PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Northern Territory government on Monday welcomed ASX-listed Avenira’s signing of a mining agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation to continue to develop its Wonarah phosphate project.

The agreement provides Avenira with continued support from the Aboriginal group, while delivering Arruwurra members confidence regarding sustainable commercial outcomes, social benefits and cultural matters.

The Wonarah phosphate project in the Barkly will initially export phosphate rock, and later supply to Avenira’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) project at Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct. 

Both projects will provide significant economic and strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory, the government said in a statement.

It is estimated the Wonarah project will initially create 25 jobs in the Barkly, growing to up to 50 jobs during the direct shipping ore programme. This is in addition to the 100 jobs estimated in the first stage of the LFP facility, generating more than $4-billion in revenue yearly once scaled to full production.

Avenira and project partner Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry are targeting the construction and commissioning of an initial 5 000 t/y to 10 000 t/y LFP plant by 2023/24, and will replicate this plant in 10 000 t/y trains up to a potential 200 000 t/y by 2032.

“Growing a A$40-billion economy by 2030 requires reaching for new, innovative economic opportunities,” said Chief Minister Natasha Fyles.

“Projects are moving forward and the jobs will start flowing. It is important that we continue to diversify our economy and have support for all our regions.

“With the potential to create over 1 000 jobs this project will benefit Territorians from the Top End to the Barkly with the manufacturing plant to be built in Darwin, which will exclusively source phosphate from the Wonarah phosphate project in the Barkly.”