Major investment decision signals confidence in the Territory

15 October 2026

• The Finocchiaro CLP Government welcomes KGL Resources Ltd’s announcement of Final Investment Decision for its Jervois Copper Project in Central Australia.

• Construction expected to commence in early 2027, creating up to 350 jobs during construction and up to 550 ongoing jobs once operational.

• Today’s announcement follows the recent groundbreaking at Arafura’s Nolans project, which also reached Final Investment Decision this year.

Another significant milestone has been reached for the Northern Territory’s resources sector, with KGL Resources Ltd (KGL) announcing it has reached Final Investment Decision (FID) for its Jervois Copper Project in Central Australia.

Following the recent groundbreaking at Arafura’s Nolans Rare Earths Project, KGL’s FID marks another major step forward for the Territory.

Located about 380 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs, the Jervois Copper project is expected to create up to 350 jobs during construction of the open-cut and underground mining development and up to 550 ongoing jobs during operations.

Civil works have commenced and a contract has been awarded for engineering, procurement and construction of the processing plant. Construction is expected to commence in early 2027.

KGL recently completed a successful $300 million equity raise to fully fund the development of the project.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the Jervois Project would create hundreds of jobs for Territorians and is already delivering significant economic opportunities for Territory businesses. 

“Following the recent groundbreaking at Arafura’s Nolans project, Jervois is another significant development in the pipeline for the Territory,” Minister Maley said.

“These projects mean opportunities for local workers, more business for Territory suppliers and contractors, and investment that can support our communities for years to come.

"The Jervois Project is already delivering real benefits for Territory businesses, with Northern Transportables securing an approximately $36 million contract to design, manufacture and deliver accommodation and infrastructure for the site.

"Contracts have also been awarded to Black Cat Civil, MEC NT and other Central Australian businesses. This is exactly the type of local participation we want to see from major resource developments."

Jervois is expected to produce an average of 30,000 tonnes per annum of contained copper in saleable concentrate over an initial 10-year mine life, with additional silver and gold recovered.

Copper is an important metal for electricity networks, infrastructure, manufacturing and emerging technologies, providing the project with the potential to contribute to domestic and international supply chains.

KGL CEO, Sam Strohmayr said the decision was a defining moment in the progression of the Jervois Project and reflected the strong partnership between KGL and the Territory Government.

"Reaching Final Investment Decision is a defining milestone for KGL and the Jervois Copper Project, marking our transition into full project execution. With funding secured, early works underway and our major delivery contracts progressing, we are firmly focused on safely delivering Jervois and first copper concentrate in the first half of 2028.

"We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Northern Territory Government, local communities and Territory businesses as we develop Jervois and create lasting economic opportunities for Central Australia."

Media contact: Frances McLoughlin - 0427 379 702

Civil works have commenced on the KGL Jervois Copper Project 380 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs.