Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi people strengthen ties with updated agreement

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) have updated their agreement to enhance social and economic outcomes for the Yindjibarndi people. The agreement, signed on Yindjibarndi Country, emphasizes direct and indirect employment opportunities and sustainable benefits for the community. It supports YAC's 3C Strategy, which focuses on Community, Commercial, and Culture projects. Rio Tinto aims to modernize its relationship with Traditional Owners and plans to implement a co-management model in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to collaboration and mutual trust.

Positive

• Enhanced partnership between Rio Tinto and YAC, promoting long-term social and economic benefits for the Yindjibarndi people.
• Focus on direct and indirect employment opportunities, fostering community engagement.
• Support for YAC's 3C Strategy to build community capacity and preserve cultural heritage.

Negative

• None.

PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) have signed an updated agreement aimed at strengthening ties and delivering improved social and economic outcomes for the Yindjibarndi people for generations to come.

The updated agreement, delivered as part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to modernise its relationships with Traditional Owners, was signed yesterday on Yindjibarndi Country at Jirndawirrinha (Millstream), a location that is central to the Yindjibarndi people’s identity and spiritual beliefs, holding an important story about Barrimirndi, the Dreamtime serpent that travelled from the sea to the desert.

Rio Tinto’s rail network, which connects its Pilbara mines to ports at Cape Lambert and Dampier in Western Australia, traverses through Yindjibarndi Country. YAC is the representative body for the Yindjibarndi people, which Rio Tinto has held a Participation Agreement and Indigenous Land Use Agreement with since 2013.

The agreement builds on this partnership and reflects a deeper commitment to work together to create more opportunities for Yindjibarndi people to participate in Rio Tinto’s operations, including direct and indirect employment opportunities, and build sustainable long-term benefits to the community.

Part of the agreement includes support for YAC to deliver the outcomes of its 3C Strategy, which is focussed on developing Community, Commercial and Culture projects and programmes to assist YAC to fulfil its aspirations of self-determination. These programs support the Yindjibarndi people's aspirations to build capacity and capability, as well as support initiatives that will preserve, sustain and celebrate culture.

Rio Tinto continues to work with YAC to develop a new model to inform the co-management of Country and decision-making in relation to Rio Tinto activities on Yindjibarndi country, with plans to implement it in 2023.

YAC Chief Executive Officer, Michael Woodley, said “This new agreement represents a true partnership demonstrating mutual trust and commitment where we both apply our best resources to engage, plan and deliver outcomes that can improve the lives of Yindjibarndi members”.

“The partnership will help build resilient and prosperous communities, strengthen our spiritual and cultural heritage, and, through strategic business partnerships, create a successful economic model for self-determination for the Yindjibarndi Nation that can endure for generations to come.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “We are working hard to re-engage with Traditional Owners and change the way we operate”.

“This agreement with the Yindjibarndi people is the first delivered as part of our commitment to modernise our relationship with Traditional Owners on whose land we operate. It is a demonstration of our commitment to working differently and truly partnering with Traditional Owners to support the achievement of their goals and aspirations. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve with the Yindjibarndi people over the years to come.”

Note to the editor:

Approximately 350 kilometres of Rio Tinto’s railway line traverses through Yindjibarndi Country. Rio Tinto has no mining activities on Yindjibarndi Country.

YAC’s 3C Strategy aims to help build resilient and prosperous communities through community groups and funds, while developing strategic business partnerships, including in mining and energy industries, to create a successful model for self-determination that supports and benefits all Yindjibarndi members.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221109005480/en/

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Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What is the significance of the updated agreement between Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation?

The updated agreement aims to strengthen ties and deliver improved social and economic outcomes for the Yindjibarndi people.

How will the new agreement impact employment opportunities for the Yindjibarndi people?

The agreement focuses on creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for the Yindjibarndi community.

What is the 3C Strategy mentioned in the press release?

The 3C Strategy is YAC's initiative aimed at developing Community, Commercial, and Culture projects to support self-determination.

When does Rio Tinto plan to implement the new co-management model?

Rio Tinto plans to implement the new co-management model in 2023.

What is Rio Tinto's commitment regarding its relationship with Traditional Owners?

Rio Tinto is committed to modernizing its relationships with Traditional Owners and fostering mutual trust and collaboration.