A new, locally-developed app-based platform is set to help mining companies avoid, protect and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage sites in WA.
The technology, which digitises the mapping of sensitive areas, is a collaboration between location intelligence company GeoMoby and cultural heritage management firm Agreement Hub.
It uses GPS, fusion sensors and long-lasting battery-powered beacons to geofence heritage sites and triggers an alert if a user enters or comes within their proximity.
Mining companies are on heightened alert towards the risks of impeding on sensitive heritage sites in the wake of Rio Tinto’s destruction of the ancient Juukan Shelters in the Pilbara in 2020 and following the passing of new, stricter laws around the protection and preservation of cultural heritage areas .
Geomoby has already applied its wireless geolocation technology to improve mine safety and founder Chris Baudia said the company realized it could also be used to help organizations adapt to the new laws and culturally significant sites.
“With relevant permissions, our technology enables locations of sensitive cultural areas to be uploaded and stored on a platform that can be accessed by those operating in the country,” he said.
“Digitizing this information allows the app to communicate location and movement data on and offline, optimizing protection of cultural sites with little requirement for intervention.”
The partnership is in talks with miners Karora Resources and K+S Salt Australia to roll out the app at their sites in WA.
Agreement Hub managing director Kellie Swanson-Hill, who has negotiated more than 100 major project agreements across Australia, said the partnership would help meet increased demand from companies looking to strengthen their ESG positions and move past outdated cultural heritage inventory techniques.
“It is business critical for CEOs and boards of companies operating on the country to protect Aboriginal heritage and work with their most important stakeholders, the Traditional Owners,” she said.
“At the moment, it takes considerable human intervention to ensure identified sites are avoided during operations, but we now have a product that’s simple to use, cost effective and can be implemented within a few days.”
GeoMoby’s receivers can be carried on-person, in vehicles, machinery or equipment and the app is compatible with most modern devices including phones, tablets and smart watches.
The technology allows those operating on site to create or upload geofences on a map, then define different alerts and triggers while ensuring minimum drain on the device battery.
The information is then uploaded to a cloud-based platform with replay features and reporting capabilities for compliance.
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