Joint media release with the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, the Hon Keith Pitt MP



The Morrison Government is supporting development of a major potash production and export project in a remote part of Western Australia’s Pilbara, expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the region.

Reward Minerals has been granted Major Project Status for its $450 million Lake Disappointment Brine and Sulphate of Potash project, located about 320 kilometres east of Newman in northern Western Australia. 

The project aims to produce around 400,000 tonnes of sulphate of potash a year from mining and brine evaporation facilities at Lake Disappointment. Potash is a crucial ingredient for high-end agricultural fertiliser.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter, said the Lake Disappointment project would support around 230 jobs during construction and a further 200 direct jobs during operations.

“The Lake Disappointment project will strengthen the security of Australia’s agriculture sector and support the Government’s Ag2030 agenda to boost Australia’s agricultural production to $100 billion a year by 2030,” Minister Porter said.

“Not only will the project improve domestic and global supplies of potash fertiliser, it will also create hundreds of jobs during construction and into the broader supply chain once completed.

“Awarding Major Project Status recognises the importance of the project to Australia’s economy and exports, and will help the project deal with Government approvals.”

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, said the project will also support the Government’s northern Australia agenda to generate economic growth and new job opportunities across the north.

“The Lake Disappointment project has an initial life of 25 years and will help Australian farmers access the fertiliser they need to improve production and grow food for both Australia and for export,” Minister Pitt said.

“Importantly, the project will create new opportunities to export potash, and is in an ideal location to supply growing markets in Southeast Asia, India and potentially East Africa.

"The project will also provide employment opportunities and royalties to the Martu Traditional Owners.”

Major Project Status helps companies access extra support, coordination, and information services from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency which acts as a single entry point into the Australian Government regulatory approvals pathway.

More information on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency and the full list of current major projects is available on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency website.