Aboriginal cultural heritage 17

17.1 introduction 17.2 Assessment methods The cultural heritage of the project area has been studied since 17.2.1 Approach planning for the Olympic Dam project began in the late 1970s. At the time of writing, there are three parallel processes There have followed 35 years of discussions with traditional applying to the assessment and management of Aboriginal owners, field surveys and salvage work, with a correspondingly cultural heritage sites and values. These are: improving appreciation of Aboriginal cultural heritage sites • the Aboriginal heritage survey work that occurs at the site and places. of any area outside of the existing SML that may be directly disturbed by the operation A number of Aboriginal groups have claimed a native title interest in the EIS Study Area. Some Aboriginal groups have • the Olympic Dam Agreement between BHP Billiton and 17 asked BHP Billiton not to disclose information about places Aboriginal groups (see Section 17.2.2) or stories of cultural significance to them in the Draft EIS. • heritage survey work, mitigation and consultations with Aboriginal people in accordance with the heritage management Many sites and artefacts remain as evidence of historical protocol included in the Olympic Dam Agreement. Aboriginal nomadic occupation and use, and the wider Olympic Dam region is rich in surface scatters of stone artefacts The methods used to assess Aboriginal cultural heritage were: and quarries. Most of the sites are considered to be of low • to describe the existing Aboriginal cultural heritage sites scientific significance, with no salvage potential. At the same and values by: time, however, cultural heritage is important to contemporary −− considering available information on Aboriginal Aboriginal people. occupation of the relevant land

This chapter summarises the Aboriginal cultural heritage of −− consulting with the Aboriginal group or groups claiming the project area and discusses the processes that have been an interest in the relevant land established to identify, record, manage and, where possible, −− reviewing and summarising the results of previous protect archaeological sites and cultural places of significance Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments (both to Aboriginal people. This draws upon experience from the ethnographic and archaeological) within the EIS Study Area existing operation and looks ahead to the provisions of the −− assessing the significance of recorded sites to the extent Olympic Dam Agreement, which has been negotiated between permitted by confidentiality constraints BHP Billiton and the Barngarla, and groups −− commenting on the potential impact of the proposed claiming an interest in the Olympic Dam region and expansion on Aboriginal cultural heritage sites infrastructure corridors. and values

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 545 • to describe the process for managing Aboriginal cultural Between September 2005 and August 2006, BHP Billiton heritage sites throughout the EIS Study Area by explaining: and the three Aboriginal groups also negotiated the detailed −− how Aboriginal groups are involved in protecting provisions of a comprehensive Aboriginal cultural heritage and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage sites management agreement (the Heritage Management Protocol). The provisions of that protocol were agreed to in August 2006 −− the process for mitigating impacts by salvaging, and are now incorporated in the Olympic Dam Agreement. protecting and managing cultural heritage sites and places In June 2007, meetings of each of the communities formally −− the process for managing sites where their destruction, endorsed entering into the Olympic Dam Agreement with damage or disturbance is unavoidable BHP Billiton, including the Heritage Management Protocol. −− how the unanticipated discovery of cultural material Details of the Heritage Management Protocol and the remains would be managed Olympic Dam Agreement are described in Section 17.5.2. −− the elements of proposed Aboriginal cultural heritage awareness training for BHP Billiton employees, The Olympic Dam Agreement was signed in January 2008. contractors, sub-contractors and consultants. Separate consultation with the , Arabunna, Dieri and groups has continued as required and BHP Billiton 17.2.2 consultation will consult with Aboriginal groups claiming an interest in any BHP Billiton maintains ongoing relationships with Aboriginal area where land disturbance would occur during the expansion. groups and engaged in a comprehensive process of negotiation and consultation which led to the signing of the Olympic Dam 17.2.3 Field surveys Agreement. As an initial step to negotiating the Olympic Comprehensive and ongoing Aboriginal cultural heritage Dam Agreement, BHP Billiton and the Kokatha, Barngarla and investigations have been undertaken over several decades Kuyani groups entered into an agreement in August 2005 to within the EIS Study Area, especially around Olympic Dam. discuss the implications of the proposed expansion (Olympic These investigations include field surveys and archaeological Dam Negotiation Agreement). The elements of the Olympic Dam salvage works (see Appendix P1 for list of heritage reports held Negotiation Agreement included: by BHP Billiton). Surveys have focused on areas that the existing • matters to be addressed in the final Olympic Dam operation and proposed expansion would disturb. The results Agreement, including a comprehensive Aboriginal cultural of these surveys are discussed in Sections 17.3.3 and 17.3.4. heritage management regime and an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) capable of being registered under the 17.2.4 risk and impact assessment The assessment of impacts and risks for the proposed • funding by BHP Billiton for the Aboriginal groups to expansion has been undertaken as two separate, but related, participate in the negotiations, for expert legal, financial processes (see Section 1.6.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction, and and other specialist advice and to hold community meetings Figure 1.11). to enable the representatives of the Aboriginal groups to inform their communities and obtain instructions from them Impacts and benefits are the consequence of a known event. in accordance with their decision making processes They are described in this chapter and categorised as high, • each of the Aboriginal groups and BHP Billiton appointing a moderate, low or negligible in accordance with the criteria negotiation team with separate legal representation for each presented in Table 1.3 (Chapter 1, Introduction). • appointing a lead negotiator to jointly represent the Aboriginal groups in the negotiations Risk assessments describe and categorise the likelihood and • appointing representatives of the National Native Title consequence of an unplanned event. These are presented in Tribunal (NNTT) to mediate and facilitate discussions. Chapter 26, Hazard and Risk.

Each of the parties to the Olympic Dam Negotiation Agreement 17.3 existing environment appointed a negotiating team and regular meetings began in 17.3.1 Aboriginal communities September 2005. Each monthly meeting was facilitated by the Historically, the Olympic Dam region was subject to nomadic NNTT. The Kokatha negotiation team included senior Aboriginal occupation only, and no Aboriginal communities lived there representatives of the Yankunytjatjara– people permanently. who are culturally affiliated with the Kokatha group.

The Kokatha (SAD6013/98) and Barngarla (SAD6011/98) groups have made a native title determination application (i.e. a claim) in accordance with the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 to most of the land within the EIS Study Area.

