Land access agreement for Nexus exploration at West Arunta

Australian Potash Limited (ASX: APC) has executed a land access agreement and will begin exploration activities at its Nexus rare earth elements and critical minerals project in the West Arunta of WA’s Kimberley region.

The aboriginal corporation Tjammu Tjamu, the registered native title body corporate for the Kiwirrkurra Native Title Determination, has agreed to the land access agreement with the exploration company, including the Aboriginal Reserve which requires entry permits governed under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972.

Australian Potash managing director and chief executive Matt Shackleton says the execution of the agreement follows fruitful and respectful meetings with the Kiwirrkurra common law holders.

“It is self-evident that the West Arunta has become a hot-spot for high value exploration ove the past couple of years, and the traditional owners gave generously of their time in considering our exploration proposal,” he said.

“Next steps for us involved immediately proposing work programs to Tjamu Tjamu AC for heritage clearance assessment.

“We have been working with our geophysics consultants to plan air-borne magnetic and ground-based gravity surveys, and with out geological consultants to plan our initial on-ground, non-intrusive mapping and rock chipping program.

“Out of respect for and consideration of the Kiwirrkurra common law holders, given the proximity of exploration licence 80/6044 we did not seek agreement to access the tenement.

“This tenement application has been withdrawn.

“We look forward to updating our shareholders as we progress through the heritage clearance assessment and move into unlocking the potential of our tenements in the highly sought after West Arunta region.”