(Sharecast News) - Greatland Gold has entered into a land access and mineral exploration agreement with the Wakamurru Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, it announced on Tuesday.
The AIM-traded firm said the move was made on behalf of the Manta Rirrtinya Native Title Holders, aiming to allow exploration within the tenement areas of Greatland's Ernest Giles project, located on the Manta Rirrtinya exclusive native title determination region.
A significant milestone, the agreement marked the first time the Manta Rirrtinya Native Title Holders had entered into any land access agreement since they were granted native title rights in 2018.
The agreement would pave the way for Greatland Gold to restart and fast-track on-ground exploration activities in their high-priority Ernest Giles project, the board said.
Its initial focus would be on the Meadows prospect, which had already received a drilling grant from the government of Western Australia's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS).
Additionally, cultural heritage surveys are currently in progress.
One of the highlights of the agreement was that it was designed to deliver notable advantages to the local community, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership between the mining company and the indigenous inhabitants.
To further solidify its presence in the region, Greatland also submitted new applications in September, representing a substantial 35% expansion of its existing exploration licences, aiming to secure an extensive hold over the Ernest Giles belt.
"We are very pleased to announce the completion of our land access agreement with Wakamurru, which sets in place a mechanism for the Manta Rirrtinya People to benefit from exploration by Greatland on their country," said managing director Shaun Day.
"I would like to thank the Wakamurru board for their efforts in bringing this agreement to fruition and look forward to building a strong relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation."
Day said the agreement allowed Greatland exploration access to the "highly prospective" Ernest Giles tenements.
"Ernest Giles has been a long-standing priority for Greatland as an underexplored Archean greenstone belt.
"Ernest Giles will now resume its place as a high-priority project within our exploration portfolio."
At 1153 BST, shares in Greatland Gold were up 2.82% at 7.3p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Greatland Gold (GGP)