Hawsons Iron Ltd has had its iron ore project’s Major Project Status renewed by the Federal government for three more years, in recognition of its potential to supply high-quality magnetite for the production of low emissions steel.
The status also recognises the project’s potential job creation and skills retention gains in NSW and South Australia, and buttresses NSW’s State Significant Development declaration and Major Project application with the South Australian government.
Hawsons executive chairman Bryan Granzien said the decision represented a crucial validation of the quality, potential, and strategic importance of the Hawsons Iron Project, as the global steel industry aggressively pursues pathways to develop low-emission green steel.
In the letter of approval, Minister for Industry, Energy, and Emissions Reductions Angus Taylor wrote: “The decision to grant Major Project Status is based on the opportunity your project offers through supply of its high-quality magnetite product being a preferred input to the making of low emissions steel.
“In addition to export opportunities and emissions reduction, the project will provide significant benefits to the Broken Hill and the South Australian port regions through job creation and skill retention.”
Granzien added the renewal of the status maintained recent momentum as the company focused on completing its bankable feasibility study by the end of the year.
He said: “Significantly, this decision will help us more efficiently clear the path of regulatory approvals required to develop and bring the Hawsons Iron Project into production in 2024.”