MinRes and BTAC sign land access agreement for Onslow iron

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) and Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation (BTAC) have signed a land access agreement to deliver benefits to the Onslow iron project in WA.

The Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) comes after more than two year of collaboration between the two parties which culminated in a common law holders meeting in Onslow.

The ILUA strengthens the partnership between MinRes and BTAC who will work together for the next 30-plus years to create opportunities for the Thalanyji people.

MinRes managing director Chris Ellison commented on the agreement.

“I am grateful to the Thalanyji people for entrusting MinRes with the responsibility of implementing this agreement. I am excited by the future successes we will share at Onslow iron,” he said.

“As the first agreement of its kind signed by MinRes, this is a proud moment for the company and signifies our ongoing commitment to partner with Traditional Owners on whose land we operate.”

The ILUA provides for use the western section of Onslow iron’s haul road that links the Ken’s Bore mine site to the Port of Ashburton.

Prior to the construction of this haul road, BTAC conducted cultural heritage surveys and it continues to provide monitoring services to ensure the protect of cultural heritage.

BTAC chair Frances Hayes says the agreement will be beneficial to the Thalanyji community.

“This agreement will help the Thalanyji community through employment, training and business opportunities with hopes of making Thalanyji people prosperous for decades to come,” she said.

“I want to thank MinRes for working alongside BTAC throughout the co-design process to support the vision of a bright future that we have for our people and their children.”

The ILUA also includes an employment pathway for future generations of Thalanyji people by creating apprenticeships and traineeships every year.

Mineral Resources has awarded long-term contracts for work at Onslow to seven Thalanyji-owned businesses with two further contracts under development.