Social
performance
Cultural heritage and traditional rights
OZ Minerals adheres to all relevant Australian Acts and regulations regarding local communities land and customary rights, including those of indigenous peoples. Native Title rights for the Antakarinja indigenous group were identified through the Native Title Agreement Act. Other pertinent legislation includes the Pastoral Land Act and the Mining Act. In 2011, there were no incidents or violations involving rights of indigenous people.
Any disturbances around culturally significant areas are reported internally and significant disturbances, such as unintended land clearances, are reported to the relevant authorities. In 2011, we were able to report no breaches in regard to disturbances of culturally significant areas.
An Antakarinja Matu-Yankunytjatjarra Aboriginal Corporation (AMYAC) ANZ Bank Trust fund has been developed to assist in the sustainable use of production payments. The trust includes an advisory council made up of representatives from the Antakarinja traditional owners.
Production payments from Prominent Hill are paid into the fund and distributed into the community in areas such as education and cultural and community development. On an annual basis, we currently disperse a scholarship payment of $200,000 for a variety of educational expenses. This is administered by the scholarship sub-committee on which OZ Minerals is represented. We have also contributed to an Accumulation Trust, of which an annual payment of $100,000 is held in trust for ten years. The interest component may be accessed after that period for ongoing education purposes. This is designed so OZ Minerals can continue to support future generations of the AMYAC indigenous community.
Carrapateena Native Title
A Native Title Agreement for exploration access to our Carrapateena project was reached with the Kokatha Uwankara people. The agreement allows for the ongoing exploration.
Case Study
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands – careers in mining
In September 2011, representatives from OZ Minerals and the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) travelled to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in far north South Australia, to promote careers in mining.
OZ Minerals visited the Anangu communities of Mimili, Fregon, Amata and Ernabella to meet with secondary students, Aboriginal Education Workers and teachers. The program was based on a ‘careers in mining’ program run by SACOME. Interactive sessions were given in these communities encompassing themes like ‘where things come from’, ‘exploration’ and ‘mine rehabilitation’. The sessions were well received by students, elders and teachers.
The program aimed to provide information to young people about the benefits and changes that mining brings to communities and landscapes. The sessions also encouraged students to continue their education in order to understand and take advantage of the opportunities mining provides in their area.
Prominent Hill exploration technician and Amata local man Jonathan Lyons addressed the schools in Pitjantjatjara about life in mining and explained the importance of Personal Protective Equipment.
