Cultural Heritage Protocol Could Shape Mt York Gold Project’s Future
Kairos Minerals has signed a pivotal Mining Agreement with the Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation, marking a crucial step toward advancing the Mt York Gold Project in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
- Mining Agreement signed with Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation
- Agreement finalizes conditions for mining lease application M45/1306
- Framework includes cultural heritage protection and compensation
- Nyamal people to benefit from employment and contracting opportunities
- Ongoing 30,000m drilling campaign supports resource expansion
A Milestone in Mt York Development
Kairos Minerals Ltd (ASX, KAI) has reached a significant milestone in its Mt York Gold Project by signing a Mining Agreement with the Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation (NAC), representing the Traditional Owners of the land. This agreement is the final key step needed to secure the mining lease application M45/1306, which covers the project site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The agreement reflects over a year of open and transparent negotiations, underscoring a genuine partnership approach between Kairos and the Nyamal people. It sets a collaborative framework for exploration, development, and operational phases, ensuring that cultural heritage and environmental considerations are respected throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Cultural Heritage and Community Benefits
Central to the agreement is an Aboriginal Heritage Protocol designed to protect and manage Nyamal cultural values within the project area. This protocol obliges Kairos to identify and safeguard heritage sites, aligning with state heritage and environmental legislation. Beyond cultural respect, the agreement also includes compensation arrangements and outlines employment and contracting opportunities for Nyamal-owned businesses, aiming to deliver tangible benefits to the local community.
Kairos Managing Director Dr Peter Turner expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting the company’s commitment to responsible development and community engagement. NAC Co-Chair Troy Eaton emphasized the importance of protecting cultural heritage while welcoming the economic opportunities the project will bring to the Nyamal community.
Project Outlook and Next Steps
The Mt York Gold Project currently hosts a 1.4 million ounce gold resource, with ongoing drilling campaigns totaling 30,000 meters aimed at expanding this base. Results from this extensive exploration are expected to feed into a new mineral resource estimate scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026. The project’s scoping study suggests a robust open-cut mining operation processing four million tonnes per annum over eight years, with potential for further growth along the Mt York Main Trend.
With the Mining Agreement now in place, Kairos is positioned to advance the mining lease approval process and continue refining development plans. The agreement’s milestone and royalty payment provisions also align the interests of the Nyamal people with the project’s commercial success, fostering a sustainable partnership.
Bottom Line?
Kairos’s formal partnership with the Nyamal people sets the stage for Mt York’s next phase, but the timing of mining lease approval and resource updates will be critical to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the mining lease M45/1306 be officially granted?
- How will the Aboriginal Heritage Protocol impact project timelines and operations?
- What are the detailed terms of milestone payments and royalty arrangements?
