Tanami

Tanami is a gold mining operation in the remote Tanami Desert of the Northern Territory, operated by Newmont.

History

The Tanami gold mine has operated continuously since the early 1900s, making it one of Australia's longest-running gold operations. Newmont (formerly Newcrest, acquired by Newmont in 2024) operates the mine, which is located in the remote Tanami Desert approximately 540km north-west of Alice Springs. The operation transitioned from open pit to underground mining as surface resources were depleted.

Why It's Iconic

Tanami is one of the most remote gold mines in Australia, operating deep underground in a harsh desert environment.

Scale and Production

Tanami produces approximately 400,000-500,000 ounces of gold per annum. The underground expansion has extended mine life significantly, with ongoing exploration identifying new resources at depth.

Equipment

Technology and Autonomous Systems

Processing Infrastructure

Tanami processes ore through a conventional CIL circuit with a capacity of approximately 2.5 million tonnes per annum. The plant produces gold doré on site. A second processing plant expansion was completed to increase capacity.

Workforce

Approximately 500-600 employees, exclusively FIFO from Perth and Darwin. The operation is one of the most remote mines in Australia, with no nearby communities.

Major Milestones

• Early 1900s: Gold mining begins in the Tanami
• 1990s: Modern operations established
• 2010s: Transition from open pit to underground
• 2020s: Underground expansion completed
• Ongoing: One of Australia's longest-running gold mines

Interesting Facts

• One of the most remote mines in Australia — 540km from Alice Springs
• Exclusively FIFO with no nearby communities
• One of Australia's longest continuously operating gold mines
• Transitioned from open pit to fully underground
• Newmont's key Australian gold asset after the Newcrest acquisition