Supporting Banjima Cultural Authority and On Country Decision Making Across Iron Ore Development in the Pilbara
Hancock Prospecting is a privately owned Australian resources company with major iron ore interests in the Pilbara of Western Australia, including a majority interest in the Roy Hill iron ore mine and the proposed Mulga Downs Iron Ore Project.
Australian Cultural Heritage Management (ACHM) has provided long term cultural heritage support to the Banjima People for more than twenty years across multiple HanRoy and Hancock Prospecting projects. Throughout this partnership, ACHM has prioritised cultural authority, on Country decision making and the protection of significant heritage places.
Our teams work collaboratively with the Banjima people at every stage of project delivery, including major archaeological site recording and detailed ethnographic assessments across the proposed Mulga Downs Iron Ore Project. Together, ACHM and Banjima representatives have assessed project impacts and identified culturally sensitive ethnographic locations requiring dedicated protection.
These programs have also contributed to significant archaeological discoveries, including rockshelters with evidence of human occupation dating back approximately 46,000 years.
This approach strengthens Banjima oversight, supports their cultural governance frameworks, and ensures that all HanRoy developments are managed in a culturally informed, respectful and collaborative manner.
Client
Hancock Prospecting
Location
Pilbara, Western Australia
Sectors
Energy & Mining
Services
Project Snapshot
Results Delivered
Delivering Culturally Informed Project Planning Backed by Direct Fieldwork With Traditional Owners
Across successive projects, Australian Cultural Heritage Management has helped Hancock Prospecting and HanRoy plan with a clear view of where significant heritage places sit and what must be protected. Findings from site recording and ethnographic assessment feed directly into project design, supporting culturally informed decisions and a stronger working relationship with the Banjima People.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do iron ore projects in the Pilbara need ethnographic assessments as well as archaeological surveys?
Archaeological surveys record physical evidence such as stone artefacts and rockshelters, while ethnographic assessments record the cultural, ceremonial and spiritual values that Traditional Owners hold for places, many of which have no visible trace. Together they give a complete picture of what a project may affect. Australian Cultural Heritage Management has completed detailed ethnographic assessments across the proposed Mulga Downs Iron Ore Project. Learn more about our ethnographic assessment services.
What is section 18 consent in Western Australia?
Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA), landowners can apply to the Minister for consent under section 18 to use land in a way that is likely to damage or alter an Aboriginal site. Heritage survey results provide the evidence that application relies on, which is why assessments are carried out early in project planning.
How old can rockshelter archaeology in the Pilbara be?
Rockshelters in the Pilbara can hold evidence of very long Aboriginal occupation. Programs delivered by Australian Cultural Heritage Management with Banjima representatives have contributed to significant discoveries, including rockshelters with evidence of human occupation dating back approximately 46,000 years.
How do heritage consultants support Traditional Owner cultural governance?
By keeping decision making with Traditional Owners, carrying out assessments on Country and identifying culturally sensitive places that need dedicated protection. Australian Cultural Heritage Management’s approach on HanRoy and Hancock Prospecting projects strengthens Banjima oversight and supports their cultural governance frameworks.
Why does on Country decision making matter in heritage work?
Heritage decisions made on Country, with the right people present, are better informed and more defensible. They reflect the cultural authority of Traditional Owners and ensure culturally sensitive locations are identified accurately. Australian Cultural Heritage Management has prioritised on Country decision making across HanRoy and Hancock Prospecting projects for more than twenty years.
