Community
TNG enjoys excellent community relations with Indigenous communities and Land Councils in the Northern Territory. Generally, before the commencement of exploration work, the Company ensures Indigenous Land Use Agreements are negotiated and consultations with Land Councils take place, or alternatively, an appropriate clearance certificate has been obtained.
TNG sees the maintenance and respect of such relationships as vital to the Company’s long-term progress and success.
"TNG also ensures that any mutual benefits from mining activities, such as employment and training, are shared with local communities."
In Kununurra, (which is the base for the Manbarrum Project) a logistics base including an office, laboratory and accommodation has been established. Several members of the local community have been employed and appropriate training commenced in 2007 and is ongoing. TNG has also assisted members of the community to secure employment with key contractors. TNG has also commissioned an independent report on how it relates to the local community.
Native Title
The Native Title Act 1993 recognises and protects the rights and interests in Australia of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, over land and water, according to their traditional laws and customs.
Approximately 45% of the Northern Territory is potentially subject to native title. Application for exploration, or other mineral tenure, on pastoral land must consider the implications of the Native Title Act during the application process.
TNG follows procedures and guidelines for all application scenarios including: expedited process, right-to-negotiate and Indigenous Land Use Agreement processes. The Company generally follows the path of signing Indigenous Land Use Agreements with the various native title parties before commencing exploration work over the Exploration Licences. In the case of the Manbarrum project, a clearance certificate has been obtained.
Meetings with Land Councils are often held in remote communities that are affected by TNG's proposals. Topics for discussion include: the extent and exact nature of the exploration proposal, target commodities, local custom observance, compensation and planned itinerary.
"TNG's commitment to community consultation and constructive negotiations account for the Company’s excellent relations with Indigenous communities and Native Title holders."
The various Land Councils in the Northern Territory hold TNG in high regard for its commitment to constructive community consultation.
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