PKKP Aboriginal Corporation and Black Cat Syndicate strengthen their relationship ahead of Paulsens mine re-start
July 5, 2023
The Paulsens gold project in the Pilbara, WA has progressed with Black Cat Syndicate completing a review with its native title partner to modernise the native title and heritage protection agreements to include co-management principles.
Around 85% of current gold resources at Paulsens, including the existing underground mine, are located on land under the traditional ownership of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama People and Pinikura People (PKKP).
Both parties have worked in a collegiate manner to update their relationship via agreements that provide significant benefits to both Black Cat and the PKKP by aligning their respective interests.
Black Cat Syndicate (ASX:BC8) says the agreements form the basis for the co-management of cultural heritage at Paulsens with the PKKP and provide a clear pathway forward for both parties to manage their respective obligations ahead of the new WA Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act.
Black Cat has also committed to a broad range of community benefits including cultural awareness training, skills training, employment and business opportunities and compensation.
Tangible benefits will accrue to the PKKP in the form of employment, training, business opportunities and compensation following a resumption of gold production at Paulsens.
“Black Cat have been provided a social licence to operate on PKKP country as they have acknowledged and committed to co-management,” said PKKP AC Chairman Terry Drage.
“This is a great example of how co-management works on the ground when mining proponents are willing to work with us directly and not just complain about legislation.”
In addition to the protection of cultural heritage, the PKKP AC will immediately become a shareholder in Black Cat through the issue of 312,000 shares.
A further 312,0000 shares will be issued to the PKKP AC following the commencement of commercial gold production at Paulsens.
The PKKP are highly supportive of a resumption of operations at Paulsens given the strong cultural heritage protections embedded in the agreements and the regional opportunities that arise.
“I would like to thank the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation for their co-operation in strengthening our relationship and we welcome the PKKP AC as Black Cat shareholders,” Black Cat Managing Director Gareth Solly said.
“We look forward to building on our relationship as we move to create a long life mining operation at Paulsens that will create significant opportunities in the region.” The operation has considerable existing infrastructure in place including a 450,000 tonne per annum processing facility, +110 person camp and is close to a sealed road and gas pipeline. The project is expected to commence in the second half of 2023.