Australian mining giant halts $3bn plan after backlash

Australian mining giant BHP has decided to halt a $3 billion project in over public concerns that it would disturb dozens of Aboriginal sites with thousands of years of historical and cultural significance.

News of the project in Western Australia sparked a public outcry on Thursday, prompting the company to announce later in the day that it would consult with Aboriginal groups before proceeding, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We will not disturb the sites identified without further extensive consultation with the Banjima people," the company said in a statement.

"That consultation will be based on our commitment to understanding the cultural significance of the region," it added.

"This will include further scientific study and discussion on mitigation and preservation."

The move follows the destruction of a 46,000-year-old Aboriginal site by rival mining company Rio Tinto last month, which also received an angry public backlash.

It also coincides with a resurgence of the Indigenous rights movement in Australia in the form of widespread Black Lives Matter demonstrations calling for an end to discrimination.

BHP applied last year to work in an area, which includes 40 significant Indigenous sites as part of its $3 billion South Flank iron ore project with approval being granted by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt.

Wyatt, who is himself Aboriginal, said at that time no objections were filed regarding the mines expansion and a comprehensive agreement was signed by BHP and the Banjima back in 2015.

"BHP agreed financial and other benefits for the Banjima people, while the Banjima made commitments to support the South Flank project," Wyatt said.

It is not yet clear how the consultation will affect the project which was due to begin production of iron ore next year.

( With inputs from IANS )