The historic mining town of Broken Hill has been given a boost with Major Project Status awarded to a new multi-billion dollar mine project.
Carpentaria Resources Limited has been granted Major Project Status for its magnetite mine and processing operation on a green field site near Broken Hill in NSW.
With the potential to create 1700 jobs, the project will be assisted by the government to meet its state and federal regulatory approvals.
The $1.7 billion project to develop the mine site and supporting infrastructure would create about 1200 construction jobs and a further 500 ongoing jobs during the mine’s 20-year operational life.
In granting Major Project Status the government recognised the project’s importance to Australia.
The government will assist Carpentaria Resources by coordinating the necessary federal regulatory requirements, like environmental approvals and biosecurity requirements, as well as working with the New South Wales and South Australian Governments to identify state-level requirements.
Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash said she was pleased the project would be given the best chance of success.
“The project will create ongoing jobs and provide a real boost for the local economy in the Broken Hill district, so we are ensuring the complex approval requirements are as clear as possible,” Minister Cash said.
“The high-grade magnetite is expected to attract a premium price due to its high quality and chemical properties. When used in steel manufacturing it requires less energy in the process, resulting in cost savings and reduced emissions.”
The magnetite concentrate processed on site will be transported to Broken Hill and then taken by rail to Port Pirie in South Australia.
The Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said the announcement is wonderful news for Broken Hill.
“Broken Hill has a rich history of success in the mining industry and this announcement will help the city to prosper, supported by a potential new mine in the region,” he said.
“The creation of these employment opportunities is a great boost to a city that thrives on the mining industry.”
More information about the Major Projects Facilitation Program can be found here.
