Indigenous-owned bauxite mining operation & training centre open in Northern Territory

An Indigenous owned mine training centre and bauxite mining operation developed by Gumatj Corporation in Northeast Arnhem Land with support from Rio Tinto was opened at the 19th annual Garma Festival.

The Gulkula Regional Training Centre and Gulkula bauxite mining operation are owned by the Gumatj clan. Mining giant Rio Tinto committed to purchase the bauxite produced from the mine.

Gumatj Corporation CEO Klaus Helms said “With Rio Tinto’s support, Yolngu people can now receive on-the-job training through Gumatj mining operations. The skills they develop will open up opportunities for them to build careers in the mining industry in the Northern Territory and beyond.”

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“The bauxite sales agreement we signed with Rio Tinto also signifies their commitment to ensuring the success of our new mine. We are very excited to begin production later this year and start generating economic benefits for our local region.”

The bauxite mine is expected to produce around 500,000 tonnes per year during the first four years of operation.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations managing director Bruce Cox commented: “As a result of this training centre, even more local Indigenous people will be able to build long-term careers in the mining industry. We hope to see increased Indigenous participation at our own Gove bauxite mine as participants move on from the centre and into the workforce.”