Bellevue Gold signs native title agreement with Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation

Bellevue told the ASX on Monday the agreement “embodies a spirit of genuine collaboration and respect which facilitates project development while providing compensation for impacts on native title rights and interests, protecting heritage and country, and providing opportunities for Tjiwarl people”.

The company said the agreement process would ensure important cultural and heritage considerations were included in the surface design and layout of the project, protect sensitive areas and lead to the development of a co-designed cultural heritage management plan to manage future activities.

Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation is the prescribed body corporate holding native title on behalf of the Tjiwarl native title holders — 11 families who have been recognised by the Federal Court as being the holders of native title rights and interests within the Tjiwarl determination area, covering some 13,000sqkm of land and waters between Leinster and Wiluna.

Bellevue said putting together the agreement involved extensive community consultation and the opportunity for many Tjiwarl native title holders to visit country, engage with the Bellevue team and review the proposed project layouts and designs.

“As part of the (agreement), which provides compensation for all historic and future claims against the project tenements, Bellevue has committed to a broad range of actions as a fundamental part of its development strategy, including land and water management, Aboriginal heritage management, cultural awareness and access, social opportunities and development, employment and contracting opportunities, and compensation,” the company said.

“Importantly, the (agreement) defines a process and pathway for ongoing active engagement with Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation and Tjiwarl native title holders as the project develops and matures.

“This includes options for ongoing employment and capacity building for Tjiwarl people and Tjiwarl-owned-and-operated businesses.”

Bellevue managing director Steve Parsons said the agreement meant the company’s project would deliver substantial benefits for the Tjiwarl people and all stakeholders.

Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation chair Brett Lewis said it had been a long process to reach the agreement.

“Tjiwarl native title holders worked hard to make sure culture and heritage is protected and managed the best way possible,” he said.

“This set the foundations for the negotiations between Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation and Bellevue to progress in a comprehensive way to achieve a really good outcome.”

Bellevue also reiterated its target was to produce first gold in the second half of next year.