Native Title agreement clears path for Carnavale gold project
Carnavale Resources and joint venture partner Western Resources have signed a Native Title Mining and Heritage Agreement with the Wangkatja Tjungula Aboriginal Corporation (WTAC), acting on behalf of the Nyalpa Pirniku native title holders, for development of the Kookynie Gold Project in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields.
The project is around 60 kilometres south of Leonora and is currently the subject of a feasibility study. Carnavale holds an 80 per cent interest in the Kookynie Gold Project, with Western Resources holding 20 per cent.
Carnavale said the agreement would provide a framework for collaboration with the Wangkatja Tjungula Aboriginal Corporation across the exploration, development and operational phases, including cultural heritage management and compensation arrangements.
Carnavale CEO Humphrey Hale and Bronwyn Campbell with Chairman of WTAC David Canning and members of the WTAC board, WTAC CEO Langton Chirinda and WTAC legal representation Vanessa Malu.
“We are very pleased to announce the signing of the agreement with WTAC who represent the Nyalpa Pirniku native title holders over our Kookynie Gold Project,”Carnavale CEO Humphrey Hale said.
“I would like to thank all members of WTAC and the Nyalpa Pirniku People who have negotiated in good faith to see this important agreement come to fruition.
“I look forward to building on our good relationship as we develop the Kookynie Gold Project on Nyalpa Pirniku country. Carnavale takes the responsibilities for cultural heritage and environment seriously and is proud to be partnering with the Nyalpa Pirniku People as we progress this exciting project.”
Respect and protect
As part of the arrangements, the agreement includes an Aboriginal Heritage Protocol intended to guide works in a way that respects and protects Nyalpa Pirniku cultural heritage, including processes for identification, protection and management of cultural values throughout development and operations.
“On behalf of the board and members of the Wangkatja Tjungula Aboriginal Corporation (WTAC), I acknowledge and welcome the completion of this agreement as the outcome of respectful, good-faith discussions between our organisations,” WTAC chairman David Canning said.
Compensation
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to walking together in a way that recognises our rights and interests, supports long-term opportunities for our people, and provides a clear framework for ongoing collaboration.
“We look forward to building a constructive and enduring relationship based on trust, transparency and mutual benefit as the agreement is implemented.”
The agreement also covers compensation to WTAC and the Nyalpa Pirniku people, and sets out pathways for employment and contracting opportunities linked to the Kookynie Gold Project.
