A ‘historic’ cultural heritage agreement for McArthur River

McArthur River Mining has signed a cultural heritage management agreement (CHMA) with Gudanji Yanyuwa Garrwa Marra Aboriginal Corporation (GYGM) – describing the move as “historic”.

Building on a previously signed corporation agreement back in April, the CHMA is said to highlight a shared commitment to recognise, respect, and manage cultural heritage whilst ensuring culture and mining can coexist responsibly.

In addition, the agreement also embeds the role of Traditional Owners in both identifying and managing cultural heritage, outlines clear processes for consultation, protection and decision-making, and demonstrates McArthur River’s commitment to openness and transparency to cultural heritage management.

The CHMA is said to lay the groundwork for a broader Indigenous land use agreement, which ensures that culture, community and economic outcomes are balanced over the life of the McArthur River mine, located 970km south-east of Darwin.

GYGM executive officer Nicholas Fitzpatrick said the agreement allows for a greater say in day-to-day mining operations.

“In our culture, we have an obligation to look after our sites, they mean a lot to our people,” he said. “When we are blocked from that, it causes us pain and trauma for generations. Now we can start to address concerns from the past and honour our old people who have been fighting for our rights from the beginning,”

This was echoed by McArthur River general manager Mark Furlotte, who noted the positive step forward.

“MRM strives to protect cultural heritage as a core part of how we operate,” he said. “This agreement formalises that commitment to work together in partnership with GYGM to manage cultural heritage for future generations.”