Opportunity

There are several manufacturing businesses that could add value to the Northern Territory’s mining products such as downstream gas processing and high-value minerals processing and refinement on Middle Arm.

There is insufficient marine infrastructure and serviced land available adjacent to the existing Darwin port to enable these opportunities.

Meeting this gap could increase the value of the mining and manufacturing sectors to the Northern Territory and Australia as a whole.

The 2019 Infrastructure Australia Audit identified that Infrastructure could help to catalyse growth across northern Australia, and unlock development across a range of industries.

Proportionate and timely investment in supporting infrastructure could uplift the value of exports from Northern Australia to neighbouring and growing Asian regions.

Proposal

Potential options to address the proposal include expanding marine facilities, and upgrading access roads, storm water and logistics. These changes could expand Darwin’s manufactured mining export capabilities.

Public investment should consider the role of government in stimulating the delivery of infrastructure by the private sector, compared with direct infrastructure funding, ownership and provision.

Next steps

Proponent to develop potential investment options (Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).