ACHM has proudly supported the Banjima people as their cultural heritage management partner since 2005.
Banjima Country covers over 10,000 square kilometres in the east Pilbara—one of Australia’s most significant cultural landscapes, located within the richest iron ore province in the world.
Banjima ‘Yurlu’ (country) contains thousands of important archaeological and ethnographic places, from extensive rock shelters to the dramatic gorges of Karijini National Park. The region is also home to the largest iron iron ore operations in the world, with ongoing mining and exploration carried out under various long‑standing agreements between the Banjima people and industry partners.
For nearly two decades, ACHM has helped document and protect cultural heritage across this vast landscape. Our team has completed extensive archaeological and ethnographic surveys, recording thousands of heritage sites. We have also undertaken exploratory and salvage excavations on high‑significance rock shelters, uncovering evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back more than 45,000 years.
We work closely with the Banjima community and the Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC) to support informed decision‑making and long‑term cultural heritage stewardship.
Our services include:
- Archaeological and ethnographic surveys
- GIS mapping and heritage database management
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) documentation
- Social Surroundings and Cultural Values Assessments
- Agreement negotiation support
- Heritage impact advice and land‑use planning
- Identification and protection of culturally significant places
ACHM works alongside Banjima Elders to co‑design cultural heritage and environmental management processes. This includes developing engagement frameworks, cultural protocols, exclusion zones and on‑Country decision‑making pathways, as well as supporting involvement in flora, fauna and broader environmental assessments.
Our role is to ensure Banjima cultural values, identity and knowledge remain central to all activities on Country. We are committed to supporting all Banjima people in caring for their country and culture—today and for future generations.
