Rirratjingu Mining

In 2008, the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) founded Rirratjingu Mining Pty Ltd as a unique 100% Aboriginal-owned mining business on the Gove Peninsula.

Based just outside the Nhulunbuy township, Rirratjingu Mining Pty Ltd was established to increase Indigenous employment and deliver commercial returns. It operates as a successful blue metal quarry.

Rirratjingu Mining has a contract with Rio Tinto to quarry and crush blue metal rock. This rock is used for ‘on country’ rehabilitation, road building, embankments, and various concrete products.

In recent years, Rirratjingu Mining has seen a growing customer base for quarry products. It is now a key supplier of raw materials like blue metal, rock, sand, and gravel across North-East Arnhem Land.

Further investment into Rirratjingu Fuel has expanded its operations and positioned the business to capitalise on the numerous infrastructure projects under consideration across the region such as projected housing and community projects and the upgrading of the Carpentaria Highway.

Blue Metal Quarry

Sitting at the heart of Rirratjingu Mining Pty Ltd is the blue metal quarry. Since taking over management, Rirratjingu has taken the non-operational quarry and turned it into a commercial operation that generates millions of dollars each year.

In partnership with Remote Industries Australia, our contracted quarry operators, Rirratjingu Mining continues to invest in plant, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure this successful business prospers.

Recent investments in the quarry have seen its transformation into a leading mining enterprise. A notable investment has been the replacement of the quarry weighbridge with a new 30-metre weighbridge. Rirratjingu Mining now provides the sole publicly accessible weighbridge on the Gove Peninsula.


Future Plans

Thanks to the unwavering dedication and resolve of our Rirratjingu leaders, the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation has evolved into a prominent force within the mining industry on the Gove Peninsula.

The Rirratjingu Mining division has proven to be a profitable enterprise, and all indicators point to ongoing success and growth as the economy transitions post mining. As a wholly Aboriginal owned company, the priorities after Rio Tinto leaves will be to:

  • Continue supplying the region with raw materials for infrastructure and development.
  • Allocate resources to development initiatives, including infrastructure for roads and water supply, aimed at sustaining the traditional remote lifestyles of clan members.
  • Secure contracts with mining investors to expand services.

Supporting the local Rirratjingu community

Rirratjingu Mining has been proud to support the local community beyond providing essential services and infrastructure. Over the years, the business has been a notable community sponsor, with donations including:

  • Raw materials to build the Local Speedway Club.
  • Rocks donated to Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities.
  • Sand to help maintain the Nhulunbuy Motocross course.
  • Rocks for the Nhulunbuy Golf Club to build a new retaining wall at the front of the clubhouse.
  • Screened sand for the Gapan Art Gallery at the Garma Festival annually.
  • Sand for local Indigenous ceremonies.

Drawing from the past, aspiring to the future

Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation stands at the forefront of transformation in the Gove Peninsula. We venture forth as leaders in mining as part of our commercial suite of business activities. We remain confident that our mining arm, with its commercially viable quarry operation, will continue to grow as the principal supplier of the region’s rock and sand products.Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation stands at the forefront of transformation in the Gove Peninsula. We venture forth as leaders in mining as part of our commercial suite of business activities.  We remain confident that our mining arm, with its commercially viable quarry operation, will continue to grow as the principal supplier of the region’s rock and sand products.

Rirratjingu Mine is an ongoing story. There is much to be done as we move towards, and support, the transition to a broader economy and an exciting future. Our history till now is merely the opening chapter of a story yet to be fully told.

A Word On Rehabilitation

The demolition of mining sites in the region are handled with care to ensure the land can thrive. Rirratjingu Mining plays an integral role by working with Rio Tinto to supply raw materials critical to best practice environmental management the rehabilitation.

Connect with Us

If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone from Rirratjingu Mining, please contact us.

.