$1.5bn NT mine the Ammaroo Phosphate Project wins Federal Govt major project status

A $1.5bn Northern Territory mine project that will create more than 1000 jobs and export opportunities for the Top End has been given Major Project Status by the Morrison government.

A $1.5bn Northern Territory mine project that will create more than 1000 jobs and export opportunities for the Top End has been given Major Project Status by the Morrison government.

The Ammaroo Phosphate Project, about 200km southeast of Tennant Creek, has been recognised for its strategic significance to Australia and will now get extra support from the federal Major Projects Facilitation Agency.

The phosphate project is expected to create about 900 jobs during construction and about 250 ongoing jobs when in full production and lead to the creation of a globally significant fertiliser manufacturing industry in the NT.

It will include a 90km rail line, as well as upgrades to local roads and water infrastructure

The NT government awarded the Verdant Minerals phosphate project major status in 2017 after a feasibility study found a business case to produce more than two million tonnes per annum of phosphate rock concentrate over 25 years.

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Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews told the NT News the Ammaroo Phosphate Project “has the potential to supply global markets with much-needed fertiliser, while supporting economic development in a remote part of the Northern Territory.

“The project will be a major jobs creator, providing new opportunities in the Territory, particularly for nearby Indigenous communities,” she said.

“The potential for a local processing facility as part of the project will also ensure Australia has access to critical phosphate for fertiliser that is essential for our agriculture sector and food security.”

Verdant Minerals’ managing director Chris Tziolis welcomed the Major Project Status and said the project will provide significant economic and employment opportunities for Northern Australia, the southern Barkly region and its local communities.

He said a fertiliser manufacturing industry in the NT would look to service the increasing needs of both Asia and Australia’s agricultural industries and food security needs.

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Resources and Northern Australia Minister Keith Pitt said the project would access the Adelaide to Darwin rail line to target supply lines through South Australia and export markets in India and Asia through Darwin.

“This project supports the government’s vision to further develop Northern Australia and to support Australian exports, jobs and opportunities in the north,” Minister Pitt said.

“The phosphate rock concentrate will be locally converted to around 500,000 tonnes a year of phosphoric acid, a high value intermediate product which is a key component of fertiliser.”