A new $5 million Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre is set to reshape how the mining industry approaches Indigenous cultural heritage.
Led by Flinders University alongside The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University, the ARC Training Centre for Advancing Archaeology in the Resources Sector will unite Traditional Owners, mining companies, archaeologists and cultural heritage experts to train the next generation of professionals.
“The tension between mining operations and Traditional Owners around the protection and management of cultural heritage has a long history in Australia and globally,” ARC Training Centre Director and Flinders University archaeologist Professor Liam Brady said.
“We urgently need new approaches to address this situation. Having industry partners who are open and dedicated to working together to train a new generation of highly-skilled professionals who can navigate these challenges is both unique and exciting.”
Industry partners include Rio Tinto, BHP, South32, Newmont and MMG, along with leading cultural heritage firms Terra Rosa Consulting, Australian Heritage Services and Niche Environment and Heritage. They will provide funding, placements and infrastructure to ensure trainees gain practical experience.
The centre will also address the under-representation of Traditional Owners in cultural heritage management by co-designing training programs with Indigenous organisations.
The PKKP Aboriginal Corporation, Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation and Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners are key partners, contributing knowledge, guidance and on-Country expertise.
The training centre’s deputy director, professor Deanna Kemp from The University of Queensland, said the facility provides an opportunity to build greater engagement between mining, Indigenous knowledge and social science.
“The centre is uniquely placed to safeguard Indigenous cultural heritage, and advance sustainable, culturally-informed resource management in the context of Australia’s critical minerals strategy,” Kemp said.
Flinders University deputy vice-chancellor (research) professor Raymond Chan said the establishment of the training centre recognises the world-class expertise of Flinders’ archaeologists and their commitment to supporting both industry and Traditional Owners in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
“Now more than ever, it’s critical for universities to collaborate with industry to generate new knowledge and elevate best practice,” he said.
“This centre is a key platform for training generations of researchers to undertake industry training and strengthen the capabilities of industry and research end-users. Flinders is honoured to lead the only SA-led centre funded in this round.”
By embedding Indigenous knowledge and industry expertise, the centre aims to set new benchmarks for sustainable resource development while protecting 65,000 years of cultural heritage.
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Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
