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Let’s get Territory Ready to make the most of $6.1 billion mining boom

Cathryn Tilmouth, Executive Director - Northern Australia

23 October 2026

  • 16 advanced mining projects in $6.1 billion pipeline
  • Sector already generates big benefits; huge potential to create even more
  • Don’t wait until building starts to create workforce and business capability

The Northern Territory must act now to build the workforce, business capability and infrastructure needed to capture the immense potential benefits of its emerging minerals project pipeline.

Territory Ready: building Territory capability for the next generation of resource development – a new report from the Minerals Council of Australia – notes the Territory has 16 advanced mining projects in the pipeline.

These projects represent $6.1 billion in planned capital investment with the potential to create around 3,200 construction jobs and 2,800 operational jobs.

The report also demonstrates the scale of mining’s existing contribution. In 2024-25, Territory mining:

  • Generated $4.6 billion in economic value
  • Directly spent $1.2 billion in the NT
  • Purchased $617.4 million in goods and services from 859 Territory businesses
  • Supported a workforce of 5,447 people
  • Contributed $514.3 million in government payments, taxes and royalties
  • Provided $6.2 million to 95 community organisations.

“If we want to build on the momentum created by recent positive news with Arafura, KGL and Mount Bundy, we must lift our game so the Territory can make the most of the modern mining boom,” MCA Executive Director Northern Australia, Cathryn Tilmouth, said.

‘The Territory has a massive opportunity ahead, but capturing the benefits requires immediate action on several fronts.

“In particular, we need to develop the skills, businesses, infrastructure and competitive investment conditions to support the current minerals project pipeline and encourage future exploration and discoveries.

“As mining projects progress from discovery to production, we need to build the workforce and business capability to deliver them, rather than waiting until construction begins.

“While our priority is local jobs and Territory businesses to supply these new and existing mines, we also need to build capability where the Territory can compete and attract specialist expertise where it is needed.

“This is how we position more Territorians and Territory businesses to participate in this giant minerals boom.”

The report identifies eight priority actions:

  • Strengthening the evidence base for Territory value
  • Improving capability and competitiveness of Territory businesses
  • Investing in strategic common-user infrastructure
  • Building local pathways into critical occupations
  • Better coordinating workforce development
  • Targeted attraction and retention initiatives
  • Strengthening education-to-employment pathways and workforce participation
  • Investment in housing, childcare, healthcare, education and regional liveability.

Ms Tilmouth said coordinated action by industry, governments, education providers and regional stakeholders would be essential to turn the Territory’s minerals development opportunities into lasting economic prosperity.

“The Territory has strong foundations and huge mineral potential.

“It’s time to get cracking and ready ourselves to transform future investment into long-term local jobs, stronger businesses and more resilient regional communities.”