NTMining
Nhulunbuy
A planned mining town became East Arnhem’s service hub.
1968Town gazetted · bauxite workforce settlement
WHAT STARTED IT
Nhulunbuy was created to house workers for the Gove bauxite mine and alumina refinery. The proposed town was gazetted as Gove in 1968 but was given the name Nhulunbuy following representations from nearby Yirrkala.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Construction expanded in the early 1970s and alumina production began in 1972. The refinery later closed and entered demolition and remediation, while bauxite mining continued. Planning now focuses on retaining services and creating a viable post-mining economy.
TURNING POINTS
1968Mining agreement and town gazettal.
1972Alumina production begins.
2014Alumina refinery production ends.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
East Arnhem’s largest business and service hub, preparing for the end of Gove bauxite mining towards the end of the decade.