Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation has brought its heritage business back under its own control after a collaboration with cultural heritage protection experts Agreement Hub.
Mineral explorer Trek Metals recently benefited from the knowledge and expertise of the Nyamal heritage business following the delivery of heritage surveys for Trek on Nyamal country at Pincunah. Trek has since received full approvals to drill test at the Valley of Gossans after data indicated a high likelihood of the site hosting significant gold deposits.
Earlier this year Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation engaged Agreement Hub, who provide governance and advisory services, to help build a strong and sustainable heritage business controlled by Traditional Owners.
Barry Taylor Jr from NAC said the partnership was important in ensuring the Corporation was equipped to manage its own heritage business.
"It is important that our heritage is managed by us," he said.
"Nyamal members should see their Corporation protecting sites of significance and getting our people trained, employed and out on country."
Mr Taylor said working with Agreement Hub had built NAC's capacity to bring heritage back under the control of Corporation, so that it can work productively and sustainably with operators to protect heritage on Nyamal country.
Trek chief executive Derek Marshall said the cooperative approach taken to cultural heritage made exploration of the Valley of the Gossans and the Greater Pincunah Project possible.
"We would like to thank the Nyamal representatives, both on the ground and in Port Hedland, for their recent time on-country at Pincunah and for organising a seamless heritage survey. This means that we have full approvals in place to commence drill testing," he said.
Agreement Hub director Kellie Swanson-Hill said Aboriginal Corporations to having strong and sustainable heritage businesses provided a win-win for all parties.
"Not only do Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal Corporation benefit from heritage survey income, but industry is able to obtain land access efficiently knowing that cultural heritage sites are protected," she said.
"It was a privilege to work with the Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation and build their capacity to manage cultural heritage in collaboration with the operators on Nyamal country."
