New approval to jumpstart mining at the Wonarah Phosphate Project

Avenira Limited has secured approval for its Mining Management Plan (MMP) for its wholly owned Wonarah Phosphate Project in the Northern Territory. 

The MMP was approved under the Mining Management Act 2001, and authorises Avenira Limited to commence mining activities at the Wonarah operations. 

The approval covers: 

• The initial test pit targeting 5,000 tonnes of marketable DSO (Direct Shipping Ore) material 
• The commencement of the DSO Project, to mine an estimated further 35,000 tonnes of ore 
• Surface grade control drilling to support detailed mine planning for the remaining DSO operations 

The authorisation also enables the staged expansion of the project with customary conditions such as submission of an amended MMP with findings of surface grade control drilling, pathway to development and consideration of site rehabilitation as well as other supporting documents that demonstrate appropriate management of environmental risks. 

“In huge news for the Territory economy and a big win for jobs in the Barkly – Avenira Limited has met its regulatory obligations and is now authorised to commence mining. 

“The Wonarah Phosphate Project further cements the Territory’s reputation as a globally significant hub for resources and critical minerals. 

“This is the 9th significant mine approval in the past three years and is further proof the Territory Labor Government is backing our resources industry. 

“We have the resources the world needs to transition to net-zero emissions and green energy and we support the projects that make this happen,” Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison said. 

Source: Avenira Limited

The Wonarah DSO Phosphate Project is located in the Barkly region, about 300 kilometres east of Tennant Creek. The project is estimated to initially create 25 jobs and increase to about 50 jobs during the DSO program. 

First exports from this mining operation will be for phosphate rock and later exports will supply Avenira Limited’s Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) project at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct. 

Phosphate is traditionally used in agricultural fertiliser and is now seeing an increase in demand for use as a critical mineral in electric vehicles as well as energy storage batteries. 

Earlier this year, Avenira Limited signed a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation which created a pathway to sustainable commercial outcomes and social benefits for Arruwurra’s Members. The terms of the Agreement also provide a strong commitment to create mutual benefits while ensuring respect for traditional lands, activities, values and the rights of the Arruwurra Members. 

In addition, the Agreement will ensure local Aboriginal People and businesses are prioritised for employment or contracting opportunities. 

In April of this year, the Northern Territory Government granted Avenira Limited two mineral leases for the Wonarah DSO Phosphate Project. You can read more about it here. 

“We are delighted the Northern Territory Government has approved our Mining Management Plan. 

“This is a crucial step in delivering our mining project, which will provide feedstock for our proposed LFP cathode production plant. 

“Completing this project will see Darwin become a key supplier of critical materials to the global battery market. 

“The signing of the MMP follows the conclusion recently of formal agreements with our technology partner Aleees, which shows this project is moving forward very positively,” Avenira Limited Director Brett Clark said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Avenira Limited (1, 2)