Proposed Wonarah Phosphate Project a step closer to creating 1000 jobs

Perth-based Avenira Limited has secured exclusive rights to the Wonarah phosphate deposit in the Barkly region in the Northern Territory following the granting of two mineral leases by the Territory Government. 

The mining leases will enable Avenira to extract a bulk sample from the proposed project site for testing. If this testing phase is successful, the company can commence 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. 

“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 Limited Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brett Clark said. 

Avenira has previously secured environmental approvals for the Wonarah Phosphate Project, prior to the granting of mineral leases. 

The Wonarah project presents a significant economic and strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory as the demand in phosphate is estimated to grow as a critical component in lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) batteries used in electric vehicles and stationary storage. 

“Growing a $40 billion economy by 2030 requires reaching for bold new economic opportunities and overcoming long standing challenges facing the Northern Territory. 

“The Northern Territory has what it takes to be a thriving economy with world class mineral deposits, prospective gas reserves, a strong agriculture sector, emerging information technology capabilities and strategic advantages as a location for trade and defence. 

“Avenira being awarded these two mineral licences means the project is getting off the ground, and will support jobs and development in our regions,” Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison said. 

Wonarah project map (source: Avenira Limited)

Future development stages of the Wonarah project will involve the construction of an LFP battery cathode manufacturing facility. This facility will source phosphate for its production from the Wonarah deposit through an integrated operation. 

The LFP manufacturing plant is expected to create an initial 100 jobs and is projected to increase to 1,000 jobs over time and generate over $4 billion in revenue annually once the facility is fully operational. 

“We are creating long term jobs across the entire Territory. 

“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. 

“With the potential to create 1,000 jobs this project will benefit Territorians from the Top End to the Barkly,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said. 

The Wonarah Phosphate Project is one of the largest known phosphate deposits in Australia. The project’s location has access to existing infrastructure such as the established bulk commodity port at Darwin. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Avenira Limited; Australian Mining