PRIME Minister Tony Abbott visits indigenous bauxite mines at Arnhem Land

Prime Minister Tony Abbott recently visited indigenous bauxite mines operated by the Gumatj clan of Arnhem Land.

Tension over bauxite mining on Gumatj and Rirratjingu country when it began in the 1960s prompted the land rights movement among the people there. It is a symbolic victory for Gumatj clan now to be mining its own bauxite deposits.

The mining businesses are still supported by mining royalties from Rio Tinto’s bauxite operations on the Gove Peninsula. But the Gumatj Corporation hopes to be self-sustaining and independent some day.

Gumatj Corporation is planning to establish a mine training centre at the Gulkula site with support from Rio Tinto. The mining giant has so far committed $2.4 million investment on the project.

Rio Tinto Alcan president and CEO of bauxite and alumina, Phillip Strachan, said the drilling was an important develpment being undertaken by Yolngu people to shape up their own futures.

“The exploration program is an important step by the Gumatj clan towards the creation of a bauxite mining operation,” he said. “We believe the training centre will be a catalyst for Yolngu people across the region to develop the life skills and training needed to establish successful careers in the mining industry.”

The centre is expected to train Yolngu people across Arnhem Land. Alan Tudge, prime ministerial secretary for indigenous affairs, also supported the project.

“Any partnership which can provide jobs for local people is a good thing,” Mr Tudge said.