Roper Bar mine in NT to restart operations

The Roper Bar Mine Project in the Northern Territory is set to be revived, with its Mining Management Plan already approved. Britmar (Aus) Pty Ltd will be taking over the former Western Desert Resources (WDR) iron ore project that was liquidated back in April 2015.

According to Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles, the project’s reopening is a sign of confidence in the sector.

“The resources industry contributes millions of dollars to the NT economy each year and creates thousands of jobs. In 2016/17 the value of mineral production in the NT hit a new record of $3.63 billion.

“The Territory Labor Government is supporting the responsible development of the sector and attracting international companies such as Britmar to invest in the NT,” Mr Vowles said.

Executive Director of the Minerals Council of Australia NT Division, Drew Wagner said that this is good news for the sector as well as the State.

“To see project such as this come back on line means the Territory will finally realise results from the efforts of previous works, and for many years to come. This is proof of the shifting trend of growth and confidence in the sector once more,” Mr Wagner said.

Britmar – with its commercial experience in shipping, mining, infrastructure and power generation – operates a number of mining projects which includes a bauxite mine in Weipa that is of similar size to the Roper Bar project.

The company will be operating the project by utilising a local workforce, relying less on FIFO workers. Britmar is also planning to establish a head office in Darwin.

The Roper Bar Mine Project is located approximately 55-kilomteres south-east of Ngukurr, and it has been under care and maintenance mode since April 2015.

“Britmar has indicated they are keen to get things moving as quickly as possible, and it will be great to see this mine up and running again,” Mr Vowles said.

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Source: NT Government Newsroom