BHP Billiton and the Yinhawangka People celebrated the signing of a new native title agreement at a gathering at Bidugulli (Palm Springs) on Yinhawngka country earlier this week.

The BHP Billiton Yinhawangka Project Agreement is long term and serves to formalise key aspects of the relationship between the Yinhawangka People and BHP Billiton.

The Agreement provides BHP Billiton with increased certainty in relation to its future exploration and development within the Yinhawangka Native Title claim area.

Beyond land use consents, the agreement sets out how the parties will work together on issues such as community development, cultural heritage and land management.

BHP Billiton Asset President Western Australia Iron Ore, Edgar Basto, said the agreement highlights the Company’s long-term commitment to the traditional owners of the land upon which our operations are situated.

“I am incredibly proud to have entered into an agreement that so closely reflects our organisational values. It is the product of the hard work, vision and good will of many people. It is my hope and expectation that the agreement will deliver mutual and intergenerational benefit to both the Yinhawangka People and BHP Billiton.” he said.

John Hughes the CEO of the Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation said the agreement was a significant milestone after many years of negotiation and they are pleased to have formed a close working relationship with BHP Billiton.

The Agreement enshrines both a framework, and a mutual commitment, to work together in advancing opportunities related to: education, employment and training; contracting and business development; health and wellbeing; and cultural engagement. It is through endeavours such as this that the parties have designed an agreement believed capable of delivering real and lasting intergenerational benefit.