Avenira phosphate mine in Wonarah, NT awarded mineral leases

Mining in one of Australia’s largest phosphate deposits is set to get off the ground. Here’s what it’s expected to deliver to the Territory.

The NT government has awarded two mineral leases to Perth-based Avenira, granting exclusive rights to the Wonarah phosphate deposit in the Barkly region.

A new mining venture with the potential to create up to 1000 jobs and generate billions of dollars in annual revenue has taken a leap towards production.

The NT government has awarded two mineral leases to Perth-based company Avenira, granting the company exclusive rights to mine phosphate in the Barkly region’s Wonarah deposit.

Wonarah is one of the country’s largest potential phosphate projects producing the highest grade resource in Australia.

The lease announced on Thursday enables Avenira to extract a bulk sample for testing before kicking off operations.

The project has also been touted as the key to the future construction of a battery cathode plant in Darwin.

First scoped in 2008 and with approvals granted in 2010, the stalled project has been buoyed by a recent surge in phosphate’s global market price and Tesla’s 2021 decision to move to lithium iron phosphate batteries for standard-range electric cars.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the project would result in long-term Territorian jobs.

A Memorandum of Understanding on the cathode production plant in Darwin Harbour was signed by Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, Avenira executive chairman Brett Clark and Aleees P/L president Brandon Chang in September 2022.

“The granting of these two mineral leases to Avenira will help to position the Territory as the next Australian home of advanced manufacturing, develop new skills and jobs, as well as support our objective to achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030,” she said.

“With the potential to create 1000 jobs this project will benefit Territorians from the Top End to the Barkly.”

Avenira chairman and chief executive Brett Clark said the company could soon start test pit activities as an interim stage to direct shipping ore operation.

“Wonarah test pit will set up the logistic supply chains that will enable future DSO production and underpin the important role that Wonarah can play in the development of a downstream LFP battery cathode manufacturing facility in the Northern Territory,” Mr Clark said.

Mining and Industry Minister Nicole Manison said the project helped overcome “longstanding challenges” in the Territory.

“The Northern Territory has what it takes to be a thriving economy with world class mineral deposits, prospective gas reserves, a strong agriculture sector, emerging information technology capabilities and strategic advantages as a location for trade and defence,” Ms Manison said.

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