Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed Global Lithium Resources has signed a Native Title Mining Agreement involving its subsidiary, GLR Australia, and the Kakarra Part B Native Title Group.

The agreement is said to be a key development for both parties, enabling the advancement and management of the Manna lithium project in Western Australia.

The agreement is expected to provide “benefits” to the Kakarra Part B Native Title Group while allowing Global Lithium to proceed with the development and operations of the project.

These include various work streams and necessary approvals related to the definitive feasibility study and the mining lease application, which are expected to reach significant milestones by the end of the calendar year.

Global Lithium managing director Dianmin Chen said: “Successfully negotiating a Native Title Mining Agreement that ensures the Kakarra Part B Native Title Holders will benefit from the future development of the Manna Lithium Project, alongside the company’s shareholders, was a priority for me and my team when taking on the role of managing director in February 2025.”

Chen acknowledged the efforts of the legal and commercial teams from both sides for their collaboration throughout the negotiation process.

The Manna lithium project is recognised as the third-largest lithium resource in the Eastern Goldfields region, with a mineral resource estimate of 51.6 million tonnes at a grade of 1% lithium oxide.

Kakarra Traditional Owner Dennis Forrest said: “We believe this Native Title Mining Agreement over the Manna Project has the potential to provide lasting benefits to our community, and we look forward to seeing a lithium mine get built there in the near future.”