Project Timeline
The Path to our First Salt Shipment in 2028
The Eramurra Solar Salt Project is a multi-million dollar project targeting the production and export of 5.2 million tonnes per annum of industrial salt to Asia-Pacific markets.
Leichhardt’s rise as a company has been exciting, and looking forward, the Company has a very positive outlook to its first salt shipment projected for 2028. The timeline of the past and anticipated future is detailed below.
Mid-2016
Leichhardt Industrials is Incorporated
Named after Ludwig Leichhardt, the German Explorer of the Australian outback, the name commemorated the strong bond between the two represented countries of the parent companies: Australia (Tracker Global) and Germany (ConSalt GmBH).
June 2017
Initial Project Concept Developed
The initial concept model for a 1.6Mtpa solar salt operation was developed.
March 2018
RCF Investment
RCF Opportunities Fund becomes a 20% shareholder in Leichhardt.
September 2019
Existing Shareholder Investment
Existing shareholders contribute additional capital.
February 2020
Eramurra Desktop Study Completed
Desktop study completed on Eramurra based on a conventional solar salt project, transport logistics with marine transhipment.
September 2020
Leichhardt awarded Lead Agency Status
The WA state government awarded Lead Agency major project status to the Eramurra Solar Salt Project.
February 2021
Leichhardt rebrand, move to Subiaco Headquarters
April 2021
Maitland River Magnetite Tenure Acquired
Leichhardt acquire 100% interest in tenure adjacent to Eramurra that has an existing 1.2bn tonne magnetite resource.
April 2021
Preferred Proponent for Cape Preston East Port
Leichhardt becomes the preferred proponent for Cape Preston East Port. Stage 3 Development Application to be submitted in 2023.
September 2021
Advanced scoping study Completed
An advanced scoping study completed on the Eramurra Solar Salt Project outlining a robust 4.2mtpa operation.
December 2021
Victor Smorgon Group Investment
Victor Smorgon Group becomes a 20% shareholder in Leichhardt.
December 2022
Leichhardt completes Prefeasibility Study
Building on the positive scoping study outcomes, a Prefeasibility Study was completed in Q4 2022 with a Class 4 capital cost estimate confirming a robust 5.3mtpa operation..
December 2022
Eramurra Environmental Scoping Document Approved by EPA
EPA approves Eramurra’s Environmental Scoping Document providing a pathway for the Environmental Review Document and final approvals.
Second Half 2024
Leichhardt target for all approvals and Financial Investment Decision
2024
Construction Commences
Leichhardt will commence construction of the expected 4 year build timeframe of the Concentrator and Crystalliser ponds, Jetty, Washplant and all non-process infrastructure in late 2024.
During the construction period, Leichhardt will create over 200 skilled jobs, supporting employment in the greater Karratha region. The company also anticipates awarding significant supply contracts to local Karratha businesses during this period.
2026
Port of Cape Preston East Construction commences
Leichhardt anticipates developing a new multi-user, multi-commodity port at Cape Preston East with the support of the Pilbara Port Authority and the WA State Government. Currently, the export infrastructure is planned to include a 700m trestle jetty and use a trans-shipping model of loading for ocean-going vessels offshore.
2027
Harvesting Salt Commences
Salt harvesting will commence building sufficient stockpiles at the wash plant and port in anticipation of salt shipments in 2028.
2028
First Shipment of Salt
Leichhardt expects its first shipment of salt to its clients in 2028, coinciding with the predicted global shortfall of 17 million tonnes of salt per annum in the same year. The Eramurra Solar Salt Project is targeting exports of 5.2 million tonnes of industrial salt per annum.
Once the Project is fully operational, Leichhardt anticipates the creation of 140+ locally based jobs on the project, supporting residential employment in the Karratha Region.