CZR Resources has struck a native title deal with the Robe River Kuruma people which will see the company place a high priority on protecting country as it presses ahead with plans to join the ranks of Pilbara iron ore miners.
The deal with Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation paves the way for mining to start at CZR’s Robe Mesa project near Pannawonica with the blessing of Traditional Owners.
As part of the agreement CZR has promised it will minimise groundwater extraction and protect areas of cultural heritage significance to the Robe River Kuruma people.
Jobs, income and support for new businesses will flow for Traditional Owners from the deal in addition to housing assistance to keep Kuruma people on country and the development of a post-mine plan including ranger programs.
In return the agreement means CZR can proceed through regulatory and
Native Title Tribunal processes and Traditional Owners will work in collaboration with the company to resolve issues that may arise in areas such as heritage, rehabilitation and water.
CZR Resources Managing Director Stefan Murphy said "the understanding and trust between CZR and the RRKAC has developed over many years, culminating in this agreement. We look forward to working together with a shared vision and mutual benefits.”
The agreement has now been sent to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for approval.
Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Anthony Galante said "for RRKAC this is a new benchmark in how agreements with mining companies are achieved.”
“We have managed to secure an Agreement that provides economic and social benefits while carefully managing cultural and environmental considerations.”
“We look forward to the ongoing partnership with CZR and congratulate them for their respectful approach to negotiations.”
The native title deal follows hot on the heels of the forming of a consortium between CZR, Strike Resources and Canadian transshipment firm CSR to press ahead with plans for an iron ore export hub at Onslow’s Ashburton Port.
That move, should it be successful, will drastically reduce cost and transport time to Port Hedland by opening up a small Onslow facility about 250km from the two junior players’ operations.
The trio are planning a 5Mtpa facility to offload ore from road trains for transshipment out of the traditionally gas and salt-focused port.
CZR is ending the year with a flurry of activity which also includes snapping up a nearby tenement from Fortescue, increasing Robe Mesa’s mineral resource to 45.2Mt, the consortium deal and the native title agreement.
In an industry notorious for making and breaking projects on fluctuations of the China-tied commodity price, this iron ore player is putting some strong building blocks in place to give its project every chance of success.
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