Mining company Centrex Metals has been given approval from the South Australian government to mine iron ore in the Eyre Peninsula.
The news comes following confirmation from SA Premier Mike Rann he will bow to pressure to step down from the role, but not before the Olympic Dam expansion is finalised.
Centrex has had its application with the Program for Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation approved for its Wilgerup hematite deposit near Lock.
Managing Director Jim White told the ABC the approval is proof the company is committed to protecting the area during all stages of the process.
"The approval process has a very, very large component of environmental management and environmental responsibility and community responsibility, as well as how the mine would be operated, what criteria must be met, both when it’s operational and afterwards,” he said.
Yesterday an indigenous community in South Australia’s Arkaroola area accused the state government of failing to properly consult the traditional owners, the Adnyamathanha people, before announcing a ban on mining there.
The Adnyamathanha people want official acknowledgement from the government over the ruling.
Image: About Australia