Sheffield: National Native Title Tribunal gives Thunderbird green light; caught in appeal

Written on the 3 July 2017

The National Native Title Tribunal has determined that a Mining Lease for Thunderbird can be granted. However the Native Title claimants have lodged an appeal with the Federal Court of Australia, meaning that the Mining Lease cannot be granted at this time. A directions hearing is scheduled for July 2017, when the Court will set dates for the conduct of the Appeal.

State and Federal environmental approvals are progressing, following the public submission phase earlier in 2017. The Environmental Protection Authority (State) will release its report and make recommendations to the Minister for Environment in due course. Final steps in the Federal assessment process will follow.

There is strong community support for the development of Thunderbird due to its ability to contribute to employment, economic sustainability and promoting further regional investment. Sheffield will encourage local content during construction and employ 140 locally based drive-in, drive-out recruits, during operations.

Sheffield intends that all jobs shall go to local residents for operations no FIFO.

Sheffield says, "To commence "work on the ground" we will need the requisite permitting to be in place.

"Debt and other funding is on schedule for Q3 and Q4 2017.

"The Thunderbird development timeline is dependent on continued community support and government permitting. This will allow [us] to complete the approvals process and commence site preparations for construction prior to the wet season."

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