Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory: Mining Jobs and Town Guide
Nhulunbuy is in the East Arnhem area of Northern Territory. The ABS 2021 Census counted 3,267 people for the Urban Centre and Locality (UCL). Every fact below links to the page it came from.
Last checked 13 October 2026. Operations, services and airlines change, so confirm with the operator, council or airport before you plan a move.
Key facts
- State
- Northern Territory
- Region
- East Arnhem
- Population
- 3,267 people, Urban Centre and Locality (UCL), median age 33ABS 2021 Census, geography: Nhulunbuy
- Main commodities
- Bauxite
- Council
- East Arnhem Regional Council
- Last checked
- 13 October 2026
What working around Nhulunbuy looks like
Nhulunbuy is the town for Rio Tinto's Gove bauxite operation, which has supplied bauxite for more than 50 years. Rio Tinto says the last bauxite is expected to be mined in 2029 and that the refinery demolition finishes in 2027, so this is a mine with a stated end date.
Rio Tinto says it is planning the transition for the Gove Peninsula with Traditional Owners and governments. Check Rio Tinto's careers site for current roles.
This summary only restates the sourced facts on this page. Each one links to its source.
Mining and industry around Nhulunbuy
Rio Tinto says its Gove site is in Australia's Northern Territory.
Source: Rio Tinto: Gove, checked 13 October 2026Rio Tinto says Gove has supplied the global aluminium industry with bauxite for more than 50 years. Bauxite is shipped internationally and domestically to supply the Queensland Alumina and Yarwun refineries in Gladstone.
Source: Rio Tinto: Gove, checked 13 October 2026Rio Tinto says operations at Gove cease at the end of the decade and that it expects the last bauxite to be mined in 2029. It says safe, reliable production is the focus until then.
Source: Rio Tinto: Gove, checked 13 October 2026Rio Tinto says the Gove refinery demolition, which it calls Australia's largest demolition activity, is due to finish in 2027. It says it is working with Traditional Owners, Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments and the community on planning for the Gove Peninsula beyond mining.
Source: Rio Tinto: Gove, checked 13 October 2026
Getting to Nhulunbuy
We have not found an airport or airline source for Nhulunbuy, so we do not list one. The East Arnhem Regional Council website is the place to check.
We list airlines as published by the airport or council. We do not list fares or flight times.
Living in Nhulunbuy
East Arnhem Regional Council lists its office at 7 Westal Street, Nhulunbuy. It says it services six remote communities in East Arnhem Land.
Source: East Arnhem Regional Council, checked 13 October 2026
Mining jobs in Nhulunbuy
The operator pages cited above name these employers. Their careers pages list current roles.
Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto careers
For other employers and the job boards that list FIFO roles, see FIFO jobs: where to apply.
These guides cover what sites ask for and what roles pay.
Nhulunbuy questions answered
How many people live in Nhulunbuy?
The ABS 2021 Census counted 3,267 people for Nhulunbuy, measured as a Urban Centre and Locality (UCL). The median age was 33. Other ABS geography types give different counts for the same place, so check the type before you compare towns.
What is mined or exported around Nhulunbuy?
Main commodities: bauxite (Rio Tinto: Gove). Rio Tinto says Gove has supplied the global aluminium industry with bauxite for more than 50 years. Bauxite is shipped internationally and domestically to supply the Queensland Alumina and Yarwun refineries in Gladstone.
Can you fly to Nhulunbuy?
We have not found an airport or airline source for Nhulunbuy, so we do not list one. Check the East Arnhem Regional Council website for transport options.
Where is Nhulunbuy?
Rio Tinto says its Gove site is in Australia's Northern Territory.
What is it like to live in Nhulunbuy?
East Arnhem Regional Council lists its office at 7 Westal Street, Nhulunbuy. It says it services six remote communities in East Arnhem Land.
Which mining companies hire around Nhulunbuy?
The operator pages cited above name Rio Tinto. Apply through its careers page, or see the FIFO jobs hub for other employers and job boards.
Where to next
- All mining towns
Compare the other Australian mining towns we cover, with sources.
- Mining tickets
Costs, rules and providers for the tickets sites ask for.
- Salary by role
What mining roles pay, with the source for each figure.