546 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 The Kuyani do not have a native title claim but are party to 17.3.3 identified Aboriginal cultural heritage the Federal Court proceedings concerning the Kokatha and FActors – ethnography Barngarla claims and assert they hold native title rights Places of ethnographic heritage significance to Aboriginal and interests in relation to the EIS Study Area. people have been recorded over several decades within the EIS Study Area and in particular the SML. These include The Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups have informed the mythological sites that are associated with song lines and Federal Court that they intend to form a single combined native stories of cultural significance, ceremonial sites, conception, title claim that covers the current area of overlap between birth and death sites. the Kokatha and Barngarla claims, including the area around the (see Figure 17.1). BHP Billiton has conducted ethnographic assessments of sections of the EIS Study Area likely to be affected by the Most of the ground-disturbing activities associated with the proposed infrastructure, including the rail line, airport, gas proposed expansion would occur in the area that is the subject pipeline, desalination plant, water supply pipeline, electricity of the native title claims by the Kokatha and Barngarla groups transmission line, Roxby Downs township, Hiltaba Village and and in which the Kuyani also express an interest. some water exploration drilling sites.

Approximately 60 km of the proposed 320 km water supply During 2006 and 2007, representatives from each of the pipeline, and approximately 40 km of the proposed 270 km Barngarla, Kokatha and Kuyani groups who can speak about electricity transmission line, are also within the area subject Aboriginal heritage inspected areas where infrastructure is to a native title claim by the Nukunu group (SAD6012/98). proposed. The representatives were joined by an independent heritage consultant, engaged jointly by the three Aboriginal The Dieri (SAD6017/98), Adnyamathanha (SAD6001/98), groups, and representatives from BHP Billiton. Yandruwandha/ (SAD6024/98) and Arabunna (SAD6025/98) groups have made native title claims to land where During 2006, representatives from the Nukunu group who sections of the gas pipeline corridor options may be established. can speak about Aboriginal heritage inspected the areas within the Nukunu claim area where the proposed water supply The People (SC00/1) have made a native title claim to pipeline and the electricity transmission line would be located. land where the proposed sulphur handling facility at Outer The representatives were also joined by an independent Harbor would be located. This land is owned by a third party heritage consultant. which has an agreement with the Kaurna People. Any further 17 development of the land would conform to that agreement. These inspections identified some sites of potential ethnographic significance within the vicinity of all infrastructure The land at the Port of Darwin (East Arm) that would support areas (i.e. within the vicinity of the proposed rail line, airport, the new infrastructure (including a storage shed and bulk desalination plant, gas pipeline corridor options, water supply materials loading facility) would be on land that has had pipeline, electricity transmission line, Roxby Downs township, native title extinguished. BHP Billiton would consult with the Hiltaba Village and some water exploration drilling sites). Larrakia Development Corporation to develop an Industry The places were identified on maps during the surveys and the Participation Plan. maps were verified by each group. It may be necessary to apply for approval to disturb one identified archaeological site and The boundaries of native title claims in relation to the one site of ethnographic significance within the water supply EIS Study Area are shown in Figure 17.1. pipeline route when the final pipeline alignment is determined. Should this occur, a site disturbance mitigation plan would be 17.3.2 confidentiality developed in consultation with the appropriate Aboriginal The Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups have requested that groups. Archaeological surveying of the infrastructure corridors BHP Billiton does not publicly disclose information about places is ongoing as the preferred locations for the various elements and stories of cultural significance to them in the Draft EIS. are determined. Other groups that have participated in Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys from time to time have made similar requests. Independent heritage consultants prepared reports that The location and cultural significance of these places has recorded the outcomes of the inspections. The outcomes of therefore been omitted from the Draft EIS. Within this the inspections conducted with the Barngarla, Kokatha and constraint, reference is made to specific survey reports and Kuyani groups will be managed in accordance with the to other information to demonstrate that a process has been Heritage Management Protocol. established to identify, record, protect and otherwise manage Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and places of significance to Aboriginal people.

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 547 Yandruwandha/ Yawarrawarrka Native Title Claim SC98/1, SAD6024/98

Moomba Dieri Native Title Claim SC97/4, SAD6017/98 The Arabunna People’s Native Title Claim SC98/2, SAD6025/98

Marree

OLYMPIC DAM

Roxby Downs

Kokatha Native Title Claim SC99/2, SAD6013/98

Adnyamathanha No.1 SC99/1, SAD6001/98

Port Augusta

Barngarla Native Title Claim SC96/4, SAD6011/98 Nukunu Native Title Claim SC96/5, SAD6012/98

Spencer Gulf Port Lincoln ADELAIDE

Darwin

Alice Springs Olympic Dam Agreement benefit area Brisbane

Roxby Downs Existing Olympic Dam Special Mining Lease Perth Adelaide Sydney Existing Roxby Downs Municipality Canberra

Melbourne EIS Study Area

Hobart 050100 150200 250 km

Figure 17.1 Native title claim boundaries

548 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 The current preferred corridor for the water supply pipeline The areas surveyed are shown on Figure 17.2. The main types and electricity transmission line avoids places of significance of archaeological sites recorded include: identified by the Nukunu group. If either the pipeline or • quarries from which stone for flaked artefacts (see Plate 17.1) transmission line corridor is altered and any place identified have been extracted. Quarries occur in the swales between by the Nukunu group as being of significance would potentially dunes or on the gibber plains be affected, further consultations will be undertaken with the • surface scatters of stone artefacts, where worked stone Nukunu people. remains in the landscape. These sites contain mainly flaked stone artefacts, grindstones (see Plate 17.2 and 17.3), During 2004, representatives from the Dieri, Adnyamathanha hammerstones and anvils (see Plate 17.4). There are often and Kuyani groups who can speak about Aboriginal heritage numerous unmodified blocks of stone (called manuports) inspected the area where the proposed gas pipeline corridor and occasionally clusters of hearthstones which are the options (Option 1 and Option 2) are located. These inspections remains of fireplaces. Most scatters of stone artefacts occur identified sites of potential ethnographic significance within on sand dunes or sand sheets, but some occur in the swales the vicinity of the proposed gas pipeline corridor options. between dunes or on the gibber plains

The proposed gas pipeline alignment options avoid places of • knapping floors, which are discrete clusters of artefacts significance identified by the Dieri, Adnyamathanha and Kuyani anywhere in the landscape (including at quarries) resulting groups. Further consultation with these groups and with the from stone being worked at those locations. An area or site Yandruwandha/Yawarrawarrka and Arabunna groups will be is defined as a knapping floor where the original block of undertaken when the preferred gas pipeline corridor option is stone can be largely reconstructed from the scattered pieces determined to ensure that there are no significant impacts to of flaked stone. Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and values.

17.3.4 identified Aboriginal cultural heritage FActors – archaeology The Olympic Dam operation has been the subject of numerous archaeological surveys since the early 1980s, with over 1,000 archaeological sites recorded in the region to mid-2007.

