Vista Gold convicted of damaging a significant Aboriginal sacred site

Today in the Northern Territory Local Court, Vista Gold was convicted of criminal offences and fined a total amount of $160,000 for working on a sacred site, breaching a condition of an Authority Certificate and causing damage to a sacred site at their Mount Todd gold mine located near Katherine.

The Court found Vista Gold guilty of offences, pursuant to section 34 and section 37 of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT) (“the Act”).  The Act provides that it is an offence to work on a sacred site unless it is in compliance with conditions of an Authority Certificate. 

The sacred site where the drilling occurred is a significant cultural site.

Chairman of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, Mr Bobby Nunggumajbarr, said Vista Gold has accepted they did the wrong thing, and he welcomes today’s convictions and the resolution of the case. 

“Vista Gold’s Mt Todd mine site is located on Aboriginal freehold land which is managed by the Barnjarn Aboriginal Corporation and the Jawoyn Association.   

“While Vista Gold may have met with members of these groups, the Authority ensures custodians are consulted properly and widely about the impacts of proposed work.  Vista Gold had the maps and the Authority Certificate for development near the sacred site, and it is very important all Restricted Work Areas are understood and respected. 

“Protecting sacred sites is important for custodians and for the whole of the Northern Territory.  We look forward to working with Vista Gold to keep the sacred sites near the Mt Todd gold mine safe.”