Iron Road to prepare Environmental impact assessment for Cape Hardy port project, infrastructure to support CEIP Andrew Stocks on the site of the proposed mine. Photo: Kelly Barnes. Iron Road General manager Larry Ingle holds a core sample. Central Eyre Iron Project core samples. IRON Road's Cape Hardy port and infrastructure project to support Australia's largest magnetite development on the Eyre Peninsula will have to undergo the highest level of environmental impact assessment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) addressing the expected environment, social and economic effects of the project will be submitted for approval in the first quarter of next year. The state Development Assessment Commission determined the assessment for the infrastructure components of Iron Road's Central Eyre Iron Project (CEIP) based on an application made in June. The EIS will cover a deep sea port and export facility at Cape Hardy, an accommodation village near Wudinna and an infrastructure corridor comprising a railway line, power line, water pipeline and a bore field. Iron Road's EIS will also address Commonwealth Government assessment requirements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Iron Road wants to construct a US$4 billion mine, 148 km rail and deep water port operation on the Eyre Peninsula over four years. Minerals Resources Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the size, scope and economic benefit of the project is "enormous." That's why the State Government has been working with Iron Road Limited to provide expert advice on the requirements of the various rigorous approval stages both State and Commonwealth Governments require for a project of this size. During construction, the CEIP is expected to involve a peak workforce of around 1,950 and a permanent operations workforce of 700 personnel. The mine approval will be managed separately. The project has Major Development status under South Australian legislation and Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status under Commonwealth Government arrangements - the only project in South Australia to hold MPF status. Managing director Andrew Stocks said Iron Road had been working towards this milestone for CEIP) for the past three years, undertaking extensive investigations and technical studies. "The next step in the project assessment and approvals process is to complete the EIS, addressing the expected environment, social and economic effects of the CEIP Infrastructure," Mr Stocks said. "This initiative enables us to avoid unnecessary duplication of the approvals submissions, without in any way compromising either government's policies or standards for the protection of the environment," said Mr Stocks. In February this year, the company released its definitive feasibility study on the project to supply 21.5 million tonnes per annum of premium, high quality magnetite. The CEIP has a confirmed 25 year mine life, potentially bringing in US$2.8 billion annually, with port capacity also available for third party exports. In February Iron Road announced a memorandum of understanding had been signed with a significant grain handler for use of the CEIP infrastructure. The port, 7 km south of Port Neill, will be South Australia's first port capable of loading Cape-size vessels. The CEIP includes three iron occurrences (Warramboo, Kopi & Hambidge) on the Eyre Peninsula.