Wonarah Phosphate Project greenlighted for development

The Northern Territory Government has approved the Deemed Environmental Mining Licence – commonly known as a Mining Management Plan – for Avenira Limited’s Wonarah Phosphate Project. 

This milestone takes the production of up to 1.3 million tonnes of Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) a step closer to reality, with the first shipment anticipated for later this year. 

Phosphate is primarily used in the agriculture and fertiliser industries. Currently, its demand is growing as it has become a key feedstock in electric vehicle batteries as well as energy storage facilities. 

Initial phosphate DSO from the Wonarah Project will support agricultural productivity while future phases of the project will create opportunities for high-value downstream processing, manufacturing, and investment. 

“The NT Government is laser-focussed on growing the Territory economy and promoting mining and attracting investment is a top priority. 

“We want to see more mining projects. Avenira’s move into production, which is why we are providing a regulatory and investment environment that helps get projects off the ground quickly and successfully. 

“This project is expected to create up to 100 direct local jobs in Central Australia, with further indirect employment and infrastructure investments flowing from it,” Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said. 

“This is a great example of our government working with industry to streamline approvals while maintaining strong environmental protections. 

“Projects like Wonarah are critical for the sustainable growth of our regions, and the approval reflects our commitment to efficient, transparent and responsible environmental regulation,” Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said. 

The Wonarah Phosphate Project is located about 245 kilometres east of Tennant Creek, and it is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped phosphate resources. The project has a potential mine life of 30 or so years. 

The approved Deemed Environmental Mining Licence includes open pit designs and the development of supporting roads and infrastructure. 

However, under the Environment Protection Act 2019 and the Environment Protection Regulation 2020, the project is subject to an environmental (mining) licence before Avenira Limited can commence mining activities. 

“We are pleased to receive approval of the Mine Management Plan supporting the Company’s proposed mining activities at Wonarah. This approval is a key step toward unlocking our plans to commence operations by Q4 2025. 

“The DSO operations are an important step in the development of a downstream beneficiation plant and Yellow Phosphorous processing facility in the Northern Territory. 

“We would like to acknowledge and thank the Northern Territory Government for their support and we look forward to continuing our work together,” Avenira Limited Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Yuan said. 

Avenira Limited has awarded several tenders, including:

• Jemena pipeline crossover bridge for the main haul road to Barkly Highway
• Refurbishment of the accommodation camp
• Appointment of global recruitment firm for management and workforce
• Appointment of a HR service provider to commence the set up of people systems and processes

On the other hand, procurement, specialist advisors as well as work packages are currently being progresses or under tender, including:

• Final mine design and optimisation studies near completion
• Management of secondary approvals, permits, and licences
• Traffic Impact Assessment of Logistics route near completion
• Camp expansion tenders for full operations
• Road intersection design at the Barkly Highway
• Haul road design and specification between mine and Barkly Highway
• Mobile equipment procurement tender
• Maintenance workshops and offices tender
• Explosives management systems and magazine setup

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Avenira Limited (1, 2); Australian Mining