Cultural heritage business worth its weight in gold
Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) has successfully brought its heritage business back under its control thanks to the governance and advisory services of cultural heritage protection experts, Agreement Hub.
Mineral explorer, Trek Metals, has recently benefited from the knowledge and expertise of the Nyamal heritage business following the seamless delivery of heritage surveys for Trek on Nyamal country at Pincunah. Trek has since received full approvals to drill test at the Valley of Gossans after data indicated a high likelihood of the site hosting significant gold deposits.
Earlier this year, NAC engaged Agreement Hub to help build a strong and sustainable heritage business. With decades of experience negotiating between industry and Traditional Owners, Agreement Hub was able to put in place processes to ensure both parties achieve favourable outcomes.
Kellie Swanson-Hill, Founder and Director of Agreement Hub, commented, “It is mutually beneficial for Aboriginal Corporations to have strong and sustainable heritage businesses. Not only do Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal Corporation benefit from heritage survey income, but industry is able to obtain land access efficiently knowing that cultural heritage sites are protected. It is very much a case of all parties wanting the same outcome.
“It was a privilege to work with the Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation and build their capacity to manage cultural heritage in collaboration with the operators on Nyamal country.”
Barry Taylor from Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation said that Agreement Hub was pivotal in ensuring the Aboriginal Corporation was equipped to manage its own heritage business.
“It is important that our heritage is managed by us. Nyamal members should see their Corporation protecting sites of significance and getting our people trained, employed and out on country.
“Agreement Hub has given us the tools and support to effectively bring heritage back under the control of NAC, so that we can work productively and sustainably with operators to protect heritage on Nyamal country.”
Trek CEO Derek Marshall said that the cooperative approach taken to cultural heritage in this instance was key to progressing exploration of the Valley of the Gossans and the Greater Pincunah Project.
“We would like to thank the Nyamal representatives, both on the ground and in Port Hedland, for their recent time on-country at Pincunah and for organising a seamless heritage survey. This means that we have full approvals in place to commence drill testing.”
“The successful completion of the project with Trek Metals is a perfect example of why Traditional Owners should be doing this work on their country. Heritage businesses are complex, and a lot can go wrong when arranging a survey. To receive this endorsement from Trek Metals and deliver a seamless heritage survey is testament to the skills, passion and commitment of the Nyamal representatives,” concluded Kellie Swanson-Hill.