OREANDA-NEWS. A new Mining Training Centre being developed for the Yolngu people of northeast Arnhem Land with \\$2.4 million in support from Rio Tinto will have the capacity to train up to 24 people at a time.

Construction of the new Centre is set to start on the Dhupuma Plateau site, where accommodation and a small-scale bauxite mining operation is being established by the Gumatj Corporation.

A sod-turning ceremony was held at the site today as part of the 17th annual Garma gathering.

Gumatj Corporation Deputy Chairman Djawa Yunupingu said “Training Yolngu people in mining operations will help create long-term employment opportunities for the local community.

“We're developing a sustainable bauxite operation that will deliver on-the-job training, guaranteed work for our graduates, as well as providing ongoing funding for the training program in to the future.

“Our vision is to build a sustainable Indigenous-owned business that will reap long-term economic benefits for Yolngu people.”

The first intake for the Mining Training Centre is expected by March next year.

During the four-month course, trainees will be educated in all facets of mine operations, and will rotate through practical sessions in mine rehabilitation, administration, catering, and classroom-based literacy and numeracy lessons.

Rio Tinto president and chief executive officer Bauxite and Alumina Phillip Strachan said “We're proud to support this important initiative, which is being driven by the local Yolngu community.

“Learning about the business of mining can help to further empower Indigenous people in their dealings with mining companies into the future.

“It has the potential to help stimulate economic development for the local community, beyond the life of our Gove bauxite mine.

“We are committed to seeing our operation work closely with the Mining Training Centre, and hope that in time we will see graduates also joining our workforce to increase the representation of Indigenous people.”

The Gumatj Corporation, and the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments, are also contributing funding for the new Mine Training Centre.