Rio Tinto's 2029 Exit Shapes Mulka By-Election as Nhulunbuy Faces Job Loss
Labor and an independent candidate are contesting the Mulka by-election after Yiŋiya Guyula resigned, while Rio Tinto plans to shut its bauxite mine in 2029, leaving Nhulunbuy without its largest employer.
A by-election in the Northern Territory’s Mulka electorate is being held after independent MLA Yiŋiya Guyula stepped down, citing an uncooperative CLP government. Labor selected former Young Australian of the Year and nurse Yiwarr McGrath, while independent Andrew Blamey also entered the race; the CLP chose not to run, having not held the seat since 1980. The contest occurs as Rio Tinto confirmed its north-east Arnhem Land bauxite mine will cease production in 2029, a second blow after the alumina refinery closed in 2014, threatening Nhulunbuy’s main source of jobs.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced the town’s lease will be transferred to the Rirratjingu clan and warned of an upcoming Woolworths closure, urging greater fuel security. Community voices, including Barayuwa Munuŋgurr of Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation, stressed urgent needs for more housing and health services, while resident Charles Yunupiŋu called for youth skills training. Candidates pledged to address these post-mining challenges if elected.
Why it matters
The election will decide who represents a community facing major job losses and infrastructure gaps as Rio Tinto withdraws.
In this story
