The other impression was most gratifying – the integrated involvement of the local Aboriginal people in the Argyle operation, which has assisted with dramatic improvements in health, education and self esteem. Almost 50 per cent of the site workforce now comes from the East Kimberley region, half of these being Aboriginal people.

These gains, together with other initiatives aimed at making the East Kimberley a robust region, should endure long after the last tonne of ore is dug from the AK1 pipe.