Land tenure is the highest priority of the Reference Group because having a clear pathway to secure tenure is the foundation to enable investment, more competitive lending and long-term security for businesses and residents.

The land on the Gove Peninsula is subject to a number of leases granted to Rio Tinto until 2053. Rio Tinto has indicated that mining will cease on the Gove Peninsula by the end of this decade. Once remediation and closure has been undertaken, Rio Tinto may seek early relinquishment of some or all of its leasehold interests.

The leased area is Aboriginal land granted under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and is held in escrow. On termination of the leases, the land will vest in the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Land Trust, who will hold and manage it on behalf of Traditional Owners. Traditional Owners have several options for owning, using, managing or transferring the land – these are land tenure options.

The Reference Group is focused on assisting Traditional Owners in making well-informed decisions about post-mining land tenure options which best achieve their economic, social, environmental and cultural aspirations. A two-year process to explore all available land tenure options for Nhulunbuy has recently been completed.

Work now continues with Traditional Owners to identify a suitable post-mining land tenure option. This decision will have significant implications for future generations. There must be sufficient time and information to ensure this decision is properly considered. The complexities of land tenure also impact a range of interdependent initiatives including pathways to new and diversified industry and reducing pressure on the housing market.