The Pastoral industry, mining, defence (RAAF Tindal) and tourism all play a major part in the economy of Katherine. In 2003�04, the estimated total value of agriculture production from the Katherine region was $75M; $52M from cattle, $16.5M from fruit and vegetables and $7M from hay and other field crops. Production from mining in the region was estimated at $201M in 2003�04, or 13% of NT mining and energy production. Major commodities included lead, zinc, barites, limestone and gravel.
In support of the pastoral and agriculture industries, the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries maintains the Katherine Research Station employing up to 40 staff and contains laboratories, green houses, cool rooms and animal handling facilities, as well as open lands for cropping and grazing activities. The facility comprises 1,260 hectares (3,100 acres) of land on a site located off the Stuart Highway 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) east of Katherine. The research conducted at the station allows farmers in the area to make effective use of their lands to suit the natural climate and environment, as well as mechanisms to protect the industry against pests and disease.
In summer, the Katherine region is one of Australia's major mango producing areas. The Northern Territory in general produces early season (September-November) mangoes; this is fortunate, as it helps avoid competition with the Queensland market as well as the wet season which is damaging to fruit. The Kensington Pride is a notable cultivar grown in the NT. Mangoes are a major primary industry in the territory and generate substantial revenue, despite susceptibility to fluctuations from year to year. Katherine mangoes are amongst the highest quality fruit in the Australian market.
As a regional centre, the town is well-equipped with a shopping centre, the Katherine Oasis Shopping Centre which is owned by Centro Properties Group incorporating 7,200 square metres (78,000 sq ft) of
