Supporting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management From Early Project Planning Through to Ongoing Mining Operations in New South Wales and Queensland
Glencore plc is one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies, operating across both commodity production and global commodity trading. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, Glencore has a global footprint spanning more than 30 countries and employs approximately 140,000 employees and contractors worldwide.
Australian Cultural Heritage Management (ACHM) has been engaged by Glencore across multiple mining regions to support responsible cultural heritage management from early project planning through to ongoing operations.
Our work spans Aboriginal cultural values assessments, archaeological and ethnographic surveys, and cultural heritage management advice for Glencore’s coal and bauxite portfolios, including major projects in the Hunter Valley and on Cape York.
We worked directly with Traditional Owners and their representative organisations to identify, assess and protect cultural heritage places, so that cultural values are embedded in mine planning, land use decisions and operational protocols. ACHM provided field surveys, GIS mapping, predictive modelling, risk identification and cultural landscape assessments that inform both approvals processes and long term management strategies.
Through this work, ACHM has supported Glencore to meet its cultural heritage obligations, strengthen relationships with Traditional Owner groups, and deliver mining projects that are culturally informed, compliant and respectful of Country.
Client
Glencore
Location
New South Wales and Queensland
Sectors
Energy & Mining
Services
Project Snapshot
Client Testimonial
Gary Boland
Project Manager Glencore
As a Project Manager of Glencore Coal Assets Australia (NSW), I have been involved in two EIS
preparations, which included specific and detailed cultural heritage assessment, consultation and recording of the areas of proposed disturbance.
On the second Project, Glencore, after not being satisfied with the performance of the first cultural heritage consultant, Bret Jenkins (NSW Environmental Manager) and myself Gary Boland (Project Manager Mount Owen Continued Operations), undertook an Australia-wide search for a replacement.
After shortlisting three candidates, further interviews were conducted.
Both Bret and I recommended that the Mount Owen Continued Operations utilise the services of Australian Cultural Heritage Management (ACHM) for the Part 4 Cultural Heritage Assessment, as part of the state significant ETS process with Umwelt Australia Pty Ltd for the Mount Owen Project.
Shaun Canning was our lead contact from ACHM, and being a new client, he personally took on the role of liaising both with my Project team, myself, Umwelt and the archaeologist OzArk, with 60 registered Aboriginal parties (RAPs) and three knowledge holder groups for an upper Hunter Valley brownfield coal mine extension.
Glencore requested that the three knowledge holder groups, if they wished, undertake their own cultural assessment, working with, Mount Owen staff, OzArk and ACHM.
ACHM provided excellent outcomes for the Project and the RAPs. During ACHM's involvement, there
was:
- No conflict during process
- Delivery of an ACHAR and Project Addendum which followed the Project Plan
- Concise and clear reporting of Aboriginal cultural values
- Sensible collation of management measures
- Excellent and 'fit for purpose' reporting
Shaun and ACHM demonstrated an ability to work with new, diverse and potentially difficult local communities and groups and provided benefits to the RAPs and Glencore.
ACHM's work was timely and below budget.
I would use ACHM for my next EIS for cultural heritage assessments and reporting and recommend they be assessed and considered for other Projects.
Results Delivered
Delivering Defensible Cultural Heritage Outcomes for Large Scale Resource Developments
Australian Cultural Heritage Management has supported Glencore across multiple mining regions with fit for purpose cultural heritage assessment, backed by field survey, spatial analysis and risk identification. Cultural values are built into planning and operational decisions from the outset, giving Glencore a sound basis for regulatory approvals and stronger, more trusted relationships with Traditional Owner groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ACHAR and when is one required in New South Wales?
An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) documents the Aboriginal cultural heritage values of a project area and the likely impacts of the proposal. For large developments such as mine extensions, it is typically prepared as part of the Environmental Impact Statement. Australian Cultural Heritage Management has prepared ACHARs for Glencore’s Ravensworth, Mount Owen, Mangoola and Ulan operations.
How does Aboriginal community consultation work for mining projects in New South Wales?
Proponents follow a four stage process set out in the Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements for proponents: notification of the project and registration of interest, presentation of information about the project, gathering information about cultural significance, and review of the draft cultural heritage assessment report. Registered Aboriginal parties take part at each stage. At Mount Owen, Australian Cultural Heritage Management worked with 60 registered Aboriginal parties and three knowledge holder groups.
What is a cultural values assessment and how is it different from an archaeological survey?
A cultural values assessment documents the social, historical, aesthetic and spiritual values a place holds for Aboriginal communities, explaining why it matters rather than only what is physically present. An archaeological survey records physical evidence such as stone artefacts. Mine approvals benefit from both.
How do GIS mapping and predictive modelling help with mine planning?
Predictive modelling combines spatial data, historical records and environmental variables with field knowledge to identify places likely to hold archaeological remains before ground is disturbed. GIS mapping then shows how those places sit in relation to proposed mine layouts, so risks can be addressed during planning rather than during construction. Learn more about our predictive modelling services.
Are cultural heritage requirements the same in New South Wales and Queensland?
No. Each state has its own framework. In New South Wales, proponents follow the consultation requirements and prepare a cultural heritage assessment to support approvals. In Queensland, the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 imposes a duty of care and makes a cultural heritage management plan compulsory where an Environmental Impact Statement is required. Australian Cultural Heritage Management has supported Glencore in both states.
