The Regional Minerals Program (RMP) project study titled Developing the West Kimberley's Resources was commissioned by the Western Australian Government Department of Industry and Resources under the Regional Minerals Program. The objective of the studywas to consider future minerals and energy development in the West Kimberley region in order to facilitate processes for planning, infrastructure and local involvement. In particular, the study examined the requirements for infrastructure to support major resources projects.
The geographical area of the study occupies about one third of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The study area includes the Shires of Broome and Derby-West Kimberley and was extended to include part of the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley as the area contains the Mt Leeming and West Kalumburu bauxite deposits and is being actively considered for mining development.
A key finding of the study is that both gas and the bauxite resources of the West Kimberley are significant by world standards. The gas reserves of the Browse Basin are currently estimated at 31 trillion cubic feet, compared to an estimated 22 trillion cubic feet remaining in the North West Shelf area. Bauxite resources on the Mitchell Plateau at Cape Bougainville and in the East Kalumburu/Mt Leeming area are extensive. In addition, the study area has significant deposits of other minerals and energy resources, including diamonds, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, silver, nickel, uranium, coal, tin, mineral sands and on-shore petroleum.
The identified impediments to the development of large projects in the Kimberley region relate to underdeveloped infrastructure. Large projects will require major new infrastructure, especially for transportation of materials in and product out, and also communications, accommodation and other social infrastructure. Compared with many other regions, the remoteness of the West Kimberley brings particular cost imposts for the establishment and ongoing operations of any new projects.
The study report has made a number of recommendations that prioritise both hard and soft infrastructure needs necessaryto support major project developments.
The study commenced in May 2004 and was completed in June 2005.
To obtain a copy of the Report, please see the downloadable file below. The Executive Summary is also available.