Centrex is on target to begin mining for iron ore at its Wilgerup tenement near Lock before the end of the year and, as a result, recently signed a 100 year agreement to develop the Proper Bay port as a bulk export facility.

The port proposal has recently garnered opposition from the Port Lincoln community, culminating in a protest by around 100 people last week.

"Of course we're going to continue with our proposal at Proper Bay," Centrex Metals managing director Gerard Anderson said.

"People want the benefit without any of the issues - but we have a plan that guarantees environmental performance and we’re 100 per cent certain we can do the job without adversely affecting the environment or the community.

Centrex Metals is yet to lodge a development application for the Proper Bay wharf facility, but City of Port Lincoln CEO Geoff Dodd said the council expects Centrex to address a series of environmental, traffic and residential impact issues in that application.

"It needs to be proven that there will be no detrimental effects to the city," Mr Dodd said.

"Council's position is still, and has been for several months, that city council would support mineral exports from Port Lincoln only on the condition that there would be no adverse impacts to the amenity of the city

"Council then went on to say, that if mineral exports could be done without impact on the amenity, the preferred site would be Proper Bay.

"That was our preference because we thought that would be a better option than railing through the main part of the city which is restricted in capacity and area."

While the Proper Bay debate continues in Port Lincoln, the State Government is undergoing a feasibility study for development of a minerals export harbour at Port Bonython, which would service other proposed mining projects on Eastern Eyre, including Centrex Metals' Bungalow tenement.