Business
28 November, 2025
Phosphate rock exports resume from Dajarra
The shipment is the first since PRL Group took over the Ardmore operation.
More than 25,000 tonnes of phosphate rock from the Ardmore phosphate mine near Dajarra has been shipped to New Zealand via the Port of Townsville, marking a major milestone in the resumption of exports from the mine.
The shipment is the first since PRL Group took over the Ardmore operation, with the company restarting production and transport links in just 72 days.
The phosphate was trucked from the mine to Mount Isa, transferred onto rail, moved to storage at the Townsville port, and then loaded via conveyor and shiploader onto a departing vessel on Wednesday.
Port of Townsville's general manager of business development Drew Penny said the restart was a welcome boost for regional industry and underscored the importance of the Mount Isa to Townsville supply chain.
"Whilst there was a temporary pause to phosphate rock exports from Townsville earlier this year, I must commend PRL Group for their hard work since taking over the Ardmore Mine to be able to begin exporting again so soon," Mr Penny said.
He noted that operations at Berth 8, which is managed by Glencore, include a shiploader designed to efficiently move cargo into ships, which is critical for keeping bulk exports moving quickly.
PRL Group CEO Nick Gan said the first shipment was a significant achievement for the company and its partners.
"I would like to recognise the efforts of the Ardmore team and all of our partners who have been working with us to achieve this result, including the Port of Townsville, Aurizon, Northern Stevedoring Services (NSS), Glencore, Qube and the Queensland government," he said.
MITEZ also praised the rapid turnaround, saying the restart would have strong flow-on benefits for communities along the supply chain, particularly Dajarra and the wider North West.
"Much work has been done since mine remobilisation and the necessary approvals to restart operations," MITEZ CEO Maria James said.
"What a brilliant outcome that PRL have developed pit to port operations in such a short time frame. Cost effective and efficient freight solutions are required for the export of phosphate and PRL's considered and measured approach is commendable."
Ms James said the economic benefits would extend across the full MITEZ corridor.
"MITEZ is proud to have PRL as a member, their innovative and tenacious approach to getting the mine up and running together with their commitment to the local community of Dajarra and the North West, and the flow-on effects for the entire logistic MITEZ corridor supply chain is welcome and timely.
"We look forward to working with them and wish them every success."