Surveys for the 1982 EIS 17 Before the Olympic Dam operation commenced, a number of archaeological studies were undertaken in the region, as described in the 1982 EIS (Kinhill-Stearns Roger 1982) and Plate 17.1 Three backed artefacts, the left and right made on oolitic chert, the centre one on silcrete 437 sites were recorded in the 1982 EIS surveys (see Table 17.1).

Table 17.1 Archaeological sites recorded during the 1982 EIS surveys

Survey area and Olympic Dam project Artefact Knapping Quarries Stone cairns Total number site numbers scatters floors only including of sites (including with knapping knapping floors floors) Road corridor, Olympic Dam to Purple Downs 41 1 2 1 45 (Nos. H80–H124)1 Road corridor, Purple Downs to Phillip Ponds 22 0 1 0 23 (Nos. H125–H147) Baseline survey (Nos. H1–H58) 51 1 5 1 58 Housing area survey (Nos. H59–H79) 16 4 1 0 21 Regional survey (Nos. H180–H208) 27 0 2 0 29 Whenan Shaft survey (Nos. H148–H179) 28 0 4 0 32 Project Area survey, Areas A, B and C 136 21 6 0 163 (Nos. H209–H371) Town site survey, Area D (Nos. H372–H384) 11 2 0 0 13 Wellfield A services corridor survey 48 0 5 0 53 (Nos. H385–H437) Total 380 29 26 2 437

1 All archaeological sites recorded during the 1982 EIS surveys appear with an H prefix to distinguish them from archaeological sites recorded subsequently.

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 549 Wellfield A Moomba

Finniss Springs Roxby Downs

Port Augusta

Whyalla

Port Pirie

Adelaide OLYMPIC DAM

Andamooka Roxby Downs See inset

Purple Downs

Philip Ponds Roxby Downs Woomera

Pimba

Island Lagoon

Inset Olympic Dam

Surveyed areas Wellfield A services corridor Surveyed for 1982 EIS Port Augusta Surveyed post 1982 Surveyed in 2007 Existing Olympic Dam Special Mining Lease Existing Roxby Downs Municipality EIS Study Area

01020304050 Point km Whyalla Lowly

Figure 17.2 Archaeological survey areas

550 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 Of the 437 sites recorded, 257 were recorded within the area Predictive model of the SML and Roxby Downs Municipality, and the remaining The archaeological surveys undertaken for the 1982 EIS covered 180 sites were recorded in the additional survey areas within approximately 40% of the 1982 EIS Study Area and allowed the the Olympic Dam region (see Figure 17.2 for 1982 EIS survey development of a precise, environmentally based archaeological areas). Detailed archaeological information was collected for predictive model that predicted the nature and distribution of approximately 200 of the 437 sites, with summary records archaeological sites. The surveys demonstrated that the wider being made of the remaining sites. Artefact assemblages were Olympic Dam region is rich in archaeological sites in the form of salvaged from three sites along the then proposed road from surface scatters of stone artefacts and quarries and that there Olympic Dam to Woomera (Sites H110, H112 and H116). are close relationships between the nature and distribution of archaeological sites and their environmental settings.

The predictive model was produced using terrain pattern mapping, supplemented by other environmental and geological information (see Figure 17.3). Examples of terrain pattern types which occur in the EIS Study Area are shown in Plates 17.5 to 17.7.

The model predicts that the nature and distribution of archaeological sites in the Olympic Dam region is based on the combination of landform type and geology in relation to three major factors, being proximity to: Plate 17.2 A grindstone dish made on sandstone • • sand on which to camp • raw materials for flaking stone artefacts.

Table 17.2 summarises the predicted nature and distribution of archaeological sites in the Olympic Dam region based on the combination of these factors. 17

Plate 17.3 A top grindstone made on a quartzite cobble

Plate 17.5 Terrain Pattern P4 (see Figure 17.3 for description)

Plate 17.4 An anvil made on a quartzite cobble

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 551 y km 0 cipalit uni 81 s s M m wn e Do eas c Da L Down by pi by ea ng Rox ym DAM ni Ar C Ol Rox Mi udy ng ng 246 YMPI ti ti St ecial is is S OL Ex Ex EI Sp 0 K2 K2 156 156 K1 146 K2 147 K1 264 K3 205 K4 148 K2 K4 145 137 K5 K2 198 136 K1 209 K5 153 K3 K3 199 204 K5 133 K2 144 210 K1 272 K1 212 K3 150 K3 K3 K1 208 135 200 K4 K4 143 202 K3 155 K5 K4 154 191 K1 197 K5 142 K1 187 K5 K5 K3 271 201 138 K4 213 K1 151 K5 270 K2 141 K5 190 K1 134 K5 267 K5 192 Q5 268 K5 196 K3 206 e K2 K4 139 K1 207 Q5 K5 168 157 140 K1 131 K3 266 K4 129 eas Q5 126 L K4 188 Q4 167 Q4 Q4 Q6 214 170 195 Q4 169 K3 158 Q4 ng 274 P1 y 263 Q5 9 194 K1 ni 159 K5 P3 Q5 262 216 11 K1 132 73 K3 Q6 130 Mi Q6 166 Q5 171 l cipalit P3 160 8 K3 215 P1 11 K5 ecia uni 127 Q4 165 P2 120 K4 Q5 186 161 Q5 Sp 125 7 s M K3 P1 261 11 Q5 180 m Q4 6 P3 193 122 Q3 P1 124 123 Q5 P3 260 11 P2 3 164 P1 P1 121 4 K1 163 11 c Da 20 5 Down Qs Q6 257 A3 P1 175 11 A4 2 pi 177 P4 11 Q5 184 by ea 4 P1 4 162 P2 174 P1 ym 172 108 Qs P4 11 Ar P1 173 Ol Rox Q5 181 Q5 185 A4 P5 111 109 P6 256 P2 176 0 P5 255 udy ng ng 56 Q6 Q4 11 ti ti P4 St 254 P5 107 P6 is is 106 S 4 5 Q3 178 100 Qs Ex Ex EI 101 Qs P2 P1 183 179 P1 104 P5 P4 182 103 P2 105 Q5 102 5 19 Qs s 80 Q4 s s dune

57 Q5 s 12 K4 dune dune aced

eas sp 74 ar Q5 aced aced

d tely sp sp 4 5

ion slope ge 13 55 Qs ra y Qs ct elan na el 5 ai Q5 14 A5 bl sse 253 A4 ode os 58 265 21 Q5 Qs 62 A4 78 A4 Ta Di Dr Widely M Cl

A2 252 A5 251 60 A5 1 2 3 4 5 6 A4 5 59 A4 250 15 Qs s 75 A5 5 61 A6 22 Qs 54 Q3 rise

