https://australianminingreview.com.au/FMG and the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC sign co-management MoU

Iron ore miner Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC to guide the development of a co-management model for FMG’s projects on Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura lands.

The Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura lands and waters cover roughly 10,888km² of WA’s Pilbara region between Onslow and Tom Price.

Fortescue chief executive Fiona Hick said the agreement will shape a new direction for the company.

“Fortescue is proud of our strong relationship with the PKKP Traditional Custodians, which is built on open and transparent engagement,” she said.

“This agreement paves the way for developing a collaborative framework that will shape a new direction for Fortescue and PKKP to share cultural knowledge and guide the growth of Fortescue’s operations on their country.”

PKKP Aboriginal Corporation chairman Terry Drage said the MoU is a positive step as the PKKP believe co-management to be the strongest mechanism to protect the rights, culture, tradition, interests and way of life of the PKKP peoples.

“The model we are negotiating ensures respect, open communication and involvement for the PKKP in all stages of projects while setting out the expectations and responsibilities for both Fortescue and our corporation as the representative body,” he said.

“We understand the importance of certainty of mining outcomes for Fortescue, equally for the PKKP, we need certainty of protection for our cultural heritage, our strong and active role in ensuring that occurs, plus guaranteed access to our country.

“This is an important step and to have a formal signing ceremony during NAIDOC Week on our country has great significance for the PKKP community.”

When finalised, the co-management agreement will be detailed in a new indigenous land use agreement between Fortescue and the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation.