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On Groote Eylandt there lived a "Gecko" called Ipilya who was 100 yards long. His appearance was much like that of Kulta and he was reputed to live in the Numarika swamp. The Aborigines associated him with thunder and the monsoonal rain because of this fearsome creature's voice. |
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Home  About Us Our History
 North Groote Eylandt Aerial View 1966 saw the first shipment of ore loaded from Milner Bay, destined for smelting at TEMCO, GEMCO’s sister company in Tasmania. Six months later, in response to growing worldwide demand, the first international export shipment left for Japan. Continuous improvements throughout GEMCO’s history has enabled increased production, beneficiation and export, introduction of new products, and quality accreditation. Sustainable management of our resource and the talents of our people will ensure our contined success. | 1624 | Dutch explorers discover Groote Eylandt | | 1644 | Abel Tasman names Groote Eylandt | | 1962 | BHP begins manganese ore exploration program | | 1964 | Groote Eylandt Mining Company (wholly owned by BHP) formed with special mining leases granted by the Commonwealth Government and traditional Aboriginal land owners | | 1966 | First shipment of manganese ore loaded at Milner Bay | | 1967 | First export shipment of manganese ore | | 1972 | Commissioning of 1 million tonne per annum Concentrator | | 1986 | Concentrator capacity upgraded to 2.3 million tonnes per annum | | 1998 | Sale of BHP Manganese (GEMCO/TEMCO) to Billiton & Anglo American Corp. | | 2001 | BHP and Billiton merger | | 2002 | 50 million tonnes shipped | | 2004 | Shipping record (3 million tonnes calendar year 2004)
Became the world’s largest manganese ore mine |
Learn more about the history of Groote Eylandt.
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