The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has outlined how road and rail networks can connect Northern Australia to create a backbone for mining activity across Australia’s northern arc.
In the submission to the Inquiry into Preparing for Emerging Industries Across Northern Australia, the MCA outlines a $44 billion plan to fix missing infrastructure links across Northern Australia via a nation-building transport corridor.
The transport corridor includes completing and hardening the Great Northern Highway, completing sealing of the Tanami Road, and integrating north-south rail integration with an east-west corridor, via a new Halls Creek to Alice Springs or Tennant Creek rail link.
It also includes an intermodal and industrial facility at Alice Springs, as well as rail upgrades between Mt Isa and the Port of Townsville.
The submission outlines why a new deal on multi-use infrastructure for Northern Australia is not just about securing mineral opportunities – it will also help to secure the nation’s defences.
CEO Tania Constable says further strategic investment in infrastructure will enable access to trillions of dollars in mineral resources, as well as supporting agriculture, defence manufacturing and communities.
“If we neglect the development, growth and success of Northern Australia, we will miss out on many opportunities to boost Australia’s economic future, national security and integration into the rapidly growing South-East Asian region,” Constable says.
“When a derailment like the one in January 2026 shuts down all east-west bulk goods transfer by rail or the wet season makes northern roads impassable, it’s clear that much more investment in basic infrastructure is required.”
Geoscience Australia’s mineral potential models suggest critical mineral and strategic material deposits across the north of Australia including bauxite, manganese, vanadium, copper, gold, lithium and rare earths.
Constable notes yet this region cannot develop its resources potential while it remains constrained by a lack of basic infrastructure for transport, water security, aviation, ports and power.
“Limited freight and logistics connectivity, insufficient energy and communications infrastructure and under-investment in enabling services, compounded by a shortage of skilled local workers all act to restrict private investment, weaken export competitiveness and limit mobility,” the CEO says.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Minerals Council of Australia
