Our Chandler deep geological repository near Alice Springs is a step closer after gaining the support of the Titjikala Native Title Holders and the NT Central Land Council.
Chandler, if it progresses through construction to operation, will be a globally significant facility, utilising a deep salt deposit approximately 120km south of Alice Springs to store both international and domestic chemical wastes and low level radioactive material.
We believe the 800m deep salt deposit, which is the size of a small city, is one of the safest places on earth to permanently isolate hazardous materials—including those that will be produced as part of Australia’s transition to a green economy.
Tellus CEO Nate Smith said gaining the trust and approval of the local Indigenous community was an essential step in bringing Chandler closer to fruition.
“Gaining social licence for our activities matters every bit as much to Tellus as gaining technical licenses and approvals,”
“Across years of productive and respectful engagement with the Titjikala Native Title Holders and the community, I have always made it clear that Tellus regards their support for Chandler as indispensable—in effect, they held veto power over this project.”
Nate Smith Managing Director & CEO, Tellus
If it gains the offtakes required to secure funding, Chandler would generate hundreds of local jobs during its construction phase and further permanent jobs during operation.
“We believe Chandler will be transformational for the local community,” Mr Smith said. “We are so excited to partner with the Titjikala Native Title Party to build a brighter economic future for the region.”
Subject to license conditions, Chandler has conditional approval to receive up to 400,000 tonnes pa of hazardous waste, supporting Australia’s clean energy transition by providing a safe repository for by-products from critical minerals, solar and oil and gas decommissioning.
Chandler will accept the same type of material as the Tellus facility at Sandy Ridge in WA, which has operated safely and successfully since 2021.
However, the focus at Chandler will be on cleaning up the NT and providing a safe hazardous waste repository for Australia’s strategic Asia Pacific partners.