Diatreme Resources (ASX:DRX) has signed a cultural heritage management agreement with Walmbaar Aboriginal Corporation (WAC), which represents the Dingaal Clan, for the Northern Silica Project in northern Queensland.
Under the agreement, both parties have developed a clearance and aboriginal cultural heritage avoidance protocol, which will facilitate Diatreme’s exploration work in Dingaal Country.
Diatreme, which is seeking to acquire Metallica Minerals (ASX:MLM), says the agreement follows the signing of a negotiation protocol with WAC, which established a framework and set of principles to guide the parties during future operations.
Further, the company and WAC are committed to deliver mutually beneficial opportunities from the project’s development, including formalising the ongoing commitment to maximise benefits, employment, and training opportunities for the Dingaal People.
Diatreme CEO Neil McIntyre says this is an important step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationship with the Dingaal People as the Northern Silica Project is developing.
“As we take this significant step forward with the Dingaal People, Diatreme is committed to ensuring that any activities in Dingaal Country are undertaken in a manner that ensures that their rich cultural heritage is sustained for future generations,” McIntyre says.
Diatreme is continuing to consult with other relevant traditional owners within the project area.
The company expects the Northern Silica Project will deliver economic benefits to the Hope Vale and Cooktown region. The project’s low iron, high-purity silica product is essential to the growth of the solar photovoltaic industry, supporting global decarbonisation and facilitating the clean energy revolution.
Diatreme Resources recently increased its stake in Metallica Minerals to 56.01%, satisfying the minimum acceptance condition for the off-market takeover bid.
However, a group of Metallica shareholders are rallying together to either stop the takeover from going ahead or secure a better deal for investors.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Diatreme Resources
