Avenira Ltd has signed a licence and technology transfer agreement with ALEEES to progress the development of a lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery cathode manufacturing facility at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.
The binding agreement gives Avenira the authority and specifications to manufacture LFP battery cathode material in Darwin.
The plant will be Australia’s first commercial-scale facility of its sort, capable of producing 30,000 tonnes of LFP powder per year for use in electric vehicles and energy storage batteries.
“Avenira and Aleees combined experience and expertise will put more “Made in Australia” components into electric vehicle and energy storage batteries,” ALEEES Board Member Jamie Lee said.
According to Lee, the Australian battery supply chain is a key attraction for clients who want to execute their ESG priorities as part of an active contribution to mitigating climate change.
“By assisting Avenira in manufacturing LFP cathode materials, we enable Avenira’s products to become globally competitive, reduce reliance on foreign sources, and create more green technology job opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, research, and other fields,” Lee added.
Avenira estimates the project will generate $1.5 billion annually in the Northern Territory economy, creating over 500 construction and 100 operations jobs.
Avenira and ALEEES signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2022 to collaborate with the Northern Territory to advance the manufacturing plant.
Avenira is one of five companies that have made a ‘not to deal’ commitment for land at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.
The Northern Territory Government has supported the project over the past year, focusing on regulatory approvals, offtake market connections, and maximising local business benefits.
“For the past 12 months, my government has been working with Aveinra and now we are seeing the signing with ALEEES of a licence and technology transfer agreement, which will provide Avenira with the authority and specifications to manufacture lithium ferro phosphate battery cathode material at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said.
“This supports the entire Territory, from the Barkly to the Top End. Creating 500 construction jobs, followed by 300 jobs during operations and injecting the economy with $1.5 billion annually,” Chief Minister Fyles stated.
The Wonarah Phosphate project in the Barkly will eventually supply phosphate to the LFP facility, and Avenira has signed a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation to continue the development of the project.
“Securing a technology partner of Aleees’ calibre gives us great confidence as we continue to develop the LFP project at Middle Arm, Darwin together,” Avenira Chairman Brett Clark said.
“Once operational this will be Australia’s first LFP plant and an important example of value-adding to our upstream Wonarah Phosphate Resource,” Clark added.
Phosphate has traditionally been used in agricultural fertiliser, but it is also in high demand as a vital component in electric vehicles and energy storage batteries to support increased usage of green energy and the transition to zero emissions.
