First Nations
and traditional communities

Respecting rights and protecting cultural heritage. 

We are committed to understanding and respecting the rights, cultures, aspirations, perspectives, and interests of First Nations peoples and traditional communities.  

Hero image

We respect the rights, cultures and aspirations of First Nations peoples and traditional communities where we operate.

As a global lithium producer, we recognise our responsibility to manage human rights and cultural heritage impacts through structured engagement and genuine participation. In Australia, our Pilgangoora Operation is located on the Native Title determined land of the Nyamal and Kariyarra peoples. Our corporate office is located on Whadjuk Noongar Country. In Brazil, the Colina Project is situated near the Olaria Bagres Quilombola community.

Image

Our approach

Our approach is guided by respect for cultural values and knowledge.

We aim to ensure that participation by traditional communities is structural and sustained. We are committed to engaging early and regularly, consistent with the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

We maintain Native Title, Heritage Protection and Infrastructure agreements with the Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation and the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation. These agreements provide for consultation, cultural awareness and direct economic opportunities, including royalties and employment.

Cultural heritage protection

We work with Traditional Owners to identify and protect cultural heritage values, including sites and landscapes of significance.

Any activities that may impact heritage are subject to rigorous assessment, including surveys and consultation with subject matter experts.   

We implement management plans to avoid or minimise impacts. To date, all operations have been undertaken to avoid heritage disturbance, and we have not lodged any Section 18 applications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA).

Image
Image

Engagement and
economic participation

Our First Nations Engagement Policy formalises our commitment to inclusive consultation and the promotion of socio-economic opportunities.

We support economic participation through employment, training and procurement pathways.

This includes engaging First Nations businesses, supporting capability development and creating long-term inclusion in our supply chain. We prioritise procurement that aligns with community priorities to ensure the value created by our operations contributes to regional prosperity.

Reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation is a future where the cultural knowledge and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are celebrated and valued.

In FY24, we released our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), focused on creating enduring relationships with partners and communities surrounding the Pilgangoora Operation.

The RAP provides a pathway for fostering respectful relationships and facilitating economic contributions that support the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We remain committed to continuous learning and sharing best practices to ensure reconciliation is a lived reality across our business.

Reconciliation Action Plan
Image
Image

Our performance

We monitor and report on outcomes related to engagement, employment, procurement and heritage management.

Transparent disclosure supports continuous improvement and maintains stakeholder confidence across our global portfolio. 

For more information on our First Nations and traditional communities engagement:

Latest news

pls-cmt-partnership-launch.jpg

PLS is investing in Australia’s future engineering capability through a three-year partnership with Curtin University’s Curtin Motorsport Team (CMT), supporting students as they develop critical skills in battery systems, electric drivetrains and autonomous vehicle technologies that will help underpin the next generation of electrification and automation. Each year, CMT designs, builds and...

Group of young swim club members standing in front of marquee at a community pool

PLS’ annual Community Grants Program has opened for applications, inviting community organisations in Port Hedland, Strelley, Yandeyarra and surrounding communities to apply for funding to support locally led initiatives. The program provides one-off grants of up to $10,000 for initiatives aligned with PLS’ commitment to shaping tomorrow, with a focus on education, community resilience and the...

3-forest-nursery.jpeg

A strategic partnership between PLS and the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais, Salinas Campus (IFNMG), has enabled a major investment in the restoration and expansion of IFNMG’s forest nursery production capacity, as well as scholarships to encourage scientific initiation through university extension activities. The ceremony marking the beginning of the partnership was held on...

Stay connected with PLS

Receive updates on ASX announcements and company news.