Perdaman Urea Project and supporting infrastructure
Explore the Perdaman Urea Project, backed by NAIF's $220 million investment. Learn how it's set to revolutionise the fertiliser industry, boost local manufacturing, and create thousands of jobs in Western Australia.
August 2022
Resources
Pilbara region, WA
A new era of fertiliser production is about to begin thanks to NAIF’s commitment of up to $220 million to the Perdaman Urea Project, up to $95 million to Water Corporation for their Burrup seawater brine disposal scheme, and up to $160 million to the Pilbara Ports Authority expansion of Port Dampier.
About the Proponents
Pilbara Ports Authority
Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) is responsible for managing and operating the world-class ports of the Pilbara region. With a focus on facilitating maritime trade, PPA plays a vital role in connecting resource-rich areas to global markets.
Renowned for its strategic port management, Pilbara Ports Authority contributes significantly to the economic growth and development of Western Australia.
Water Corporation
Water Corporation is, as Western Australia's leading water utility, dedicated to delivering high-quality water services to its communities. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation, Water Corporation ensures the availability of clean and reliable water resources, supporting the region's growth, prosperity, and environmental well-being.
Perdaman
Perdaman is an Australian chemical and fertiliser company with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Specialising in the production of ammonia and urea, Perdaman contributes to agricultural advancement by supplying essential fertilisers. Through its commitment to cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility, Perdaman plays a pivotal role in driving both economic and ecological progress.
Project Overview
NAIF has committed a $220 million loan to support the development of the Perdaman Urea Project in Western Australia. It will be the largest urea plant in Australia.
The $6.5 billion project located 20 km north-west of Karratha will produce approximately 2 million tonnes of urea per year and kickstart a new multi-billion-dollar fertiliser industry. It is expected that just under half the urea will be kept in Australia, with the balance shipped to the Asia-Pacific, Brazil and USA.
NAIF’s latest investment builds on two previous loans worth $255 million towards key infrastructure servicing the project.
IN 2021 NAIF committed $160 million to the Pilbara Ports Authority for a new multi-user wharf and facilities at the Port of Dampier, and $95 million to the Water Corporation for the expansion of the Burrup seawater supply and brine disposal scheme.
The Perdaman Urea Plant is considered transformational for Western Australia, having been awarded Major Project Status by both the Australian and Western Australian governments.
The NAIF loan will be provided via the WA Government. Funding will only be released when all required regulatory approvals and financing conditions have been met.
How we helped
NAIF’s investment will help kickstart a multi-billion dollar fertiliser industry in Australia. The Perdaman Urea Project in Western Australia will be the largest urea plant in Australia and will have the capacity to reduce imported volumes and secure local farmers’ access to fertiliser that is vital to ensuring food security.
Public Impact
The projects will support the diversification of the Pilbara economy by developing domestic manufacturing.
The Perdaman plant is expected to provide an $8.5 billion public benefit, supporting approximately 2,500 construction and operations jobs over its 40-year life.
Related Links
Indigenous Engagement
- The Ngarda-Ngarli peoples
The Burrup Peninsula, known as Murujuga, lies within the traditional lands of the Ngarda-Ngarli - the collective name for the Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Yaburara, Mardudhunera and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo Traditional Owners, who have maintained deep cultural, spiritual and environmental connections to this area for over 50,000 years. Rich in biodiversity, Murujuga’s unique ecosystems span land and sea, including mangroves, tidal flats and rocky coastal areas that have sustained traditional practices and livelihoods for generations. The region is globally significant for its cultural heritage, with more than one million petroglyphs (rock engravings), believed to have been created by Marrga, the ancestral spirit-beings of the Dreaming. These artworks represent stories, laws and ancestral connections, and are still spiritually powerful to this day. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), established in 2006 under the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estates Agreement (BMIEA), represents the Traditional Owner groups and leads cultural heritage protection, caring for country initiatives, and the joint management of Murujuga National Park. MAC played a central role in the successful UNESCO World Heritage nomination of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, which was finalised in July 2025 for its Outstanding Universal Value – making it only the second Australian site recognised solely for its First Nations cultural heritage. This World Heritage listing not only honours the ongoing cultural traditions of the Ngarda-Ngarli, but also ensures stronger protections and global recognition of one of the most significant continuous cultural landscapes in the world.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Commitments
Perdaman
- Committed to work closely with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) supporting cultural heritage protection including the Murujuga Rock Art being listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Listing and supporting MAC’s economic and social aspirations.
- Perdaman and its EPC Contractor will work with MAC and Murujuga Commercial Limited to maximise First Nations business participation in project supply chains, including subcontracting opportunities in civil works, training, admin, and facilities management.
- Committed to 3% First Nations employment, prioritising local Traditional Owners, and offering accredited training and career pathways in trades and business for local Aboriginal youth, the long-term unemployed, and unskilled workers.
- All workers and subcontractors will undergo cultural competency training led by MAC and MAC will ensure compliance and respectful treatment of heritage sites through an agreed salvage and relocation process.
Pilbara Ports Authority
- Committed to collaborating with the local Aboriginal community, offering opportunities for employment, skills development, funding, and other initiatives.
- Actively participate in events and trade expos organised by the Pilbara Indigenous Business Networking Group to promote First Nations business initiatives and partnerships.
- Support key stakeholders like the Murujuga Land and Sea Ranger units, enhancing their capacity to manage and preserve their land and sea resources.
- Committed to a minimum of 15% of total work hours to be contributed by First Nations employees or trainees, and to allocating a minimum of 5% of tender value to First Nations owned businesses.
Water Corporation
- Ongoing engagement with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation throughout the project's lifecycle.
- Mandate cultural competency training for all project participants part of the project.
- Committed to allocate 3.2% of contracts to First Nations owned businesses.
- Support First Nations procurement strategies through 'meet the buyer' sessions in Karratha and aim for a minimum of 6% First Nations employment at the Karratha depot, overseen by the Program Director for Aboriginal Strategy, who also ensures alignment with ongoing initiatives and conducts annual reviews on the Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) in collaboration with Traditional Owner groups.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Outcomes
Perdaman
- In 2023, while in the pre-construction phase, Perdaman focused on laying foundations for local First Nations participation by setting additional internal targets to support Pilbara Indigenous businesses, career pathways, and retention. Perdaman continued its engagement with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), supporting cultural heritage protection, including the UNESCO World Heritage Listing nomination.
- In late 2023 and early 2024, Perdaman reported $7.8 million (1.4% of total procurement) awarded to First Nations businesses, including a subcontract to Murujuga Commercial Transport. They developed a register of Indigenous businesses, maintained strong engagement with MAC through monthly meetings, and began partnerships with Clontarf and the Stars Foundation to support Indigenous employment.
- Later in 2024, First Nations procurement increased to $11.6 million and Indigenous employment reached 2.4%. Perdaman initiated entry-level pathways, training programs, and an active recruitment drive. The company also maintained regular engagement with MAC and supported school outreach programs in Karratha and Roebourne.
Pilbara Ports Authority
- Pilbara Ports Authority has submitted its Indigenous Engagement Strategy report which is currently under review by NAIF.
Water Corporation
- In 2024, the project achieved 5.8% Aboriginal employment at the Karratha depot and significantly exceeded its procurement target, awarding 14% of total contracts equaling over $6.2m to Aboriginal owned businesses. Notably, an Aboriginal head contractor awarded a subcontract to another Aboriginal business, demonstrating growing collaboration within the Indigenous business sector.
