a9-3.6q

EMBARGO EMBARGO EMBARGO

NOT FOR RELEASE BY ANY MEDIA BEFORE MIDNIGHT _(EST) ON S ATURDAY 29 MARCH, 1969.

FOR PRESS:: Statement by the Minister for National Development, Hon,D0E,Fairbairn, D,F000, M.P.

CAPE KERAUDREN FEASIBILITY STUDY

The Australian Atomic Energy Commission and the

United States Atomic Energy Commission have concluded that there is

insufficient basis for proceeding with the feasibility study on the

creation of a harbour at Cape Keraudren, W.A,, at this time,

This is because the Sentinel Mining Company has

just completed a re—evaluation of its opportunities in the mining

and marketing of iron ore, which was to be the principal product

shipped through the proposed harbours and has decided to limit its

participation in the proposedstudyÃ¢ÂÂ

As the economics of the mining venture were an

essential- , element there is9therefore9 insufficient basis for proceeding with this.study,

However, the United States and Australian

Atomic Energy Commissions continue to be interested in the possible

use of nuclear explosions for harbour construction and will,

therefore9 continue their review of the practicability of applying this technology to other possible harbour sites in the area,

CANBERRA,

2 9th MARCH, 1969.

EMBARGO EMBARGO EMBARGO

NOT FOR RELEASE BY ANY MEDIA BEFORE

, MIDNIGHT VEST) ON SATURDAY, 29 MARCH, 1969 1