5 53 A3 18 Q3 23 77 Qs A6 16 Q3 76 A4 A5 259 41 K3 24 Q3 st ony 10 Q5 50 A5 ne s s 52 K3 to it it e Q3 258 65 A4 e 25 17 Q4 Q6 273 Lak 40 K2 it

pos pos st one 66 A2 72 51 A1 K4 limes rtz 26 63 K4 A6 de de a 39 K2

34 A4 47 A4 a silt 64 A5 ry ry qu us 42 38 K5 A5 28 K2 04 Q6 ook a na na 27 eo K4 m er er 07 70 Q3 A4 48 A3 46 A5 at at da coon 03 etac Q3 08 K2 37 A5 71 A6 05 69 A5 33 Q5 K5 02 67 Q5 A6 Qu Qu Cr An Ar superimposed on low 29 K4 43 K6 44 A6 45 A5 06 09 K4 36 K1 K4 49 A5 68 30 A4 K5 01 Q4 32 A4 A5 35 31 269 A4 K3 Figure Terrain pattern 17.3 areas used for predictive model Q Qs K A P

552 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 Table 17.2 Predicted nature and distribution of archaeological sites in the Olympic Dam region (modified from Table 5.6 of 1982 EIS)

Landform type Summary Geology Predicted average statistics1 for landform type Arcoona Andamooka Cretaceous Recent Recent Quartzite (P) Limestone (A) Siltstones (K) dunefields dunefields over silcrete and clay pans (Qs) (Q) Tableland Frequency Very low X2 Low X X Low Size3 – 4 X – X X – Density5 – X – X X – Tableland with Frequency Very low Low Low X X Low dissection slopes Size – Medium Very large X X Very large Density – Medium Very high X X Very high Drainage Frequency Very low Low Low X Low Low Depressions Size – Very large Large X Very large Very large Density – Very high Very high X Low Very high Widely spaced Frequency Low Low Medium Very high High High dunes Size Large Medium Large Large Large Large Density High Medium Medium High High High Moderately spaced Frequency Medium Very low High Low Low Medium dunes Size Medium – Large Large Large Large Density High – High Medium Medium Medium Closely spaced Frequency Very low Very low Very low X Low Low dunes Size – – – X – – Density – – – X – –

1 Frequency of sites in each terrain pattern is based on the following subjective scale: very low, low, medium, high, very high. 2 X indicates that the particular combination of geology and landform does not exist. 3 Size of sites: low (<10 m²); medium (10–99 m²); large (100–999 m²); very large (1,000 m² or greater). 4 – indicates insufficient information on which to base a summary statement. 5 17 Density of artefacts: low (<0.1/m²); medium (0.1–1/m²); high (1–10/m²); very high (>10/m²).

Surveys between 1982 and 1998 Numerous archaeological surveys were conducted between 1982 and 1998 (see Figure 17.2): • surveys in 1986 of the 132 kV transmission line corridor from Woomera to Olympic Dam and the proposed fence lines around the perimeter of the SML identified 31 archaeological sites • surveys during 1994 and 1995 within the SML identified 124 sites • surveys between 1996 and 1998 within the SML and

Plate 17.6 Terrain Pattern Q4 in the foreground and Q5 the Roxby Downs Municipality areas proposed for the in the background (see Figure 17.3 for description) 1997 expansion identified 89 sites • surveys of the proposed 275 kV transmission line from Port Augusta to Woomera, described in the 1997 EIS and incorporating a number of alternative corridor alignments, identified 26 sites.

An analysis of the archaeological data collected during these surveys strengthened the predictive model produced for the 1982 EIS in the region extending from in the south to in the north.

Plate 17.7 Terrain Pattern Qs4 (see Figure 17.3 for description)

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 553 Salvage investigations between 1982 and 1998 sites of potential special scientific value in addition to those The 1982 EIS recommended that nine sites of special scientific listed in Table 17.3 that might warrant salvage if they were value within the SML and five sites along an area known as affected by the proposed expansion. the Wellfield A corridor (located outside the EIS Study Area, • Fieldwork was undertaken to examine the archaeological see Figure 17.2) undergo further recording and salvage work sites of potential special scientific importance identified in if deemed necessary. the 1982 EIS and the 2006 desktop review. The fieldwork assessed the current status of the sites and recommended Detailed recording was undertaken at all 14 sites in 1985, with 12 sites considered to be of special scientific importance for salvage work undertaken at two of the sites within the SML and future salvage work, and/or management (see Table 17.4). a third site within the Wellfield A corridor as shown in Table 17.3. Proposed gas pipeline corridor options In 1996, as a contribution to a large multidisciplinary A number of archaeological and ethnographic studies have been investigation led by the Royal Geographical Society of South undertaken along the proposed gas pipeline corridor options Australia (known as the Lake Eyre South Study), archaeological since 2004 (see Figure 17.5). These studies covered the Olympic excavations were undertaken at a further two archaeologically Dam to Wellfield B corridor and the corridors for Option 1 and 2 important sites at Olympic Dam. One of the sites excavated was (Donovan 2005). The proposed route option from Compressor H364, identified in the 1982 EIS, and the 1985 salvage project, Station No. 2 to Moomba (Option 3) was not part of these as a site of special scientific value (see Table 17.3). The other previous studies. site, ODO2A40, had been identified in 1995 as a site with the potential to contain subsurface archaeological material. These assessments identified a number of sites that could potentially be affected by the proposed development. In 1998, surface sand containing artefacts from 59 sites Archaeological sites recorded in the vicinity of the corridors recorded during 1997 and 1998 in the area of the proposed included artefact scatters, stone arrangements, quarries and expansion of the tailings storage facility (TSF) was collected a grave site. Furthermore, there are a number of potential and deposited in two nearby locations (see Figure 17.4 for the sites in the area identified from the Aboriginal Affairs and location of these sites). A detailed record was made of the most Reconciliation Division (AARD) database. A summary of the important archaeological site, TRSA24, before it was salvaged. findings of these studies is provided in Table 17.5. This involved site mapping and a comprehensive description, analysis and interpretation of the stone artefact assemblage. Some sections of the proposed routes were realigned to avoid ethnographic and archaeological sites. Further field Investigations for the current Draft EIS surveys would be required when the preferred alignment has The following investigations were undertaken during 2006: been finalised to ensure sites are avoided and to identify any • A desktop review of the recorded archaeological sites in, previously unrecorded sites or places of significance. and adjacent to, the EIS Study Area. This review identified

Table 17.3 Status of the archaeological sites of special scientific value investigated in 1985 (AS = stone artefact scatter, KF = knapping floors)

