Brand New Mine To Open

Willem Westra Van Holthe MLA
Member of Katherine
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries

Minister for Mines and Energy, Willem Westra van Holthe, has announced the final approval of a brand new eight billion dollar mine.

Australian Ilmenite Resources’ SILL80 Projects in the Roper Area of the Northern Territory aims to export 300,000 tonnes of ilmenite per year.

The SILL80 Project contains approximately 27 million tonnes of ilmenite; valued at approximately $8 billion.

Mr Westra van Holthe said this is a very exciting time for mining in the Territory.

“The Country Liberals Government is determined to increase our mining and energy hub and return jobs to the bush.” Mr Westra van Holthe said.

“This is a prime example of Government working with private business to achieve mutually desirable goals.”

Director of Australian Ilmenite Resources, Mr. Jerry Ren, says this will be the only mine in the world that is specifically developed for ilmenite production.

“The approval of this mine site will see a brand new mineral industry for the Territory,” Mr Ren said.

“Current grades of ilmenite on the world market are A, B and C. This mine site will produce a much higher grade, AA, which is currently not produced anywhere else in the world. Demand for AA grade ilmenite is very high.

“$30 million has already been spent on exploration and initial development of the area.”

Australian Ilmenite Resources’ exploration licences cover approximately 14,000 square kilometres and only about 10% of this has been drilled to date.

The site aims to initially produce 300,000 tonnes per year and will employ 30 people. There is also scope to significantly expand, depending on global market demand.

The mine site is located approximately 105 kilometres East of Mataranka.

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

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