Gove Mine Rehabilitation

Fast, flawless reforestation in the top end

In early 2024, Timberwolf was called in to support a high priority mine rehabilitation project at a former bauxite site in Gove, Northern Territory.

Rio Tinto needed help fast. Their objective was clear, get 14,000 pongamia trees in the ground quickly and precisely to support both site restoration and power a broader renewable diesel initiative. The catch? The stakes were high: the site was remote, the deadline was short, scorching Northern Territory heat and the spec left no room for error.

The wolf pack responded. Within days, Timberwolf mobilised a planting crew of eight from Queensland and Victoria into Gove, Northern Territory. The team hit the ground running and didn’t stop, working through temperatures above 38 degrees, dry soil and a tight grid layout that required attention to detail from the first peg to the last tree.

Each tree was placed on a 6 by 2.8 metre grid and finished with a jute square to suppress weeds and help hold soil moisture in the exposed conditions. With no room for gaps or misalignment, our supervisors kept eyes on spacing, placement and flow across every section of the site.

The terrain itself added another layer of complexity. Slopes, compacted ground and variable soil made it clear this wasn’t just a “dig and drop” job. The wolf pack used hand tools and manual techniques to maintain control and accuracy, adapting as conditions changed across the site.

What made this project different was the purpose behind the planting. These pongamia trees are part of Rio Tinto’s long-term strategy to trial sustainable fuel alternatives. Known for their oil rich seeds and long life span, pongamia offers potential as a renewable diesel source in hard-to-abate sectors. But first, the trees had to take root.

That’s where Timberwolf came in. We brought speed, structure and proven capability to a job that needed to be done right the first time. No shortcuts. No second chances.

We’ve worked with Rio Tinto before and our crews know what counts - clean lines, tight delivery and a site left in good shape for what comes next.