Gemco mine locked down overnight after four people illegally enter site

Gemco’s manganese mine on Groote Eylandt has been forced into its fourth lockdown in six weeks following another incident overnight. Read what caused it.

Police on Groote Eylandt are investigating after the fourth incursion into Gemco’s manganese mine in the past six weeks forced the site into lockdown overnight.

The NT News understands four unidentified people, two armed with weapons, entered the mine site at about midnight on Sunday and the mine operator immediately activated lockdown procedures.

Police were called and attended the scene after the trespassers were seen at the mine’s refuelling area.

There is no indication of any injuries or property damage or that anything was taken but it is understood the men who entered the site were walking around the mine.

Gemco’s mine was forced into lockdown overnight.

Early reports suggest the incursion took about an hour and the intruders left the mine site of their own volition after mine security intervened. Police were unable to locate the unauthorised persons.

On November 16, the mine’s management activated lockdown procedures at about 4.35pm following reports of an unauthorised person on the mine site.

Police responded and the matter is being investigated.

On September 30, NT police arrested an adult and a juvenile after an incident at the mine during which an employee was allegedly threatened with an axe and another was allegedly struck in the chest with a blunt object suffering a laceration to the chest.

It’s believed up to five people had illegally entered the premises during that incursion, with workers forced to lock themselves in a safe room.

Police flew five additional officers to Groote Eylandt following that incident.

The mine was forced into lockdown again three days later after two men, also allegedly armed with axes, were seen walking towards an external perimeter fence during a weekday afternoon.

Following the raid last week, Gemco owners South32 issued a statement on social media.

“Gemco’s priority is the safety of our people,” the statement said.

“We are working closely with NT Police to assist their inquiries.”

A spokeswoman for Mining Minister Nicole Manison said Gemco contributed significantly to the local economy, supports local businesses and provides jobs.

“Gemco has played a critical role in linking with local police, Anindilyakwa Land Council and justice reinvestment programs to help local community members in addressing the needs of their communities, along with their safety,” the spokeswoman said.