Large scale gold mining restarts in Tennant Creek

Large scale mining is set to restart in Tennant Creek with Tennant Mining beginning construction on its Nobles gold mine project in the Northern Territory.

Civil work is underway at Nobles with construction and commissioning to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. Gold production is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025.

The project is forecast to produce an average of 65,000ozpa of gold and it’s expected to contribute $69.9m to the Northern Territory economy each year.

Initially, work will focus on mining stockpiles and tailings at the Nobles open pit mine before the development of open cut and underground mines begin.

Northern Territory Mining Minister Mark Monaghan commented on the restart of operations.

“The resources and mining sector is critical to the Territory’s economy and that’s why we are working with companies so they can grow and deliver the biggest benefits to the Territory,” he said.

“We’ve supported this project through the Mineral Development Taskforce and the Local Jobs Fund as we continue to grow the Territory’s economy and create new working opportunities for Territorians.”

Tennant Mining is also building a gold processing facility 14km outside Tennant Creek, enabling the gold to be mined and processed onsite ready for market.

The $94m Nobles mine is expected to create more than 80 new working opportunities during construction and more than 160 ongoing jobs once operations ramp up over the first two years of production.

Tennant Mining managing director Peter Main says development of Nobles is a major milestone for the company.

“It is exciting times to see the revival of one of Australia’s historically highest grade gold provinces and more importantly the resurgence of commercial scale gold mining in Tennant Creek after almost two decades,” he said.

“We are excited by the opportunity that presents, not only for the project as it stands, but also the potential of unlocking significant exploration potential and further consolidation in the greater Tennant Creek Region.”