Djukun Nation Stands Firm: No Mining in Coconut Well and 12-Mile

Image credit supplied: Coconut Well, Broome Western Australia, 2025.

Djukun Nation is once again calling on the community and all levels of government to stop the proposed prospecting activity on Djukun Country, in the pristine area of Coconut Well and 12-Mile, north of Broome.

The mining tenement applications — submitted by a Perth-based individual in relation to over 200 hectares of unspoiled bushland, within residential communities, conservation zones, and cultural sites. The Djukun people were not consulted.

83-year-old Djukun Elder Fabian Nasir shared his deep disappointment, stating:

“I was shocked to hear a prospecting licence was lodged near Coconut Well. This land is close to Broome, and any prospecting or mining activity could harm the water table that supplies our people and the residents of Coconut Well. I say no to prospecting and mining.”

Goolarabooloo Traditional Owner and Coconut Well resident Jason Roe also voiced strong opposition, saying:

“We don’t want mining in our backyard so close to Broome. We say no to any prospecting or mining on Country.”

Mr Roe questioned how such a development could be proposed within the Yawuru Conservation Area, where clear signage exists to protect Country.

“That signage is there for a reason. It signals to everyone that this is culturally and environmentally sensitive land. Yet prospecting is being proposed within the Coconut Well area. Under the current Rubibi Native Title determination, three Traditional Owner groups exist: Djukun, Goolarabooloo, and Yawuru. But time and time again, Djukun and Goolarabooloo are sidelined and excluded from the decision-making process. We are still fighting for what is rightfully ours.”

Further community concerns were raised by Lesley, a resident of 12-Mile, who shared alarming details about recent applications made by the same Perth based individual as the proposed Coconut Well application. In late June 2024, residents were blindsided when they learned of two mining tenement applications stretching from the TAFE block to Chi Street Extension. Covering a large portion of bushland at the rear of all residential lots along one side of Kanagae Drive.

“We only found out about this by chance. No notice was given to residents, and objections closed just days later on July 2. The applicant originally said they had ‘no intention of engaging in mining activity’ — but new documents filed with the Mining Warden’s Court prove otherwise.”

Lesley said the company now intends to:

• Identify a potential source of ironstone and conduct a tractor drill program to identify any commodities,

• Clear access tracks and topsoil for drill pads,

• Build workers accommodation, storage sheds, and infrastructure,

• Drill wells and extract groundwater for mining use.

“This is not low-impact. We’re zoned Rural Residential — under the Shire’s Local Planning Scheme No. 7, mining operations and workforce accommodation are prohibited. We have clean groundwater that our community relies on for living and farming. Residents are concnered that any mining operations could affect the water quality that we depend”.

Djukun Nation stands with the community of 12-Mile and Coconut Well in calling for an immediate halt to these proposed developments.

Image credit: 7News Regional, Monday 7th April 2025.

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