Historic Native Title Project Agreement reached in Queensland Australia

21 October 2024

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation (BBAC), on behalf of the Barada Barna people, have entered into a Native Title Project Agreement, paving a new pathway for future generations.

Barada Barna are the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways around the Bowen Basin in Queensland, Australia where BMA operates its Broadmeadow, Caval Ridge, Goonyella, Peak Downs and Saraji steelmaking coal mines.

The Agreement reached sets a new way forward in the relationship between BHP, BMA and the Barada Barna people, providing intergenerational benefit.

BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery said the Agreement is an important milestone in BHP and BMA history and is years and many voices in the making.

"This agreement reflects BHP's aspirations and commitments to listen and to learn to get our practice right, to do better and to walk a new path, together.

"It's an Agreement that has been created through good faith negotiation to deliver economic, social and cultural wellbeing."

Under the Agreement, BMA will provide financial benefits to be directed towards priority community projects that enable Barada Barna people to live and work on-country, strengthening this important connection.

The Agreement will also deliver financial benefits for social-economic purposes and opportunities in the form of contracting, business, employment, education, and training.

A suite of Cultural Heritage Management Plans also forms part of the Agreement and ensure Barada Barna cultural heritage values are managed and protected in partnership with Barada Barna people.

This Agreement is the second Native Title Project Agreement BBAC and BHP have negotiated together in Queensland, and the first Agreement between BBAC and BMA.