According to Mr Gary Stokes Managing Director of Sinosteel Midwest Corporation, the company decision to suspend development of its USD 2 billion Weld Range project is understandable given the uncertainty around the Oakajee Port and Rail Development, Padbury Mining Ltd.

Mr Stokes said Padbury shared SMC’s concerns about the Oakajee development which was why two weeks ago the Company shareholders ratified the purchase of the intellectual property developed by Yilgarn Infrastructure as part of its 2007 bid to develop the Oakajee Port and Rail project.

He said that “This purchase was intended to provide Padbury with a plan B’ to contribute to a possible infrastructure solution for the Mid West should the current provider OPR not be able to deliver the project in its current form.”

He added that “While SMC’s decision will undoubtedly disrupt the Oakajee Port and rail development in its current form, Padbury is fortunate that it is at an early stage of project work and is not as dependent on the same timelines as other Mid West miners for the completion of the infrastructure.”

The Company has a solid program of work planned to develop this project over the next three years with production targeted for 2016.