3 September 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed a new report highlighting the substantial contribution the minerals sector makes to the Northern Territory economy, reinforcing the sector's role as a key driver of jobs, investment, and community support.
Mining remains the Territory's largest contributor to own-source revenue and a vital economic driver.
In 2023/24 alone, the sector contributed more than $430 million to the NT Government in royalties, but its contribution goes far beyond that, supporting local businesses, community programs, training opportunities and infrastructure across the Territory.
The Northern Territory Minerals Sector Economic Contribution Study 2023/24, based on data from ten of the Territory's leading mineral resource companies, shows that in the minerals sector contributed $1.39 billion in direct spending to the local economy.
This includes wages and salaries, operational and capital expenditure, payment of local government mining tenement rates, and contributions to community organisations.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the report underscores the essential role the minerals sector plays in supporting jobs, local businesses, and communities across the Territory.
"These figures show the Northern Territory's minerals sector is not only creating thousands of jobs, but it's also supporting hundreds of local businesses and the lifeblood of some communities," said Mr Maley.
"In total, the sector directly employed over 6,600 full-time equivalent workers, including almost 1,500 Territorians, and provided nearly $257 million in wages. That's real, on the ground opportunity and real impact for local families and businesses."
Mr Maley said the findings reinforce the Government's commitment to supporting a strong and competitive resources sector.
"As the Chief Minister has rightly said, mining pays the bills. Our minerals sector is the foundation of the Territory economy, and these figures prove just how vital it is in delivering jobs, revenue, and growth," said Mr Maley.
A significant number of businesses benefited directly from the sector, with 770 local suppliers in the Northern Territory receiving almost $700 million in payments for goods and services. The sector also contributed almost $6 million to over 115 local community organisations.
Executive Director, Northern Australia, Minerals Council of Australia Cathryn Tilmouth said the Territory's minerals sector is deeply connected to local communities.
"The Territory's minerals industry is part of the local community. 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," said Ms Tilmouth.
"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."
Recognising the strength of this multiplying effect, the NT Government is delivering on the recommendations of the Mineral Development Taskforce, to establish downstream mineral processing and advanced manufacturing supply chains, creating additional value and employment opportunities for Territorians.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the minerals sector's importance extends beyond far the mining industry itself.
"The Northern Territory's minerals sector is a backbone of our economy, contributing an estimated 24.6% of Gross State Product and supporting over 10,000 jobs when flow-on effects are included," said Ms Cahill.
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government is laser focused on making the Territory a leading destination for resource investment, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and driving long-term economic growth."
