Opinion: Minister Nicole Manison’s vision ahead of NT Resources Week

The Territory is the perfect place for mining, natural gas, large-scale solar energy and green hydrogen and ammonia projects, Mining and Industry Minister Nicole Manison says.

NT Resources Week starts Tuesday and all eyes will be on the Territory, Mining and Industry Minister Nicole Manison writes.

The Territory Government is determined to make us a global powerhouse of critical minerals and energy production.

We have some big advantages over our Australian and global competitors.

We have the best proximity to growing Asian markets.

We have 1.4 million sqkm of resource-rich land with the best sunshine in the world.

The Territory is the perfect place for mining, natural gas, large-scale solar energy and green hydrogen and ammonia projects.

We have a responsibility to meet emissions reduction targets.

We can help this nation and our trade partners reduce their emissions too.

And we need to do this – climate change is a global responsibility. The problem doesn’t stop at our border and if we can help others combat climate change, then we should.

Critical minerals are needed to produce the technology that will tackle climate change and reduce emissions.

Simply, you have to dig the critical minerals out if you want more battery technology, solar panels and wind turbines.

The Territory has 15 proven critical minerals and potential for another 13.

We have some of the world’s largest manganese and zinc mines.

We have a lithium mine at the Core Lithium Finniss project, and a second lithium mine underway.

We have plenty of copper. We classify copper as a critical mineral because you can’t electrify things without it.

Our solar radiance and vast space is ideal for the development of more solar and green hydrogen projects.

Now that the ownership of Sun Cable is resolved, we look forward to progress in delivering gigawatts of renewable energy into and through Darwin.

Our trading partners are moving towards green hydrogen and ammonia, many companies are exploring large-scale projects right here in the NT.

We are talking about multiple Sun Cable projects electrolysing water into hydrogen.

Major international companies know we have the sun, the land, proximity to market, and have a proven track record of being a major supplier of global energy.

They know we are open for business and investment.

We supply 10 per cent of Japan’s LNG through the Inpex project.

The Beetaloo basin low carbon natural gas projects stand to provide the natural gas the world needs to help reduce coal power production.

Australia’s power networks are still using more than 60 per cent coal. Coal fired energy produces double the emissions of natural gas.

Natural gas is an essential fuel of transition while renewable energy technology and investment catches up with demand.

You can’t reach net zero without Carbon Capture and Storage.

It’s proven technology and the CSIRO is heading the work to develop a CCS Hub at Middle Arm.

Santos and Inpex have great CCS projects in development that will make big emissions reductions.

Middle Arm will be a base for critical minerals and energy sector, supporting Territory business and industry growth, as well as our nation and trade partners.

Our trade friends such as Japan, Korea, the USA, India, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Timor Leste and Vietnam want to grow these opportunities with us.

This government will continue working hard to make the NT a world-class place for mining and energy investment.

Mining is the strongest contributor to our economy.

The energy sector has the potential to be just as strong.

This means royalties, taxation and jobs for the Territory.

More jobs, more opportunities for local businesses and a stronger economy.

We can then invest in more services and infrastructure to improve the lives of all Territorians.

There is a lot to be excited about and I look forward to Resources Week and advancing these exciting opportunities.

Originally published as Opinion: Minister Nicole Manison’s vision ahead of NT Resources Week