It is reported that the South Australian government has approved an iron ore mine on Eyre Peninsula, clearing the way for exports to China to begin next year.

IronClad Mining Wilcherry Hill iron ore project near Kimba passed the government final statutory hurdle on Friday.

The company can now begin infrastructure work.

Mr Ian Finch executive chairman of IronClad Mining said the approval would transform the company into a global operation. He said that "The Program for Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation has been an exhaustive process as it details the construction, commissioning, operation and eventual rehabilitation of the mine."

The Wilcherry Hill project is a joint venture between IronClad and Trafford Resources.

Annual production is tipped to be one million tonnes in the first year rising to 10 million in full production.

IronClad expects to begin shipments in the second quarter of next year with the first two years of ore already sold.

(Sourced from www.theaustralian.com.au)