The West Australian Government has given final environmental approval for Gindalbie’s multi-billion dollar iron ore project in the state’s mid-west.

Gindalbie is developing the Karara project, east of Geraldton, in a joint venture with Chinese steel producer Ansteel.

It is the final step in the State Government approvals process.

The project will now go to the Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, for Commonwealth approval.

The Premier, Colin Barnett, says it is a significant step towards major development in the mid-west iron ore region.

“It will export through the proposed Oakajee port, so it is important in that sense,” he said.

“Gindalbie itself is a big project and I think something like 1,800 jobs during construction will be involved.”