SMC recognises the importance of working with local Indigenous groups to ensure that our projects are developed in a sustainable and culturally acceptable manner. The company works closely with aboriginal leaders in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill, and SMC employees attend cultural awareness programs designed to promote a better understanding of Aboriginal heritage and customs. The company has numerous agreements with native title claimant groups that permit the company to explore and develop resources within its tenement base.
Wajarri Yamatji People
In 2014 an agreement was signed that permits the company to explore and mine at Weld Range. The agreement provides protection for important sites of the Wajarri Yamatji and preserves this cultural heritage within Weld Range. A Wajarri Yamatji Employment, Education and Training Fund has also been set up with a particular focus on encouraging the younger generation to stay at school and then go on to further education and training.
Download a PDF of the Sinosteel Wajarri Education Fund application form here.
Jidi Jidi People
In November 2008, a Heritage Agreement was signed with the Jidi Jidi Aboriginal Corporation that allows the company to explore in the Robinson Range area. This agreement provides protection for all important cultural and heritage sites and preserves the cultural heritage of the Jidi Jidi People in the region.
In order to reflect this commitment, in 2011 SMC developed the Aboriginal Respect Policy which is available here.