Roper Bar mine to reopen
THE mothballed Roper Bar mine in the Northern Territory has the green light to reopen after its mine management plan was approved.
The iron ore mine, formally owned by Western Desert Resources, was placed in care and maintenance in April 2015 when the company went into liquidation.
The project is now owned by international mining and shipping company British Marine subsidiary Britmar (Aust), who also has an interest in a bauxite operation in Weipa, QLD.
British Marine subsidiary Nathan River Resources is the owner of the iron ore mining assets, which includes the exclusive rights and licenses relating to the Roper Bar mine, haul road and the Bing Bong port.
“The Group now has in place all the relevant agreements and permissions to beginning the export of iron ore product, as well as the ownership of a variety of equipment including road trains, barges and loading equipment stationed on site,” British Marine said in February 14 statement.
“It is expected that the project will start exports of iron ore product in earnest in Q2 2018.”
Northern Territory Resources minister Ken Vowles said reviving Roper Bar indicated growing confidence in the sector.
“The resources industry contributes millions of dollars to the NT economy each year and creates thousands of jobs,” Mr Vowles said. “In 2016/17 the value of mineral production in the NT hit a new record of $3.63 billion. “Britmar has indicated they are keen to get things moving as quickly as possible, and it will be great to see this mine up and running again.”
Britmar has confirmed it will focus on local procurement and was planning to establish a head office in Darwin.
The news followed a series of wins for the Territory last year, including the opening of Edna Beryl mine, the first new gold mine in the region in 12 years; the reopening of Bootu Creek mine; and the opening of Gulkula, Australia’s first Aboriginal owned and operated mine.
“To see projects such as this come back on line means the Territory will finally realise results from the efforts of previous works, and for many years to come,” Minerals Council of Australia NT executive director Drew Wagner said. “This is proof of the shifting trend of growth and confidence in the sector once more.”
“It is expected that the project will start exports of iron ore product in earnest in Q2 2018.”