When Territorians think of mining, the first thing that usually comes to mind is royalties, but mining delivers so much more for Territorians.
In 2023/24, mining contributed more than $430 million to the NT Government through royalty payments, which equates to almost a third of the Territory's own-source revenue. These funds help pay for schools, hospitals and the frontline services we all rely on.
But we deliver so much more.
To get a better understanding of the benefits of the mining industry to the Territory, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) commissioned the Northern Territory Resources Sector Economic Contribution Study to capture the mining industry's impact throughout the regions we operate.
Last year, the mining industry injected $1.39 billion in direct spending into the Territory economy. Those dollars were not just spent on site, they flowed through to local suppliers, contractors and service providers. In total, the sector spent $3 billion on goods and services from 770 Territory businesses. From family-run transport companies to catering firms and engineering workshops, these contracts created stability and growth in local supply chains in regional areas where they are most needed.
Mining is also a high-wage industry, providing $256.9 million in wages and salaries to 1,470 full-time Territorians in 2023/24. Beyond these direct roles, the industry engaged hundreds of local contractors to keep operations running. In total, the sector supported around 6,650 additional jobs across the Territory through its supply chains and service industries. The commissioned study shows that for every one job in mining, six more are supported in the broader economy. This is a multiplying effect few other industries can match in regional Australia.
The benefits to the Territory extend well beyond economics. Last year, the minerals industry invested more than $6 million into over 160 community groups and initiatives. These contributions backed a range of campaigns from sporting clubs and health programs to education, environmental projects and the arts. This is a direct investment in our local communities helping kids onto the playing field, supporting regional culture, and giving schools and clinics provide extra resources and services.
Put simply, the Territory's minerals industry is part of the local community. It provides the government with the royalties that fund essential services, but it also delivers tangible benefits that reach well beyond the budget papers. Every dollar spent with a local business, every job taken up by a Territorian, every training program created for a young apprentice, and every grant awarded to a community group strengthens the Territory from the ground up.
To realise the full potential of the mining industry, the Territory must improve investment timeframes and regulatory certainty, build enabling infrastructure and ensure projects in gold, gas and critical minerals can proceed with confidence. There is ample opportunity to grow a bigger, diverse resources industry, and with it a stronger, sustainable Territory economy.
Community is the core for Australian mining.