Site No. Site Type 1982 recommendations Salvage work undertaken in 1985 Project Area H222 AS/KF Record and collect if desirable Recorded H237 AS/KF Record and collect if desirable Recorded and collected H258 AS/KF Record and collect Recorded and collected H259 KF Record and collect Recorded H299 AS/KF Record and collect Recorded H325 AS Record Recorded H330 AS/KF Record and collect Recorded H347 AS/KF Record and collect if desirable Recorded H364 AS/KF Record and collect Recorded1 Wellfields service corridor H391 AS/KF Record and collect Recorded H408 AS Record and collect Recorded H418 AS Record and collect Recorded H432 AS Record and collect Recorded and collected H433 AS Record and collect Recorded

1 Collected (i.e. salvaged) subsequently in 1996.

554 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 ty s km wn cipali ni Do 81 by Mu 0. s Rox e .6 DAM eas c Dam L Down pi 40 ng by ea YMPI C 0. ym ni Ar OL Ol Rox y l Mi .2 ud ng ng p nt ti ti St ecia te is is Ma S ex 00 Ex Sp Ex EI 2 9 24 23

5) ES ES A5 1 GH GH DO 24

46 (O HU HU 45 ES OA G2 OA 42 GH OD PW ) OD OA HU 37 OD 43 8 24 D2 06 05 40 0 25 OA (O SA

SA ) 7 SA 24

TR ES OA 5 39 TR OD 58 07 23 TR

ES 38

AS 17 GH OD OA SA D2 41 ES GH OA 26 23 HU (O TR EP3 OD GH OA 44 SA HU OD SA 19 8 4) HU TR OD 53 G1 TR OA SA 12 23

A5 TR OA PW OD SA ES DO 08 15 TR OD 14 GH (O 04 27 SA SA 22 SA HU SA SA TR TR SA 16 21 03 TR 8 TR TR TR SA 11 SA SA A2 18 25 TR SA FI 13 TR TR 17 0 SA SA 02 TR SA 22 SA TR TR

SA TR TR 9 ES 20 TR 8 SA A2 GH FI 21 TR

HU ES 9 0 21 GH

A3 09 FI ES 10 HU SA SA GH TR TR e HU G3 eas L 4 01 PW G4 ng A3 SA 1 ni PW FI TR A3 Mi FI 2 on ti A3 ecial ca FI 3 Sp lo A3 ge FI ra c Dam pi sto G5 te te ym si si PW

Ol ed ed ng ag ag ti lv lv is Sa Sa Ex Figure 17.4 ArchaeologicalFigure 17.4 salvaged sites

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 555 Table 17.4 Assessment of scientific value of extant archaeological sites and recommendations for salvage work (AS = stone artefact scatter, KF = knapping floors)

Site No. Site Type 2006 assessment and recommendations Listed sites from the 1982 EIS H222 AS/KF Moderately high salvage potential H299 AS/KF Moderate salvage potential (knapping floors) H330 AS/KF High salvage potential H347 AS/KF High salvage potential H408 AS Not inspected. If it is ever threatened, relocate, reassess its scientific value and salvage if warranted Sites identified since 1994 FIA17 AS/KF Very high salvage potential FP80 AS/KF Very high salvage potential ODO3A23 AS High salvage potential TRSA28 AS Moderate salvage potential TRSA43 AS Moderate salvage potential ODOMA38 AS Moderate salvage potential, especially Area 1 ODOMA30 AS Lies inside Arid Recovery and not inspected. If it is ever threatened, relocate, reassess its scientific value and salvage if warranted

Table 17.5 Summary of archaeological and ethnographic sites identified in the vicinity of the proposed gas pipeline corridor options (from Donovan 2005)

Route section Summary of report findings Option 1 (PS6 to Moomba)1 Six potential ethnographic sites and 10 archaeological sites are recorded as being located within or in close proximity to the corridor. AARD identified one registered and three reported potential sites (Snake Dam Artefact Site, Coodlunga Dam Artefact Site, Dulkaninna Stone Arrangement 2 and Mount Well Mythological Site). Option 2 (PS6 to Compressor Station No. 2)1 Ten potential ethnographic and 10 archaeological sites are recorded as being located within or in close proximity to the corridor. AARD listed one registered site and three reported potential sites (Snake Dam Artefact scatter, St Mary’s Pool 1, Wadnhadi awi and Yarlu vari). Wellfield B PS6 to Olympic Dam mine Five potential ethnographic sites and 44 archaeological sites are recorded as being located within or in close proximity to the existing easements.

1 Olympic Dam Operation (ODO) Wellfield B Site 3 is included under both Option 1 and 2 as it has a potential impact on both corridors.

Archaeological investigations in 2007 in earlier surveys and anticipated in the predictive model. Between July and November 2007 another 100 km2 (i.e. almost A key finding from the intensive field survey was that no new three times the area surveyed previously) was surveyed in or anomalous site characteristics were observed. The similarity varying degrees of detail. The 2007 survey was concentrated of sites found during this survey with those recorded in the in a relatively limited number of terrain patterns, mainly within previous decades, and their conformity with the predictive the SML (see Figure 17.2). The data collected during 2007 model, is because there are strongly and clearly defined confirmed that the predictive model developed in 1981 has the archaeological patterns across the region. These archaeological capacity to accurately forecast a suite of important qualities patterns display a high level of ‘redundancy’ in the sense that about archaeological sites across the range of landscapes they are repeated over and over in comparable environmental which characterise the EIS Study Area. contexts throughout the EIS Study Area. As a consequence, a key conclusion of these investigations is that the complete About 4,000 archaeological sites were recorded across five range of sites that exist within the EIS Study Area has been terrain patterns. This number of sites was entirely expected observed and characterised. from the results of previous investigations and their nature and distribution was consistent with the predictions of the model. Furthermore, the location and density of sites recorded in 2007 was consistent with patterns of site variation within and between geological regimes and landform types, as observed

556 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 e eas L ng y na t) ni on en ke e Mi l ab La as cipalit em ll area area Le Ca ey ey ecia uni eas rv rv ng e Sp s M ni su su lin m Mi ne ge ge pe li pi c Da Down rita rita pe Moomba r pi alignment options ecial pi ea te by he he e

