Joint media release with Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt
A major salt and potash fertiliser project in Western Australia creating hundreds of jobs and boosting economic growth in the Pilbara will go ahead with $450 million support from the Federal Government's Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said NAIF has approved the loan offer to the BCI Minerals' Mardie Salt & Potash Project, around 100 kilometres south-west of Karratha.
"The NAIF loan will fund building of ponds, two processing plants, port facilities and other infrastructure for the project, which is forecast to produce more than 4 million tonnes of high purity salt and 100,000 tonnes of potash fertiliser a year," Minister Pitt said.
"Importantly, this exciting project is forecast to directly support around 450 jobs during construction, and around 200 jobs during its operational life.
"The multi-user port facility will facilitate growth in other industries in the region by unlocking stranded assets and providing an efficient freight and supply chain channel.
"The project will also have significant benefits for the Karratha, Dampier and Onslow communities by creating opportunities in line with the Government's program to foster jobs and growth across northern Australia."
Minister Pitt said the project was awarded Major Project Status last August, in recognition of its significance to the economy and helping to steer the project through regulatory approvals. NAIF and the project proponents will now work on final contractual arrangements for the loan.
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Michelle Landry said the project was a strong fit for the Government agenda to encourage economic development and opportunities in the north.
"A new transhipment port on Pilbara coast will enable exports from the Mardie Project, and will be available for other developments in the region," Assistant Minister Landry said.
"The Australian Government is continuing to support development across northern Australia, to promote economic and population growth and to underpin northern Australia's reputation as a great place to live, work and invest."
