After four decades of silence, the iconic Nobles Nob gold mine near Tennant Creek has roared back to life as the first bars of gold are poured at its new processing facility. This marks a significant milestone for the historic mining town, home to just 3,000 residents about 500 kilometers north of Alice Springs, and signals a resurgence in large-scale gold production.
Tennant Mining, the company behind the project, aims to reach full commercial production by July. The plan is to gradually increase output to 52,000 ounces of gold in 2026, and eventually hit 100,000 ounces within three years. At current gold prices, this would translate to annual revenues exceeding $500 million for the operators, a substantial boost for the region.
The return of Nobles Nob offers a bright spot amid regional mining struggles. Notably, nearby operations like the Warrego Rehabilitation Project fell into voluntary administration in April, casting a shadow over local industry prospects. That project was expected to generate around 70 jobs and inject up to $300 million into the Northern Territory economy.
Barkly MLA Steve Edgington welcomed Nobles Nob’s revival, emphasizing its importance for regional economic stability and growth.
Nobles Nob is also notable as the first project outside Africa for Pan African Resources, a mid-tier gold producer that acquired Tennant Mining in November. Pan African CEO Cobus Loots highlighted the project as a perfect fit, citing both geological prospects and the local workforce as key factors. “For us, it’s about geology, and then also about the fit with the people,” Loots said. “We found both geology and the people to be definitely aligned with what we look for.”
With the first gold pouring and a clear growth plan in place, Nobles Nob’s revival could be a pivotal chapter in the Northern Territory’s mining history.
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