Mineral Resources has sparked excitement in Western Australia's mining community with its bid to secure a 21-year lease of Kambalda Airport in the Coolgardie shire.
Located in the heart of Western Australia's mining region, the airport has long been a vital hub for the transportation of people and goods.
The proposed lease, which is currently under consideration by the state government, would grant Mineral Resources control over the airport's day-to-day operations for the next two decades.
Industry insiders are hailing the move as a major coup for the Perth-based mining giant, which has been expanding its operations aggressively in recent years.
For Mineral Resources, securing a long-term lease of the Kambalda Airport would provide a significant boost to its logistical capabilities in the region.
The company has a major presence in Western Australia, with several mining projects currently in production or under development.
Analysts believe that control of the airport would enable Mineral Resources to streamline its operations and reduce costs associated with transporting personnel and equipment.
It would also provide the company with a strategic advantage in the region, allowing it to respond more quickly to changes in the market and better compete with rival companies.
However, not everyone is happy with the proposed deal, with some local residents expressing concerns about the impact on the community.
There are worries that the increased activity at the airport could lead to noise pollution and disruption to the local way of life.
Others have raised concerns about the jobs and training opportunities that may or may not be generated by the deal.
Despite these concerns, Mineral Resources has signalled its commitment to working with the local community and ensuring that the proposed lease benefits both the company and the residents of the Coolgardie shire.
The state government has yet to make a decision on the proposed lease, and a spokesperson for the minister responsible for airports has indicated that all options are still on the table.
For now, the mining community waits with bated breath as the fate of the Kambalda Airport hangs in the balance.