A DEEP water port on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula has been given the go ahead by the State Government.  

Port Spencer, to be built by Centrex Metals and its Chinese partner, would cost about $250 million and create 200 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions, adelaidenow reports.

The port is about 70km north-east of Port Lincoln, halfway between Tumby Bay and Port Neill.

It would export iron ore from Centrex's string of iron projects scattered along the east and centre of Eyre Peninsula as well as grain from local farmers.

"This will help accelerate the emergence of the Eyre Peninsula as an important new iron ore province," Centrex Metals general manager Phil Staveley said.

"Port Spencer is integral in this process as it will allow iron ore mined on the Eyre Peninsula to get to port quickly and efficiently, keeping transport costs to a minimum."

Centrex has conducted three years of studies on the development and the Government today approved its Public Environmental Report.The port is linked to Centrex's Fusion mine project.

Together the mine and port would cost $1.7 billion to $2.5 billion, according to the company's preliminary costings. A construction workforce of 1000 people would be needed and a permanent workforce of 500 to 550.

The port will still need Federal Government environmental approvals and a final investment decision from Centrex and its partners.

Acting Planning Minister Patrick Conlon welcomed its approval.

"There is no doubt that the Port Spencer project will be a massive boon for regional investment and local jobs," Mr Conlon said.

"The State Government is committed to unlocking investment in regional infrastructure but it is important to ensure that all environmental and social checks and balances are met. Full report, adelaidenow