The Morrison Government is supporting development of a major potash production and export project in a remote part of Western Australia’s Pilbara, expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the region.
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price has welcomed the project’s recognition of Major Project Status.
“It emphasises the importance of the project to Australia’s economy and exports and will help the project deal with Government approvals for this crucial agricultural fertiliser ingredient,” Ms Price said.
Reward Minerals has been granted the status for its $450 million Lake Disappointment Brine and Sulphate of Potash project, located about 320 kilometres east of Newman in northern Western Australia.
“It is expected that the Durack project will produce around 400,000 tonnes of sulphate of potash a year from mining and brine evaporation facilities at Lake Disappointment, providing employment of 230 jobs during construction and 200 direct jobs during operations,” she said.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter has also welcomed this decision.
“The Lake Disappointment project will strengthen the security of Australia’s agriculture sector and support the Government’s Ag2030 agenda to boost Australia’s agricultural production to $100 billion a year by 2030 once completed,” he said.
The Lake Disappointment project has an initial life of 25 years. The project is also expected to create new opportunities to export potash to expanding markets in Southeast Asia, India and potentially East Africa.
Major Project Status helps companies access extra support, coordination, and information services from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency which acts as a single-entry point into the Australian Government regulatory approvals pathway.
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Media Contact:
Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.