Mine digs deep in Indigenous collaboration

A groundbreaking archaeological excavation on Coal & Allied land has achieved significant results, uncovering Aboriginal artefacts and building closer relationships with local Traditional Owners.

The excavation in the Warkworth Sands, on Mount Thorley Warkworth's lease, was designed to recover a representative sample of artefacts from the sand sheet ahead of an application to continue the mine through the area.

The project has been organised by the Aboriginal Relations team and is the largest excavation of its type for Coal & Allied.

Barbara Foot said she and the other members of the local Aboriginal community were excited to be closely involved in the excavation project.

"Often Aboriginal people are only brought in before mining commences to consult on our cultural heritage," Barbara said.

"But with this project we have been involved from the very start. We are excavating our culture, identifying the artefacts, learning new skills and working with the film crew, so that we can pass on our stories and culture to our children and grandchildren."

General Manager Operations Cam Halfpenny was quoted in the Newcastle Herald under the headline "Rich seam of artefacts revealed" and said: "We believe it is possible to balance the needs of the mine with the needs of our local Aboriginal community."

Pictured: (above, l-r) Aunty Barbara Foot, Aunty Ila Faulder, Rhonda Ward and Aunty Rami Molanar.

Pictured: (above) Barry Anderson in the excavation pit.