The Northern Territory government will introduce an official Mineral Emblem alongside a new NT Mining Cadets education program aimed at building a skilled local workforce for the resources sector.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro outlined plans to establish an official state symbol recognising the mining industry’s historic and ongoing economic contribution.
Developed in partnership with the Minerals Council of Australia, the public will soon be invited to vote on a shortlist of Territory-mined minerals to select the final emblem.
“Other states proudly have these emblems which reflect their own unique identities, and it is long overdue that we have our own mineral emblem to recognise the important role mining and minerals have played throughout our history,” Finocchiaro said.
“Mining and minerals represent 27 per cent of the Territory’s economy and have shaped the development of our towns and industries for over 150 years, since gold was discovered in Pine Creek in 1871.”
To address skills shortages across the sector, the government is partnering with Charles Darwin University TAFE and the Minerals Council of Australia to roll out the NT Mining Cadets Program.
The initiative will see up to 60 secondary students complete a nationally recognised Certificate II in Workplace Skills (Mining).
The curriculum combines classroom learning with site visits, industry engagement, and practical work experience hosted by major project partners, including Core Lithium, Territory Generation, and SLR Consulting.
Finocchiaro noted the cadetship framework was designed in direct consultation with resource proponents to provide school leavers with a direct pathway into apprenticeships, tertiary studies, or full-time employment.
“We want to build a society and economy where vocational training is valued as much as university degrees,” Finocchiaro said.
“Through the NT Mining Cadets Program, young Territorians will build practical workplace skills, explore career opportunities in the resources sector, and gain valuable work experiences while completing their secondary education.”
