Astron Limited’s Donald project joint venture has executed a Journey and Understanding Agreement with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.
The agreement establishes a framework for a long-term relationship, Astron said, supporting the self-determination of the Traditional Owners.
Astron managing director Tiger Brown said the voluntary agreement reflects the company’s commitment to working in a “genuine partnership” with the Traditional Owners of the land.
“Barengi Gadjin Land Council has been a constructive and valued partner in advancing the Donald project, and this agreement lays the foundation for an ongoing relationship built on respect, transparency, self-determination, and shared benefit,” Brown said.
The Barengi Gadjin Land Council represents the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk Peoples (WJJWJ Peoples), who are the Traditional Owners of the lands within the Donald project mining licence area.
The WJJWJ Peoples are also recognised as Native Title Holders for land and waters along Barringgi Gadyin, the Wimmera River.
Their Country extends from Gariwerd, the Grampians, through to Ngalpakatia/Ngelpagutaya, or Lake Albacitya, and beyond into sandhill country.
The Donald project joint venture (trading as Donald Mineral Sands) is advancing the Donald rare earth and minerals sand project near Minyip, in the Wimmera region of Victoria, roughly 300 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. The project contains Tier 1 reserves of rare earths, zircon and titanium minerals.
Under the agreement, the WJJWJ Peoples are provided with a comprehensive cultural, environmental and economic framework that ensures meaningful involvement in decisions affecting Country, including joint governance and working groups, participation in environmental management, rehabilitation and mine closure planning, and strong cultural heritage protection measures.
The agreement also delivers employment, training and procurement opportunities for WJJWJ Peoples and aligned businesses, cultural awareness training across the project delivered by Barengi Gadjin Land Council, best-practice approval and implementation protocols that uphold WJJWJ cultural values, and ongoing financial contributions to support WJJWJ self-determination programs throughout the life of the project.
Looking ahead, the Barengi Gadjin Land Council and Donald Mineral Sands will establish and agreement governance structure and develop implementation protocols. A Barengi Gadjin Land Council officer, part-funded by Donald Mineral Sands, will serve as the key point of contact between the parties.
Read more: A critical jewel in Victoria’s crown
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