Argyle diamond mine: a First Nations perspective on closure

Authors: Reeves, D; Dowell, K; Welch, J Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_33

Cite As:
Reeves, D, Dowell, K & Welch, J 2025, 'Argyle diamond mine: a First Nations perspective on closure', in S Knutsson, AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2025: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-11, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_33



Abstract:
The Gelganyem Group represents the Traditional Owners of Argyle diamond mine, in the remote East Kimberley region of North Western Australia. In November 2020, mining ceased at Argyle after 37 years of operations and producing more than 865 million carats of rough diamonds. Just as Argyle Traditional Owners had to pioneer new ways of working with mining companies when asserting their rights during exploration, and negotiating land agreements during mining, they are now leading the charge for the negotiation of positive outcomes for First Nations people in mine closure. There are many lessons to be learnt from Argyle’s closure: the first mine closure of its size globally. Argyle Traditional Owners are keen to ensure that mining companies and other First Nations groups: learn from the Argyle experience start mining negotiations with closure in mind understand the critical importance of an agreed closure vision understand what effective engagement looks like work to understand the cultural differences in approach to closure and to the value of land work closely with industry and government to ensure mine closure requirements are fit-for-purpose maximise First Nations engagement and participation in mine site restoration use closure to tell the story of Aboriginal leadership, connection to Country, and resilience. First Nations participation in mine closure is critical to ensure its success. The lessons learnt from the closure of Argyle diamond mine will help mining companies and First Nations people work together to improve mine closure outcomes for everyone.

Keywords: mine closure, First Nations, engagement, finding better ways, Indigenous rights

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