RareX (ASX: REE) has announced the signing of a historic mining heritage protection agreement for the development of the ++Cummins Range++ rare earth-gallium-scandium-phosphate project in Western Australia.
The agreement was signed by the prescribed body corporate of the Jaru Native Title Determination in Halls Creek at a general meeting attended by over 150 members.
It followed an extensive period of contract design, community engagement, site visits, benchmarking, and negotiation in what is a politically complex environment.
De-Risking Cummins Range
The agreement – the first of its kind entered into by the Jaru since 2018 – is a significant step in de-risking Cummins Range, following the completion of environmental and heritage baseline surveys, logistical planning, and technical development.
It allows for the granting of a mining lease over the Cummins Range area, which should provide RareX stakeholders with confidence on the project’s development potential.
RareX managing director James Durrant said the signing was a historic moment for the company’s flagship project.
“This is a very material milestone for Cummins Range and for the Jaru people, [which] shows that RareX and the region’s native title holders can come together and successfully navigate a complex process in a complex regulatory and social environment.”
Significant New Chapter
Jaru chair Rosemary Carey and deputy chair Mark Gordon welcomed the agreement on behalf of the traditional owners.
“This marks a significant new chapter for our people—for the first time, we have the opportunity to sit down directly with mining companies on our traditional country, engaging openly and fairly without middlemen, to negotiate agreements that will create a brighter future for our younger generations,” they said in a statement.
“We look forward to participating in the development process, ensuring that our voices are heard and that our country is cared for while bringing economic and social benefits to all Jaru and surrounding families.”
