Avenira Limited has made significant strides in developing its Wonarah Phosphate Project, bolstered by strategic operational appointments and advancing infrastructure plans. Meanwhile, exploration at the Jundee South Gold Project is set to commence in 2026 amid ongoing regulatory challenges.
- Key operational hires bolster Wonarah project development
- Barkly Highway intersection upgrade advances, critical for logistics
- Environmental approvals and multi-stage financial modelling underway
- Jundee South exploration drilling planned for 2026 despite license disputes
- Cash balance at $2.3 million with ongoing expenditure on exploration and development
Operational Strengthening at Wonarah
Avenira Limited has taken decisive steps to prepare its Wonarah Phosphate Project for the next phase of development. The company has onboarded a Mining Manager and Technical Services Manager, alongside engaging external consultants in contracts, procurement, logistics, and risk management. These appointments form the backbone of the operational framework necessary to progress towards direct shipping ore (DSO) production targeted for later in 2026.
Recruitment efforts continue with roles such as Maintenance Manager, Commercial Manager, and Occupational Health and Safety Manager in the pipeline, signalling a clear commitment to building a robust team ahead of production activities.
Infrastructure and Approvals Progress
Critical infrastructure development is advancing with the Barkly Highway intersection upgrade, a prerequisite for the project's logistics supply chain. The design submission remains under active review by the Northern Territory Government, with Avenira preparing for the construction tender phase. This infrastructure is pivotal to ensuring efficient transport and supply chain operations once mining commences.
Simultaneously, the company is engaging with government departments on the Traffic Impact Assessment and exploring alternative port options. This dual approach aims to enhance logistics flexibility and mitigate execution risks, supporting scalable long-term development.
Environmental and Financial Foundations
Environmental planning is progressing with SLR Consulting Australia conducting a gap analysis for the Environmental Mining Licence variation, intended to extend the mining plan beyond 2028. This aligns with AMC Consultants’ mine optimisation studies, which evaluate various mining scenarios to underpin future approvals with technical rigour.
On the financial front, Avenira has engaged a corporate advisory firm to update its financial model to reflect a multi-stage development approach. This model will be instrumental in assessing project phasing, funding needs, and guiding strategic decisions as the company moves towards larger-scale operations.
Exploration Outlook at Jundee South
Exploration planning at the Jundee South Gold Project has advanced with refined and prioritised drill targets. Subject to board approval, drilling is slated to begin in 2026. However, the project faces regulatory hurdles as Manda Resources Pty Ltd has lodged forfeiture applications against several exploration licenses. Avenira is actively opposing these applications, with the matter ongoing and closely monitored.
Financial Position and Outlook
At the end of December 2025, Avenira reported a cash balance of approximately AUD 2.3 million. The quarter saw expenditures of around AUD 329,000 on exploration and AUD 260,000 on development activities, with no mining production costs incurred yet. Payments to related parties, primarily directors’ salaries and fees, amounted to AUD 280,000.
While the company’s cash runway is limited, management indicates expectations of increased operating cash flows as development intensifies. Capital raising options remain under consideration, with confidence expressed in the company’s ability to secure funding if required.
Bottom Line?
Avenira’s methodical build-up of operational capacity and infrastructure groundwork sets the stage for critical milestones in 2026, but regulatory and funding challenges will test its momentum.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Barkly Highway intersection upgrade receive timely approval to avoid project delays?
- How will the resolution of forfeiture applications impact exploration at Jundee South?
- What are the company’s concrete plans and timelines for upcoming capital raisings?