Media Release: Project Mandala Feasibility Study and Port Agreement

Jet Zero Australia Pty Ltd (Jet Zero) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the feasibility study for Project Mandala, representing a further milestone in the company’s Australian biorefinery development strategy following the advancement of its flagship Project Ulysses in Townsville, a world-leading Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) biorefinery, which is now in the final stages of Front End Engineering and Design (FEED).

Located in Gladstone, Project Mandala is a 400 million litre per annum (ML pa) Hydroprocessed Esters & Fatty Acids (HEFA) biorefinery dedicated to the production and storage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Renewable Diesel (RD). The Project aims to build long-term industrial capability and strengthen Australia’s economic resilience by expanding domestic manufacturing and service capacity across critical sectors, including defence and biofuels.

The Project’s feasibility study, supported by funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Enterprise Singapore (a Singapore Government agency championing enterprise development) is part of a bilateral Go-Green Co-Innovation Program (GGCIP).

The feasibility study confirmed a strong technical and commercial case for the Project. Detailed technical analysis was undertaken by global technology leader Topsoe A/S and engineering manager Long Energy & Resources (Aust) Pty Ltd. The biorefinery is designed with over 130 ML of fuel storage and the flexibility to swing between “max-SAF” production of up to 400 ML pa of SAF for aviation, or a co-production mix capable of producing up to 320 ML pa of Renewable Diesel (RD) for the mining, marine, heavy transport and defence sectors. The commercial case is supported by its proximity to Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, long-term feedstock supply agreements, and the ability to produce low-carbon biofuels that comply with international fuel regulations.

The Project’s feedstock strategy was supported by extensive research undertaken by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) as well as market assessments undertaken by Impact Ag, a specialist agricultural investment and asset management firm, Standard Commodities Australia, a leading agricultural commodities trading and processing company and Apeiron Bioenergy, a Singapore-based, integrated bioenergy company focused on waste-based feedstocks.

As a world first, the Project also aims to process Pongamia, a native Australian biofuel “supercrop” being developed by Jet Zero’s wholly owned business, Silvo Plus. Pongamia has the potential to improve the economics of regional cattle grazing operations while supplying a sustainable source of biofuel oil. The crop is currently being commercialised through large-scale plantation programs involving Shell and Rio Tinto, with Idemitsu and Stanmore also undertaking pilot plantings.

Following the completion of its feasibility study, Jet Zero has executed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) to integrate the project into existing port infrastructure.

Simultaneously, Jet Zero is finalising a land deal with Economic Development Queensland to acquire the strategic project site in the Gladstone State Development Area and is engaging with the Coordinator-General on streamlined assessment pathways for the project.

Hon Ros Bates, Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, commented:

“Our ports play a central role in regional development, serving as critical hubs for economic activity, trade and connectivity. This partnership with Jet Zero delivers on our vision for Queensland to be an Asia-Pacific leader in biorefining, boosting fuel security, economic growth and regional jobs.

"It is another example of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to delivering domestic capability in priority industries for Queensland,” Minister Bates said.

Ed Mason, Jet Zero’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“We are pleased to have reached this significant milestone for Project Mandala, which in addition to Project Ulysses in Townsville, is expected to deliver long-term economic benefits, including enhanced fuel security across the aviation, marine and heavy transport sectors.

“With strong infrastructure, reliable feedstock availability and strong government support, Project Mandala is well positioned to become a flagship biorefinery for Gladstone.

“We thank the many partners behind this project and look forward to accelerating the Pre-FEED activities in 2026,” Mr Mason said.

Andrew Johnson, Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Chief Executive, added:

“As Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, Gladstone is well placed to work with Jet Zero to access the infrastructure pathways needed to support the project’s next phase,” Mr Johnson said.

Yeoh Mei Ling, Enterprise Singapore’s Director for Northeast Asia and Oceania, added:

“Enterprise Singapore is pleased to have supported this collaboration between Jet Zero and Apeiron Bioenergy through the Go-Green Co-Innovation Program.

“The successful completion of this feasibility study speaks to the strength of what Singapore and Australian companies can build together.

“We are excited to see Jet Zero take this forward into the next phase to drive decarbonisation across key sectors like aviation, shipping and heavy industry, as well as to contribute towards longer-term energy resilience.

“We hope to see more of such partnerships, as both Singapore and Australia advance towards a sustainable and resilient future.”

Media contact: Leo Shanahan lshanahan@jetzero.com.au (0422 029 730)

Source: Gladstone Ports Corporation