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Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 557 17.4 design modifications to protect Sites of this size are probably reasonably common in the region. environmental values Similar sites have been recorded further afield, such as the even larger Rocky Creek site near Lake Eyre South described by 17.4.1 environmental values Hughes and Hiscock (2005). Section 17.3 describes the places of ethnographic heritage significance to Aboriginal people within the EIS Study Area. The principles for assessing the significance of archaeological The section also notes that over 4,000 archaeological sites have sites in the Olympic Dam region have been incorporated into been identified, most within the Olympic Dam region, with the the Heritage Management Protocol. 2007 survey work for the expansion project confirming the accuracy of the archaeological predictive model, developed in The issue of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance has been 1981, to forecast the nature and distribution of archaeological discussed extensively (see Bowdler 1983 and 1984; Pearson and sites. Fourteen sites have been assigned a high level of Sullivan 1995 for examples). Despite differences in approaches significance at the local level with moderate to very high used by heritage practitioners, there is general consensus on salvage potential. Of these, five have already been salvaged. the basis for assigning scientific (or archaeological) significance to sites. Sites (or complexes of sites) are generally regarded as Protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage places and sites is having high scientific or archaeological significance if they a project planning and management objective. satisfy at least one of the following criteria: • rare (or possibly unique) in a local, regional or national 17.4.2 mAjor elements of the project design context The protection of Aboriginal places and sites typically relies • a good example, which is representative of a particular site on prior planning and management, where opportunities type (a criterion which is generally extended to exclude to pre-empt impacts are high. Infrastructure alignments can severely disturbed sites where the initial value has been be moved to avoid archaeological sites where practicable; compromised) otherwise potentially affected Aboriginal places and sites are conserved by recording and, for the more significant sites, • a site with high research potential, able to provide answers salvage. These measures and controls are part of the Olympic to contemporary research questions Dam Agreement and Heritage Management Protocol and are • a site with particular characteristics (including aesthetic described in Section 17.5. value or visual impact) that make it a good example to use for educational or public awareness purposes. 17.5 impact assessment and management As implied in the criteria, archaeological significance is never 17.5.1 significance assessment of absolute but is, as Bowdler (1984) and many other Archaeological sites archaeologists have noted, a ‘mutable value’ subject to change An estimated 675 archaeological sites were recorded in over time. For the Draft EIS, relative archaeological significance 2 sample surveys that covered approximately 35 km within the has been assessed at three levels – local, regional and national. SML and its surrounds. This is an average of approximately In this instance: 20 archaeological sites per square kilometre. The same types • local is the area encompassed by the Olympic Dam operation of archaeological sites, in the same range of environmental settings, continue in a north-south direction from Port Augusta • regional is the area bounded by in the east, in the south to Lake Eyre in the north, over a distance of in the west, Spencer Gulf in the south and approximately 450 km (see Hughes and Hiscock 2005). Lake Eyre in the north At this density, it is likely that there are approximately • national identifies sites in the context of state-wide and 160,000 archaeological sites of the kind recorded at Olympic national significance. Dam within a radius of 50 km of the Olympic Dam operation. As a consequence, a very small proportion of sites of the The majority of sites recorded in the Olympic Dam area same type that exist in the EIS Study Area would be affected (corresponding to the area shown on Figure 17.2) are assessed by the proposed expansion. as having low scientific significance because they do not meet any of the criteria set out above. None of the sites listed in When TRSA24 (a site with a rich, diverse assemblage of Tables 17.3 and 17.4 as having the highest significance in the 10,500 stone artefacts) was investigated in 2003, it was local context would have more than moderate scientific estimated that there were probably several hundred sites significance in the regional context. with similar characteristics within a 50 km radius. During the 1981 reconnaissance survey to test the predictive model in It is likely that there are many additional archaeological sites the region, two very large and diverse sites were located: in the Olympic Dam area with similar characteristics to those H184 with an estimated 360,000 artefacts visible on the already assessed as having high local scientific significance. surface and H203 with some 800,000 artefacts. Other similar If further work confirms this, then sites recorded as having high sites are likely in the surrounding area. local scientific significance would be assigned a lower level of scientific significance.

558 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 The Olympic Dam region is rich in archaeological sites, but most • giving the Native Title Parties copies of each Archaeological have only low scientific significance and no salvage potential. Report it commissions Of the archaeological sites already recorded, the 14 with the • undertaking Archaeological Mitigation Measures highest significance in the local context have moderate to (e.g. undertake salvage of some archaeological sites) very high salvage potential. Five of these have been salvaged • taking reasonable measures to safeguard culturally sensitive already and five of the remaining nine have high to very high information in a manner identified by the Native Title Party salvage potential. The residual impact is categorised as low. that provided the information.

17.5.2 ongoing involvement of 17.5.3 process for the mitigation of impacts Aboriginal communities through survey, salvage and management The ongoing involvement of the Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups in protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural Ethnographic surveys heritage sites and values will be governed by the Heritage Where it has not already done so, BHP Billiton will conduct Management Protocol and, more generally, the Olympic Dam ethnographic surveys over areas where the proposed Agreement (as it is fully implemented). The Olympic Dam infrastructure for the expanded project may be located in Agreement includes: consultation with: • the Heritage Management Protocol, containing an agreed • the Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups in accordance process for managing the impacts of the expanded project with the processes agreed in the Heritage Management on Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and an ongoing Protocol Aboriginal cultural heritage protection and management • Aboriginal groups other than the Kokatha, Barngarla and regime Kuyani groups who are recognised as having Aboriginal • payments to be made by BHP Billiton arising from the cultural heritage interests to a standard necessary to comply expanded project over the remaining life of the Olympic Dam with South Australian Aboriginal heritage laws. mine for the benefit of the Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups and for Aboriginal people living in the region shown Future archaeological investigations in Figure 17.1 A program of ongoing archaeological investigations has • a trust for administering those payments been agreed to by the Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups. • employing a liaison officer whose duties would include The program includes the participation of Aboriginal consulting with BHP Billiton and Aboriginal people about archaeological field trainees nominated by the groups 17 Aboriginal cultural heritage to accompany qualified archaeologists. • establishing an Aboriginal employment and training plan to facilitate opportunities to employ Aboriginal people The program has been designed to mitigate the impact of the within the expanded project expanded project by undertaking: • cross-cultural awareness training for BHP Billiton employees • field survey work to record data on archaeological sites and contractors in areas not already surveyed (not all of which would be affected) • a process for managing environmental issues • salvage work on a selection of archaeological sites affected • the agreement of the Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani by necessary ground disturbance work which have special peoples to BHP Billiton expanding and continuing to operate archaeological value the Olympic Dam operation over its remaining life. • identifying a similar suite of sites outside the EIS Study Area with similar values which would be protected in the long The Heritage Management Protocol includes: term. • proceeding with the Olympic Dam Expansion in a manner that is respectful of the interests and concerns of the The expanded project would cover a larger area than the SML Native Title Parties and includes terrain pattern types about which there is little • funding Ethnographic Mitigation Measures (e.g. ceremonies or no direct archaeological information. Further archaeological prior to disturbance of ethnographic sites) survey work in association with the proposed expansion • having areas surveyed for archaeological sites by an would provide an opportunity to expand the database for archaeologist using a scientifically valid predictive sampling understanding the archaeology of the Olympic Dam region. model prior to significant ground disturbance It is anticipated that the outcome of the survey program • providing funding for one member from each of the Kokatha, outlined below would further strengthen the predictive Barngarla and Kuyani to be trained to a standard sufficient model and the understanding that arises from it. for them to be engaged as a field assistant in the undertaking of field surveys

