Our engagement with First Nations people is built around the principles of respect, unity and historical acceptance, and a belief that mining should empower First Nations peoples’ and support their rights to pursue cultural and socio-economic fulfilment.

Our approach is oriented to making a practical and meaningful contribution to addressing disadvantage among First Nations people through targeted investment in health, education and skills development.

We are the largest private sector employer of First Nations people in regional NSW. Around 11.8% of our workforce identifies as First Nations people and at Maules Creek, our largest mine, the proportion is around 20%.

We support the preservation of cultural heritage by recognising and respecting the importance of the depth of knowledge of sites, places and objects that are significant to telling the story of First Nations ancient and abiding association with Australia.
Our heritage surveys are conducted in partnership with Traditional Owners and cultural knowledge holders from local communities to identify and protect areas and objects of significance consistent with our statutory obligations and in consultation with local First Nations people.

We want to create and sustain an inclusive and knowledgeable workplace where our workforce understand and respect the importance of the connection of First Nations people to the land. Our work is supported by cultural awareness training which is delivered to all new employees and contractors by First Nations people connected to the land where we operate.

We engage with First Nations people to ensure we understand expectations around the management of cultural areas of significance. Management measures such as cultural heritage management plans are in place to meet our commitments in-line with agreements and legislative approvals.

Management practices informed by respect for culture and knowledge support both recognition of culturally significant heritage and responsible minerals development.

It is important for cultural heritage and mining to co-exist in Australia and we are committed to working with First Nations people, the government and industry to achieve the best outcomes.
Whitehaven supports improvements to native title and state and territory land rights regimes that support efficiency, stability and economic opportunity. Frameworks should be practically-focused with changes supported by adequate resourcing to achieve intended mutually beneficial outcomes.