This account of the mining agreements made with Aboriginal people during 30 years provides a practical perspective on mining's role in the native title debate. It dispels the claim that negotiating with Aboriginal communities must necessarily be difficult or devoid of satisfactory outcomes. The author contends that commercial mining is not necessarily hostile to native title. Aborginal people accept development but want it to occur under certain conditions and wish to share in some of the benefits. This study describes how agreements have been reached in this context, sets out the success stories, and offers practical guidance for future negotiations.