It is reported that two weeks after Sinosteel Midwest Corp put its USD 2 billion Weld Range project on ice throwing the future of the Oakajee port and rail development into doubt, the Chinese group has asked for environmental approval for the iron ore mine.

Sinosteel move yesterday intensifies talk it put Weld Range on ice as a negotiation tactic to secure better tariffs from Oakajee Port and Rail, the embattled proponent of the Mid West infrastructure.

OPR future is in limbo without Weld Range which was to be its most important customer.

Sinosteel documents lodged with the Department of Environment recently proposed construction of Weld Range to start in the third quarter of this year and first production in the fourth quarter of 2013. Although Sinosteel has officially parked Weld Range citing frustration with Oakajee's timetable and tariffs and it has since signaled it could return to the table under a revised tariff structure.

(Sourced from thewest.com.au)