THE APPROVAL of a new $1 billion rare earth and metals mine in Dubbo is great news for the region, the state and national economies, and the New South Wales minerals sector, says Australia’s resource industry employer group, AREEA.
“AREEA welcomes New South Wales granting an environment protection licence to Alkane Resources this week, in what was the final regulatory hurdle after a decade long process for the Dubbo Zirconia Project,” says AREEA executive director, policy and public affairs, Scott Barklamb.
“Following construction which will create 450 jobs, this project will produce 30,000 tonnes of rare metals and rare earths annually and employ over 250 production personnel for at least 20 years.
“The announcement is fantastic news for New South Wales’ resource industry and shows that even during tough economic conditions, the resource sector is resilient and can attract investment into exciting, job-creating new projects.”
This new zirconia project also demonstrates opportunities for Australia’s resource sector to diversify its markets beyond the traditional stables of iron ore and LNG.
“The zirconium, hafnium, niobium and rare earth exports are sure to attract long-term demand, as these commodities are increasingly used in the high technology applications of today and tomorrow,” Mr Barklamb continues.
“Resource exports are critical to things like computers, tablets, smartphones, rechargeable batteries, hybrid and electric cars, and pipelines.
“Not only will this project drive long-term employment and state income, it will also help diversify and strengthen our national resources industry as we pursue new global demand for commodities beyond our established iron ore and LNG powerhouses.”
Federal Government data shows a further 22 major resources and energy projects waiting to get the green light in New South Wales.
With more over 150 projects with a conservative combined value of $160 billion being lost to Australia over the past two years, AREEA encourages NSW and all state governments to continue working with resource employers to further deliver sustainable new long term economic and job opportunities.
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