Avenira lines up Wonarah phosphate leases

The Northern Territory Government has awarded two mineral leases that pave the way for Avenira to kick off a direct shipping ore operation from the Wonarah phosphate deposit in the Barkly region. The two mineral leases – ML33343 and ML33344 - include areas within the proposed DSO project, plus supporting access roads and infrastructure. A future stage of the project is proposed to include an LFP (lithium-ferro-phosphate) battery cathode manufacturing facility, which will source phosphate from the Wonarah deposit for an integrated operation. Avenira chairman Brett Clark said the company could 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," he said. Avenira last month announced the results of a scoping study for an LFP plant to be based in Darwin, describing the scenarios studied as demonstrating solid financial robustness. It’s estimated the LFP plant would initially create 100 jobs, growing up to 1000 jobs and generating more than $US4 billion in revenue annually once scaled to full production. NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the granting of the two mineral leases to Avenira would help to position the Territory as the next Australian home of advanced manufacturing, develop new skills and jobs, as well as support the government's objective to achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030. It comes as key industry figures from Australia, Japan and the United States will gather in Darwin as part of an inaugural trilateral meeting to progress critical mineral and rare-earth element production across northern Australia. The 2023 Darwin Dialogue is an invitation-only event being held April 12-14. “The Territory is rapidly emerging as a key player when it comes to the global supply chains for the critical minerals required for new technologies and the energy transition," Ms Fyles said. "The Darwin Dialogue puts the Territory on centre stage for investment. Already we are home to a number of critical minerals projects. We are positioning ourselves for the ongoing benefits and jobs of the future. “The need for new critical mineral mines and mineral processing is continuing to grow to support the demand for renewable energy, battery storage and high-technology industries. This presents significant economic and strategic opportunities for the Territory to become a reliable supplier of minerals to support the transition to a decarbonised economy.”

Avenira lines up Wonarah phosphate leases

Industry Queensland

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