A different Kimberley: aboriginal marginalisation and the Argyle diamond mine

Development of the Argyle diamond mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has had a significant impact on local Aboriginal communities. This paper draws on local fieldwork and a review of relevant literature to argue that the local impacts of the mine have not been adequately addressed by the operating companies; agreement to make ex gratia payments to the affected communities. The paper also argues that the effects of mining must be considered in the context of a wider process of regional restructuring and the continuing marginalisation of the Aboriginal interests within the Australian economy. -Author