Katanning Gold Project’s Future Hinges on Ausgold’s Indigenous Cooperation Deal

A New Chapter in Indigenous Partnership

Ausgold Limited (ASX: AUC) has taken a significant step forward in its development of the Katanning Gold Project by entering into a binding Consultation and Cooperation Agreement with the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation (WKSNAC). This agreement formalises a collaborative relationship that aims to respect and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage while fostering meaningful community engagement.

The Katanning Gold Project, located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, sits on lands traditionally owned by the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar People. The WKSNAC holds the Indigenous Land Use Agreement for this region, representing multiple language groups including Menang, Goreng, Keneang, Wilman, and Wudjari. Ausgold’s partnership with WKSNAC reflects a growing industry trend towards embedding Indigenous voices and interests into mining project development.

Cultural Heritage and Workforce Commitments

Central to the agreement is a structured framework for cultural heritage management. Ausgold will engage WKSNAC on commercial terms to conduct cultural heritage surveys and collaborate on a Cultural Heritage Management Plan. This plan aims to identify, manage, and where possible, preserve Aboriginal sites and objects, ensuring that the project’s development respects the cultural significance of the land.

Beyond heritage, the agreement sets ambitious social targets. Ausgold has committed to promoting employment and contracting opportunities for the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar People, aiming for a 5% Indigenous workforce participation rate by the end of the third year of operations. This is complemented by quarterly financial contributions from the start of gold production to support vocational training and education initiatives, creating pathways for local Indigenous employment.

Strategic and Social Implications

Executive Chairman John Dorward emphasised the importance of this partnership, describing it as a "very positive milestone" that underscores Ausgold’s commitment to respectful and collaborative development. The agreement not only helps secure the social licence to operate but also positions the Katanning Gold Project as a model for Indigenous engagement in mining.

While the announcement does not detail financial terms or precise timelines for project development, it signals a clear intent to integrate Indigenous stakeholders into the project’s future. This approach may mitigate risks related to cultural heritage disputes and community opposition, which have historically challenged mining projects in Australia.

Looking ahead, the success of this partnership will likely hinge on Ausgold’s ability to deliver on its workforce participation targets and maintain open, ongoing dialogue through the established Cultural Liaison Committee. The agreement sets a precedent for how mining companies can balance commercial objectives with Indigenous rights and aspirations.