Native title agreement reached on Ngarluma land

A native title agreement has been reached between Rutila Resources and the Ngarluma people over the Balla Balla vanadium titanium magnetite project and export facility on the Pilbara coast.

The agreement was made after the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation withdrew their final objection over the miscellaneous license tenement application, allowing the Department of Mines and Petroleum to grant tenure extending from existing mining leases to the Balla Balla port.

Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Paul Stenson said Rutila's approach was pragmatic and respectful.

"The shared value approach embraced by Rutila Re- sources resulted in a new benchmark for agreements with the NAC, for the use of Ngarluma Country," he said.

"The agreement is multi-dimensional and provides protection for Ngarluma heritage and culture within the Balla Balla Project Area, as well as future employment and training for Ngarluma people.

"It is also unique in that the Ngarluma people effectively hold equity in the project."

Rutila Resources executive chairman Nicholas Curtis said the agreement would be mutually beneficial.

"The negotiation process with the Ngarluma people was undertaken in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation and with the principles of shared values," he said.

"We are pleased to welcome the NAC as a shareholder within a proposed company which shall own and operate the Balla Balla export facility."