Avenira’s Barkly mining project approved
Australia’s Northern Territory 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 Director, Brett Clark said “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.”
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.