From Land to Leadership: Indigenous Empowerment Transforms Australia’s Gold Industry

Australia’s gold mining sector is entering a new era, one defined not just by record gold prices and technological advances, but by a profound commitment to Indigenous empowerment and partnership. This Thursday, a new film, GOLD: The Journey Continues – Australia, will premiere in Perth, hosted by the World Gold Council, Gold Industry Group, and Minerals Council of Australia. The documentary celebrates the visionary people and partnerships driving greater Indigenous leadership and involvement in Australia’s gold mining industry—setting a global standard for modern, responsible mining.

A New Narrative for Gold Mining

Set in the heart of Western Australia’s Goldfields, the film tells the real-life stories of how First Nations communities, local businesses, and the gold industry are collaborating to deepen Indigenous participation in one of Australia’s most significant economic sectors. As the third installment in the World Gold Council’s global series, the film brings to life the social and community value generated by responsible gold mining—an industry often recognized solely for its economic contributions.

Terry Heymann, Chief Strategy Officer at the World Gold Council, underscores the importance of this narrative:

“A sustainable gold mining industry is contingent on championing ways for Indigenous people to preserve their deep connections to land and nature while benefiting as active participants. Exploring partnerships that are achieving this through courage, trust, patience, and resilience has been an immensely insightful and rewarding experience. We are proud to share these learnings on a global scale.”

The Carey Group: A Model of Indigenous Leadership

Central to the film is the story of Carey Group, a mining services company founded and led by Daniel Tucker AM, a respected Indigenous leader. Over the past 30 years, Carey Group has become a beacon for Indigenous employment and business success in the mining sector, anchored by its long-standing partnership with global gold mining powerhouse AngloGold Ashanti.

Tucker’s journey began in 1996, when AngloGold Ashanti (then Acacia Resources) took a bold step in creating Australia’s first Indigenous partnership with Carey Group. What started as a leap of faith has blossomed into a model of success, inspiring First Nations people across Australia—and even as far afield as Canada—to consider similar pathways.

“Aboriginal-owned business participation in mining is on a journey, one that for us started 30 years ago with a blank canvas but a strong vision to work and thrive in industries that had long left us out,” Tucker reflects. “Our journey towards creating lasting, meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal people in the mining and resources sector certainly continues.”

The Carey Group’s impact extends beyond direct employment. The company has mentored other Indigenous entrepreneurs, such as Rowena Leslie of Kai Rho Contracting and Gohar Rind of Yira Yarkiny Group, fostering a new generation of Indigenous business leaders in mining and technology.

AngloGold Ashanti: Beyond Business as Usual

At the heart of these transformative partnerships is AngloGold Ashanti’s forward-thinking approach. Andrea Maxey, Vice President of Investor Relations, Communication & ESG at AngloGold Ashanti, explains that the company’s commitment goes far beyond traditional contracting.

“Our approach to contracting goes beyond cost-efficiency and strong contract management. Our purchasing and supply chain team works closely with our community team to ensure mechanisms that build trust, cultural awareness, and hands-on support are built into contracts. It is a more dynamic process that is geared around values and long-term impact, best implemented at the start of new mining projects.”

This values-driven approach has enabled Indigenous businesses not only to participate in mining but to thrive and diversify beyond it, creating lasting economic and social benefits for their communities.

A Golden Era: Economic Opportunity Meets Social Responsibility

Australia is currently experiencing a “golden era” for gold mining. World Gold Council analysts report that gold prices are up 27% year-to-date and 41% over the last 12 months, making new projects economically viable and reviving dormant mine sites across Western Australia and beyond. This surge in activity brings both opportunity and responsibility.

Wayne Bramwell, Chair of the Gold Industry Group, notes:

“Record prices are driving exploration and production, creating both opportunity and responsibility. Across the country, we’re seeing powerful progress—with more Indigenous businesses playing an active role in gold mining, and more companies fostering partnerships built on trust, respect, and shared value.”

The film’s release is timely, highlighting how the sector’s growth can be harnessed to deliver positive, intergenerational outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Closing the Gap: Mining as a Catalyst for Change

Tania Constable, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Council of Australia, emphasizes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are fundamental partners in the mining sector.

“Achieving improvements in intergenerational health and wealth for Indigenous communities is a key objective of modern mining. As this documentary shows, responsible gold mining can support Indigenous businesses, promote co-design principles, and help strengthen ties across sectors.”

The leadership demonstrated by Carey Group and AngloGold Ashanti is not just about employment and apprenticeships—it’s about enabling Indigenous people and businesses to lead, grow, and thrive in an industry that once excluded them.

Inspiring the Future

The premiere of GOLD: The Journey Continues – Australia is more than a film launch; it’s a call to action for the entire mining industry. As Terry Heymann of the World Gold Council concludes:

“All local communities should benefit from responsible mining, including Indigenous communities. Making the most of their participation requires corporate leadership and collaboration to navigate the opportunities and complexities of cross-cultural business partnerships. We hope that the successful example of the Carey Group will encourage and inspire more Indigenous engagement and involvement in responsible mining.”

Conclusion

Australia’s gold mining industry is proving that profitability and social responsibility can go hand in hand. Through visionary partnerships, mentorship, and a commitment to shared values, the sector is setting a global benchmark for Indigenous participation and leadership. As the world watches, the stories from Western Australia’s Goldfields are not just shining a light on gold—they are illuminating a path toward a more inclusive and sustainable future for mining everywhere.