IN a boost to the territory’s economy and jobs, Nathan River Resources has been granted further approval to develop the next stage of its Nathan River Project in the Roper Gulf region.
Nathan River Resources, owned by British Marine Group (Britmar), took over the former Western Desert Resources Roper Bar iron ore mine in 2017 after the previous owner went into liquidation.
The mine, an established open-cut iron ore mine located 55km southeast of Ngukurr, had been in care and maintenance since April 2015.
In February 2018, Nathan River Resources was approved to reopen the mine and ship existing stockpiled minerals and process low-grade ore at the site.
With this latest approval now granted, Nathan River Resources estimates about 1mt of high-grade iron ore will be mined and exported from the existing open pits and transported via the established haul road to the Bing Bong load-out facility.
Nathan River Resources staff are currently working on site in critical maintenance roles under an approved COVID-19 management plan.
Additional staff will be required on site when mining operations commence, with an additional COVID-19 plan to be submitted to and approved by the NT Chief Health Officer should travel restrictions still be in place at such time.
Primary Industry and Resources Minister Paul Kirby said the resources industry is the Territory’s largest sector and the single biggest contributor of own-source revenue to the NT economy.
“The decision by Nathan River Resources to invest in this project is a welcome boost for the resources sector, the Territory’s economy and job opportunities for local people,” he said.
“It is a sign of confidence in the NT as a place to invest and exemplifies the significant potential of the Territory’s mining industry.
“The resources sector will have an important role to play in our economic recovery from the Coronavirus crisis and the Government is working hard to create jobs for Territorians.”
Nathan River Resources CEO Stefan Murphy said he was pleased that the Nathan River Project would now progress to full mining operations.
“The Nathan River Project is a significant mining operation for the Northern Territory, with more than $250m spent on infrastructure to-date to open up iron ore mining and employment opportunities for Territorians and the Roper region,” he said.
“Operations are scheduled to commence in quarter 3 this year, with more than 250 full-time positions expected across mining, haulage, marine and support functions.
“We now look forward to working with our partners and suppliers in the Territory to refurbish the Project’s pit to port infrastructure over the coming months ahead of the resumption of iron ore exports.”
