BCI Minerals moves closer to port construction at Cape Preston on advancing Indigenous Land Use Agreement

The key agreement marks a big step in BCI’s planned port construction set to start in early 2022.

BCI Minerals has executed the tripartite Port of Cape Preston West Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) between the Wirrawandi Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) and the Western Australian Government to allow the creation of a port reserve at Cape Preston West.

The WAC represents the Yaburara and Mardudhunera people, the Traditional Owners of the land associated with the Mardie Salt & Potash Project and particularly the northern area where the port and jetty facilities are planned.

Mardie is the project proponent for the proposed Port of Cape Preston West which will be controlled by the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA).

Field surveys kick off

BCI (ASX:BCI) says the execution provides the necessary native title consents to allow the Western Australian Government to formally create the port reserve.

Land assembly for the port reserve has begun with field surveys now complete and detailed plans to be lodged in the short term.

BCI head of corporate affairs Angela Glover said this marks an important milestone for the Mardie Project, as the agreement represents a partnership between the traditional owners, the State Government and BCI.

“As shared land users, BCI is pleased to work alongside the custodians of the land and is committed to ensuring local Aboriginal culture and heritage is preserved and valued,” Glover said.

Looking ahead

In addition, the Pilbara Ports Authority has issued a Decision Notice in support of a Development Application (DA) for the Mardie Port facilities.

This secures the concept layout of the Mardie port facilities and allows key port agreements to be finalised with the PPA and for BCI to complete detailed construction design of the Mardie port facilities.

The Mardie port facilities will be located completely within the footprint which recently received Part IV approval from the Minister for Environment.

This article was developed in collaboration with BCI Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.