Equinox Resources (ASX:EQN) announced a setback in their drilling plans at the Hamersley Iron Ore Project. The Western Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs declined their Section 18 submission, citing concerns over potential impacts on newly identified Aboriginal ethnographic sites.
Equinox Resources has experienced a delay in progressing their Hamersley Iron Ore Project due to a decision by the Western Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. The decline of their Section 18 submission is linked to concerns over the impact on two newly identified Aboriginal ethnographic sites. Despite this, Equinox has received approval for a new Programme of Work, designed to avoid these sites. The company is seeking legal avenues to contest the decision, emphasizing the project's economic importance while maintaining a commitment to cultural heritage considerations. The announcement highlights the complexity of navigating resource development alongside cultural and regulatory frameworks.
Equinox Resources challenges the validity of these sites, claiming the survey was methodologically flawed and lacked independence.