The Northern Territory (NT) Government announced that Avenira Limited had signed a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation to continue the development of the Wonarah Phosphate Project.
The Wonarah Phosphate Project will initially export phosphate rock before supplying Avenira’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) project at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.
According to the State Government, the initiatives will provide the Territory significant economic and strategic benefits.
The Wonarah Phosphate Project is expected to initially provide 25 jobs in the Barkly, increasing to 50 jobs throughout the Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) program. This is in addition to the 100 jobs expected in the first stage of the LFP facility, which is expected to generate more than $4 billion in revenue per year when scaled to full production.
The State Government stated that the agreement is the first step in establishing a solid partnership between Avenira and Arruwurra members, and it provides avenues to long-term commercial and social benefits.
The NT Government recently awarded Avenira two mineral leases, allowing the company to harvest a bulk sample for testing.
If successful, Avenira will begin a DSO operation. Before receiving the mining leases, Avenira obtained environmental approvals.
With this project and other proposals, the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct is on track to become a renewable energy powerhouse, providing 20,000 jobs.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles stated that establishing a $40 billion economy by 2030 requires seeking new and creative economic opportunities.
“Projects are moving forward and the jobs will start flowing. It is important that we continue to diversify our economy and have support for all our regions,” Chief Minister Fyles said.
“With the potential to create over 1,000 jobs this project will benefit Territorians from the Top End to the Barkly with the manufacturing plant to be built in Darwin, which will exclusively source phosphate from the Wonarah Phosphate Project in the Barkly,” Chief Minister Fyles added.
Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison said with world-class mineral deposits, a strong agriculture sector, rising information technology skills, and strategic advantages as a commerce and military site, NT has what it takes to be a thriving economy.
“Increasing demand and the transition to renewable energy, battery storage and use of high technology products has resulted in global organisations looking to establish diversified, reliable and stable supply chains,” Minister Manison stated.
“Creating jobs up and down the track, this project is the way future and what the Territory needs,” Minister Manison added.
