A policy framework under which mining companies and traditional landowners will strike agreements for working together to facilitate development projects in Goldfields-Esperance was unveiled in Kalgoorlie-Boulder today.  

The Goldfields Land and Sea Council’s Mining Policy provides greater certainty and procedural clarity for all parties involved in the discovery and/or extraction of mineral resources from Aboriginal people’s traditional lands.

”This clarity will help build stronger relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people generally, and traditional land owners and industry in particular,” said GLSC CEO Brian Wyatt .  

“The policy is a snug fit with the local, national and international mood for change in industry’s dealings with traditional landowners and for ensuring they are positioned to derive appropriate benefits from those lands.  

“The policy ensures the rights of the region’s indigenous people – as prescribed by their own traditional laws and customs, and International and Australian laws – are upheld and respected.  

“In particular, the policy is shaped to Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), a key principle of the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People 2007, which was ratified with more than 90% support from member countries.  

”FPIC means it is no longer acceptable for anyone to presume that for whatever reason the detail of agreements can be skimmed over or people’s consideration of them rushed. If Aboriginal require more information or time to explore the full ramifications of an agreement then these must be provided before signatures will be contemplated.

”I hasten to add that these days there are plenty of developers, including miners and mineral explorers, who would not want it any other way,” Mr Wyatt said.

”What the Mining Policy has done is to simply formalise the FPIC process, which is increasingly common practice, and lay it out in the form of a legally binding Accommodation Agreement.  

“Goldfields-Esperance Aboriginal people have an enviable record of cooperating with government and industry in facilitating development of the region’s mineral resources. Each year traditional land owners strike about 300 agreements with exploration or mining companies.  

“Both the GLSC and traditional land owners are keen for relationships to be developed where they are equal partners or players and we expect that this can be the case within the framework laid down by the Mining Policy.  

“In the circumstances of 2008, Australia should be receptive as never before to a paradigm shift in its relationship with Aboriginal people and ensuring they get a fair share of the opportunities that the nation provides.  

“The mining industry is a leader in this regard. It is hungry for mutually beneficial agreements and out-of court settlement of native title. The GLSC Mining Policy will satisfy that appetite in a fair and sustainable way,” Mr Wyatt said.

Media Contact:  Brian Wyatt 0417 970413;    David Berry 0417 963089, 9263 8715