Hundreds of NT jobs to be supported by restart of Mt Bundy mines

The Northern Territory is about to see more jobs created in the mining and construction sectors with the restart of three mines in the Top End, following the granting of Major Project Status to the Mt Bundy Gold Project. 

The proposed project to restart mine operations is estimated to be valued at $412 million and it is expected to generate about $1.78 billion in operating expenditure over its life. 

Up to 150 jobs are anticipated to be created over the project’s 18-month construction period and a further 300 full-time operational jobs for 10 years. 

“This project is a major goldmine for Territory jobs and for our economy – and it is great news for all Territorians. 

“We will see three mines restart, under the umbrella of the Mt Bundy Gold Project which will provide hundreds of positions for Territorians in the Top End, and more opportunities for local businesses. 

“This in turn will help strengthen industry, secure our job market and create more opportunities for private investment,” Chief Minister Michael Gunner said. 

Preliminary works are already underway and major construction activities are expected to commence in 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and Final Investment Decision by Primary Gold. 

In October and November 2021, Primary Gold engaged with a local team to build the Mt Bundy Creek culvert bridge – estimated to cost $800,000. The company has also spent $300,000 to establish a dewatering system with Darwin-based company NPE as well as local contractors. 

“We are very pleased that the NT government has awarded Major Project Status to the Mt Bundy Gold Project. It is a great achievement for Primary Gold, its shareholders and the Northern Territory. 

“The awarding of Major Project Status distinguishes the Mt Bundy Gold Project as an attractive investment ready development in a mining friendly jurisdiction, with all major authorisations received or well advanced in the approval process. 

“We thank the local community and NT government over the last few years for the great support. We have increased more than 1.2 million ounce gold resources and more than 700% increase in gold ore reserve at Mt Bundy through extensive investments in exploration, mining, processing and detailed environmental studies through cooperation with well-known expert companies including Northern Territory based WDA Drilling Services, GR Engineering, Orelogy, Knight Piesold and CDM Smith,” Primary Gold Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr Mark Qiu said. 

The Mt Bundy Gold Project is located approximately 100 kilometres south east of Darwin via the Arnhem Highway and it is comprised of three mines – Tom's Gully, Rustlers Roost and Quest 29. The project will also include a processing plant and a camp. 

Granting Major Project Status to the Mt Bundy Gold Project is testament to its contribution to the Northern Territory’s economic growth, productivity, employment as well as industry development. 

“The gold industry has been vital to the development of the Territory and we are continuing to work with the private sector to unlock major projects which are significant contributors to the economic development of the Territory. 

“This Territory Labor Government is driving more mining projects out of the ground which means more jobs for Territorians and a stronger economy. 

“Last year we established the Mineral Development Taskforce, to accelerate more investment and mining projects in the Territory,” Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Australian Mining; Resourcing the Territory