Norwest Minerals (ASX:NWM) has had the state deed for grant of mining tenement for its Bulgera Gold Project approved by the Marputu Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (Marputu AC).
The Gingirana Native Title Holders, represented by Marputu AC are the Traditional Owners of the land where the project is located in the mid-west region of Western Australia.
The state deed will now be lodged with the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS), after which Norwest expects DEMIRS to formally approve the grant of the project’s mining lease.
The company is finalising its Bulgera mining proposal, which will be negotiated with the Marputu AC to ensure activities are conducted in a way that minimises impacts on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
The subsequent Native Title Agreement negotiations will have a strong focus on the protection of Aboriginal heritage and include effective safeguards for the care and protection of the lands and rights of the Gingirana Native Title Holders.
Last week, Norwest entered into an access agreement with Wharton Capital for the Bulgera Gold Project. Wharton Capital is the pastoral lease holder of the Marymia Station, which overlaps the project development footprint and tenure.
The access agreement provided Norwest consent to the grant and access to key Mining Act tenure (mining lease and exploration licences) required to develop Bulgera.
Norwest’s CEO Charles Schaus says the execution of the state deed is a key milestone in advancing the development of the Bulgera Gold Project during a period when the strong gold price has potential to benefit all stakeholders.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Norwest
