BC Iron secures agreement with natives of Nullagine

Emerging Australian iron ore company BC Iron Limited has signed a native title agreement with the Palyku people, opening the way to start mining in the Nullagine project, an equal-share joint venture between BC Iron and Australian miner Fortescue in the northwest of Western Australia
 
The Palyku are the traditional owners of the land on which the company is proposing to start production.
 
BC Iron managing director Mike Young said, "I believe that this represents a genuine ‘win-win' outcome for both parties. BC Iron has a strong commitment to education, training and employment for the Palyku people as well as the wider community. This is supported through the establishment of the Nullagine JV Scholarship Fund within the agreement."
 
Subject to final environmental and regulatory approvals, production is scheduled to start in the second half of 2010 at the rate of 3 million mt per annum of high-quality, direct shipping iron ore. Construction of the Stage One accommodation camp, to be used for exploration and heritage surveys, will commence on site next week.