The Department of Mining, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) continues large-scale rehabilitation at Ellendale, delivering risk reduction alongside Aboriginal employment and training, and local economic outcomes.
Works for the 2026-27 dry season are underway at the Abandoned Mines Program's Ellendale project in the West Kimberley, progressing despite a delayed start due to seasonal conditions.
Following the successful completion of the Stage 1 Rehabilitation Earthworks, Stage 2 is now advancing the program's focus on stabilising actively eroding landforms and reducing safety risks across the site. This year's works at the E9 site are building on significant earthworks delivered over previous seasons.
A defining feature of the project is the integration of Aboriginal participation into all aspects of delivery. Stage 1 works demonstrated strong outcomes, with Indigenous personnel contributing substantially to the workforce and progressing into operational and leadership roles over time
Central to this approach is the Ellendale Bunuba Trainee Program, delivered by Buru Rehab in partnership with Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC). The program provides on-Country training linked to nationally recognised machinery operation qualifications, supporting long-term employment pathways and capability development within the local community.
The start of the 2026 dry season was marked by the commencement of the latest trainee intake and a site visit by DMPE Director General Chris Shaw, including a Welcome to Country led by BDAC.
Ellendale was historically a major source of high-quality Fancy Yellow diamonds, with mining undertaken between 2002 and 2015 before the site was declared an abandoned mine site in December 2015. Today, the Abandoned Mines Program is working to ensure the site remains safe, stable and viable for any future responsible resource development, while delivering enduring benefits for the community and the region.
Ellendale is located approximately 140km southeast of Derby in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia.
