McARTHURMEMO RIVER MINING RANDUSEPTEMBERM 2007 – EDITION 6 (L-R) Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Kon Vatskalis, with Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Association Chairperson, Frazer Baker, and MRM General Manager, Brian Hearne, celebrate the formation of the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust in Borroloola $32 Million Trust in “The extended mine life, made possible Mr Billy Coolibah, a Traditional Owner of the by the open pit development, provides the Gurdanji people on whose land the mine is Borroloola opportunity for MRM to expand its support for located, said: “It’s a very good thing for jobs the regional community,” Mr Hearne said. and the people of Borroloola. The mine does MRM will provide in the order of $32 million a great deal for our community. We look to deliver economic and social benefits to Minister for Regional Development, Kon forward to the good things this money the Borroloola region via a Trust established Vatskalis said the agreement acknowledges will provide.” through agreements signed on 4 July with the the shared regional objectives of the Northern Territory Government. community, the Northern Territory Fellow Gurdanji Traditional Owner, Mr Ronny Government and MRM in developing the Ragget said: “The Community Benefits Trust is MRM GM, Brian Hearne and Northern Gulf region. a good thing. We support the mine. They help Territory Minister for Regional Development, our families and provide more opportunity for the Hon Kon Vatskalis, signed an agreement “This is the first ever agreement of its kind our young fellas and the community.” for the establishment of a Trust which will that’s been signed in the Territory, and I tell fund local initiatives in the areas of enterprise you, it’s not going to be the last,” These comments were endorsed by Ms Judy and job creation, environment, arts, culture, Mr Vatskalis said. Cotton, Principal of the Borroloola Community health, education, social and Education Centre who said: “The money “The significance of this type of agreement community development. provided by MRM will be money well spent is hugely important. It is a benchmark for in building the educational capacity of the Mr Hearne said the documents formalised the what might be possible with other significant community and will enhance the quality of life mine’s commitment to the delivery of long- economic projects that emerge across of people in Borroloola.” term community benefits. This includes MRM’s the Territory.” commitment to achieve 20 percent indigenous Mr Hearne said community involvement was workforce participation at the mine and www.mcarthurriver.com.au important to the success of the Trust and increased local purchasing. engagement with community on the structure, [email protected] focus and priorities was a critical first step in 1800 211 573 its implementation. McARTHUR RIVER MINING SEPTEMBER 2007 – EDITION 6 2 2 McARTHUR RIVER MINING AUGUST 2007 – EDITION 6 This Committee makes recommendations How does the to a Trustee Board which comprises nine Community Directors whose roles are to manage the Trustee company’s business and affairs, Benefits authorise payments and appoint supporting Trust work? officers. The Trustee Board will comprise nine The MRM Community Benefits Trust relies Directors: heavily on community involvement which will drive the Trust and is essential to • 2 appointed by NT Government A Message from its success. (one independent) Richard Galton and The community will be involved through Shirley McPherson the GM submitting program ideas and advising on • 2 appointed by the mine (one priorities to an Allocations and Investments This edition of MemoRanduM provides independent) Sue Sara and Col Fuller evidence of how MRM is contributing to Advisory Committee. the community. • 1 elected by Community Members These ideas and priorities can also be The finalisation of agreements for the MRM submitted via recognised Community • 4 representing Indigenous Members Community Benefits Trust, our sponsorship Members (organisations), Indigenous (1 from each language group in the of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s first Members and Advisory Committees (such as Borroloola region), Ronny Raggett regional tour to Borroloola, our annual sponsorship of the Borroloola Show and the MAWA Committee). (Gurdanji), Samuel Evans (Mara), Rodeo that just get better every year and Adrianne Friday (Yanyuwa) and Tony Jack Community organisations will be invited significantly, our support for new Airnorth (Garrawa). jet services to McArthur River, are all by the Directors of the Board to become indicative of the benefits that can come from Community Members of the Trust and The Directors will develop and approve the the mining operation. participate