The State Liberals have welcomed today’s announcement from Oz Minerals that it will begin work on its $975 million Carrapateena mine in the State’s far north almost immediately and construct a $150 million processing plant at Whyalla.

The Whyalla processing plant would create 100 jobs in construction and 100 permanent jobs.

Oz Minerals will also investigate the case for a larger mine producing four million tonnes of ore per year, compared to the original plan of 2.8 million tonnes.

“This announcement is great news and will provide much-needed investment, economic growth and job creation in the Whyalla and Far North region,” said Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Mineral Resources and Energy Dan van Holst Pellekaan.

“The Weatherill Labor Government now needs to continue working with Arrium and its administrators to ensure that there is a future for the company in Whyalla.

“While today is a very good day for Whyalla, it is important that we don’t forget the broader challenges the community is facing.

“It’s great to see industry creating jobs for Whyalla, now we need the State Government to tell us what it’s doing to support workers in the region.”