Business bulletin: 2 November 2023

Avenira Limited reached another milestone last week with its Mining Management Plan approved under the Mining Management Act 2001, authorising mining to commence at the company’s Wonarah Phosphate Project.

The Wonarah Phosphate Project is located 300km east of Tenant Creek and will initially create 25 jobs, increasing to 50 during the Direct Shipping ore program.

First exports will be for phosphate rock and later exports will supply Avenira Limited’s Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) project at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

Both projects provide significant economic and strategic opportunities for the Northern Territory.

Avenira Limited’s Director, Brett Clark said, “we are delighted the Northern Territory Government has approved our Mining Management Plan.”

“This is a crucial step in delivering our mining project, which will provide feedstock for our proposed LFP cathode production plant.

“Completing this project will see Darwin become a key supplier of critical materials to the global battery market.”

Traditionally, phosphate has been used in agriculture fertiliser and is now in increasing demand for use as a critical mineral in electric vehicles and energy storage batteries.

Avenira Limited signed a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation in July, creating pathways to sustainable commercial outcomes and social benefits to Arruwurra’s members.

The agreement will ensure local Aboriginal people and businesses are given first consideration for employment or contracting opportunities.

The Mining Management Plan authorisation recognises the prior Environmental Impact Assessment and recommendations made in the NT Environment Protection Authority’s Environmental Assessment Report 64.

Businesses and organisations with innovative solutions that improve recycling outcomes and address critical gaps in the Territory’s waste management system can now apply for funding under the Circular Economy NT (CENT) grant program.

CENT is a $1.5 million grant program designed to strengthen the Territory’s circular economy industry by supporting recycling infrastructure projects that turn waste into a valuable commodity.

Eligible projects include those that create or improve recycling, reuse or remanufacture waste currently going into landfill.

The program aims to priorities two waste streams: construction and demolition and food organics and garden organics. However, applications will also be accepted for projects addressing commercial and industrial and electronic waste including PV solar panels.

Grants of a minimum $50,000 are available for approved projects on a 50:50 co-contribution basis.

Projects need to demonstrate economic development opportunities through the development of new domestic markets for recycled materials.

Applications close on 5, January 2024 and will be assessed on a competitive basis.

For further information and to apply go to the nt.gov.au/CENT.

Territory businesses wanting to undertake an independent security assessment of its premises and workers can access support under the Territory Government’s Business Security and Safety Audit program.

The Business Security and Safety Audit program provides funding to businesses to engage an auditor to carry out an assessment of the security and safety of its premises and its workers.

The security audit is designed to assist businesses in considering works that  may be needed to protect its premises and workers from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Recommended solutions may include works such as external roller doors, barriers or cashier screens, alarm systems (including duress alarms), security lighting or CCTV cameras.

Businesses can use their security audit report in support of applications to have works carried out under other Northern Territory Government programs including Biz Secure and Alcohol Secure and Safety Grant.

A voucher to the value of:

• $3,000 (GST exclusive) is available for premises in the Darwin and Greater Darwin region, per premises, or
• $3,500 (GST exclusive) is available for premises located outside of Darwin and Greater Darwin region, per premises.

The Business Security and Safety Audit Program is part of a suite of initiatives announced by the Territory Government aimed at improving community safety and the safety of workers.

The Business Security and Safety Audit Program will close on 30 June 2024.

For further information and to apply, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

Local exporters now have greater access to Austrade services and overseas networks following the appointment of Northern Territory based TradeStart advisor, Iain Forrest.

TradeStart is an extension of Austrade and brings the Northern Territory into a network of experienced advisors across Australia who provide practical export advice to enterprises to grow their international business.

Mr Forrest has previously worked for the NT Farmers Association and brings a wealth of business experience to the position.

Mr Forrest said he was extremely excited to commence in the role of TradeStart Advisor.

“I look forward to supporting Territory businesses to export to international markets. The NT produces world class products and services, I am proud to assist businesses to put our products on a global stage.”

“Enhancing the value of our NT export industry is key to helping the NT grow to a $40 billion economy by 2030. My focus will be to support a wide range of small to medium businesses to export and create jobs for locals.”

“As a born and raised Territorian, I am passionate about finding opportunities to export our unique Territory products and raising the profile of industry in the NT.”

Mr Forrest will assist Territory businesses develop their export capacity, increasing international trade which will help attract new investment and create local jobs.

TradeStart also provides an opportunity for the Territory Government to work more closely with other key agencies and stakeholders to better co-ordinate export assistance and maximise international success for Territory businesses.

You can get in touch with Iain on iain.forrest@nt.gov.au

WANT Training - back to back wins at the Northern Territory Training Awards in 2022 and 2023.

An innovative course that trains trainers is proving to be a major success.

WANT Training Services is delivering the Certificate IV Training and Assessment Traineeship course under the Territory Government's User Choice Funding program.

The need for the course was identified by company director Sharon Stewart working with a project group from the NT VET Community of Practice.

The qualification enables entry-level VET teachers and assessors to learn on the job while delivering training and assessment services to vocational students.

"These immersion in the training industry helps new VET teachers and assessors grasp concepts more readily and apply them in the workplace," Sharon says.

"This innovative approach to training will lead to more skilled professionals entering the local training workforce."

Eighteen trainees have so far secured placement or employment with 10 Territory registered training organisations.

In 2022, WANT Training Services was named Small Training Provider at the NT Training Awards.

And in 2023, Sharon won VET Trainer of the Year and will now represent the Territory at the Australian Training Awards in Hobart on 17 November.

The Government's $21.5 million User Choice Program provides funding to registered training organisations to deliver training and assessment services for Territory apprentices and trainees.

The program allows flexibility for apprentices, trainees and their employers to select a preferred training provider to deliver accredited training to meet their specific needs.

For more information on User Choice.