Rio Tinto launches internal review after blasting WA ancient rock shelters
Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced a board-led review of its "heritage management processes" following criticism of its destruction of ancient rock shelters in Western Australia.
The company said the review would be conducted by its non-executive director Michael L'Estrange and will seek input from Rio Tinto employees, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people (PKKP) and subject matter experts.
Protesters are seen during a rally outside the Rio Tinto office in Perth.Credit:AAP
The review will focus on recommending improvements to its internal processes and governance, appraise Rio Tinto's internal heritage standards, procedures and reporting and will examine the company's relationship and communications with the PKKP.
A final report will be released by October 2020 and it will be made public.
Rio last month detonated explosives in an area of the Juukan Gorge last month, destroying ancient indigenous caves dating back 46,000 years in Western Australia's north.
The events sparked international outrage, prompting an apology from the company. Rio claimed a misunderstanding was to blame for the destruction.
Jean-Sébastien Jacques, chief executive of Rio Tinto, said: “Our immediate priority is to regain the trust of Traditional Owners, starting with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people. We very much look forward to incorporating the findings of the board-led review into our heritage processes and approach.”
AAP