Avenira has announced that it has received approval for its Mine Management Plan (MMP) for the Wonarah Phosphate Project, and is now authorised to commence 40,000t of ore extraction.
Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison, approved the MMP under the Mining Management Act 2001, enabling commencement of the Wonarah Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) Project.
This authorisation approves:
- The initial test pit targeting 5,000t of marketable DSO material
- The commencement of the DSO Project, to mine an estimated further 35,000t of ore
- Surface grade control drilling to support detailed mine planning for the remaining DSO operations
The authorisation enables staged expansion of the DSO project with customary conditions including submitting an amended MMP with findings of surface grade control drilling, pathway to development and consideration of site rehabilitation, along with other supporting documents that demonstrate appropriate management of environmental risks.
Avenira’s Chairman and CEO, Brett Clark, said that Avenira is delighted the Northern Territory Government has approved its MMP.
“This is a crucial step in delivering our mining project, which will provide feedstock for our proposed LFP cathode production plant,” Mr Clark said.
“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.”
Ms Manison said that the authorisation of Avenira’s project was huge news for the Northern Territory economy and a big win for jobs in the Barkly.
“The Wonarah Phosphate Project further cements the territory’s reputation as a globally significant hub for resources and critical minerals,” Ms Manison said.
“This is the ninth significant mine approval in the past three years and is further proof the Territory Government is backing our resources industry.
“We have the resources the world needs to transition to net zero emissions and green energy and we support the projects that make this happen.”
