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The Northern Territory has 16 advanced mining projects representing $6.1 billion in planned capital investment, according to a new report from the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), with the industry body calling for urgent action to prepare local workers and businesses for the anticipated growth.
The report, Territory Ready: building Territory capability for the next generation of resource development, outlines that these projects have the potential to create around 3200 construction jobs and 2800 operational jobs.
It comes as the Northern Territory Government announced five major mining projects have reached a final investment decision (FID) or secured committed funding since 2024, representing more than $5 billion in announced capital investment.
The projects are Arafura Rare Earths’ Nolans project, KGL Resources’ Jervois copper project, Tennant Mines’ Nobles gold operation, the restart of Core Lithium’s Finniss lithium operation and Newmont’s Tanami mine expansion.
MCA executive director for Northern Australia Cathryn Tilmouth said the Northern Territory needed to build its workforce and business capability to capture the immense potential benefits of its emerging minerals project pipeline.
“If we want to build on the momentum created by recent positive news with Arafura, KGL and Mount Bundy, we must lift our game so the Territory can make the most of the modern mining boom,” Tilmouth said.
“In particular, we need to develop the skills, businesses, infrastructure and competitive investment conditions to support the current minerals project pipeline and encourage future exploration and discoveries.”
MCA’s report also highlights mining’s existing contribution to the Territory. In 2024–25, the sector generated $4.6 billion in economic value, directly spent $1.2 billion in the NT and purchased $617.4 million in goods and services from 859 Territory businesses.
Mining supported a workforce of 5447 people and contributed $514.3 million in government payments, taxes and royalties during the period, according to the report.
The report also identifies eight priority actions, including improving local business competitiveness, investing in common-user infrastructure, developing pathways into critical occupations, strengthening workforce participation, better coordinating workforce development, implementing targeted attraction and retention initiatives, and strengthening the evidence base for Territory value. It also calls for investment in housing, childcare, healthcare, education and regional liveability.
Tilmouth said coordinated action would be needed to translate the pipeline into lasting regional benefits.
“The Territory has strong foundations and huge mineral potential,” Tilmouth said.
“It’s time to get cracking and ready ourselves to transform future investment into long-term local jobs, stronger businesses and more resilient regional communities.”
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