Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation grants Alma Metals access to ‘highly prospective’ Cambridge Gulf

Australian-based miner Alma Metals has been granted access to the East Kimberley’s primary waterway by Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation in a move the corporation said had been “respectful and collaborative”.

Mostly focused on copper, the company signed an agreement with the BAC to begin exploration activities across 1000sqm of the Cambridge Gulf, a large estuary on the north-east coast on the Kimberley conjoining the Ord River, Pentecost River, Durack River, King River and Forrest River.

The company has applied for five exploration licenses to the west of Cambridge Gulf, an area which is “highly prospective” for copper with known findings having occurred in the 1960s.

A Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson said the community has been consulted at length about the project and as a whole, see the potential for economic development in the area.

“Recognising the legislative framework in WA, the traditional owners are willing to further explore this commercial opportunity, recognising the potential for economic development on Balanggarra’s terms,” they said.

“So far, Alma Metals has worked respectfully and collaboratively with Balanggarra, including endorsing our position that should the project not be considered feasible by Balanggarra for any reason, they would step away.”

As part of the agreement, Alma must abide by strict cultural protocols under a Heritage Protection Agreement, a element which Alma’s managing director Frazer Tabeart said is important.

“We acknowledge the connection to country that is intrinsic to the Balanggarra and recognise that we must undertake our activities in a manner which respects and preserves their longstanding cultural heritage,” Mr Tabeart said.

“We are pleased to have reached a preliminary access agreement with the Balanggarra people, the traditional owners and native title holders of these lands.”

“The area is highly prospective for copper mineralisation, and we look forward to conducting our preliminary programs in this first-mover province.”

Alma Metals Ltd intends to begin exploration this month.