Projects awarded major project status are of national significance and contribute to economic growth, regional development and employment in Australia.
These 4 new projects will work to strengthen Australia’s supply chains in industries which will underpin the decarbonisation of the economy.
Magnetite Mines’ Razorback Iron Ore Project
Located in South Australia, this project is a significant step to supporting the global green steel transition. It will be one of a few projects in the world that can product rare, premium grade magnetite concentrate at scale.
With capital investment close to $2 billion, it will become a major supplier of high-grade iron ore concentrate. The exported concentrate will strengthen Australia’s position in the global minerals market.
Magnetite Mines will create around 1,474 jobs during the 2-3 years of construction, and 450 jobs throughout its 38-year operation.
Gippsland Critical Minerals Ltd Fingerboards Project
This project in East Gippsland aims to be a major global supplier of rare earth elements and zircon. It will have onsite processing and rail transport for downstream refinement, strengthening Australia’s processing capability.
The Fingerboards project expects to have an annual output of 200 tonnes of heavy earth oxides, 1,800 tonnes of light rare earth oxides, and 75,000 tonnes of zircon.
It will create 400 construction jobs and 262 direct ongoing jobs. It has a capital investment of $295 million.
Stellar PV Pty Ltd – Project Clean Wafers
Project Wafers in North Queensland will establish Australia’s first commercial scale 2 gigawatt silicon ingot and photovoltaic (PV) wafer manufacturing facility.
Supported through ARENA’s Solar SunShot program, it will accelerate local PV manufacturing and clean energy industrial growth in regional Australia. This will strengthen domestic solar supply chain across Australia.
With a $420 million capital investment, this project expects to have a 12-month construction period. As well as create 300 ongoing jobs over its 20-40 years of operation.
Solquartz Pty Ltd – Northern Quartz Campus
The Northern Quartz Campus will be Australia’s first fully integrated solar and electronic grade silicon supply chain. Located north of Manton Quarry Road near Townsville, it will combine renewable generation, battery storage and silicon production.
With a capital investment of $4.5 billion, it expects to support up to 1,200 construction jobs and 2,000 ongoing jobs. The campus will boost renewable energy, low-carbon metals and solar manufacturing, building sovereign capability in a critical mineral.