PILBARA LITHIUM PROJECT A “GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY”

BY ASAD KHAN

Azure Minerals Limited’s newly appointed CEO, Richard Laufmann, says the company’s Andover lithium project near Roebourne could be a “nation-building” development, with the potential to deliver benefits across generations.

In an interview with Ngaarda Media, he said the global shift to electrification was driving strong demand for battery minerals, and that Azure’s discovery was “not something you find every day.”

“Andover’s a major lithium discovery and an important part of Australia,” he said. “A large-scale discovery in an energy transition technology that could provide a very long mine life — it has all the elements of what is super interesting and exciting for Australia and for the Pilbara.”

Mr Laufmann joined Azure Minerals earlier this year, attracted by the potential of the project and its proximity to existing infrastructure. Located just five kilometres from Roebourne and close to Karratha, he said the region offers logistical advantages rarely seen in mining.

“You don’t get to pick where these ore bodies are,” he said. “To be able to build a major project with a long life and deliver something crucial to changing the world is a first.”

Azure is still determining the full scale of the deposit, but Mr Laufmann said early indications suggest a mine life of 40 to 50 years, positioning it among the few globally significant lithium projects.

The company has also engaged closely with the Ngarluma people, Traditional Owners of the land around the Andover site.

“They’ve been involved since day one,”
“We’ve conducted numerous heritage clearance surveys and have built relationships with many of the elders. Our presence so far has been low impact, but we’ve taken care to do things properly.”

Richard Laufmann with Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan

Laufmann said Azure sees long-term benefits for the community, especially in local employment and training opportunities.

“We’re on Ngarluma Country, and when you look at Roebourne today, you’re also looking at its future workforce,”
“A 10-year-old child today could be working in the mine when they’re 20. Their child could do the same 20 years later. This is a multi-generational opportunity.”

He added that Azure intends to support Indigenous employment and business involvement throughout the life of the project.