Gibb River Diamonds Limited (GIB) has secured a Mining Benefits Agreement with the Bunuba Dawangarri
Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners for the Ellendale Diamond Project area, in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The grant of mining leases M04/475, M04/476 and M04/477 are now pending internal processing at the WA Mines Department (DMIRS), including the signature of the Minister for Mines, the Hon. David Michael MLA.
M04/475, M04/476 and M04/477 are the three key leases at the heart of developing the Ellendale Diamond Project.
They cover the main portions of the historic workings at the E4 and E9 pipes, together with the extensively bulk-sampled E12 alluvials and their access. The Company is focusing on the permitting for mining at Ellendale which will be greatly assisted by the grant of these mining leases! The Company is considering various financing options with a view to potential procurement and build of an initial mining operation at E9. These financing options will be greatly enhanced by the grant of the mining leases.
The Company is very pleased to have secured this Mining Benefits Agreement with the Bunuba People. This agreement and the upcoming grant of the mining leases are important milestones in re-establishing diamond production at Ellendale and the Company thanks the Bunuba People for their assistance in negotiating this agreement.
GIB looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial working arrangement with the Bunuba People.
GIB continues to focus on the permitting work required to allow mining to re-commence. This work will be greatly assisted by the upcoming grant of the mining leases.