Phosphate mine to bring jobs, boost northwest Queensland economy

• Mining leases granted for $300 million Paradise South phosphate mine
• Expected to create 445 construction and operational jobs over the life of the mine
• Phosphate is a key ingredient for Australia’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry and in technologies needed for a decarbonised economy

A major phosphate mine in northwest Queensland has been given the green light, with the granting of mining leases by the Miles Government.

North West Phosphate’s Paradise South complex is located 130 kilometres northwest of Mount Isa.

It is expected to create 200 jobs during construction, while 245 workers will be employed once operational.

North West Phosphate intends to use local services which will provide a further boost to the northwest Queensland economy.

Phosphorous is predominantly used in the production of fertiliser for agriculture, but is also an important ingredient in batteries and other technologies needed as the world moves towards a decarbonised economy.

Quotes attributable to the Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart

“The grant of the mining leases for this project northwest of Mount Isa is a vote of confidence from not just this government but from companies like North West Phosphate,” he said.

“Paradise South will create 445 good local jobs for the region and confirms the North West Mineral Province will continue to be a key driver in Queensland’s economy.

“Phosphorous is an important product not only in the agriculture sector but is also needed for the technologies the world will adopt as it moves to a net zero economy.

“That is why the Commonwealth Government has added phosphorous to its new Strategic Materials list.

“We are backing the development of projects like this and the North West Minerals Province through support like our Collaborative Exploration Initiative program and our $5 billion investment in Copperstring.

“This is all at risk because the LNP don’t back our progressive coal royalties which means projects like Copperstring will be slashed.”

Quotes attributable to Northwest Phosphate Executive Chairman John Cotter:

“We have worked very closely with the State Government in bringing this very difficult and complex project to fruition in the North West and we are excited to reach this significant milestone for our Paradise South project,” he said.

“A big thank you to the Queensland Government for the support they have provided us to date and for their ongoing commitment to the North West Region – keeping and growing jobs in the North West is a priority for all of us.

“We know that the Mt Isa community is relying on us to deliver local jobs and local opportunities and we will continue to work with the Queensland Government to get this project off the ground as soon as possible.

“As many in the North West region would know, this project was first talked about decades ago, but it is the cutting edge project design underpinned by world class technology that has been put together by the North West Phosphate project team that will make sure this project becomes a reality.”