johnston said.
“All available sites are expected to be occupied by the end of 2019 and there is already potential to expand the reserve to the south.
“With about $113 billion of resource projects in the pipeline, the WA Government is committed to supporting growth of the resources sector and explosives storage facilities play a vital role in the industry.”