Dambimangari backs Crestlink deal for Koolan Island
The Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation has endorsed Crestlink Koolan Pty Ltd’s binding agreement to acquire Koolan Island operations from MGX Resources Limited (MGX), describing the move as a step towards a future grounded in cultural respect and long-term community benefit in Western Australia’s Kimberley region.
Under the agreement, Crestlink can begin permitting, approvals and preparatory work ahead of completion, in partnership with DAC, regulators and other key stakeholders. This is intended to support transition and continuity planning.
Key Points
- Crestlink signs binding deal to acquire Koolan Island operations from MGX
- Completion targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, subject to approvals
- DAC supports acquisition, citing cultural respect and community benefits
- MGX to continue operations and mine rehabilitation until transaction completes
- Koolan infrastructure includes deep-water port and 2.1 km aerodrome
- Crestlink cites demand from offshore energy, government and defense sectors
- Partnership builds on work at nearby Cockatoo Island and regional strategy
MGX will continue to manage operations at Koolan Island until the transaction completes. During this period, MGX is undertaking substantial rehabilitation works across the island in accordance with its approved mine closure plan, which the parties say reflects a significant commitment to environmental stewardship.
Infrastructure and regional role
Koolan Island hosts established, large-scale infrastructure, including a deep-water port (~17m depth), a CASA-compliant 2.1km aerodrome commissioned in 2020, accommodation and support facilities of approximately 300 rooms, and a 150-person cyclone shelter. Crestlink said these assets position the island to meet clear regional demand for a capable, reliable logistics hub.
The company cited interest from offshore energy, government and defense-related stakeholders seeking logistics solutions across the Browse Basin and Northern Australia. The infrastructure has also supported emergency response and aviation services in the region, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, according to Crestlink.
“We know there is strong demand for infrastructure that can support operations in and around the Browse Basin and across Northern Australia, and Koolan already has much of what is needed in place,” Eanna Doolin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crestlink, said.
“The strategic location, along with its scale, operational capability and close integration of the aerodrome, deep-water marine access provide a level of capability that is unique nationally, and unrivalled in the Kimberley.”
Crestlink stated it would apply the same disciplined approach it has taken at Cockatoo Island, which it described as a fully permitted and strategically important asset, as it advances a broader regional strategy.
Indigenous partnership
The Corporation said its support for the acquisition was grounded in a long-standing working partnership with Crestlink on Koolan Island and nearby Cockatoo Island. The organisations emphasised cultural respect, access to Country and long-term benefit for the Dambeemangaddee community as guiding principles for the island’s future.
“DAC supports Crestlink’s acquisition of the Koolan Island assets and we’re hopeful about what this can mean for our people, our community and the future of the region. We’ve been working alongside Crestlink for a long time now and we’ve built that relationship properly — through respect, listening and sitting down together on Country,” Gary Umbagai, Chair DAC and Dambeemangaddee Traditional Owner said.
Mr Umbagai said DAC’s priorities included looking after Country, respecting cultural responsibilities and creating positive outcomes for the next generation of Dambeemangaddee people. He added that DAC acknowledged MGX for its working relationship and the opportunities provided, and that the corporation wished to remain actively involved as Koolan Island enters its next chapter.
“For us, it’s important that any future for Koolan Island looks after Country, respects our cultural responsibilities and creates something positive for the next generation of Dambeemangaddee people. Our long-term goal has always been to see our people return to Country in a healthy and sustainable way, and this partnership creates an opportunity to support that,” he added.
Crestlink said it would work alongside MGX’s mine rehabilitation program to ensure a smooth transition and protect the long-term continuity of capabilities for industry, government and community use.
Company background and next steps
Crestlink is supported by long-term institutional capital, including from affiliates of certain funds and accounts managed or advised by Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., which the company said brings extensive supply chain and maritime experience to support its regional strategy across the Kimberley and Northern Australia.
The company has recently advanced the nearby Cockatoo Island Supply Base through a comprehensive approvals process that required close engagement with regulators and stakeholders. Crestlink said this provides a strong foundation of regional knowledge and relationships to inform future activity at Koolan Island.
According to the transaction terms, completion remains conditional on foreign investment approvals, including FIRB and other regulatory clearances, and on MGX completing specified rehabilitation works. The timeline remains targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.
Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) represents the Dambeemangaddee people, the Traditional Owners and Native Title holders of Dambeemangaddee Country in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia. DAC said it is committed to protecting Country, strengthening culture and building sustainable futures for Dambeemangaddee families and communities.
