joint venture with the Eastern Guruma people, which has been described as the biggest ever contract signed with an Indigenous business organisation.
Speaking to The Australian Financial Review last week, the Australian billionaire noted that the deal will pave the way for members of Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC) collaborate with Fortescue to mine the mining company’s Solomon Hub in the Pilbara, located on Eastern Guruma country. It would also enable both parties to co-manage all the various stages of mine development, including mine planning, environmental and heritage approvals and resource definition.
According to WGAC’s chairman Glen Camille, the new deal will ensure active participation of Eastern Guruma people in the future development of mines in Australia, “enabling deeper consultation around the protection of culturally significant sites while building a better future for our people.”
Meanwhile, Dr Forrest noted that the deal builds on his personal opposition against the mining sector’s practice of “buying your access with vapid buckets of cash”, instead of maintaining a great working relationships based on mutual respect.
Referring to Fortescue’s joint venture with WGAC, he said: “Our local communities are, and are going to be, well-trained. Our local people are learning safety backwards, they’ll learn all environmental regulations and technology just as well.”
“This is the true end of the disparity when people are helped up, not just handed out to. These Indigenous people are our friends and our business partners. This transforms intergenerational welfare dependency into permanent independence, and then you see disparity disappear in front of your eyes,” he added.
