Metro Mining secures native title and land access agreement

Metro Mining has finalised a significant life-of-mine Native Title and Land Access Agreement for its Bauxite Hills project, north of Weipa.

In a release to the Australian Stock Exchange today, Metro Mining says the agreement, reached jointly with the Ankamuthi People, and the Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation (OMAC), is a key milestone to granting of the Mining Lease.

‘The Agreement sets a sound foundation for long term relationship with the Ankamuthi People, Traditional Owners and OMAC, the Trustee owner of the land,” Metro CEO Simon Finnis said. “The agreement includes a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the Project area, employment and training opportunities for traditional owners, business development and contracting opportunities for Ankamuthi businesses and payment of mining benefits to both the Ankamuthi People and OMAC for the life of the mine.

“Metro has also committed to employment and training targets and we will work with stakeholders and contractors to ensure these are met. We will also work with the stakeholders to identify business opportunities for the Ankamuthi and other local enterprises,” Mr Finnis said.

A Liaison Committee comprising all parties will ensure ongoing communication and cooperation. The mining benefits to the Traditional Owners and Trustee are based on a percentage of the Free on Board (FOB) price received per tonne of bauxite and will be used to fund long term programs and benefits to a broad cross section of the Ankamuthi People and their organisations. Land rehabilitation is included as an integral part of the Agreement, with progress being continually reviewed by the committee.

“This agreement confirms excellent community support for the Bauxite Hills Project. Metro looks forward to growing the already strong relationship with all stakeholders to deliver long term benefits to all concerned,” Mr Finnis said.