Tennant Creek, Northern Territory: Mining Jobs and Town Guide
Tennant Creek is in the Barkly area of Northern Territory. The ABS 2021 Census counted 2,949 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
- Barkly
- Population
- 2,949 people, Urban Centre and Locality (UCL), median age 33ABS 2021 Census, geography: Tennant Creek
- Main commodities
- Gold
- Council
- Barkly Regional Council
- Last checked
- 13 October 2026
What working around Tennant Creek looks like
Tennant Creek is a small remote town where large-scale gold mining restarted in 2025. Mining Magazine Australia reported that Tennant Mines, owned by Pan African Resources, began commercial production at its Nobles operations, with more than 160 ongoing jobs expected over the next two years.
The report is from June 2025, so check Pan African Resources and Tennant Mines for current hiring and operating status. Barkly Regional Council is the local council.
This summary only restates the sourced facts on this page. Each one links to its source.
Mining and industry around Tennant Creek
Mining Magazine Australia reported on 2 June 2025 that Tennant Mines had started commercial production at its Nobles gold operations. It called it the return of large-scale gold mining to the Barkly for the first time in more than two decades. The article is a 2025 report, so check the company for current status.
Source: Mining Magazine Australia: Tennant Mines, checked 13 October 2026The same article says the $94 million project was expected to average 60,000 ounces of gold a year over the life of the mine and create more than 160 ongoing jobs over the next two years. It says the first phase processes existing stockpiles before expanding to open-cut and underground mines, with a forecast mine life of eight years.
Source: Mining Magazine Australia: Tennant Mines, checked 13 October 2026The article says Tennant Mines was acquired the year before by Pan African Resources, an international gold producer.
Source: Mining Magazine Australia: Tennant Mines, checked 13 October 2026
Getting to Tennant Creek
We have not found an airport or airline source for Tennant Creek, so we do not list one. The Barkly 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 Tennant Creek
Barkly Regional Council describes the Barkly region as the second largest local government area in Australia, in the eastern central region of the Northern Territory. Its council chambers are in Tennant Creek.
Source: Barkly Regional Council, checked 13 October 2026
Mining jobs in Tennant Creek
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.
Tennant Creek questions answered
How many people live in Tennant Creek?
The ABS 2021 Census counted 2,949 people for Tennant Creek, 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 Tennant Creek?
Main commodities: gold (Mining Magazine Australia: Tennant Mines). Mining Magazine Australia reported on 2 June 2025 that Tennant Mines had started commercial production at its Nobles gold operations. It called it the return of large-scale gold mining to the Barkly for the first time in more than two decades. The article is a 2025 report, so check the company for current status.
Can you fly to Tennant Creek?
We have not found an airport or airline source for Tennant Creek, so we do not list one. Check the Barkly Regional Council website for transport options.
Which council covers Tennant Creek?
Tennant Creek is in Northern Territory. The council is Barkly Regional Council.
What is it like to live in Tennant Creek?
Barkly Regional Council describes the Barkly region as the second largest local government area in Australia, in the eastern central region of the Northern Territory. Its council chambers are in Tennant Creek.
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.