The binding agreement between Perth-headquartered Avenira and Taiwan's ALEEES will provide Avenira with the authority and specifications to manufacture LFP battery cathode material in Darwin.
NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said that designed to deliver 30,000 tonnes per annum of LFP powder, for use in electric vehicle and energy storage batteries, the manufacturing plant will be Australia's first commercial-scale facility of its kind.
Avenira has estimated the project will create over 500 jobs during construction and 100 operations jobs, which will scale up to 300 positions and generate up to $1.5 billion annually to the Territory economy.
The new deal follows on from the signing of a September 2022, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Avenira and ALEEES to work together with the Northern Territory to progress the manufacturing plant.
Fyles said Avenira is one of five companies with a ‘not to deal' commitment for land at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.
The Chief Minister said that over the last 12 months, the Territory Government has continued to facilitate the project with support around regulatory approvals, connection to offtake markets, and maximising benefits for local businesses.
Phosphate for EVs
Avenira's proposed Wonarah Phosphate project in the Barkly is being developed to supply phosphate to the LFP facility, with Avenira recently signing a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation to continue to develop the project.]
Phosphate is traditionally used in agricultural fertiliser and is in increasing demand for use as a critical mineral in electric vehicle and energy storage batteries to support increased use of green energy and transition to net-zero emissions.
"For the past 12 months, my government has been working with Aveinra and now we are seeing the signing with ALEEES of a licence and technology transfer agreement, which will provide Avenira with the authority and specifications to manufacture lithium ferro phosphate battery cathode material at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct," Fyles said.
"This supports the entire Territory, from the Barkly to the Top End. Creating 500 construction jobs, followed by 300 jobs during operations and injecting the economy with $1.5 billion annually."
ALEEES board member Jamie Lee said the partnership is looking to will put more "Made in Australia" components into electric vehicle and energy storage batteries.
"The Australian battery supply chain is a key attractor to clients' being able to implement their ESG priorities as part of an active contribution to addressing climate change.
"By assisting Avenira in manufacturing LFP cathode materials, we enable Avenira's products to become globally competitive, reduce reliance on foreign sources, and create more green technology job opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, research, and other fields."
