WA1 Resources (ASX:WA1) has signed a negotiation protocol with Parna Ngururrpa (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC (PNAC), the native title representative body for the Ngururrpa native title holders, for its 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia.
The protocol has been signed with a view to entering into a mining agreement for the development and operation of the West Arunta Project, while preserving the traditional way of life of the Ngururrpa people.
WA1 says the protocol contemplates an indicative timeline for negotiations that is aligned with WA1’s goals.
Mick Bennie, Chairperson of Parna Ngururrpa (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC on behalf of the Ngururrpa people says the stakeholders appreciate WA1 consulting early in this project.
“Other people coming on to our country is like coming into our living room so it is important that companies respect the land and our culture and our people. We think WA1 is a very respectful company and we look forward to working together to talk about a mining agreement.”
WA1 Executive Director Tom Lyons says the negotiation protocol is designed to ensure comprehensive consultation with the Ngururrpa people.
“These consultations will enable the alignment of WA1’s operational objectives to the benefit of the Ngururrpa native title holders as we look to enter into a mining agreement“
“These consultations will enable the alignment of WA1’s operational objectives to the benefit of the Ngururrpa native title holders as we look to enter into a mining agreement.
After a decade of working in the region we have developed relationships which underpin our commitment to having a positive impact on the communities within the lands on which we operate, and this will be reflected in the spirit of our negotiations.”
The West Arunta Project in Western Australia is located 700km West Northwest of Alice Springs and includes 3 granted exploration tenement covering an area of 267km-square and 2 exploration licence applications.
Prior to WA1 acquiring the project, the tenements had historical exploration for gold and copper largely in the form of reconnaissance airborne geophysics, limited ground geophysical surveys, and soil sampling. Drilling within the exploration project was limited to a single diamond drillhole, with a second diamond drillhole in the region proximal to but outside of the tenement, until WA1 completed its maiden drill program in July 2022 completing 7 holes across 3 prospect areas.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: WA1 Resources
