Glencore’s McArthur River Mine is now the Territory’s top economic driver, according to a new report by Ernst & Young, with an estimated contribution of $477 million to the economy last year, creating 3,000 downstream jobs.

McArthur River Mine (MRM) generated $980 million in total economic activities nationwide, the annual economic contribution report stated. Around $366 million was also spent by the mine last year on goods and services.

Glencore also spent $10.9 million annually on goods and services with suppliers and generated 40 downstream jobs translating to $360 million in total economic activity in the Roper Gulf Regional Council, the report said.

“McArthur River Mine remains committed to providing increased opportunity for Territorians while helping build the long-term social and economic prosperity of local Indigenous communities across the Gulf region,” MRM acting general manager Adam Hatfield said.

Roughly 25 per cent of the mine’s employees are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the company said, with most coming from local communities including Borroloola and Robinson River.

“We’re proud of the significant contribution we make to the Territory, and we look forward to increasing from 25 per cent Indigenous employment target and working closely with traditional owners for an Indigenous Land Use Agreement,” Mr Hatfield said.

In February, concerns were raised over the effect of expanding the mine on sacred sites over the next 25 years. The plan to double the size of the lead zinc mine means increasing the size of its pit, raising the height of its tailings pond and increasing its waste rock dump from 80 to 140 metres, which would take it up to a sacred site called Damangani.

The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority told the government allowing the expansion could put the sacred site at risk of pollutants. Glencore then entered into larger negotiations organised by the Northern Land Council with traditional owners to gain the Indigenous Land Use Agreement.

It was allowed to continue mining while those negotiations are underway.

The mine is situated 700km southeast of Darwin and 65km from Borroloola. The mine produces zinc, lead and silver which are exported worldwide.

To date, the mine has produced 279,635 tonnes of zinc concentrates, 55,218 tonnes of lead concentrates and 1,803,274 ounces of silver concentrates.

For the near-term, Glencore has set its emission reduction target to 15 per cent by 2026, and its medium-term emission target to 50 per cent by 2035. It aims to be a net zero emitter by 2050.