Koolan Island mine boon for employment

23/4/06
The re-opening of Aztec Resources' iron ore mine on Koolan Island will create more than 400 jobs - many of them for indigenous people.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Sheila McHale said today 220 people would be employed when construction of the mine begins later this month, with another 200 people employed full-time when the mine is operational.
Ms McHale was present at a ceremony to mark the signing of a co-existence agreement between Aztec Resources and the mine's traditional owners, the Dambimangari People.
"The Dambimangari People and Aztec Resources are aiming to have 30 per cent of the workforce filled by indigenous people by the eighth year of operation - well above the industry standard of 10 per cent," she said.
"The agreement is a great outcome for the traditional owners as it offers new employment and business opportunities.
"Mine workers will be drawn form local communities, including indigenous people where possible.
"The relationship between Aztec, the traditional owners and other indigenous people in Derby will continue to grow."
The Minister said the Koolan Island mine - located off Western Australia's Kimberley coast, 130km north of Derby - was previously operated by BHP between 1965 and 1993 and produced 68 million tonnes of iron ore.
Aztec acquired sole control of the island in 2000 and started exploration in February 2004.
Ms McHale said the new Koolan Island mine had a life expectancy of nine years with ongoing exploration aimed at identifying more resources.
Aztec has buyers in China and Japan committed to take all four million tonnes of the mine's high-grade iron ore each year.
Minister's office: 9213 6900