KINTYRE

The proposed mine at Kintyre has been the subject of prolonged contention between Canning Resources and the Western Desert Puntukurnuparna Aboriginal Corporation (WDPAC). There are signs that WDPAC and CRA are now in more frequent dialogue in seeking to identify matters requiring resolution and in addressing them.

There are two Martu communities which may be affected by the proposed mine. One, of 150, resides permanently at Parnngurr. The other, of about 200, resides at Punmu.

Parnngurr is 80 kilometres from Kintyre. Punmu is about 100 kilometres away and situated at the end of the identifiable Rudall River course. Both communities are totally reliant on ground water.

WDPAC have enumerated their major concerns about the mine: water contamination; tailings and waste disposal; radioactivity; interference with significant sites; transportation; and an "equitable financial return by way of compensation and land rental" (S52, G, H).

According to WDPAC:

Martu accept that any negotiation process will take a considerable time and they are willing to continue with negotiations aimed at allaying their considerable fears and at ensuring just settlement of matters relating to compensation and use of their lands. (S 52, 4)

Martu also have reservations about employment and training opportunities: "this will not generally benefit all Martu especially given the small workforce and the menial tasks likely to be offered to Aboriginal people." (S 52, H)

They also fear that "the mine will come and go with no appreciable benefit to Martu and their communities" (S52, H).

There is some expectation that if Kintyre proceeds, arrangements made for transport will open the Rudall River National Park to much greater tourist interest. Once again disruption of Aboriginal communities will stem from a growing European presence in the area, rather than specifically from mining, the workforce for which, like Nabarlek, will come and go on a fly-in/fly-out basis.