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Mining in the NT

Mining is the process of extracting useful materials from the ground.

Minerals and extractive minerals are natural raw materials extracted for commercial use. They are used in many everyday items such as cars, roads, appliances and building materials.

Minerals and extractive minerals are found in deposits throughout the world.

Exploration is carried out to find large deposits of minerals and extractive minerals suitable for commercial extraction. Commercial extraction is supported by various mining activities.

Mining activities

A mining activity includes all of the following:

  • exploration for minerals or extractive minerals
  • mining of minerals or extractive minerals
  • extraction of extractive minerals
  • processing of minerals, extractive minerals, tailings, spoil heaps or waste dumps
  • decommissioning, remediation and rehabilitation of a mining site
  • operations and works in connection with the above activities, including all of the following:
    • the removal, handling, transport and storage of minerals, extractive minerals, substances, contaminants and waste
    • the construction, operation, maintenance and removal of plant, infrastructure and engineered features
  • construction, maintenance and use of infrastructure authorised by an access authority
  • operations for the monitoring, management and maintenance during care and maintenance periods
  • operations and works generally associated with the mining activity, including activities that occur on an area of land that is not part of the mining site/mineral interest.

For a full definition of mining activity, read the Environment Protection Act 2019.

Minerals in the NT

The Northern Territory (NT) has some of Australia's largest deposits of minerals including uranium, zinc-lead, bauxite and gold.

To find out more about minerals in the NT, go to the Resourcing the Territory website.

In addition, fossickers have unearthed a variety of gems and minerals in the NT. Read more on the Fossicking website.

Mining operations

Mining has been a major industry for the NT for more than 150 years.

For information on current mining activities in the NT, read authorised mining sites and mining management plans and reports.

How mining is regulated

Mining in the NT is regulated through the Mineral Titles Act 2010 and Environment Protection Act 2019, along with other related laws and rules.

This is to ensure decisions are made in a responsible and sustainable way.

Who's involved

The mining industry involves different government and non-government stakeholders.

The following government agencies and authorities make planning decisions and enforce rules:

Non-government stakeholders include:

  • title holders
  • mining operators
  • mine site workers, contractors and sub-contractors
  • industry agents
  • peak industry groups
  • landholders
  • land councils
  • community groups
  • members of the public.

Mineral titles and mining approval

The NT Government owns all minerals and extractive minerals in the NT except uranium. This belongs to the Australian Government.

Any company that wants to explore for or mine minerals or extractive mineral must apply for a licence, lease or a permit (mineral title). This is required under the Mineral Titles Act 2010.

There are different types of mineral titles available in the NT.

Each one allows certain things to occur at different stages of the exploration, extractive and mining process.

Once a mineral title has been granted, you need a separate environmental (mining) licence for mining activities that are likely to cause substantial disturbance of the ground.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact the relevant branch.

A guide to mining