Traditional Owner agreement clears key hurdle for North Stanmore mining licence

The project is located around 6km north of Cue and is considered strategically significant as Australia seeks to expand its critical minerals supply chain.

The agreement formalises Traditional Owner consent and land access arrangements and represents a key milestone in the native title process underpinning the project’s development pathway.

It was authorised by the Minangu Land Committee Common Law holders, reflecting what both parties described as a constructive and ongoing relationship.

Victory Metals said the agreement establishes a clear framework for progressing activities across the North Stanmore tenement package and supports the orderly advancement of the project toward a granted mining licence.

The company’s chief executive officer Brendan Clark said the agreement marks an important step forward for the project.

“Reaching agreement with the Wajarri Yamaji People is a significant milestone for North Stanmore and one we have approached with diligence, care and respect,” he said in a statement.

“This agreement secures the land access foundation the project needs and clears an important step on the path to grant of our mining licence.”

The milestone comes as Victory progresses its pre-feasibility study for North Stanmore and follows earlier announcements including a $287 million letter of intent from the Export-Import Bank of the United States to support project development funding pathways.

The Wajarri Yamaji People are the native title holders of a vast area of Western Australia’s Mid West, including the land where North Stanmore is located. The native title determination covers approximately 85,000 square kilometres across the Murchison and Gascoyne regions.

Victory said it recognises the Wajarri Yamaji People as Traditional Owners of the land and remains committed to working in partnership that respects cultural heritage while supporting shared economic opportunities.