The Northern Territory Government has granted final approval for Australian Ilmenite Resources’ Roper Area ilmenite project

Territory Minister for Mines and Energy, Willem Westra van Holthe, officially granted final approval for the SILL80 Projects in the Roper Area, and will export 3000,000 tonnes of ilmenite per year.

The SILL80 Project contains approximately 27 million tonnes of ilmenite; valued at approximately $8 billion.

Director of Australian Ilmenite Resources, Mr. Jerry Ren, says this will be the only mine in the world that is specifically developed for ilmenite production.

“The approval of this mine site will see a brand new mineral industry for the Territory,” Mr Ren said.

“Current grades of ilmenite on the world market are A, B and C. This mine site will produce a much higher grade, AA, which is currently not produced anywhere else in the world. Demand for AA grade ilmenite is very high.

“$30 million has already been spent on exploration and initial development of the area.”