The Northern Territory Government has awarded Avenira Ltd two mineral leases, giving them exclusive access to the Wonarah phosphate deposit in the Barkly region.
With the issuance of the mineral leases, Avenira will be able to extract a bulk sample for testing and, if successful, begin a Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) operation.
“We are pleased to receive the mineral leases supporting the Company’s proposed mining activities at Wonarah. We can now proceed towards commencement of test pit activities as an interim stage to DSO production,” Avenira’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brett Clark said.
Clark added, “Wonarah test pit will set up the logistic supply chains that will enable future DSO production and underpin the important role that Wonarah can play in the development of a downstream LFP battery cathode manufacturing facility in the Northern Territory. We would like to acknowledge the Northern Territory Government for their support.”
Avenira obtained environmental approvals before receiving the licences.
“The granting of these two mineral leases to Avenira will help position the Territory as the next Australian home of advanced manufacturing, develop new skills and jobs, as well as support our objective to achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said.
Chief Minister Fyles stated that with the potential to generate 1000 jobs, the initiative would benefit Territorians from the Top End to the Barkly.
According to the State Government, awarding the mineral leases is a substantial economic and strategic prospect for the State as phosphate is expected to become a more critical component of lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) batteries used in electric vehicles and stationary storage.
A future project stage will include constructing an LFP battery cathode manufacturing facility that will use phosphate from the Wonarah deposit for an integrated operation.
When fully operational, the LFP plant is expected to produce 100 jobs and generate more than US$4 billion in income yearly.
“Growing a $40 billion economy by 2030 requires reaching for bold new economic opportunities and overcoming long-standing challenges facing the State,” Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison said.
Minister Manison stated that the Northern Territory has what it takes to be a vibrant economy with world-class mineral deposits, probable gas reserves, a strong agriculture sector, rising information technology capabilities, and strategic advantages as a trading and defence site.
“Avenira being awarded these two mineral licences means the project is getting off the ground, and will support jobs and development in our regions,” the Minister added.
The Darwin Critical Minerals Dialogue will also take place this week, bringing together key leaders and stakeholders from Australia, Japan, and the United States to discuss critical mineral production and supply-chain security.
