The federal government has granted Major Project Status to Reward Minerals $450 million Lake Disappointment Brine and Sulphate of Potash Project, supporting the production and export of an essential ingredient for agricultural fertiliser.
The Reward Minerals project, located 320km east of Newman in Western Australia, will aim to produce around 400,000 tonnes of sulphate of potash per year from its mining and brine evaporation facilities.
Producing potash, a crucial ingredient for high-end agricultural fertiliser, will improve the production of food for Australia and overseas.
The project will also support the government’s northern Australia agenda to generate economic growth and new job opportunities across the north, minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said.
“The Lake Disappointment project has an initial life of 25 years and will help Australian farmers access the fertiliser they need to improve production and grow food for both Australia and for export,” Pitt said.
“Importantly, the project will create new opportunities to export potash and is in an ideal location to supply growing markets in Southeast Asia, India and potentially East Africa.
“The project will also provide employment opportunities and royalties to the Martu Traditional Owners.”
Additionally, the Reward Minerals project will support around 230 jobs during construction and a further 200 direct jobs during operations, according to minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter.
“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,” Porter said.
“Not only will the project improve domestic and global supplies of potash fertiliser, it will also create hundreds of jobs during construction and into the broader supply chain once completed.
“Awarding Major Project Status recognises the importance of the project to Australia’s economy and exports and will help the project deal with government approvals,” he said.
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 federal government regulatory approvals pathway.
For more information on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency and the full list of current major projects, view the Major Projects Facilitation Agency website.