AZURE MINERALS TO HOST COMMUNITY EVENT IN ROEBOURNE
BY ASAD KHAN AND MARLI RYAN
Community Invited to Learn About Andover Lithium Project
Azure Minerals is inviting the Roebourne community to a free information session this Tuesday, October 15, at the 50 Cent Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where locals can learn more about the company’s Andover Lithium Project, located just five kilometres south of town.
CEO Richard Laufmann told Ngaarda Media that the event aims to open dialogue with the community and answer questions about the large-scale lithium project.
“It’s a big project, a nation-building project, and we want to make sure people understand what it’s about,” he said.
“We’ll have a barbecue, and everyone is welcome — bring the kids, ask questions, and come have a chat.”
Focus on Jobs, Business, and Long-Term Impact
Mr Laufmann said the session will include Azure’s professionals and experts ready to discuss job and business opportunities linked to the project.
“This will mean a lot to Roebourne over the years to come,” he said.
“If you want to learn about renewable energy, lithium, or how you can be involved, this is the place to start.”
He emphasised that the company wants to build a long-term local workforce, with hopes that many future employees will come directly from Roebourne.
“Every ten-year-old in school today could be part of this project’s future, whether that’s as a scientist, truck driver, or environmental ranger,”
“We’re talking about five generations of opportunity.”
Engaging with Traditional Owners
He said ongoing engagement with Traditional Owners and Elders has been a key focus for Azure Minerals.
“I’ve met many of the Elders myself,”
“You can’t really understand Country or people’s concerns from a map. You have to sit with them, go out on Country, and listen.”
He joined some heritage and ethnographic surveys personally to better understand cultural significance and potential project impacts.
“Our project will have an impact on Country, there’s no doubt about that — but what matters is how we approach it and how we listen,” he said.
Balancing Environment and Renewable Demand
Despite a downturn in lithium prices, Mr Laufmann remains confident in the industry’s long-term future.
“Lithium’s in the toilet right now,” he said candidly, “but it will recover. There isn’t enough global supply to meet demand, and the renewable transition can’t happen without storage, without lithium.”
He explained that while mining inevitably leaves a footprint, the emissions saved from renewable energy far outweigh the emissions from production.
“One tonne of copper might create three tonnes of CO₂, but it saves seven thousand tonnes through renewable energy use,”
“The same logic applies to lithium. We focus on the big picture — replacing fossil fuels.”
Looking Ahead
Mr Laufmann described the Andover project as transformational — not only for the Pilbara but for Australia’s role in the global battery supply chain.
“It’s exciting for Roebourne and exciting for the nation,” he said. “This project can redefine how regional communities take part in the renewable energy future.”
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Marli Ryan speak with Richard Laufmann: