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Highlights

  • MAU reaches agreement with Wangkatja Tjungula Aboriginal Corporation to support Lady Julie project development.
  • The company progresses regulatory steps toward development readiness of Western Australia gold project.
  • MAU secures native title consent, clearing objections to pending mining lease applications.

Magnetic Resources NL (ASX:MAU) is an Australian exploration company focused on gold exploration and development in Western Australia. Its key projects include Lady Julie, Homeward Bound South, Hawks Nest, and other prospects within the Laverton and Leonora regions. The company’s strategy is to explore and advance gold projects in underexplored regions with high discovery potential. Magnetic Resources is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia.

The company has entered into a native title agreement with the Wangkatja Tjungula Aboriginal Corporation (WTAC), representing the Nyalpa Pirniku People, for the development of its Lady Julie Gold Project in Western Australia. This agreement represents a major step forward in the regulatory process for Magnetic’s gold operations and removes native title objections that had previously affected the status of mining lease applications.

The Nyalpa Pirniku People are the determined native title holders of the land on which the Lady Julie Gold Project is located. WTAC, as the registered native title body corporate, negotiated and authorised the agreement, which provides the company with consent to undertake mining activities across the relevant tenements. The agreement was formally approved during a community meeting involving the common law holders of the Nyalpa Pirniku group.

The terms of the agreement include a commercial structure comprising an upfront payment and future royalty payments tied to production volumes. Such terms are typical of gold mining arrangements in the region and are designed to deliver recurring economic benefits to the traditional owners.

Magnetic Resources Managing Director George Sakalidis acknowledged the contribution of WTAC in reaching the agreement, stating that this step helps eliminate key regulatory hurdles required to move the project toward a development-ready stage. According to Sakalidis, the direct engagement between Magnetic and WTAC contributed to an efficient resolution of a complex negotiation process.

David Canning, Chairman of WTAC, described the agreement as a landmark outcome for the Nyalpa Pirniku People, enabling the development of what could become the first gold mine on their traditional lands since their native title determination. Canning noted that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to cultural and environmental protection while also creating pathways for local employment, training, and long-term community benefit.

The agreement includes provisions to safeguard cultural heritage and ensure the environmental integrity of the land. WTAC and Magnetic have also committed to principles of transparency and mutual respect throughout the life of the project.

This development allows Magnetic to progress its mining lease applications, which had previously been delayed due to native title concerns. With consent from WTAC now secured, the company can move forward with finalising approvals necessary to begin on-ground activities at Lady Julie. Once mining leases are issued, Magnetic will be able to proceed toward construction and production phases, subject to remaining regulatory and project milestones.