Skip to main content

Sulphur 421 Nov-Dec 2025

24 November 2025

Mining licence approved for Ammaroo phosphate project

Mining licence approved for Ammaroo phosphate project

Australia’s Northern Territories Government has approved a mining licence for Verdant Minerals’ Ammaroo phosphate project. The approval follows the granting of two mineral leases in March and represents a critical step towards construction and mining operations at one of the world’s largest phosphate resources. Verdant estimates the value of production over the life of the mine to exceed $15 billion. Verdant says that securing the mining licence puts the project firmly on track to reach a final investment decision and commence construction as early as mid-2027. Located 200 kilometres south-east of Tennant Creek, the Ammaroo phosphate deposit contains more than one billion tonnes of phosphate ore.

Verdant Minerals Managing Director Chris Tziolis said: “Mining approval from the NT Government is a major milestone for Ammaroo and clears the way for Verdant Minerals to advance the process of project financing to enable the construction of the first stage of the project, delivering local jobs, contracting opportunities, and long-term economic benefits across the NT. Ammaroo will help strengthen regional phosphate rock supply at a time of global uncertainty. We’re ready to move from planning to execution and create a reliable, NT-made phosphate rock product for regional agriculture.”

Latest in Agricultural

Feedstock allocation for fourth phosphate plant

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) says that the Ministry of Energy has approved the allocation of feedstock for its fourth phosphate project. This project aims to produce approximately 1.1 million t/a of ammonia and increase the production of phosphate and specialty fertilizers by about 2.5 million t/a, raising the company’s total production capacity to nearly 12 million t/a. This will further solidify Ma’aden’s position as one of the world’s largest producers of phosphate fertilizers, according to a company statement. Ma’aden will now commence engineering studies and obtain the necessary approvals.

Phosphate investment deal

Syria’s Geological and Mineral Resources Authority has signed an agreement with Teryaq, a subsidiary of Serbia’s Exlixir Group, aimed at exporting 1.5 million t/a of phosphate by the end of 2026. The agreement marks a significant step in Syria’s efforts to expand international partnerships and optimise its mineral resources for economic gain. Elixir Group owns the largest phosphoric acid plant in Europe and operates three fertilizer plants in Serbia.