The WA Government plans to rehabilitate the former Ellendale diamond mining lease with a new indigenous trainee program in West Kimberley.
Titled the Bunuba Trainee Program and delivered by local Bunuba and indigenous people, this training initiative will provide meaningful employment pathways.
WA’s leading mine rehabilitation services provider Buru Rehab aims to employ a minimum of 12 trainees to complete the earthworks at the Ellendale mine site over the next three dry seasons.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston states that the Bunuba Trainee Program is a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal people to gain local training, skills and employment opportunities.
“Supporting regional jobs across Western Australia is a priority for the Cook Government as it encourages people to stay and support their local communities.
“As part of its oversight of the Ellendale mining lease, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety consulted a range of stakeholders including Aboriginal interests, local government, tenement holders and pastoralists,” said Johnston.
Trainees will be divided into groups of four and will be involved in the phase of the project addressing several areas across the site experiencing erosion.
Buru Rehab’s efforts will build upon the safety works successfully completed at Ellendale in 2022, including the removal of all obsolete infrastructure and equipment.
The company’s operating strategy focuses on sustainability and providing opportunities to local aboriginal businesses — fostering their growth and engagement in the mining industry.
All waste materials involved will be sent for recycling or disposal at appropriately licensed facilities.
The current landform stabilisation project is completely funded by the WA Government Mine Rehabilitation Fund.
In accordance with the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) Act 2012, the Ellendale diamond field was declared an abandoned mine in December 2015.
Since then, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has been working towards making the site safe for incoming tenement holders and anyone who may access the area.