Fortescue has signed new agreements with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) people that will give Traditional Owners a much greater say over mining on their Country alongside a pioneering economic partnership.
The new Native Title Agreement and Co-Management Agreement officially replace a previous land access contract signed in 2010.
In addition to the extensive protections to Country, the new Native Title Agreement between Fortescue and the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation includes an agreement about tenure related to Fortescue’s decarbonisation activities.
A central feature of the package is a modernised mining benefits framework, highlighted by an innovative mining fleet hire arrangement. Under the scheme, the PKKP community will buy and own heavy mining equipment, including haul trucks and electric excavators, and lease them back to Fortescue for its Pilbara operations. The initiative creates a lucrative, long-term revenue stream designed to scale up PKKP’s commercial capabilities.
PKKP Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson and Puutu Kunti Kurrama Elder Sandra Hayes said the agreement builds on a similar pact struck with Rio Tinto last year, introducing extensive safeguards for Country and heritage.
“The negotiation with Fortescue took three years to make sure the agreements reflected a shared understanding, so we know what they need, and they know what we can and cannot accept,” Hayes said.
Pinikura Traditional Owner and PKKP Enterprises Chairperson Terry Drage emphasised that the community was not opposed to mining, provided it was done right.
“This is a landmark agreement that strengthens protections for our Country and heritage while creating long-term economic opportunities for our people,” Drage said, noting that early information sharing would help protect sacred sites.
“Not as a silent partner, but as a true partner.”
Fortescue Chairman Andrew Forrest welcomed the partnership, stating the agreements align with the company’s Real Zero decarbonisation ambitions and ensure that Traditional Custodians have a genuine voice and share in the Pilbara’s economic success.
“This agreement creates the new opportunities for PKKP to build business capability. They can participate directly in the success of our operations as they strengthen their people. That is the kind of long-term economic participation that helps communities build their own future,” Forrest said.
