Case Study: Collaborative Mapping and Option Development in the Pilbara In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, cultural heritage considerations form a central constraint in mining project development, particularly where large-scale infrastructure intersects with Country. In this context, a collaborative initiative was undertaken involving the project team, the client, and Traditional Owners to integrate cultural heritage considerations directly into early engineering design. Cultural heritage information was systematically incorporated into the project’s three dimensional engineering model using GIS enabled spatial overlays. This allowed heritage exclusion zones to be visualized in direct relation to proposed facilities, access roads, and material handling infrastructure. By spatially aligning cultural heritage data with engineering layouts, the project team was able to identify potential conflicts early and assess the extent to which proposed construction activities interacted with culturally sensitive areas. This spatial integration formed the basis for a structured co-design process focused on infrastructure alignment. Eight alternative options for conveyor and road network placement were developed within the 3D model, each reflecting different trade-offs between operational efficiency, constructability, and heritage avoidance. Traditional Owners participated directly in reviewing and assessing each option using the visual models, providing input on cultural priorities alongside technical considerations. Through this process, a preferred option was selected that balanced project requirements with cultural constraints. From an engineering perspective, the use of collaborative spatial modelling supported earlier convergence on a constructible layout and reduced the likelihood of late stage changes during detailed design. The approach also improved clarity around exclusion zones and access requirements prior to procurement and construction planning. 81
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