Sheffield launches Aboriginal work program

Sheffield Resources has launched an indigenous employment program for its Thunderbird mineral sands project near Derby, as it deals with an appeal by a local Aboriginal group against recent project approvals.

Perth-based Sheffield has partnered with employment and training organisations Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation (based in Derby) and Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation (based in Broome) to launch the employment program for Thunderbird.

Winun Ngari chief executive Susan Murphy and Nirrumbuk boss Joe Grande said they were pleased to be assisting Sheffield in the running of the company’s first Aboriginal work-ready program and its commitment to the training and employment of indigenous people from the west Kimberley.

Sheffield had received native title approval for Thunderbird in June, but the decision by the National Native Title Tribunal was appealed days later by native title claimants through their representative Arma Legal, which is part of the Wayne Bergman-led KRED Enterprises.

The company is yet to amend its development schedule for Thunderbird, with preliminary project works due to begin by the fourth quarter of the year.

“We remain hopeful that the appeal lodged by the traditional owners in the Federal Court can be resolved swiftly, in order to realise the benefits of Thunderbird in the community,” Sheffield chief operating officer Stuart Pether said today.

“The work-ready program is just the start of these benefits.

“We plan to be working in the Kimberley for many decades and together we can deliver long-term benefits and real jobs.”

Sheffield’s Aboriginal employment program follows news last week that Northern Minerals had received funds from the federal government to launch an $8.1 million Aboriginal training-to-work program at its Browns Range heavy rare earths project in the Kimberley.

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