Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today announced local Aboriginal company Gee Gie has been contracted to work on the first stage of a new project under the Abandoned Mines Program.
Gee Gie will work with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety to identify, document and prioritise remediation work of abandoned mine features close to Cue, Marble Bar and Yalgoo.
Gee Gie will consult with the local Shires and Aboriginal communities on the nature of the project, and work to build positive relationships within the local communities.
The project is funded through the Mining Rehabilitation Fund, a pooled fund to which Western Australian mining operators contribute.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
“Western Australia has a long mining history and as a result there are abandoned mine features across the State.
“Gee Gie and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety will work together to prioritise the appropriate management of abandoned mine features near Cue, Marble Bar and Yalgoo.
“They will assess the risks and identify any remediation works to benefit the local communities.
“With Gee Gie’s project capabilities and track record of working and consulting with Aboriginal and local communities, I’m confident the project will be managed respectfully.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
“Gee Gie is an experienced Aboriginal business committed to creating jobs for Aboriginal people as part of the first stage of this project.
“Recently released figures show the McGowan Government continues to grow the proportion of its contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses.
“Since the introduction of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy in 2018, the State Government has awarded 697 contracts to 209 Aboriginal businesses, with a combined value of more than $476 million.”
