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Cultural Heritage Solutions for the Minerals and Energy Sectors

Supporting Australia’s Minerals and Energy Future

Australia’s mining sector is the cornerstone of the national economy, generating significant export revenue, employment, royalties, and taxes.

However, many resource-rich landscapes also hold cultural, historical, and environmental significance.

Addressing these matters appropriately is essential for projects to remain compliant, respectful, and sustainable.

With heritage values spanning tens of thousands of years, minerals and energy projects must balance resource development with legislative requirements and gain the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Traditional Owners prior to impacts to country.

Failure to do this correctly will result in delays, cost overruns, and represents enormous reputational risk.

ACHM provides the expertise and experience needed to navigate this complexity. We work with minerals and energy companies to ensure projects meet regulatory obligations while respecting cultural heritage values and places, enabling successful outcomes without unnecessary risk.

Our Role in the Minerals & Energy Sectors

At ACHM, we provide specialised, tailored cultural heritage management services to support minerals and energy projects. From exploration to site development to operations, we help industry navigate complex heritage requirements and cultural values while fostering meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners and community groups to ensure respectful, cost-effective and de-risked projects.

With a rich history and diverse landscapes, we understand that each mining project presents unique environmental and presents unique environmental and cultural heritage challenges. That is why we collaborate closely with project teams and Traditional Owners to deliver end-to-end support from initial assessments to project delivery.

For over two decades, our team has partnered with leading minerals and energy companies across Australia to facilitate efficient project development, prioritizing sustainability and the protection of environmental and cultural heritage wherever possible.

Let’s Get Your Project Started

Whether you’re planning a major minerals or energy project, navigating regulatory requirements, or seeking expert heritage advice, ACHM is here to help.

Our Services for Minerals and Energy Sectors

ACHM offers a comprehensive range of services to support mineral and energy companies, including:

Proven Success in the Minerals and Energy Sectors

Trusted by Industry Leaders

ACHM have undertaken cultural heritage management assignments for:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is cultural heritage management important for mining and energy projects?

Many of Australia’s mineral-rich landscapes are rich with cultural heritage. Proper heritage management is essential to ensure compliance with legislation, prevent project delays, and foster meaningful collaboration with Traditional Owners to safeguard historical environments and heritage values for future generations.

Most mining projects require a Cultural Heritage Assessment or Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP). These assessments identify any Aboriginal or historical sites within the project area and outline how they will be managed during planning, development, and operation.

Cultural heritage should be addressed from the earliest stages of project design and site selection. Early assessment helps avoid costly redesigns and ensures that Traditional Owners and regulators are consulted before construction begins.

Yes. ACHM offers experienced heritage monitors who work alongside construction teams to ensure that agreed management plans are followed and that any new cultural heritage discoveries are handled appropriately and respectfully.
Absolutely. ACHM has extensive experience facilitating respectful, transparent engagement with Traditional Owner groups. We ensure all consultation meets legislative requirements and builds strong, ongoing relationships between project proponents and Indigenous communities.

Our team is highly experienced in interpreting and applying state and Commonwealth heritage legislation. We help clients understand what approvals are required, prepare the necessary documentation, and maintain full compliance throughout each project phase, reducing the risk of legal or regulatory issues.

Early due diligence helps developers identify potential heritage constraints before designs are finalised. This allows for better site selection, reduces the risk of unexpected discoveries during construction, and helps avoid costly project delays. ACHM provides fast, practical reviews that inform smarter decisions.

We plan assessments and consultation processes strategically to align with development milestones. By managing approvals efficiently and maintaining proactive communication with stakeholders, we help mining and energy projects stay compliant without slowing progress or increasing costs.

Successful mining and energy projects balance operational objectives with respectful preservation of cultural heritage values. ACHM’s success lies in achieving outcomes that respect Traditional Owners’ needs, meet legislative obligations, and ensure development timelines stay on track. Our work across mining and energy projects reflects this balance of respect and efficiency.

With more than two decades of national experience, ACHM understands the unique challenges of working across Australia’s varied landscapes. Our team brings proven expertise in complex, large-scale mining projects and long-term relationships with Traditional Owner groups and regulators, helping clients move forward with confidence.

Need expert cultural heritage support for your mining project?

ACHM is here to help. Call us today on 1300 724 913 or email us for more information.