Rio Tinto acknowledges Government’s response to Juukan Gorge report

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto (LSE: RIO) acknowledges the Australian Federal Government's response to a report regarding the 2020 destruction of rock shelters at Juukan Gorge, which affected the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people. CEO Jakob Stausholm emphasized the company's commitment to improving engagement with Indigenous communities and preserving cultural heritage. Key initiatives include co-management models, legislative support for heritage protection, and revisions to internal processes. The company aims to strengthen relationships and ensure Indigenous perspectives are considered throughout mining operations.

Positive

• Commitment to rebuilding relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Support for stronger cultural heritage legislation at State and Commonwealth levels.
• Implementation of co-management models to enhance heritage protection.
• Revisions to internal standards and risk management systems.

Negative

• None.

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto acknowledges the release of the Australian Federal Government’s response to the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia’s report into the destruction of rock shelters in Juukan Gorge on the land of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people (PKKP) in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said, “Since the tragic events of May 2020, we have been tirelessly focused on changing the way we engage and work in partnership with Indigenous communities, to protect and preserve cultural heritage. We acknowledge today’s announcement and will explore the government’s response to the report’s recommendations in detail, as we continue to strive to be the best partner we can be, and play an active role in ensuring heritage sites of exceptional significance are protected.”

This includes:

• Continuing to work towards remedying and rebuilding our relationship with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people and on the remediation of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters
• Supporting the strengthening of cultural heritage legislation at both State and Commonwealth levels
• Shifting to a model of co-management to enhance the protection of heritage and provide better outcomes for Indigenous peoples and our business
• Revising internal standards, improving risk management systems and strengthening assurance processes
• Changing our culture and processes to ensure Traditional Owner views are understood at all stages of the mine life

A comprehensive summary of the relevant actions taken by the business was outlined in October’s Communities and Social Performance (CSP) Commitment Disclosure Report.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221123005515/en/

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com

Media Relations, UK

Matthew Klar

M+ 44 7796 630 637

David Outhwaite

M +44 7787 597 493

Media Relations, Americas

Simon Letendre

M +514 796 4973

Malika Cherry

M +1 418 592 7293

Media Relations, Australia

Matt Chambers

M +61 433 525 739

Jesse Riseborough

M +61 436 653 412

Investor Relations, UK

Menno Sanderse

M: +44 7825 195 178

David Ovington

M +44 7920 010 978

Clare Peever

M +44 7788 967 877

Investor Relations, Australia

Tom Gallop

M +61 439 353 948

Amar Jambaa

M +61 472 865 948

Rio Tinto plc

6 St James’s Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

Level 43, 120 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

Category: General

Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What is Rio Tinto's response to the Juukan Gorge report?

Rio Tinto acknowledges the Australian government's response and emphasizes their commitment to improving relations with Indigenous communities regarding heritage protection.

How is Rio Tinto addressing cultural heritage concerns?

The company is focusing on co-management models, supporting stronger legislation, and revising internal processes to ensure better outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

What specific actions is Rio Tinto taking to protect heritage sites?

Rio Tinto is working on remediation efforts at Juukan Gorge and enhancing risk management systems to protect cultural heritage.

When did the destruction of Juukan Gorge rock shelters occur?

The destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters occurred in May 2020.