McArthur River’s historic heritage agreement

(Image source: Glencore) This agreement builds on McArthur River’s support in helping to establish and fund GYGM through the cooperation agreement — a tangible example of the mine’s dedication to building strong, long-term relationships with Traditional Owners.

Glencore has signed a cultural heritage management agreement with the Gudanji Yanyuwa Garrwa Marra Aboriginal Corporation (GYGM).  

The agreement builds on a previous landmark cooperation agreement signed in April 2025 between McArthur River mine, in the Northern Territory, and the GYGM, cementing a shared commitment to recognise, respect and manage cultural heritage ensuring culture and mining can coexist responsibly. 

GYGM executive officer Nicholas Fitzpatricks says since the mine started 30 years ago, the GYGM have been seeking an agreement about the management of cultural heritage. 

“In our culture, we have an obligation to look after our sites, they mean a lot to our people,” he said.  

“When we are blocked from that, it causes us pain and trauma for generations. Now we can start to address concerns from the past and honour our old people who have been fighting for our rights from the beginning.” 

McArthur River mine General Manager Mark Furlotte says the mine strives to protect cultural heritage as a core part of how it operates.  

“This agreement formalises that commitment to work together in partnership with GYGM to manage cultural heritage for future generations,” he said.  

The agreement also embeds the role of Traditional Owners in identifying and managing cultural heritage, outlines clear processes for consultation, protection and decision-making and demonstrates McArthur River’s commitment to openness through transparent and respectful cultural heritage management. 

“The days of not involving Traditional Owners in decisions about our country need to be put behind us,” Mr Fitzpatrick said. 

“The Northern Territory has strong laws to protect sacred sites, but this agreement protects all the cultural heritage values of country and involves Traditional Owners in day-to-day management of country.” 

Importantly, the CHMA lays the groundwork for a broader Indigenous land use agreement, ensuring culture, community and economic outcomes are balanced over the life of the mine. 

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