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 559 In undertaking the survey work in the SML and its surrounds, ‘Less detailed’ surveys two levels of field survey and recording are to be used: This method would consider the remainder of the SML and its • ‘formal’ field survey and recording where detailed records surrounds. It would exclude areas already surveyed and/or would be made of each archaeological site and its affected by the present mine infrastructure but include areas environmental setting in terrain patterns where some information already exists. Most of the categories of information recorded during formal • ‘less detailed’ field survey and recording where only basic surveys would be recorded, but in less detail. records would be made of the archaeological sites.

The SML and its surrounds would be divided into survey Field surveys and recording would also be conducted over areas corresponding to the different terrain patterns. The those areas where the expanded project infrastructure corridors archaeological material located would be recorded in sufficient would be located. detail to check whether it was consistent with the predictions of the model. A basic record would be made of the locations, ‘Formal’ survey amounts and characteristics of such materials, which would Since archaeological survey work commenced at Olympic Dam serve as the records of those sites that eventually would be in 1980 to permit assessment of the impact of the initial affected and/or destroyed in development areas. operation, approximately 35 km2 (i.e. more than 20% of the SML) has been surveyed in detail. The ongoing program is Only where the archaeological material or its environmental 2 intended to survey in detail a minimum additional 60 km within context differs markedly from the predicted pattern would the SML and its surrounds (i.e. at least 10% of the total area). specific detailed archaeological records be made.

The formal surveys would concentrate on sample areas that Field survey methods target terrain patterns where there has been little recording In sand dune terrain, the field team would cover the survey to date and terrain patterns well away from any previously areas by walking along dunes and zigzag walking across recorded areas. Sampling would occur at locations where swales. On gibber plains, ‘breakaway’ country and drainage no development works are proposed, as well as in areas that depressions, the field team would drive across the landscape in would be affected by the proposed new infrastructure. a series of transects. Stops would be made at features such as rock outcrops or the margins of water-holding pans to look for Applying this approach in the south-eastern corner of the SML, evidence of quarrying or for stone artefact scatters (campsites) for example, there are extensive areas of the Arcoona Quartzite respectively. Where gibber plains are shown to be relatively terrain pattern types (see Table 17.2) that would be included ‘rich’ in archaeological materials (e.g. where good flaking quality in the ‘formal’ field survey and recording program because silcrete occurs prolifically), transects will be covered on foot. these types were not well covered in the 1982 EIS surveys. Isolated dunes on gibber plains will also be inspected on foot. Conversely, less detailed survey and recording work would be undertaken in areas where there are already large numbers of The detailed archaeological information from the formal survey, archaeological site records. This includes those areas in which combined with the findings of the less detailed surveys, would most of the present mine infrastructure (including the plant increase the spatial distribution of the archaeological database and tailings storage facilities) and Roxby Downs are located. to a level sufficient for BHP Billiton to assess reliably the Other parts of these same terrain patterns that are well away nature, distribution and archaeological significance of the from the already well recorded areas would be included in the archaeological record across the EIS Study Area. formal survey sample. Salvage program When archaeological sites were located in the course of the The Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups have agreed to formal surveys, detailed records would be made of their a salvage program, which would involve archaeological field environmental settings, dimensions, archaeological contents trainees nominated by those Aboriginal groups. The salvage (including details of the different implement types and their program would combine field recording, collecting and raw materials) and locations with respect to sources of stone excavating nominated stone artefact assemblages. raw materials and drinking water. These records would enable predictions of the likelihood of significant sites occurring within The 12 sites listed in Table 17.4 are assessed to have salvage development zones to be evaluated in detail and would help potential and each was identified as being ‘rich’ in stone refine the identification of sites where mitigation activities artefacts. That is, the sites had large numbers of artefacts would take place. They would also serve as records of those at high densities, and a diverse range of artefacts made from sites that eventually would be affected and/or destroyed in a diverse range of raw material. The list also includes quarries development areas. with knapping floors and a few small sites with a limited number of artefacts, but with knapping floors reflecting specific kinds of stone reduction technology. The locations of the 12 archaeological sites with salvage potential are shown on Figure 17.6.

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ng to ty ni te Mi ra cipali de ni ecial mo Mu Sp l s of ia s nt site c Dam Down pi y po te e ym ag Ol Ro xb lv sa ng ng ti ti chaeological is is gh hi Ar Ex Ex Figure 17.6 ArchaeologicalFigure 17.6 sites of moderate to very high salvage potential

