HWL Ebsworth has advised Agnico Eagle in relation to its historic agreement at the Fosterville Gold Mine with central Victorian traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara). The agreement, called ‘Bakaru Wayaparrangu’ (meaning, ‘in the middle, we all meet’) was signed and announced on country on Monday, 13 May 2024.
In a State-first, the voluntary agreement between Agnico Eagle and Djaara will see a portion of the profits for gold mined at Fosterville Gold Mine shared with Djaara, in addition to providing employment, training and business opportunities, environmental management, and other initiatives.
Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based senior gold mining company with operations in Canada, Finland, Australia, and Mexico. It is the world’s second largest gold mining company.
HWL Ebsworth’s team was led by property Partner, Michael Westaway, with assistance from Associate Megan Fook.
Commenting on the deal, Michael said “We are delighted to have assisted Agnico Eagle with Bakaru Wayaparrangu. The agreement entered into between Agnico Eagle and Djaara is an excellent, ground-breaking outcome for Djaara, and will hopefully result in similar agreements being entered into between mining companies and traditional owners across Australia.”
Agnico Eagle president and CEO, Ammar Al-Joundi, said “We are privileged to operate on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and this agreement allows us to strengthen our ties with the local community through respectful and meaningful engagement, ensuring that we honour our privilege with responsible stewardship.”
HWL Ebsworth wishes to acknowledge the assistance and support of Ms. Georgia Denisenko of Just Outcomes (Aust) Pty Ltd who played a pivotal role in making the deal happen between Agnico Eagle and Djaara.
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For further information, please contact:
Russell Mailler, Chief Strategy Officer (03) 8644 3569 or rmailler@hwle.com.au
Angelique Kear, Head of Marketing (02) 9334 8541 or akear@hwle.com.au