The development of a $300 million phosphate mine in Queensland has been given the green light as the State Government grants mining leases to North West Phosphate.
The Paradise South mining complex is located about 130 kilometres northwest of Mount Isa, adjacent Glencore’s Lady Loretta zinc mine.
The new phosphate mine is expected to create 200 jobs during its construction and a further 245 jobs once the mine is up and running.
North West Phosphate intends to utilise local services in the development of Paradise South, providing a boost to the northwest Queensland economy.
“The grant of the mining leases for this project northwest of Mount Isa is a vote of confidence from not just this government but from companies like North West Phosphate.
“Paradise South will create 445 good local jobs for the region and confirms the North West Mineral Province will continue to be a key driver in Queensland’s economy,” Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said.
The Paradise South complex will include an open cut mine and a processing plant on site that will produce phosphate concentrate products for domestic and international markets.
The mine is expected to produce up to two million tonnes of phosphate ore annually over an initial 20-year mine life.
Phosphorous is primarily used in the production of fertiliser for agriculture, however it is also an important ingredient in batteries and other technologies that will push the world further towards a decarbonised economy.
“We have worked very closely with the State Government in bringing this very difficult and complex project to fruition in the North West and we are excited to reach this significant milestone for our Paradise South project.
“A big thank you to the Queensland Government for the support they have provided us to date and for their ongoing commitment to the North West Region – keeping and growing jobs in the North West is a priority for all of us.
“We know that the Mount Isa community is relying on us to deliver local jobs and local opportunities and we will continue to work with the Queensland Government to get this project off the ground as soon as possible.
“As many in the North West region would know, this project was first talked about decades ago, but it is the cutting edge project design underpinned by world class technology that has been put together by the North West Phosphate project team that will make sure this project becomes a reality,” North West Phosphate Executive Chairman John Cotter said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; North West Phosphate; Australian Mining; The North West Star