Avenira’s Barkly mining project approved

24 October 2023

The Territory Labor government is backing mining in the Barkly Region, with another milestone reached by Avenira Limited.

Avenira Limited’s Mining Management Plan (MMP) has been approved under the Mining Management Act 2001, authorising mining to commence at the company’s Wonarah Phosphate Project.

The Wonarah Phosphate Project is located 300km east of Tennant Creek and will initially create 25 jobs, increasing to 50 during the Direct Shipping Ore program.

First exports 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.

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

Traditionally, phosphate has been used in agricultural fertiliser and is now in increasing demand for use as a critical mineral in electric vehicles and energy storage batteries.

Avenira Limited signed a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation in July, creating pathways to sustainable commercial outcomes and social benefits for Arruwurra’s members.

The agreement will ensure local aboriginal people and businesses are given first consideration for employment or contracting opportunities.

The Authorisation recognises the prior environmental impact assessment and recommendations made in the NT Environment Protection Authority’s Environmental Assessment Report 64.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison:

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Avenira Limited Director, Brett Clark:

“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.”

Northern Territory Government