Darwin Major Business Group

First gas from the Beetaloo Basin is a Territory milestone. Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King ’s speech at the Beetaloo Basin First Gas commissioning makes clear that it is also a national one. The Minister described Beetaloo as “a game-changer for the Northern Territory, and therefore, the nation” and recognised the bipartisan work across successive NT governments that helped make this moment possible. DMBG welcomes that clear recognition. The Minister’s comparison of the Territory’s pipeline infrastructure with Western Australia’s Dampier–Bunbury pipeline, now a backbone of the WA economy, is particularly important. First gas is the beginning. Realising Beetaloo’s full value will require coordinated investment in enabling infrastructure, workforce capability, local supply chains and new industry. That must be a shared national development task involving the Commonwealth, the NT Government, Traditional Owners, industry and local business. There must be a clear plan to ensure the jobs, business opportunities and long-term economic benefits are realised here in the Territory. DMBG congratulates our member Tamboran Resources Corporation and Daly Waters Energy , Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders, the Northern Land Council , pastoralists, successive Northern Territory governments and everyone involved in reaching this milestone. The opportunity is substantial. Now is the time to get the Territory ready. Click here to read Minister King’s speech.

A record result for the Northern Territory and a strong platform for what comes next. The value of Territory mineral production reached a record $6.08 billion in 2025–26, an increase of 39.6 per cent on the previous year. Gold was the largest contributor, while manganese production rebounded strongly following GEMCO ’s return to normal operations. Bauxite and zinc-lead also continued to make significant contributions. These results matter well beyond the mine gate. The resources sector sustains thousands of direct jobs and supports Territory businesses across transport, construction, engineering, professional services and regional supply chains. The opportunity now is to turn this strength into enduring economic benefits through enabling infrastructure, workforce development, predictable approvals and greater participation by Territory businesses. As NT Resources Week gets underway, DMBG congratulates the companies, workers, Traditional Owners, local suppliers and communities behind this result. The focus must remain on translating today’s record into lasting jobs, investment and opportunity across the Territory.