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About the project
Ashburton Salt is a new solar salt project proposed for an area that is approximately 20km from the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area. Our approach to the project will make it one of the most environmentally responsible solar salt projects in the world.
Solar salt is the result of a naturally occurring process using the sun and wind to evaporate sea water – the same process already used at the existing salt project in Onslow and salt lakes around Western Australia.
The Ashburton Salt project has been undergoing consultation with traditional owners, the Thalanyji People, project engineering studies and rigorous environmental assessments for several years.
Currently, the project is progressing through the necessary approvals process.
The Onslow region provides high evaporation, low rainfall, excellent water quality and close proximity to key markets.
Community
We understand Onslow has a big heart – it was evident since our first visit in 2016.
Onslow locals have warmly welcomed the Ashburton Salt team and shared their experience and advice about the community, the region’s unique environment and salt production - Onslow locals know their salt!
We have spent much time in Onslow and Exmouth, consulting locals on what they would like to see from the project.
Understanding this is important to us so we can include it in project plans. So far, locals have told us they want:
Stable, long-term job opportunities
Local jobs (not FIFO)
Opportunities for local businesses
Better access across the Ashburton River; and
A project that goes through the environmental approvals process in a transparent manner.
It is our goal to deliver on this.
Environment
Our commitment is to make Ashburton Salt one of the most environmentally responsible solar salt projects in Australia and globally.
To ensure we deliver on this, we have conducted numerous environmental studies over the last seven years.
These studies have created an accurate picture of the environment, and how the ecosystem interacts during different times of the year and through different weather events such as cyclones and heavy rainfall.
These models are essential for our project team, the community and regulators to assess Ashburton Salt’s potential impacts – and develop strategies to minimise them.
Our local project team continues to follow the advice of Western Australia’s Environmental Protection Authority to guarantee we are meeting the standards required.
We will let you know what we are finding and will keep you advised when and how to provide feedback to us and key regulators.
About us
The project is being developed by K+S Salt Australia, a locally run company established by German-based K+S. K+S has been operating salt and potash projects all over the world for more than 100 years.
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