The Chandler project: Tellus’ vision for the world’s first multi-national deep geological repository at Chandler, in the Northern Territory, is today a step closer to realisation.
After a global expression of interest (EOI) process announced by Tellus Managing Director and CEO Nate Smith in February, we’re excited to announce that Amentum has been chosen as Tellus’ partner for the first phase of the Chandler project.
Amentum is a leader in global engineering, project management and solutions integration headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, U.S.
The proposed facility at Chandler, about 120km south of Alice Springs, would be a game-changer in the permanent and safe disposal of hazardous chemical and low-level radioactive waste – not just for Australia, but also for its strategic partners in the Asia Pacific region.
At Chandler, hazardous chemical and low-level radioactive waste could be interred in purpose-built vaults excavated 800 metres beneath the Simpson Desert, in the middle of a dry, impermeable natural salt deposit the size of a small city.
The EOI attracted strong international interest from six global infrastructure firms and consortiums from Australia, North America and Europe seeking to partner with Tellus in the realization of the Chandler project.
Nate Smith said, “Following a highly competitive EOI process, we are confident Amentum will be the ideal partner to help Tellus carry the Chandler project forward in this initial stage of the project.”
“We have already received a range of regulatory approvals for Tellus’ Chandler project, and, most important, have secured the partnership of the Titjikala Native Title party, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Chandler is sited.”
“The achievement of social licence is the single most important criterion for success in a project of this scope.”
“If it becomes a reality, Chandler will be a world-class infrastructure asset that will enhance Australia’s regional leadership in hazardous waste management and help safeguard our clean energy transition.”
Nate Smith Managing Director & CEO, Tellus
Amentum UK has led several national waste repository programmes internationally, including the UK’s Low level Waste Repository and Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the only nuclear deep geological repository in the U.S. Additionally, Amentum has a significant footprint in the Northern Territory and provides support services for projects operated jointly by Australia and the United States.
Amentum will now lead a strategic review of Tellus’ Chandler project, including technical feasibility, timelines, financial viability, risk management and environmental impact.