Paul Kirby
Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
Media Release
Growing the Territory: Vision for Critical Minerals
9 April 2019
The Territory Labor Government is outlining a vision for the NT to become a globally-significant producing, processing and manufacturing centre for critical minerals.
Released today, the Territory Critical Minerals Plan is designed to further grow the industry, create jobs and stimulate the economy.
The Territory Critical Minerals Plan helps position the Territory as a strategically significant jurisdiction in critical minerals important to the high technology, battery and defence sectors, and seeks to:
Accelerate exploration for critical minerals
Support critical minerals projects to commence production
Grow refining, processing and manufacturing of critical minerals in the Territory
There are potential critical minerals projects progressing in the Territory including TNG Limited’s Mount Peake Project, KGL Resources Limited’s Jervois Project, Arafura Resources Limited’s Nolan Project and Core Lithium Ltd’s Finniss Lithium Project. The Territory Critical Minerals Plan helps support these projects.
A more comprehensive Territory Minerals Industry Development Strategy is under development by the Departments of Trade, Business and Innovation and Primary Industry and Resources with a view to being released by the end of 2019.
Quotes from Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:
“The Territory is attracting international investment interest with strong reserves in critical minerals including copper, lithium, vanadium, rare earths, tungsten and cobalt, and with established logistics capability for exporting critical minerals to international markets.
“The Territory Labor Government supports the development of new critical minerals projects. Establishing new mines creates local jobs for Territorians.
“The Territory Critical Minerals Plan will help develop the Territory’s strategic mineral reserves and will showcase the Territory’s competitive advantages to potential investors, other jurisdictions and the Australian Government.”
Media Contact: Carl Pfeiffer 0417 910 720
