PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diversified miner BHP has inked an historic agreement at its South Walker Creek coal mine, in Central Queensland, to provide inter-generational benefits to the Barada Barna people.

The Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation (BBAC), on behalf of the Barada Barna people, has entered into a Native Title project agreement with BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) for South Walker Creek mine.

It is the first agreement of its kind between BBAC and BMC, and is structured to deliver immediate and intergenerational benefits to the Barada Barna people, BHP said on Friday.

The agreement will provide mutual benefits and certainty for BMC and Barada Barna.

Financial benefits will be directed towards priority community projects that enable Barada Barna people to live and work on-country, strengthening their important connection. The agreement also delivers ongoing financial security for socioeconomic purposes and non-financial contributions in the form of contracting, business, employment, education and training opportunities for Barada Barna people.

The agreement will also support the ongoing development and operation of South Walker Creek mine, including a framework for the parties to work together on cultural heritage management and protecting areas of cultural and environmental significance. 

BBAC chairperson Luarna Walsh said the agreement will ensure lasting and sustainable benefits for the Barada Barna people.

“The agreement will not only provide long-term benefits for the Barada Barna community, it will also achieve projects that BBAC have had in the pipeline for a considerable amount of time.

“Importantly, it sets Barada Barna on a path of self-determination. It will ensure BBAC is sustainable into the future and help our next generation of descendants achieve their goals through schooling and university, and employment and training. This agreement also provides BBAC with the ability to diversify our income streams, by creating Traditional Owner businesses that can tender for a variety of contracts on Country,” said Walsh.

BMC asset president Elsabe Muller said the agreement sets out the long-term partnership with the Barada Barna people.

“We’re looking forward to continue working with the Barada Barna people and contributing to their communities' benefitting from sustainable economic, social and cultural initiatives.

“The agreement outlines a path forward for a long-term relationship based on trust, respect and mutual benefit. It will also see BMC and Barada Barna work together in relation to the management of Cultural Heritage at South Walker Creek and deepen our workforces’ knowledge and understanding of Barada Barna history and connection to Country through cultural awareness training,” said Muller.

The Barada Barna people are the native title holders over some 3 000 km² of land in Central Queensland, where BMC’s South Walker Creek mine is located.