The impact of South32 and Anglo American's manganese mine expansion

By Uwear

May 19, 2020

undefined mins

In an attempt to expand its profitable manganese mine, South32 Ltd has come to terms in principal with traditional indigenous land owners at Groote Eylandt.

Expansion plans for the site located in the Gulf of Carpentaria has not yet received required government approval, but the plan is believed to be able to expand the scale and extend its lifespan.

A joint venture between South32 and Anglo American, Groote Eylandt’s GEMCO mine was given consent by the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), which may secure future royalties.

Nigel Scullion, Australia’s indigenous affairs minister, must approve any formal deal between South32 and traditional land owners. However, he has said in a statement that he welcomes the progress made between the two sides in negotiations.

GEMCO is one of the largest and lowest-cost manganese ore producers in the world. Its features include high-grade ore, open-cut mining operations, its own port facilities located at Milner Bay only 16km from mining operations, as well as a close proximity to Asian export markets.

With a FY2014 production of manganese ore was 4,776 kt (100 per cent basis), GEMCO has a reserve life of 11 years. South32 is in the early stages of assessing projects which have the potential to improve efficiency at GEMCO’s operations and is exploring areas which have the potential to extend the GEMCO mine life.

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GEMCO focuses its community development in alignment with the ALC’s 15-year strategic plan, and funds large development projects which are driven by community leadership, and integrated with similar government and land council projects to increase effectiveness.

The current development projects being implemented are targeting improved outcomes for community health, education, traditional owner culture, employment and diversification of the local economy.

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