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Highlights
- Historic Agreement: Auric Mining signs a Project Area Wide Agreement with the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (NNTAC) for its operations on Ngadju land.
- Partnership for Future Growth: The agreement covers Auric’s current and future tenements, including the Jeffreys Find Gold Mine, and outlines royalty arrangements.
- Streamlined Operations: The agreement is expected to expedite mining approvals and provide clarity for long-term planning and operational growth.
Auric Mining Limited (ASX:AWJ) has announced the signing of a historic Project Area Wide Agreement with the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (NNTAC), representing the Ngadju People. The agreement, which was finalized at a Ngadju Community Meeting on December 17, 2024, in Norseman, Western Australia, covers the company’s operations within the Ngadju country, including the Jeffreys Find Gold Mine and other tenements in the Norseman and Widgiemooltha districts, as well as any future tenements acquired by Auric.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement, which has been negotiated over several years, establishes a formal partnership between Auric Mining and the Ngadju People. It includes several key provisions:
- Back Payment for Past Activities: The agreement covers mining activities at the Jeffreys Find Gold Mine over the past two years.
- Royalty Arrangements: Auric will pay royalties on the mining of gold, nickel, lithium, and other minerals extracted from the region.
- Consultative Process: The agreement outlines a framework for ongoing consultation with the Ngadju People, ensuring the recognition and continued enjoyment of their native title rights.
Benefits and Strategic Impact
This agreement provides Auric Mining with several strategic advantages:
- Clarity on Operations: The agreement clarifies Auric’s operational scope across Ngadju country, offering certainty for future activities.
- Expedited Approvals: The agreement will streamline the granting of mining leases and regulatory approvals, accelerating Auric’s growth prospects.
- Long-Term Planning Support: It provides a foundation for long-term planning, enhancing the company’s ability to manage its projects and future expansion.
Ngadju Native Title Determination
The Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation holds the native title rights and interests of the Ngadju People, who are the Traditional Owners of approximately 102,000 square kilometers of land in Southern Western Australia. This area includes the towns of Norseman and Widgiemooltha, extending east to Cocklebiddy and Rawlinna. The Ngadju’s native title rights were formally recognized by the Federal Court of Australia in 2014 and 2017.
