Open for Business: Territory economy strengthened as GEMCO resumes normal operations

4 September 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing the recommencement of full production operations of one of the world’s largest manganese mines, delivering jobs, investment, and economic growth for Territorians.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley visited South32’s GEMCO mine site on Groote Eylandt on Thursday, alongside Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne and Assistant Minister for Mining and Energy Khoda Patel.

GEMCO has been in operation since 1965 and is a globally significant manganese producer. Production and export operations were halted for over 12 months following the destruction of wharf infrastructure caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan in March 2024.

The visit was marked by the official opening of GEMCO’s new wharf infrastructure, named Barrarumanja, meaning ‘from Bara and Jaragba country’.

The opening was attended by South32 Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Torres, GEMCO Vice President Operations Robyn Ryan, and Traditional Owners represented by the Anindilyakwa Land Council.

“Manganese is a vital component in high-quality steel production, and GEMCO’s recommencement represents a major boost for the Territory economy and the future of Groote Eylandt,” said Minister Maley.

“The wharf reopening and the tireless efforts of the GEMCO team means safeguarding jobs, investment, and certainty for the region, exactly the outcomes our government is focused on delivering in our year of action.”

In 2023-24, GEMCO produced almost a billion dollars in mineral production value, underscoring the mine’s significance to the Northern Territory.

“Our mining sector continues to lead the way in rebuilding the Territory economy, and the reopening of GEMCO demonstrates the opportunities that can be realised when government and industry work together,” Minister Maley said.

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said GEMCO’s return to full operations is a major boost for the Territory economy.

“The reopening of the GEMCO wharf marks a significant milestone for the community and mine ensuring economic prosperity for the surrounding communities now and into the future.

“Our CLP Government is proud to have played a vital role ensuring this important piece of infrastructure was able to be repaired and renewed to allow operation to recommence.  It is a credit to all involved.”

While on Groote Eylandt, Minister Maley also visited Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation’s (GAAC) aquaculture operations, which focus on sustainable Blacklip Oyster, Trepang, and integrated seaweed farming industries.

The visit highlighted the economic diversification, local education, and upskilling opportunities the aquaculture industry brings to the community.

Media contact: Kyrrie Blenkinsop – 0461 385 914

Image captions:

1. ( L to R) South32 Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Torres, Minister Maley, GEMCO Vice President Operations Robyn Ryan, Minister Burgoyne, Assistant Minister for Mining and Energy Khoda Patel, accompanied by senior GEMCO mine management personnel.
2. Open-cut Manganese Mining in Operation at GEMCO.
3. Minister Maley inspecting the new wharf infrastructure.
4. GEMCO’s new wharf infrastructure, named Barrarumanja by the Traditional Owners, with the Disko Island carrier being loaded in the background.
5. Official opening ceremony for the Barrarumanja wharf infrastructure, attended by Ministers Maley and Burgoyne, Assistant Minister Patel, Traditional Owners represented by the Anindilyakwa Land Council, and senior representatives of South32 and GEMCO.
6. Minister Burgoyne inspecting aquaculture facilities at Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation (GAAC).
7. Minister Maley, Minister Burgoyne and Assistant Minister Patel feeding the barramundi at the GAAC.