End of the ‘bare minimum’ - Tivan’s Grant Wilson promises a new era for land access

The leader of a new Territory company wants to revolutionise First Nations’ land access agreements. Read what he’ll do.

Critical minerals start-up Tivan has pledged a new era in inclusiveness when negotiating access agreements with Indigenous people.

The prospective Middle Arm proponent wants to set a new benchmark in negotiations with First Nations people as the company negotiates plans to develop an EV battery processing plant in the Territory.

Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson told a private round–table in Darwin last month that he planned to revolutionise negotiations with Indigenous people.

Raised in Alice Springs, Mr Wilson has grown frustrated at what he sees as transactional and one-sided arrangements.

Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct

“There’s not a company that doesn’t do the absolute bare minimum to get away with access to land,” he said.

“We’re going to do the absolute opposite extreme.

“At Tivan we are very much intent on setting a new benchmark in the resources sector for the inclusion of First Nations people and in defining pathways for genuine collaboration and economic participation.

“We have approached Traditional Owners with respect and humility, and we are already operating well beyond the typical formulations of ‘social licence’ and ‘free, prior and informed consent’.

Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct

“We see an opportunity to do things differently, and at the most basic level that involves trust and respect, and a fostering a durable alignment of interests and risk sharing as well.”

Tivan was born out of the ashes of TNG, which had tried for a decade to develop a critical mineral processing plant at the Mount Peake deposit in Central Australia.

Mr Wilson wrested control of TNG earlier this year and changed the company’s name and profile, adding the rich Speewah reserve near Wyndham in north-west WA to the company’s Mount Peake asset.

Middle Arm by air October 2022. Picture by Wayne Zerbe

He has been negotiating with the Kimberley Land Council since purchasing the reserve from King River Resources in February.

“You can contrast Tivan’s approach with TNG at Mount Peake,” he said.

“Unfortunately there are many more TNGs out there, treating Traditional Owners transactionally, and aiming for the bare minimum required to tick a box.

“Invariably this will lead to hostility and acrimony, and it risks a broader breakdown in social cohesion as well.

“Shareholders of Tivan are aware that I grew up in Alice, and that I bring a different lens and life experience to the table.

“They understand the opportunity we have to bring everyone along on our journey and how everyone will benefit as a result.

“By setting an example with a large-scale project I am confident that we can catalyse much needed change in Australia. We are certainly aiming to put a light on the hill.”

Mr Wilson is one of five people set to feature in a panel discussion during Friday’s Future NT forum at Mindil Beach Casino.