Nathan River Resources, owned by British Marine Group (Britmar), took over the former Western Desert Resources Roper Bar iron ore mine in 2017 after the previous owner went into liquidation.

The mine, an established open-cut iron ore mine located 55km southeast of Ngukurr, had been in care and maintenance since April 2015.

Mining first started there in 2013.

The UK-based British Marine Group estimates there is a "vast resource" of 446 million tonnes and significant further exploration potential at the mine.

"NRR is the beneficiary of the $250m invested by the previous owners in developing the resource, bringing the mine to production and constructing a pit-to-port logistics solution."

In February 2018, Nathan River Resources was approved to reopen the mine and ship existing stockpiled minerals and process low-grade ore at the site.

Operations are expected later this year, with more than 250 full-time positions expected across mining, haulage, marine and support functions.

With this latest approval now granted Nathan River Resources estimates approximately one million tonnes of high-grade iron ore will be mined and exported from the existing open pits and transported via the established haul road to the Bing Bong load-out facility.

More reading: Gold mine set to be re-opened.

Nathan River Resources staff are currently working on site in critical maintenance roles under an approved COVID-19 Management Plan. Additional staff will be required on site when mining operations commence, with an additional COVID-19 Management Plan to be submitted to and approved by the NT Chief Health Officer should travel restrictions still be in place at such time.

Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Paul Kirby approved the project's Mining Management Plan and authorised the company to commence mining, in what will be a positive step forward for the project and the resources sector in the NT.

Primary Industry and Resources Minister Paul Kirby said: "The decision by Nathan River Resources to invest in this project is a welcome boost for the resources sector, the Territory's economy and job opportunities for local people.

Nathan River Resources CEO Stefan Murphy said: "The Nathan River Project is a significant mining operation for the Territory, with over $250m spent on infrastructure to-date to open up iron ore mining and employment opportunities for Territorians and the Roper region.

"Operations are scheduled to commence in quarter 3 this year, with more than 250 full-time positions expected across mining, haulage, marine and support functions. We now look forward to working with our partners and suppliers in the Territory to refurbish the Project's pit to port infrastructure over the coming months ahead of the resumption of iron ore exports."

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