A special celebration was held at the Rio Tinto owned Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of a historic Participation Agreement between the company and the Traditional Owners of the mine, the Gija and Miriuwung people. It allows the communities to actively participate in the economic benefits of diamond mining and a voice in the mining decisions that affect their interests. 

The agreement that was signed in 2004 has been described as a landmark in engagement between indigenous people and mining companies. Till today, it remains one of the most comprehensive agreements ever made in Australia between a resource company and Traditional Owners, Rio Tinto said in a statement.

Shane Johnson, MD Argyle Diamonds said that the agreement had brought significant benefits for the Traditional Owners and the mine.

 Mr Johnson said, “The Participation Agreement continues to drive progressive change at the mine and the way we manage our diamond business. Today, Argyle’s influence stretches into many spheres and over many continents but it is on the land of the East Kimberley region of Western Australia that the Traditional Owners have enabled the world to see indigenous engagement in a whole new light.”

 Miriuwung Traditional Owner and Chairman of the Gelganyem Trust Ted Hall highlighted the past challenges faced by the Traditional Owners in the early 1990s and the positive changes that he has witnessed in the local communities since the agreement was put in place.