New Century hails landmark indigenous agreement

New Century Resources has awarded a mining services contract to an indigenous joint venture as part of what the company claims to be an Australian-first agreement with traditional owners.

Melbourne-based New Century has appointed the Waanyi Downer JV to provide mining services at the company’s South Block site in Queensland.

The contract forms part of a cultural heritage management plan with the Waanyi Registered Native Title Body Corporate (Waanyi PBC), which provides traditional owner consent to develop the mine.

The JV is a 50-50 deal between Waanyi Enterprises and Downer EDI.

The compensation arrangements associated with the agreement aim to provide ongoing direct benefits to the Waanyi people, and includes the mining services contract.

“This agreement is a fantastic achievement by all parties and follows 18 months of rigorous engagement, consultations and negotiations between New Century and the Waanyi Native Title Group through the Waanyi PBC,” New Century managing director Patrick Walta said.

“The agreement is believed to be the first of its kind for the mining industry, which empowers the Waanyi traditional owners through their partnership with Downer, a major mining contractor, and inclusion in mining operations over South Block.”

Waanyi PBC chairman Alec Doomadgee praised the new agreement.

“This is an Australian first - an agreement which genuinely recognises the significant value of indigenous peoples,” he said.

“Our ability to engage in real economic development through the Waanyi Downer JV will contribute significantly to a model of self-determination for the Waanyi people.”

Under the contract, the JV will complete mining works including waste and ore removal and haulage, equipment supply and maintenance, drilling services and technical and mine management.

The news comes after New Century awarded CIMIC subsidiary Sedgman a $110 million contract for operations and maintenance work at the Lawn Hill processing plant, concentrate pieline and Karumba Port facility in Queensland.