Traditional owners win campaign to stop new mine site

By PETER ROWE

An Aboriginal corporation that has campaigned against a mine in the north-east of WA has received support from the State government with Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti knocking back the miner’s application.

Minister Buti refused to consent to a Section 18 request that would have given permission for infill drilling at its Hamersley Iron Ore project.

The site is close to the Karijini National Park and could be the reason for the refusal.

Traditional owners of the Wintawari Gurumu Corporation alleged the site would cause damage to ground and surface water connected to the nearby Hamersley Gorge.

“Equinox Resources is both surprised and disappointed by the minister’s decision,” managing director Zac Komur said.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti has urged both sides to come together to find a solution.

Mr Komur said the decision was “legally flawed, unreasonable, and procedurally unfair.”

The company is now seeking clarification of the decision before deciding whether to pursue other legal avenues, with a probable challenge made to the State Administrative Tribunal.

Minister Buti said in a statement that heritage approvals were dealt with by negotiation between land users and traditional owners.

“I strongly encourage Equinox to continue to engage with Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation to find a solution,” he said.