$700m Ammaroo Phosphate Project in NT given the green light for development

Following the granting of two mineral leases earlier this year, the Northern Territory Government has now given the green light for the development of Verdant Minerals’ $700 million Ammaroo Phosphate Project. 

The approval of the Mining Licence paves the way for a world-class mining development that will deliver hundreds of long-term jobs as well as boost regional investment and strengthen the region’s economy. This major milestone also represents a critical step towards project construction and mining operations at one of the world’s largest phosphate resources. 

Verdant Minerals is estimating the value of production over the life of the Ammaroo Project to exceed $15 billion. 

“This approval highlights the CLP Government’s commitment to supporting major projects that deliver jobs, investment, and long-term economic benefits for Territorians. 

“Securing the mining licence puts Verdant Minerals’ Ammaroo Project firmly on track to reach Final Investment Decision and commence construction as early as mid-2027. 

“Verdant Minerals has already invested more than $10 million locally on engineering, environmental and civil works and as the project progresses, Central Australian and Barkly businesses will continue to benefit from job opportunities, unlocking regional growth and rebuilding the Northern Territory economy,” Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said. 

The Ammaroo Phosphate Project is located about 200 kilometres south-east of Tennant Creek and the project site contains more than one billion tonnes of phosphate ore, which is strategically significant for both agricultural development and clean energy technologies. 

Phosphate is a vital ingredient in fertiliser that supports food production and is also a key feedstock in the Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) batter supply chain. 

Phosphate’s role in ensuring global food security and supporting the transition to low emissions technologies reinforces the Ammaroo Project’s importance to both the Territory and the nation. 

“I congratulate Verdant Minerals on achieving this significant milestone. 

“Ammaroo will be a transformative project for the Barkly and Central Australia, and another example of the Territory powering the industries that drive our future,” Minister Maley said. 

The Ammaroo Project is expected to create hundreds of jobs for the Territory including about 400 jobs during construction and 250 long-term operational roles over the project’s 25-plus mine life. 

Verdant Minerals – which is headquartered in Darwin – has been working closely with the Territory Government to progress the Ammaroo Project and establish the Northern Territory as a reliable supplier of strategic minerals and fertiliser feedstock to global markets. 

“Mining approval from the NT Government is a major milestone for Ammaroo and clears the way for Verdant Minerals to advance the process of project financing to enable the construction of the first stage of the project, delivering local jobs, contracting opportunities, and long-term economic benefits across the NT. 

“Ammaroo will help strengthen regional phospate rock supply at a time of global uncertainty. We’re ready to move from planning to execution and create a reliable, NT-made phosphate rock product for regional agriculture. 

“With this approval secured, we will now move swiftly to finalise project funding with our lenders and partners, paving the way for FID (Final Investment Decision) and a targeted construction start in 2027,” Verdant Minerals Managing Director Chris Tziolis said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Verdant Minerals (1, 2)