JSE- and NYSE-listed Gold Fields and the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (NNTAC) have announced the signing of an historic native title agreement.

NNTAC is the representative body for the Ngadju people in Western Australia’s Goldfields region.

The Ngadju people are the determined native title holders of the area surrounding Norseman, spanning 102 000 km², which includes Gold Fields’ St Ives gold mine.

This landmark agreement comes after two years of negotiations.

In the joint statement, the entities posit that the agreement will result in significant value being delivered to the Ngadju people through compensation payments and other initiatives and benefits, including an initial payment in recognition of the historical mining activities that have occurred on Ngadju lands.

A key focus of the agreement is the protection and management of cultural heritage, including a range of collaborative cultural awareness building initiatives aimed at raising awareness and understanding of Ngadju lands and culture across the St Ives workforce.

Gold Fields says it will guarantee entry-level positions for Ngadju people at its St Ives gold mine, with additional financial support available for training and education courses applicable to these traineeships, apprenticeships or graduate roles.

The company says it will also prioritise Ngadju employment and procurement, with the NNTAC creating registers of interested Ngadju candidates and businesses that will receive advance notification of any opportunities ahead of other potential applicants.

“This agreement represents a significant achievement for the Ngadju Community. Following two years of dedicated negotiations, it embodies our commitment to advancing a future that both respects our cultural heritage and delivers real benefits to our people.

“We are particularly pleased with the emphasis in the agreement on cultural awareness and protecting our heritage. This agreement addresses the historical impacts of mining on our lands and sets a precedent for future collaborations,” says NNTAC chairperson Thelma Dimer.

Gold Fields CEO Mike Fraser says the agreement demonstrates Gold Fields’ commitment to building and maintaining strong and respectful relationships with First Nations peoples across all Gold Fields’ operations.

“Gold Fields has been working closely with the NNTAC to ensure this agreement will deliver positive outcomes to the Ngadju community We are delighted to be part of the Ngadju People’s journey towards self-determination with this life-of-mine agreement.

“This agreement not only supports the social and economic outcomes for Ngadju People today, but also for future generations. Most importantly, this agreement ensures the continuation and preservation of Ngadju culture,” he says.