Executive chairman of the company Bob Duffin who is also a member of the Port Bonython Bulk Commodities Users Group said his development plans for Peculiar Knob has been put on hold due to the indecision.

He said although a few company's that were intending to use the proposed Port Bonython port have started investigating the possibility of using Port Adelaide it did not look like a viable option.

The Whyalla News sent questions to the office of Major Project and Infrastructure enquiring about the progress of the proposal.

In response the office said "A final decision on the proposed deep sea port at Port Bonython is yet to be made by State Cabinet".

No time frame has been given as to when a decision will be reached.

Mr Duffin said his project had secured all the permits and was ready for development but due to the non availability of a near-by port he was forced to wait.

He said the exporting from out of Adelaide would be expensive and the port was not suitable for cape sized vessels.

"I am anticipating that if the Port Bonython project goes ahead I can start production in 12 months," Mr Duffin said.

"We have calculated exporting three million tonnes per year for seven years and with similar explorations around the area the port will continue to be busy.

"Our calculated export revenue would be $300 million per year and the State will receive $10 million in royalty.

"We have worked out everything and while the companies which are forced to look at other ports may suffer losses, Whyalla will also lose out on a lucrative investment opportunity.

"Once the project starts we will employ over 120 people and with time this could increase as other mines open up."

When the company was having talks with OneSteel in 2007 indications were that $53 million would be spent on setting up infrasturucture in Whyalla.