MRM boss has made a crucial pledge to Traditional Owners

New MRM boss Mark Furlotte has come a long way to lead one of the NT’s biggest businesses. He outlines the priorities for the company, and its path forward.

McArthur River Mine general manager Mark Furlotte has made a clear statement on the importance of environmental and cultural factors at the zinc and lead operation.

Mr Furlotte, who was appointed to MRM late last year, listed the environment ahead of shareholders and profits when identifying his priorities.

“MRM has been a consistent and large part of the Territory for 25 years and running a safe and responsible operation is very important to me,” he said.

“This means we need to protect cultural heritage for the communities in which we operate and look after the environment to ensure that McArthur River stays healthy and the fish are safe to eat.

Mark Furlotte general manager McArthur River Mine

“In mining one of the world’s largest zinc deposits, MRM will remain a significant and important contributor to the Territory’s social and economic development for years

to come.”

Now heading one of the Territory’s biggest businesses, Mr Furlotte and his young family traded the freezing cold of Canada’s north for the polar opposite on the other side of the world.

“From minus 35 to plus 35 degrees and humidity, it has been extreme but enjoyable no less,” he said.

“The weather and lifestyle the Territory offers is the type Canadians seek for holidays when trying to get away from winter, so my family and I have been enjoying the freedom that the tropical weather and sunshine bring to our everyday life.

“My wife and I can honestly say we are not missing the cold snaps in northern Canada, when the thermometer is hitting minus-50 degrees and you are just hoping your vehicle will start to get to work.”

McArthur River Mine is developing one of the world’s largest zinc and lead deposits.

Mr Furlotte worked at three different Glencore sites across three Canadian provinces, and he has been running operations as general manager since 2016.

Remote regions are his natural fit, living for the past 11 years living in a remote northern community of about 1200 people.

He studied metallurgical engineering at Dalhouse University Nova Scotia.

Before joining MRM, Mr Furlotte was general manager of Glencore’s Kidd Operations in Canada since 2019.

“MRM is a key part of Glencore’s global portfolio of assets and I saw this as an exciting opportunity to be part of a high performing team,” he said.

“I’m proud to be part of an organisation that plays an important role in producing commodities that advance everyday life.”

In 2022, MRM contributed about $470m to the NT economy, employing more than 1000 people and engaging a similar number of suppliers, most of those in the Territory.

Glencore. MRM McArthur River Mine NT Australia. Photo Shane Eecen

Glencore is one of the world’s largest diversified mining organisations and one of Australia’s leading producers of energy transition metals and minerals including nickel, cobalt, zinc and copper.

Zinc from its McArthur operation is a key mineral in renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels.

“It can be endlessly recycled and Territorians should be proud that the resources we mine here are helping customers across the globe to advance everyday life,” Mr Furlotte said.

“MRM is one of the most heavily regulated mines in Australia and this regulation and independent oversight is important in ensuring transparency of our operations with the local community.

“I’m committed to making a positive impact and our environment team form an integral part of ensuring the surrounding environment remains protected.

“We are committed to our environmental performance and management to ensure our operation is effective and is benchmarked to industry best practice.”

Mr Furlotte replaced Steven Rooney, who had been with MRM for a decade and left last May.