Indigenous Engagement and Cultural Heritage

As part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Bowdens Silver undertook a detailed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment, which involved:

  • Consultation with Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) in accordance with NSW government guidelines
  • Field surveys and cultural heritage investigations to identify and assess any Aboriginal objects and places within the project area
  • Cultural mapping and input from community representatives to ensure local knowledge and values were incorporated into the assessment
  • Ongoing dialogue and collaboration to ensure heritage management plans are culturally appropriate and reflect community expectations

Through this process, Bowdens Silver has developed strategies to protect known sites, manage potential impacts, and incorporate cultural perspectives into environmental management and project planning.

Future Planning

Bowdens Silver is committed to working collaboratively with the local Aboriginal community to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is respectfully identified and managed. As part of our approach, we will involve Aboriginal stakeholders as active participants in the recording, collection, analysis, curation, and management of cultural heritage values within the Mine Site, work that will take place prior to the commencement of construction and mining activities. In consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders and Heritage NSW, Bowdens Silver is working on developing an Indigenous Technical Heritage Mentorship Program. This program will not only support culturally appropriate heritage management but also creates valuable mentorship opportunities for younger Aboriginal community members to gain experience and training in heritage processes.