Cobalt Blue has secured a three-year extension to its Major Project Status for the Broken Hill Cobalt Project, a move that reinforces the project’s national importance and its role in supporting Australia’s critical minerals agenda.
Originally granted in March 2022, the extended recognition by the Commonwealth Industry Minister highlights the project’s potential to contribute to strategic priorities such as economic growth, regional development, and Australia’s transition to renewable technologies.
Major Project Status provides additional regulatory support from the Australian Government for developments deemed nationally significant.
For Cobalt Blue, it enhances the project’s investment appeal, particularly among international partners, and further strengthens collaboration with project partner Iwatani.
Cobalt Blue chief executive officer Andrew Tong welcomed the extension, saying the endorsement validates the project’s alignment with several key government strategies.
“Major Project Status acknowledges the strategic significance of the Broken Hill Cobalt Project in the delivery of the Australian Government’s A Future Made in Australia agenda, as well as the Critical Minerals Strategy and the National Battery Strategy,” Tong said.
“Obtaining a three-year extension to Major Project Status for the Broken Hill Cobalt Project is an important enabler for our project development plans.”
Tong noted that the project positions Australia to become a major global cobalt supplier, while also supporting local downstream industries through initiatives such as the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery and the Broken Hill Technology Centre.
Iwatani Australia managing director Naomasa Ueda said the renewed government backing strengthens Iwatani’s investment case and provides momentum for advancing the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery toward a Final Investment Decision.
Cobalt Blue, is focused on developing the Broken Hill Cobalt Project in New South Wales, the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery, and the Halls Creek Project in Western Australia. The company has also flagged a potential name change to Core Blue Minerals Limited, pending shareholder approval.
Alongside Cobalt Blue, the government also granted the same status to Diatreme Resources’ Northern Silica Project, which is a high-purity silica sand mining development.
It is expected to supply essential materials for domestic manufacturing of solar panels, silicon wafers, and high-end electronics.
These are key components in the global clean energy and tech supply chains. The project will produce three to five million tonnes of silica sand annually over 25 years and support 120 construction jobs and 90 ongoing roles.
Diatreme’s flagship project, the Northern Silica Project will be a supplier of high-grade silica products for the global solar PV and specialty glass industry.
