The Finocchiaro CLP Government is focused on driving investment, creating jobs, and growing the Territory economy through a strong and sustainable resources sector.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley has welcomed the recommencement of sales export operations at South32's flagship Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO), one of the world's largest manganese mines and a critical contributor to the Northern Territory's economy.
This week marks the return of manganese exports from the GEMCO operation following a 14-month hiatus caused by significant structural damage to wharf infrastructure caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan in March 2024.
GEMCO's manganese exports play a vital role in global steel manufacturing and are a key driver of the Territory's projected $4.8 billion in mineral production value in 2025-26.
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government congratulates GEMCO and South32 on this major milestone, which signals a strong recovery for one of the Territory's most significant mining operations," said Mr Maley.
"This recommencement follows an enormous body of work to rebuild critical infrastructure, with over 317,000 work hours invested in repairing the wharf, installing new bridge infrastructure, and restoring mine operations."
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said the GEMCO team worked closely with the broader Groote Eylandt community to support the ongoing recovery.
"With efforts focused on repairing key infrastructure, this enabled the delivery of supplies and helped restore essential services to the community," said Mr Edgington.
"This is a strong example of local partnerships supporting long-term resilience."
The disruption to export activity led to a substantial reduction in the value of GEMCO's mineral exports, which were worth $1.526 billion in 2022-23, dropping to $992.6 million in 2023-24.
The value of export sales in projected to fall further in 2024-25, due to the lack of exports for the first three quarters. This has led to an estimated $170 million drop in mineral royalty revenue to the Territory.
"Getting GEMCO back online is a critical factor in the NT's projected 16% increase in royalty revenue for 2025-26, from $298 million to $346 million, which will help fund vital infrastructure and services across the Territory," said Mr Maley.
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government remains committed to supporting the long-term success of the resources sector and ensuring projects like GEMCO continue to deliver strong returns for Territorians.
"2025 is our year of action, certainty and security and that's exactly what we are delivering."
Mr Maley said he looked forward to visiting the GEMCO operation later this year and continuing to work closely with South32 to support the Territory's mining industry.
