Chatham Rock Phosphate’s Korella North mine has been given the green light, with the granting of mining lease ML100379 by Resources Minister Scott Stewart.

The accessibility of the phosphate rock deposit, effectively at surface, and simplicity of the mining method means small-scale production can commence almost immediately, according to Chatham.

The company said the Korella North mine, 160km south-east of Mount Isa, was expected to create 50 construction and operational jobs over the mine life, with contractors delivering phosphate to farmers and fertiliser blenders.

Chatham Rock Phosphate president and chief executive officer Chris Castle described the grant of this mining permit as a game changer for Chatham. 

“We know that the community in the Mount Isa region is relying on us to deliver local jobs and local opportunities, and we will continue to work with the Queensland Government to get this project into the ground as soon as possible,” he said.

“The phosphate-bearing Georgina Basin is larger than the Bowen Basin with first discoveries, such as at Korella North, back in the 1960s.

“The grant of ML100379 will open another chapter in the development of the Georgina Basin and bring domestic supplies of phosphate to the benefit of the Australian farming communities.”

The phosphate produced by the Korella North mine will initially be sold into the domestic farm market with particular focus on supplying the phosphorus needs of cotton and cropping farmers in the North.

After sorting, the highest-grade rock is expected to be exported for battery manufacture.

The mine straddles the Phosphate Hill-Townsville rail line and connects with the Phosphate Hill to Cloncurry Road.

Related: Chatham advances Korella South phosphate plans

Mr Castle said the company had worked very closely with the State and local governments in bringing this project to fruition in the North West.

“… We are excited to reach this significant milestone for our Korella project, which includes our initial Korella North mine and subsequently our export-oriented Korella South project,” he said.

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