After spending over $60m on its Mid West Iron & Steel project in Western Australia, Kingstream Steel this afternoon called in the administrators.
The project involves the construction of a fully integrated 2.6mtpa steel slab plant, 22km north of the City of Geraldton, utilising low cost natural gas and iron ore, and the latest steel making technology provided by world leaders in this field. A huge site has already been cleared at Geraldton.
Kingstream, chaired by one of the WA Court dynasty, Ken Court, says that it is negotiating with several strategic investors. However, the poor global economic outlook led to additional caution from potential investors and the administration will allow time for these negotiations ton be concluded.
The total project comprises an iron ore mine, beneficiation plant, 140km of standard gauge rail line, a power station and a steel production plant. The Geraldton steel plant was to consist of a pellet plant, two DRI furnaces, two electric arc furnaces and two continuous casters.
Iron ore was initially be mined and beneficiated at Tallering Peak, 140km north-east of Geraldton by rail.