 RNTBC have signed a Native Title Agreement for the St Ives gold mine in WA.){kind=link}
Gold Fields-Ngadju People native title agreement for St Ives mine
Gold Fields and the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (NNTAC) RNTBC have signed a Native Title Agreement for the St Ives gold mine in WA.
The Ngadju People are the determined Native Title holders of the area surrounding Norseman, spanning 102,000km2, which includes Gold Fields’ St Ives gold mine located in Kambalda.
This landmark agreement delivers compensation payments to the Ngadju People, including a substantial initial payment in recognition of the historical mining activities that have occurred on Ngadju lands.
NNTAC chair Thelma Dimer says this agreement represents a significant achievement for the Ngadju Community.
“Following two years of dedicated negotiations, it embodies our commitment to advancing a future that both respects our cultural heritage and delivers real benefits to our people,” she said.
“We are particularly pleased with the emphasis in the agreement on cultural awareness and protecting our heritage.”
Gold Fields chief executive Mike Fraser says this momentous agreement demonstrates Gold Fields’ commitment to building and maintaining strong and respectful relationships with First Nations peoples across all Gold Fields’ operations.
“Gold Fields has been working closely with the NNTAC to ensure this agreement will deliver positive outcomes to the Ngadju community,” he said.
“We are delighted to be part of the Ngadju People’s journey towards self-determination with this life-of-mine agreement.
“This agreement not only supports the social and economic outcomes for Ngadju People today, but also for future generations.”
Gold Fields will guarantee entry-level positions for Ngadju people at St Ives, with additional financial support available for training and education courses applicable to these traineeships, apprenticeships or graduate roles.
Gold Fields will also prioritise Ngadju employment and procurement, with the Ngadju Native Title Corporation creating registers of interested Ngadju candidates and businesses that will receive advance notification of any opportunities ahead of other potential applicants.