Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX:GL1) is continuing to engage with the Kakarra Part B Native Title claim group for the land underlying its 100%-owned Manna Lithium Project in Western Australia and anticipates the signing of the Native Title Mining Agreement (NTMA) before the year is out.
The multi-asset West Australian lithium company recently met with members of the Kakarra Part B claim group in Kalgoorlie-Boulder to sign and execute a 'Working Together Protocol' document.
Under the agreement, both parties have agreed to:
- cooperate and work together in good faith to negotiate the terms of the Manna Lithium Project in consideration of the rights and interests of the Kakarra Part B Native Title Claim Group;
- reach agreement on developing a cultural heritage management plan, which will ensure that the aboriginal cultural heritage is appropriately managed throughout the life of the project; and
- endeavour to agree to the terms of the NTMA, which is anticipated to be signed by 31 December 2023.
Committed to fairness
“The growing relationship between Global Lithium and Kakarra Part B is very pleasing for the company,” Global Lithium managing director Ron Mitchell said.
“We are delighted with how negotiations towards the Native Title Mining Agreement are progressing.
“Under the recently-executed Working Together Protocol, Global Lithium is committed to developing a fair, reasonable and mutually beneficial agreement in partnership with Kakarra Part B.
“The company looks forward to strengthening this long-term partnership with the Kakarra people, as traditional owners of the land on which we work, through ongoing exploration, development and operation of the Manna Lithium Project.”
Critical agreements pending
Global Lithium submitted an application for Manna’s Mining Lease to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) in April this year.
In June, it executed a land access agreement with Kakarra Part B to set the framework for the company to conduct Aboriginal heritage surveys to support ongoing exploration and pre-development work.
The conclusion of the NTMA and the grant of the Mining Lease are two of the critical agreements required to allow Global Lithium to conduct mining activities within the Kakarra Part B Native Title Claim Area.