Critical Minerals Project Reaches another Milestone

10 July 2023

The Northern Territory is working to become a major player in the global supply chain for critical minerals required for new technologies and energy transition.

Avenira Limited, a current proponent of Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, recently signed a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation to continue to develop its Wonarah Phosphate Project.

The Wonarah Phosphate project in the Barkly will initially export phosphate rock, and later supply to Avenira’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) project at Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct. 

Both projects will provide significant economic and strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory.

It’s estimated the Wonarah project will initially create 25 jobs in the Barkly, growing up to 50 jobs during the Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) program. This is in addition to the 100 jobs estimated in the first stage of the LFP facility, generating more than US$4 billion in revenue annually once scaled to full production.

Phosphate is traditionally used in agricultural fertiliser, and is in increasing demand for use as a critical active material used within an electric vehicle battery or energy storage battery. 

This agreement is a founding step in a strong relationship between Avenira and Arruwurra’s members, and creates pathways to sustainable commercial outcomes and social benefits.

Recently, the Territory Government granted Avenira two mineral leases, enabling the company to extract a bulk sample for testing. 

If successful, Avenira will commence a DSO operation. Avenira secured environmental approvals prior to being awarded the mineral leases.

Together with this project and other proposals, Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, is set to become a renewable energy hub, while creating 20,000 jobs in the process.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“Growing a $40 billion economy by 2030 requires reaching for new, innovative economic opportunities.

“Projects are moving forward and the jobs will start flowing. It is important that we continue to diversify our economy and have support for all our regions.

“With the potential to create over 1,000 jobs this project will benefit Territorians from the Top End to the Barkly with the manufacturing plant to be built in Darwin, which will exclusively source phosphate from the Wonarah Phosphate Project in the Barkly.”

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison:

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

“Increasing demand and the transition to renewable energy, battery storage and use of high technology products has resulted in global organisations looking to establish diversified, reliable and stable supply chains.

“Creating jobs up and down the track, this project is the way future and what the Territory needs.”

Northern Territory Government