as representatives of their Annual Plan for the Trust. The Annual Plan community. This is one of the ways for local will map out the Trust’s activities for the year The Trust is a particularly important residents to become involved in the Trust. including initiatives to increase the number development for us as it puts on paper, our of Indigenous and local people employed at commitment to the future of our region. In addition, community organisations will the mine. We have always accepted our responsibility have the opportunity to nominate and elect to support the community surrounding our one of their representatives to the Trustee For more information on the Trust, operations and this is shown through our Board. download a copy of the fact sheet on the history of sponsorships, donations and in- MRM website www.mcarthurriver.com.au The Board will then appoint Community kind support provided. or contact the MRM Community Relations Members and indigenous members to Officer, Jeremy Hastings at the mine’s The open pit development has been a the Allocations and Investment Advisory catalyst for increasing our levels of support. Borroloola office on 08 8975 8281 for a Committee. copy of a storybook explaining the Trust Importantly, it has also contributed (see example below). significantly, as we had anticipated, to the commencement of royalty payments from MRM to the NT Government. There are many ways that MRM contributes to the region and the Territory. Some, like royalties, are obligations. Some like the improved air services, are positive by- products of our operation. However, all come from a recognition that we have both a responsibility and an opportunity, to ensure the community benefits both socially and economically from the mine’s presence. These benefits are something we are determined to deliver. Brian Hearne General Manager McARTHUR RIVER MINING SEPTEMBER 2007 – EDITION 6 3 McARTHUR RIVER MINING AUGUST 2007 – EDITION 6 “The orchestra’s regional concert series MRM has been a major sponsor of the Borroloola’s has not only succeeded in bringing a show for the past 11 years. This year the bumper weekend new appreciation of music to remote mine provided $5,000 to support the communities but has also generated great coordination and promotion of the show as The Borroloola community enjoyed a huge economic benefits,” Mr Hearne said. well as sponsorship for the Borroloola Art weekend on 17-19 August, with three Acquisition Award. major events sponsored by MRM. As in “The Borroloola Symphony Under the Stars past years, the Borroloola Gulf Show and gave community members a chance to enjoy The Borroloola Rodeo, Campdraft the Borroloola Rodeo, Campdraft and the internationally renowned orchestra and Gymkhana Rodeo were held. This year, MRM invested which otherwise they would have to travel There were many thrills and spills at the $70,000 in sponsorship for the weekend’s to Darwin to see.” 2007 Borroloola Rodeo, Campdraft and events that also included a free outdoor Gymkhana with more than 53 events on concert featuring the Darwin Symphony “We are proud we could offer this year. Riders from as young as Orchestra (DSO). six had ample opportunity to make an bring this experience to the impression with their riding and Darwin Symphony Orchestra Borroloola region.” droving skills. outdoor concert The DSO extended its regional concert series The Borroloola Gulf Show Celebrating 40 years of the Rodeo this year, this year with a free event in Borroloola This year was the 22nd anniversary of the the event continues to be a drawcard to sponsored by MRM and Airnorth. Borroloola Gulf Show. The event displayed the region with competitors and spectators the unique talents of local residents in art travelling from across the country to The orchestra performed the ‘Symphony and craft, cooking and horticulture. be involved. Under the Stars’, a two hour concert at the Borroloola School Oval on Saturday 18 People of all ages were encouraged to enter MRM is proud to continue its long-term August, which was followed by a spectacular a variety of events, which included the support of the annual event. This year the fireworks display. inaugural Borroloola Art Acquisition Award mine contributed $5,000 to sponsor the designed to showcase artwork produced by promotion and prizes for the Rodeo. Mr Hearne said it was hoped the symphonic local Indigenous artists. event would become an annual feature of the Show adding to the appeal for tourism to the area. McARTHUR RIVER MINING SEPTEMBER 2007 – EDITION 6 4 McArthur River rechannelling MRM concentrator Open pit Stage 1 clearing of the McArthur River expansion development rechannelling is now complete with approximately 1.7 million cubic metres of Work on the concentrator expansion at update material moved so far. MRM is