The PKKP Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with iron ore miner, Fortescue, to guide the development of a co-management model which will apply to the company’s existing and future projects on Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura lands.
Corporation Chairman Terry Drage said the MOU was a positive step as the PKKP believed co-management to be the strongest mechanism to protect the rights, interests, culture, tradition and way of life of the PKKP peoples when it comes to mining and development on Country.
“The model we are negotiating ensures respect, open communication and involvement for the PKKP in all stages of projects while setting out the expectations and responsibilities for both Fortescue and our Corporation as the representative body,” Mr Drage said.
“We understand the importance of certainty of mining outcomes for Fortescue, equally for the PKKP, we need certainty of protection for our cultural heritage, our strong and active role in ensuring that occurs, plus guaranteed access to our Country. These are just some of the key points that reflect true co-management.
“This is an important step and to have a formal signing ceremony during NAIDOC Week on our country has great significance for the PKKP community.”
Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Hick, said “Fortescue is proud of our strong relationship with the PKKP Traditional Custodians, which is built on open and transparent engagement.
“This agreement paves the way for developing a collaborative framework that will shape a new direction for Fortescue and PKKP to share cultural knowledge and guide the growth of Fortescue’s operations on their country.”
The co-management agreement, when finalised, will be detailed in a new indigenous land use agreement between Fortescue and the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation.
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