Horizon Secures Land Use Agreement Covering 90% of Its Eastern Goldfields Tenure
Horizon Minerals has formalised a key Land Use Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group, setting a cooperative framework for heritage protection and project development across its extensive eastern goldfields tenure.
- Land Use Agreement signed with Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group
- Agreement covers approximately 240 tenements and 90% of Horizon’s land package
- Framework established for heritage surveys and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage protection
- Streamlined tenure and clearance procedures to support project advancement
- Supports supply pipeline to Black Swan processing facility
A Landmark Agreement in the Eastern Goldfields
Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX, HRZ) has taken a significant step forward in its operations by signing a Land Use Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group. This agreement covers the majority of Horizon’s tenure in Western Australia’s eastern goldfields, a region rich in mineral resources and cultural heritage.
The agreement spans approximately 240 tenements, representing about 90% of Horizon’s land holdings by area. This extensive coverage underscores the importance of the partnership, which aims to balance the advancement of mining projects with the respectful management and protection of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Balancing Heritage and Development
Central to the agreement are protocols for conducting heritage surveys and safeguarding culturally significant sites. These measures ensure that Horizon’s exploration and development activities proceed with due diligence and respect for the Marlinyu Ghoorlie people’s traditional rights and interests.
Moreover, the agreement streamlines the grant of tenure and clearance procedures. This efficiency is crucial for Horizon as it seeks to advance its pipeline of projects feeding into the Black Swan processing facility, a key asset in the company’s gold production strategy.
A Partnership Built on Mutual Respect
Grant Haywood, Managing Director and CEO of Horizon Minerals, emphasised the spirit of the agreement, stating it reflects a commitment to goodwill and mutual respect. This cooperative approach not only facilitates operational progress but also strengthens community relations, a vital component in the sustainable development of mining projects in Australia.
While the announcement does not detail specific financial or operational impacts, the framework established by this agreement is likely to reduce regulatory and cultural risks, potentially smoothing the path for future project milestones.
Looking Ahead
As Horizon Minerals moves forward under this new agreement, the focus will be on implementing the protocols effectively and advancing exploration and development activities in a culturally sensitive manner. The partnership with Marlinyu Ghoorlie sets a precedent for how mining companies can engage constructively with native title groups to achieve shared outcomes.
Bottom Line?
This agreement marks a pivotal moment for Horizon Minerals, blending cultural respect with operational momentum in the eastern goldfields.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the Land Use Agreement impact the timeline for Horizon’s project developments?
- What specific heritage sites are protected under the agreement, and how will surveys be conducted?
- Could this framework serve as a model for other mining companies engaging with native title groups in WA?
