Driving the Territory Resources Industry:
New Mineral Taskforce Announced

2 November 2021

To drive the Territory’s resources sector and unlock a strong pipeline of projects, the Territory Government has now established an industry-led Mineral Development Taskforce.

The Taskforce will investigate and identify strategies to activate and secure ongoing private capital in mineral projects, including downstream manufacturing processes.

It will have a critical role to play in devising innovative approaches and options to accelerate private investment.

The taskforce will identify new opportunities, recommend options to win more private sector investment and accelerate the process of turning prospective mines into operational mines.

Established for an initial period of 12 months, the Taskforce is aligned with the Territory Economic Reconstruction final report to investigate and identify opportunities to accelerate significant private investment in mineral projects, including value add processes.

The Taskforce will include 10 members (including the Chair) and comprises of government, industry and private sector experts and will chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

Members of the Territory Minerals Development Taskforce include:

• Mr Shaun Drabsch, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade  (Chair);
• Ms Tanya Constable PSM, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Council of Australia;
• Mr Tom Seymour, Chief Executive Officer of PricewaterhouseCoopers;
• Mr Joe Martin-Jard, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Land Council;
• Mr Bryan Quinn, Former BHP President;
• Mr Paul Trotman, Head of the Resources Division at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources,
• Dr Phil Gorey, Deputy Director General, Resource and Environmental Regulation, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety; Western Australia
• Dr Sharna Glover, Co-Founder and CEO of Imvelo.ai;
• Mr John Braham, Independent Director, Castile Resources Ltd; and
• Mr David Carland, Company Director and Co-founder of BurnVoir Partners. 

For more information visit https://resourcingtheterritory.nt.gov.au/

Quotes from Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison

‘We are making the Territory the best place for exploration and mining investment in Australia, with five significant mining approvals in the last 12 months.”

“This Taskforce will accelerate mining development in the Territory, delivering a clear message to investors that the Territory Government is committed to growing our mining and resources sector.”

“We are serious about getting on with the job of growing our economy to $40 billion by 2030, with 20 mining projects currently working towards a Final Investment Decision in the Territory with a combined value of $6.2 billion and potential to create 5700 construction jobs and 3600 ongoing jobs.”

“The growth of the Territory’s mining sector shows that we’re dedicated to supporting the future of the resources industry and the jobs and economic benefits the sector brings.”

Shaun Drabsch, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

“The Territory Government is working hard to make the Territory the best place for exploration and mining investment in Australia.

“The establishment of a Mineral Development Taskforce provides clear signal to investors that the Territory Government is serious about unlocking doors and ensuring we remain competitive in our approach to attracting and supporting exploration and mining investment.

“The Territory Government recognises that we need to increase the competitiveness of our mining industry, including through public policy settings and we are focused on doing this in a responsible manner.”

Media Contact: Alex Cannon 0407 239 967

Northern Territory Government