Aussie Gemco miners attacked with axes in terrifying siege on Groote Eyelandt
Aussie Gemco miners attacked with axes in a terrifying siege of Groote Eyelandt
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Workers at a remote Australian mine have been terrorized in two incidents allegedly involving axe-wielding trespassers, one of which culminated in a violent late-night siege.
Last Saturday, shift workers at Gemco’s Alyangula mine, on Groote Eyelandt, 50km from the Northern Territory mainland, were forced to barricade themselves in a smoking area when ‘up to five’ intruders allegedly broke in with axes.
Three workers required treatment after the trespassers entered the mine at 2am and confronted Gemco workers.
One of the workers was threatened with an axe, a second was injured in the chest and another suffered an eye injury when an object, believed to be a screwdriver, was thrown.
Workers at a remote Gemco mine off the coast of the Northern Territory have been terrorized in two incidents allegedly involving axe-wielding trespassers, one of which culminated in a violent late-night siege. In the photo: Gemco’s manganese mine at Groote Eylandt
“Around 2am, police received reports that up to five trespassers had unlawfully entered a mine site at Groote Eylandt, some armed with axes,” NT Police said in a statement.
‘One worker was threatened with an axe, while another was struck in the chest with a blunt object, causing a laceration to the chest.
‘A third worker suffered eye injuries when a window was smashed.’
It is also alleged that Gemco property was damaged during the incident.
Police confirmed that two men have been arrested.
“Shortly after 6am yesterday morning, Serious Crime, Strike Force Trident and Alyangula General Duties arrested two men without incident,” police said.
The pair, who live on the island, are 20 and 17 years old.
The teenager was charged with six offences, including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, deprivation of liberty, unlawful entry, criminal damage and theft.
He was released on bail to appear in court on November 10.
The older youths were charged with the same crimes, plus reckless endangerment/serious harm.
He remains in custody and will appear in court on November 15.
“In the early hours of (Saturday) morning, some members of the public reached GEMCO’s mine site, causing damage and temporary disruption to operations,” Gemco said in a Facebook post.
“GEMCO’s priority is the safety of our people. We are working closely with police to assist with their investigation.”
Three workers required treatment after the trespassers entered the mine at 2am and confronted Gemco employees. Pictured: Work underway at a Gemco mine
Groote Eyelandt is located 50 km off the coast of NT in the Gulf of Carpentaria and 630 km from Darwin
The ABC also reported a second incident on Tuesday afternoon in which two men, also believed to be carrying axes, approached the mine.
A spokesperson for South32, which manages the mine, confirmed that the mine was closed again and that “operations were suspended on Tuesday evening to ensure the safety of our people.”
The police investigation continues.
Daily Mail Australia contacted NT Police for further comment.