General News
13 February, 2026
Landmark mine deal: BGLC, DMS sign long-term agreement
A milestone agreement has been reached by Donald Mineral Sands with the Traditional Owners of the land where a rare earth and mineral sands mine is currently under development near Minyip.
The Journey and Understanding Agreement, signed by Donald Mineral Sands and the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, establishes long-term commitments for the life of the mine.
"As the statutory representatives of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples who have called this land home for tens of thousands of years, Barengi Gadjin Land Council has a legal and cultural obligation to protect the irreplaceable Cultural Heritage of our Country," a spokesperson for Barengi Gadjin Land Council said.
"For this reason, the Board of Directors of Barengi Gadjin Land Council has self-determined to engage with Astron Limited in relation to the proposed Donald Sands Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project.
"Barengi Gadjin Land Council will work closely with Astron Limited to ensure the strongest possible protection and preservation of Cultural Heritage in the mine area. Working with Astron Limited will enable Barengi Gadjin Land Council to apply current best practice oversight and safeguards for Cultural Heritage, and advocate for Cultural Heritage outcomes that minimise harm and ensure appropriate management of any identified sites within the mine area," they said.
"We remain committed to caring for Wotjobaluk Nations’ Country and protecting the Cultural Heritage of our ancestors for generations to come."
The Barengi Gadjin Land Council is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk Peoples (collectively, the WJJWJ Peoples).
These commitments include investment in community projects and programs, cultural training, and employment opportunities.
DMS managing director Tiger Brown said the agreement reflected a commitment to working with the WJJWJ Peoples, the Traditional Owners of the lands where the Donald Project will operate.
“Barengi Gadjin Land Council has been a constructive and valued partner in advancing the Donald Project, and this agreement lays the foundation for an ongoing relationship built on respect, transparency, self-determination, and shared benefit," he said.
The WJJWJ Peoples are the Traditional Owners and recognised Native Title Holders of lands and waters along Barringgi Gadyin (the Wimmera River).
Their Country extends from Gariwerd (the Grampians) through to Ngalpakatia/Ngelpagutya (Lake Albacutya) and beyond into sandhill country; the Donald Project Mining Licence area (MIN5532) is within this Country.
“The Journey and Understanding Agreement establishes a framework for a long-term relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and transparency, supporting the self-determination of the WJJWJ Peoples," a spokesperson for the Donald Project said.
Among the conditions of the agreement is a Cultural and Environmental Governance Framework with a joint Strategic Oversight Committee and a joint Technical and Operational Working Group providing the WJJWJ Peoples meaningful input into project decisions affecting Country
The agreement also includes employment, training, and procurement opportunities for the WJJWJ Peoples and WJJWJ-aligned businesses.
The two parties have agreed that the WJJWJ Peoples would participate in environmental management, rehabilitation, and mine closure planning.
DMS has agreed to include cultural awareness training by BGLC across the organisation, and protocols that ensure project approvals uphold WJJWJ cultural values and cultural heritage protection measures consistent with current best practice.
DMS will make financial contributions supporting WJJWJ People’s self-determination principles programs throughout the life of the project.
DMS and Barengi Gadjin Land Council will establish a governance structure for the agreement and develop implementation protocols.
A Barengi Gadjin Land Council liaison officer will be employed and part-funded by DMS to serve as the key point of contact between the parties.
DMS stated the agreement complements existing cultural heritage management arrangements under Victoria's Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and aligns with best practice for partnerships between Traditional Owners and the resources sector.
BGLC was contacted for comment.
The Donald Project, near Minyip, in Victoria's Murray Basin, contains a total mineral resource of 1.81 billion tonnes of critical minerals, with a planned 58+ year mine life over two phases.
It will produce zirconium, titanium, and rare earth elements, including neodymium and praseodymium, supporting technologies vital to clean energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing.
DMS says it is targeting site construction in 2026 and first production in 2027, subject to securing project financing and obtaining a positive final investment decision to develop the Donald Project.