Ms Noonan started her job as a “site access and community liaison representative” in October, two months after OneSteel bought their iron ore assets.

This came after she met executive chairman Bob Duffin when he was in Port Pirie for a major mining conference.

She said subject to approvals, the company could export coal from the town in the future.

“Their intention is still to use Port Pirie to get their product to the market,” she said. “Coal is their current focus.”

She said the company “looks at Port Pirie as being an important part of their future”.

“WPG are water testing in the Port Pirie River as part of their ongoing environmental obligations,” she said.

“All things going to plan, we would hope there is potential for local employment opportunities down the track.”

Her comments support those of executive chairman Bob Duffin, who on Tuesday told The Recorder that the company had never lost interest in the town.

“We see it as a key to our future to export coal and iron ore,” he said.

Ms Noonan also touched on some of the negative publicity the company has been receiving. “There has been so much criticism placed on the whole situation that people have lost sight of the positives that can come out of this,” she said.

“WPG have always viewed Port Pirie as an important asset and one that they intend to utilise.

“My suggestion to Port Pirie people is to get onto the WPG Resources website and register for Australian Stock Exchange updates as these are up-to-date, very informative and will highlight WPG Resources’s ongoing commitment to Port Pirie.

“Port Pirie is important to WPG Resources and by keeping an eye on the website residents will have a clearer understanding of where things sit in regards to coal projects in South Australia.”

Meanwhile the George Street site, bought by WPG Resources last year, was recently damaged by a storm.

Ms Noonan has a background in the real estate industry.