Examines relationship between mining companies and Aborigines and the role of land councils and state governments; uses Amax dispute with Aborigines at Noonkanbah and CRAs deal with Turkey Creek Aborigines over Argyle diamond deposits as case studies of political confrontation; contrasts these with process of direct negotiation between mining companies and Pitjantjatjara Council over mining in areas of Aboriginal land in WA, SA and NT regardless of the legal status of the land in question; Pitjantjatjara or Comalco Model of direct negotiation outlined and seen as successful compromise if undertaken at initial stages of exploration regardless of official state government policies on land rights; it cannot, however, replace political demands for right of ownership and control over land and minerals.
