MCA Northern Territory Division

The Minerals Council of Australia – Northern Territory Division (MCA NT) represents companies across exploration, mining, rehabilitation and services that drive the Territory’s resources sector.

We advocate for policies that ensure the industry remains safe, profitable, environmentally responsible and responsive to community expectations.

Mining has been at the heart of the Territory’s economy for over 150 years. In 2024-25, the sector contributed $1.2 billion in direct investment including $617.4 million in goods and services to 849 local businesses, $514.4 million in payments to government, equivalent to 27% of the NT Government’s own source revenue, support to 95 community groups in addition to providing highly paid jobs to  over 5,400 people across the Territory.

With 16 new mineral projects worth $6.2 billion in the pipeline and strong exploration investment of $131 million in 2024/25, the Territory is poised for the next generation of growth in critical minerals such as copper, gold, lithium, rare earths and base metals.

MCA NT works to keep the sector globally competitive and sustainable, while delivering long-term benefits for Territorians. We maintain strong relationships with decision-makers, create opportunities for knowledge sharing, and promote best practice across the industry.

Northern Territory Resources Sector Economic Contribution Study

Community is at the core of the Territory’s minerals industry. While royalties are often the first thing people think of when it comes to mining, the reality is that Our industry delivers much more for Territorians than record royalties which fund vital public services and infrastructure.

The Northern Territory Resources Sector Economic Contribution Study was commissioned by MCA NT to provide a clear and independent picture of how mining benefits the Territory. It measures the full impact of the minerals industry, from royalties and wages to supply chains and community partnerships.

The results show that mining is not only a major source of government revenue but also a driver of jobs, local business and community investment.

In 2024-25 the industry delivered:

• $1.2 billion in direct spending in the Territory
• $514.4 million in payments to government – almost one-third of the Territory’s own-source revenue
• $617.4 million in goods and services from 859 local businesses
• $254.5 million in wages for 1,463 Territorians, supporting a total of 5,450 jobs
• $6.2 million invested in 95 community groups and initiatives across regional and remote parts of the Territory.

These numbers tell a clear story: the minerals industry is a vital part of the Territory’s social and economic fabric.

Every job, every local contract and every partnership with a community organisation strengthens the Territory from the ground up.

Growing a bigger, diverse resources industry will create a stronger, sustainable Territory economy and more resilient communities.

Read the report here: MCA Northern Territory Minerals Sector Economic Contribution Study 2023-24 Final