Commencing operations in 2017, Gulkula today delivers all stages of the bauxite mining process. Yolngu participation across all stages of the mining process is important for the capability development of Gulkula.
Gulkula owns and operates its own vacuum drill rig locate bauxite across its exploration lease.
Drilling involves taking samples of the bauxite reserve under the ground within the exploration lease boundry of the mine.
Mine planning takes the data collected from drilling to determine the bauxite quality and quantity. Gulkula Mine planning optimises the bauxite ore body extraction while minimising the amount of land disturbed in the process.
Traditional Owners identify any areas of cultural significance in the proposed mining areas. Trees with fauna are identified and managed prior to tree clearing.
Trees are cleared and pushed into piles ready for mulching. To minimise carbon release, mulching trees is undertaken instead of burning. Mulched trees also assist with increasing the quality of topsoil.
The topsoil and subsoil above the bauxite reserve are known as overburden. Topsoil is removed and mixed with the mulch to promote an increase in organic matter into the topsoil. Overburden is also removed and placed in a location for rehabilitation.
Once overburden is removed, a dozer rips the bauxite ore body and pushes it up to an ore face.
Haul roads are contructed to allow haul trucks safe and efficient access to the bauxite ore face.
Bauxite can be crushed and screened to a size suitable for end users.
Bauxite is loaded onto road trains for transport to customers.
Once the ground is prepared, seed collected on the mine site over the year is spread over this area. Tube stock trees and shrubs grown in the Gulkula nursery from seeds collected across the mine are also planted to support the land rehabilitation.
