PILBARA LEADERS BRING FIRST NATIONS VOICES TO GLOBAL MINING CONVERSATION
NYFL Chair and NYFL CEO filming interviews for the CfFM London 2025
BY ASAD KHAN
Leaders from the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) have travelled from Roebourne to London to take part in international talks on the future of mining and materials for the energy transition.
NYFL Chairman Michael Woodley, a respected Yindjibarndi Elder, and CEO Sean-Paul Stephens were invited to participate in a global workshop series hosted by the Centre for Future Materials.
The Centre is a collaboration between five leading universities: the Australian National University (ANU), University of British Columbia (Canada), University of California, Berkeley (USA), University of Witwatersrand (South Africa), and supported by Rio Tinto.
NYFL Chair Michael Woodley presenting at CfFM London 2025
Cultural Knowledge at the Forefront
Mr Woodley used the platform to call for a new global standard in mining research—one that centres the voices of First Nations peoples whose lands have long been affected by extractive industries.
“Our people were forced off Ngurra [Country] during the twentieth century,” Mr Woodley said.
“We lived on reserves while the wealth of our land was shipped away. Today, we are reclaiming our place, not just as stakeholders, but as co-creators of a future where science, technology and our people walk together.”
He emphasised that Aboriginal people, or Ngarda-ngarli, must be central to economic and technological development.
Dr Nick Bainton of the Jila Team (ANU+NYFL)
Jila Partnership Driving Research Reform
NYFL’s attendance was part of its growing partnership with the ANU, known as Jila—a word meaning ‘roots’ in local language. This initiative aims to embed First Nations leadership into research related to climate adaptation, sustainability, and resource governance.
“Jila is about Ngarda-ngarli leading the research agenda,” said Mr Stephens.
“First Nations people must not only be consulted but positioned as rights-holders and decision-makers in mining and resources.”
Mr Stephens said that NYFL is pushing for a shift away from traditional benefit agreements towards long-term equity, economic self-determination and cultural authority.
CfFM academics from the five universities - London
Learning From Global First Nations Movements
The Centre for Future Materials forum brought together First Nations representatives from across the globe, including Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The workshop fostered conversations on how mining can evolve in response to climate change, technology and justice.
Mr Stephens said the exchange of ideas was invaluable: “We are learning from the Canadian First Nations people on their economic structures and constitutional rights. Some systems may work here in Australia, but it requires political will and industry buy-in.”
Joel Pearson of Witwatersrand University, South Africa and NYFL Chair Michael Woodley
Making Indigenous Voices Central
The workshop marks a turning point in recognising Indigenous-led, community-based approaches in global mining and materials research. Rather than being added as an afterthought, First Nations perspectives were central to the conversation.
Mr Woodley and Mr Stephens presented alongside global First Nations leaders such as Nalaine Morin of the Tahltan Nation (Canada), Hlonipha Mokoena of South Africa, and Dr Nicholas Drake of Ngāi Tahu (New Zealand).
Their participation highlighted a growing momentum for placing First Nations knowledge and leadership at the heart of the energy transition and materials science.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with NYFL CEO Sean-Paul Stephens: