Challenger has maintained a very good relationship with the local indigenous group. Initiatives to encourage indigenous employment participation at the mine were progressed. By the end of the year 15% of the plant operating team were of indigenous origin.

Challenger’s very remote location (310km by road from Coober Pedy) limits the amount of direct involvement with the local communities; however Dominion supports a variety of local community and sporting groups in Coober Pedy, Glendambo and Kingoonya.

Bursaries were provided for geology and mining engineering students from the University of Adelaide. Field trips for students organized by the University were hosted on site in addition to the vacation work experience opportunities offered to various students.

Successful interaction with local pastoral groups continued, allowing both pastoral and mining activities to coexist with a high degree of mutual cooperation.