The project area is located near Darwin in Northern Australia with ERA concluding agreements with Mirarr Traditional Owners, the Northern Land Council (NLC) and the Commonwealth Government.
ERA chief executive Rob Atkinson stated that he mining agreement reflects the strengthening relationship between ERA and the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (GAC), which represents the Mirarr Traditional Owners.
"ERA is strongly committed to recognising Mirarr rights and obligations, especially in regard to country and culture," Atkinson said.
The agreement stipulates an increase share of the financial benefits from the Ranger mine to the Mirarr Traditional Owners.
Some of the other provisions of the agreements include contribution of funds by GAC and ERA to a Sustainability Trust that will champion social initiatives in the region; while a Relationship Committee will be constituted to liaise on review processes between the two entities.
Atkinson further added that the agreement only covers the existing operations and addresses a range of historical issues, without contemplating the future of mining beyond the existing Ranger Authority.
"The negotiations, which involved some very complex legal, cultural, and operational considerations, have taken many years and much hard work by all parties. We all now look forward to getting on with implementation," Atkinson concluded.
