The proposal is to export 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore per annum through the port of Esperance. The ore would be mined by Portman mining at Koolyanobbing and transported by Westrail via the rail link through Kambalda, Norseman and Salmon Gums to the port of Esperance for loading onto ships.

The Portman Mining Koolyanobbing iron ore mining venture was separately referred to the Environmental Protection Authority previously. It was determined that it would be subject to Works Approval and Licencing under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, but that it would not be considered until the assessment of the Port Authority's proposal was completed.

Westrail's rail transport operation was not part of the proposal which was referred to the Environmental Protection Authority. However, during the assessment of the Port Authority's proposal, several issues concerning the rail transport operation were raised and the Authority decided that these would be addressed during the assessment process.