Planning a positive legacy
The Gove Peninsula has been supplying the global aluminium industry with world-class bauxite for more than 40 years.
While the end of mining isn’t expected until later this decade, Rio Tinto is already getting on with the business of rehabilitation.
Responsibility doesn’t end with the last load of bauxite; closing a mine involves a lot of planning.
The 12-year Mining Management Plan outlining how Rio Tinto will transition from mining to remediation and closure was approved by the Territory Government in 2020. The plan is outcome-focused and includes closure actions that ensure the site is left safe, stable and non-polluting and in accordance with the wishes of Traditional Owners.
The Rio Tinto team is working closely with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s Mining Operations team to ensure activities are planned, implemented and regulated to create a sustainable future for the region. The company has been successfully rehabilitating large areas of the mine for decades, with 130 hectares rehabilitated each year on average.
Rio Tinto’s General Manager Gove Closure, Jamie Low, said the opportunity to work on such a large project in a remote area, and to ultimately create a positive legacy for Traditional Owners and the broader region, was very exciting for the team.
“Getting this right is incredibly important for Rio Tinto and our team knows we are fortunate to be able to live and work here,” he said.
“Gove Operations – including the township of Nhulunbuy – is located on Aboriginal land and Rio Tinto acknowledges the significant value Yolngu place on their heritage and country, working in partnership with them throughout the mining process.”
The Gove closure program is one of Rio Tinto’s most complex. Last year the company worked with more than 55 local businesses. A diverse team of engineers, environment scientists, Traditional Owners, local businesses, all dedicated and playing their part, is overseeing restoration of the area into a safe and stable landform for the future.
