North West Phosphate plans first export of 40,000 tonnes from Queensland site
North West Phosphate plans to export its first 40,000 tonnes of phosphate rock in two months from its Paradise South site in Queensland. This comes as global demand for phosphate, essential for fertiliser, increases. The project faced delays due to floods and fires in early 2024. However, funding from the Queensland government has helped create nearly 100 local jobs, addressing employment gaps in the region caused by the upcoming closure of Glencore's Mount Isa Mines. The company aims to produce and export 1 million tonnes of high-grade phosphate rock annually. It is exploring partnerships to process the phosphate and enhance local agricultural production, benefiting regional farmers.