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 561 It is anticipated that the five sites considered to have high enhance interpretations of the predictive model in terms of to very high salvage potential (H330, H347, FIA17, FP80 and human settlement and landscape use. Sediment samples from ODO3A23, see Table 17.4) would be included in the salvage beneath artefacts would also be collected to enable further mitigation program. Any archaeological material removed during analyses in the future (e.g. luminescent dating). the program would be held and managed by Aboriginal people. A decision on the inclusion (if any) of the five sites considered Where buried materials exist, limited excavations using to have moderate or moderately high salvage potential (H222, standard archaeological techniques would be carried out. H299, TRSA28, TRSA43, ODOMA38, see Table 17.4), would be Such excavations would allow the abundance of sub-surface made when the archaeological survey work program was well artefacts to be quantified, permit their stratigraphic/vertical advanced and a list of other sites with salvage mitigation distribution to be identified and potentially reveal when the potential had been prepared. The two sites that were not area was occupied and the nature of change in occupation inspected (H408 and ODOMA30) can be assessed if they are at selected sites. threatened by disturbance from the proposed expansion and a decision made at that time about whether salvaging would Long-term management of archaeological sites be warranted. A widely adopted form of cultural heritage mitigation is to identify and record a suite of archaeological sites similar to those It is anticipated that further archaeological sites considered that would be affected, which could be permanently preserved to be of special scientific value would be located during future in areas that would not be directly affected by development archaeological survey work. Sites that contain large, diverse and, to the extent practicable, would include sites of special artefact assemblages and/or have unusual levels of preservation scientific value. and/or have materials in potentially dateable/stratified contexts would be considered to have special scientific value. Most, if Additional survey work would be undertaken within and not all, of these sites (including those that would be affected) outside the EIS Study Area to identify this representative suite would probably warrant detailed recording and/or salvage by of archaeological sites. In particular, areas proposed to be set archaeologists with expertise in the analysis of stone artefact aside to provide a significant environmental benefit (SEB) as assemblages. required by the Native Vegetation Act 1991 (see Chapter 15, Terrestrial Ecology) would be surveyed to identify their Ministerial approval would be sought as required by South archaeological value. Australian Aboriginal heritage legislation before any salvage work commenced. 17.5.4 process for managing sites where disturbance cannot be avoided Salvage method Ethnographic sites Sites deemed to have special scientific value and selected The proposed expansion would involve extensive land for further work would be recorded in greater detail. These disturbance within the SML and its surrounds over time. recordings would document the spatial pattern of artefacts This would be necessary to construct and operate the new open across the site, and the dimensions and technical features of pit mine and associated facilities, including the rock storage artefacts. This would typically involve laying out a grid over the facility (RSF), metallurgical plant and tailings storage facilities site and individually recording all the specimens within each (TSF). As a result, the impact on some places identified as grid square. Alternatively, sites in which the artefacts lay on having ethnographic significance would be unavoidable. stable surfaces (e.g. quarries on pans or gibber plains) might be more appropriately recorded by laser plotting each artefact The infrastructure corridors and the proposed desalination prior to recording. This process of recording facilitates decisions plant would also require some ground disturbance, although, about whether collection or excavation is required, and if so where practical, infrastructure would be located to avoid places where to focus that salvage work. of significance to Aboriginal people.

Some of these sites would also be salvaged, or partially The potential impact of the expanded project on ethnographic salvaged. Where the excavation potential was minimal, salvage sites was recognised by BHP Billiton and the Aboriginal parties would take the form of collecting specimens after their location from the outset of negotiations for the Olympic Dam Agreement. within the site had been recorded. Specimens would be bagged, The need to manage impacts in an appropriate and sensitive labelled, catalogued and packed for transportation to a manner was one of the issues discussed. laboratory where they would be measured, photographed and, where appropriate, joined back together (conjoined). Specialist studies may be able to reveal the functions of some artefacts through studies of the residues and wear left on artefact surfaces. These practices provide an accurate archival record of the specimens which would be stored as a permanent document of past human activities at the site, as well as revealing the nature of those activities. The resulting data would test and

562 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 The Heritage Management Protocol provides a detailed regime 17.5.5 process for managing the unanticipated to manage the effect of ground disturbing activities on the discovery of cultural material remains Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and values. Elements of that The Heritage Management Protocol sets out the agreed process regime include: for managing the unanticipated discovery of cultural remains. • representatives of each of the Kokatha, Barngarla and This includes stopping work immediately and notifying the Kuyani groups who have appropriate cultural authority authorities, Aboriginal parties and site management in would conduct an ethnographic inspection of previously accordance with legal requirements. If required, BHP Billiton identified ethnographic sites within the SML and its would facilitate the relocation or disposal of the remains in surrounds, accompanied by a qualified anthropologist a culturally appropriate manner. who would report on the outcome of that inspection in collaboration with the Aboriginal groups Implementing this management process throughout the • the Aboriginal groups would determine a culturally planning, construction and operation phases of the proposed appropriate schedule of mitigation measures that could expansion would ensure that the residual impact was low. include: 17.5.6 Aboriginal cultural heritage awareness −− conducting ceremonies training −− further visits to and inspections of particular places BHP Billiton currently has an induction program for all new of significance employees and contractors at Olympic Dam, which includes −− cultural recording using appropriate media a cross cultural awareness component. As part of the Olympic • BHP Billiton funding the mitigation measures. Dam Agreement, cross cultural training of staff is recognised as an important means to protect the Aboriginal cultural values In relation to the infrastructure corridors and the proposed of the region. The aim of the training is to: desalination plant, BHP Billiton would consult with Aboriginal • ensure all employees, contractors, sub-contractors, and stakeholders and endeavour to minimise or mitigate against consultants are aware of Aboriginal traditions and culture impact. If impact could not be avoided, BHP Billiton would seek • promote a knowledge and understanding of, and respect for, Ministerial approval to disturb those sites as required by South Aboriginal tradition and culture Australian Aboriginal heritage legislation. • foster good relationships between Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal people Archaeological sites • instil an understanding of the Olympic Dam Agreement 17 All project development works requiring the surface to and the Heritage Management Protocol. be cleared with heavy earth-moving machinery have the potential to affect sites in those areas. The proposed expansion would involve open pit mining and the associated RSF, the 17.6 Findings and conclusions construction of roads, access tracks, buildings, plant and The following summarises the findings and conclusions from the expanded TSF. Because archaeological materials occur the Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment: throughout the SML and its surrounds, it is impracticable to make specific recommendations as to the siting of the • Aboriginal heritage sites and values in the Olympic Dam components of the development based on archaeological region have been extensively studied over the past 35 years factors; it is highly likely relocating the components because and will continue to be investigated as part of the proposed of their impact on certain archaeological sites would only expansion cause similar impacts on the newly selected locations. • the Olympic Dam region is rich in archaeological sites, In any event, the residual impact of disturbance to sites but most have low scientific significance and no salvage has been categorised as moderate. potential • the Olympic Dam Agreement, signed in January 2008, Where practical the infrastructure corridors and the proposed sets out the terms and conditions upon which the Kokatha, desalination plant would be located to avoid archaeological Barngarla and Kuyani Aboriginal people agree to the sites. If such sites could not be avoided, BHP Billiton would Olympic Dam Project, and includes a regime for the ongoing seek Ministerial approval to disturb them as required by South protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage Australian Aboriginal heritage legislation, and in so doing sites and values would consult with Aboriginal stakeholders and endeavour • the Heritage Management Protocol has been developed in to minimise or mitigate against impacts. consultation with, and with the agreement of, the Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups. It contains a procedure for managing impacts of the proposed expansion on Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and values within the EIS Study Area

Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009 563 • sites of potential ethnographic significance have been identified near some of the proposed infrastructure components. For the Kokatha, Barngarla and Kuyani groups, these sites will be managed in accordance with the Heritage Management Protocol. Further consultation will be undertaken with the Nukunu, Dieri, Adnyamathanha and other groups if any identified sites are potentially affected by the expansion and to keep other groups informed at Outer Harbor and the Port of Darwin.

564 Olympic Dam Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2009