Did you actually read the AFR articles? The first is simply about how indigenous leaders are at odds over how to manage native title mining agreement proceeds. The latter is commentary from the
spokeswoman for Indigenous Affairs and again has no negative implication for WA1 whatsoever in my reading.
WA1 have a negotiation protocol signed with the Ngururrpa native title holders. An agreement will presumably be highly likely, as the indigenous community will benefit from royalties, employment opportunities and infrastructure upgrades. These costs would be factored into any mining feasibility assessment. Consideration of Gov contribution to infrastructure for the region has been suggested by WA1 at the recent AFR Mining Summit, and the overall State and National benefits would seem to more than warrant consideration.
Extract from an article from mining.com.au on 19/10/23:
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.
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.”
(20min delay)