PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Iron-ore developer Sinosteel Midwest Corporation has gained the approval of the Wajarri Yamatji community for its Weld Range project, in the Mid West, following five years of negotiations.
The Weld Range project was expected to produce about 15-million tonnes a year, once operational, and would have a 15-year mine life. The project would produce lump and fines products for export to Chinese steel mills.
“This is a momentous day for both Sinosteel Midwest Corporation and the Wajarri Yamatji people,” said Sinosteel general manager Phil Allsopp.
“We started this process in July 2009 with a negotiation protocol. It has been a long road, but we are glad that we have stuck to the path with a successful outcome.”
Apart from a compensation payment, the agreement also offered future opportunities for employment and business development for the Wajarri people when a financial investment decision is made on the Weld Range project. The agreement also specifically protected important heritage sites and areas over and above the protections afforded under existing laws.