Darwin in line for $300m mine plant
Alison Bevenge
NT News
THOUSANDS of jobs could be created by the construction of a $300 million rare earths plant in Darwin.
Arafura Resources yesterday announced that fertiliser and chemical group Incitec Pivot would investigate building a chemical plant to supply the junior mining company's proposed rare earths and phosphate processing facility.
Managing director Alistair Stephens said there were two potential locations for the chlor-alkali plant: Darwin or South Australia.
He said Arafura Resources would build its phosphate and rare earths processing plant at the same location, saving up to $100 million a year in operating costs.
It is believed the construction of the factory complex could create up to 4000 jobs.
The Incitec chlor-alkali plant would produce hydrochloric and sulphuric acids as well as caustic soda, and could potentially provide chemicals to other Territory mines such as Rio Tinto Alcan at Gove and Energy Resources of Australia's Ranger uranium mine.
Incitec will conduct a six-month feasibility study on the economics of building the plant.
Arafura Resources yesterday announced that fertiliser and chemical group Incitec Pivot would investigate building a chemical plant to supply the junior mining company's proposed rare earths and phosphate processing facility.
Managing director Alistair Stephens said there were two potential locations for the chlor-alkali plant: Darwin or South Australia.
He said Arafura Resources would build its phosphate and rare earths processing plant at the same location, saving up to $100 million a year in operating costs.
It is believed the construction of the factory complex could create up to 4000 jobs.
The Incitec chlor-alkali plant would produce hydrochloric and sulphuric acids as well as caustic soda, and could potentially provide chemicals to other Territory mines such as Rio Tinto Alcan at Gove and Energy Resources of Australia's Ranger uranium mine.
Incitec will conduct a six-month feasibility study on the economics of building the plant.