Chastened Rio Tinto to review plans to mine ancient cave
Mining giant Rio Tinto says it will review plans to mine the Juukan Gorge area “as a matter of urgency”.
Mining giant Rio Tinto says it will review plans to mine the Juukan Gorge area “as a matter of urgency” and overhaul its entire heritage approach, in a clear sign of reputational damage and harsh criticism over the destruction of ancient cave sites at its Brockman iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
“As a matter of urgency, we are reviewing the plans of all other sites in the Juukan Gorge area,” Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said on Sunday, a day after Aboriginal traditional owners accused it of making “incorrect” claims.
Mr Salisbury said Rio Tinto would review its heritage approach, “engaging traditional owners to help identify, understand and recommend ways to improve the process’’.
“Three decades ago we were the first mining company to recognise native title,” he said.
“Today we recognise a review is needed in relation to the management of heritage in Western Australia more broadly, and we will advocate where relevant for legislative reform.”
Rio Tinto has been criticised by Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) traditional owners, archaeologists and heritage bodies for blasting near the Juukan Gorge on its Brockman mine, 60km northwest of the town of Tom Price.
The company confirmed last Tuesday that the rock shelters were affected when PKKP elders sought access to the site.
The rock shelters were recorded as having evidence of human habitation dating as far back as 46,000 years.
Rio Tinto says it was acting on permission obtained in 2013 under the state’s Section 18 heritage provision that gave ministerial exemption to mine the area. Mr Salisbury said last week Rio Tinto was unaware of traditional owners’ concerns.
“We are sorry the recently expressed concerns of the PKKP did not arise through the engagements that have taken place over many years,” he said.
Burchell Hayes, spokesman for the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation said it had repeatedly relayed the significance of the rock shelters.
“PKKPAC has, on numerous occasions since 2013, communicated to Rio Tinto the significance of Juukan Gorge, in particular the rock shelters in the area … for Rio Tinto to suggest otherwise is incorrect.”
