Donald Mineral Sands (DMS) has reached an agreement with the Traditional Owners of the land where it is developing the Donald rare earth and mineral sands project in Victoria’s Wimmera region.
The agreement formalises a framework for a long-term relationship between DMS and the Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC), which represents the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk Peoples (WJJWJ Peoples).
The agreement establishes joint governance structures, including a strategic oversight committee and a technical and operational working group, giving the Traditional Owners meaningful input into project decisions affecting their country.
It also provides for employment, training and procurement opportunities for the WJJWJ Peoples and their aligned businesses. The agreement ensures that the Traditional Owners can participate in environmental management and mine closure planning, as well as cultural heritage protection measures.
DMS Managing Director Tiger Brown said: “The Journey and Understanding Agreement reflects our commitment to working in a genuine partnership with the WJJWJ Peoples, the Traditional Owners of the lands where the Donald Project will operate.
“Barengi Gadjin Land Council has been a constructive and valued partner in advancing the Donald Project and this agreement lays the foundation for an ongoing relationship built on respect, transparency, self-determination, and shared benefit.”
The Donald project is a globally significant deposit of critical minerals. The project contains a total mineral resource of 1.81 billion tonnes, with a planned mine life exceeding 58 years.
The project will produce zirconium, titanium, and rare earth elements including neodymium and praseodymium, supporting technologies vital to clean energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing.
DMS is targeting site construction in 2026 and first production in 2027, once it secures project financing and a positive final investment decision.