Joint statement from PKKP and Rio Tinto
(Posted on 28/12/20)
Rio Tinto and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people (PKKP) confirm they have taken initial steps in rebuilding their relationship following the events at Juukan Gorge in May 2020.
In a joint statement they said, “PKKP in co-operation with Rio Tinto have been involved in remedial works at Juukan Gorge. These works will continue.
A joint session of the PKKP and Rio Tinto boards has been held to reaffirm Rio Tinto’s apology and commitment to rebuilding our relationship.
In addition, we will prepare a Heads of Agreement that will capture our commitments and outline how both Rio Tinto and PKKP will work together. While there has been some important progress made in the relationship so far, we are not underestimating the time it will take to genuinely work together and achieve the mutual objectives of this partnership.
PKKP acknowledges that Rio Tinto has taken steps to address the hurt and devastation caused by the actions which culminated in the destruction in May 2020.
PKKP is encouraged by these steps to date but they are the first of many that will be needed to ensure the avoidable and unnecessary destruction of cultural heritage sites, like Juukan Gorge, will never be repeated.
PKKP notes the appointment of new chief executive Jakob Stausholm and hopes that discussions between PKKP and Rio Tinto will continue in a positive direction.”
Kurrama Elder Burchell Hayes said, “While we have made some initial positive steps in rebuilding our relationship there is so much more we need to do in order to shape a shared future for our next generations of PKKP people working with Rio Tinto.”
Acting chief executive of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Ivan Vella, said, “We know we have a lot of work to do in order to rebuild trust and confidence in our business. I look forward to continuing the work with PKKP Traditional Owners to re-chart our partnership and build a shared future.”
Latest News
Strong metals trading as Trafigura publishes annual results
(Posted on 09/12/25)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a global leader in the commodities industry, has announced its financial results... Read more
Rio Tinto’s Nuton technology produces first copper
(Posted on 09/12/25)Rio Tinto has successfully produced the first copper from the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona using its... Read more
US soy and Uzbekistan sign MoU to expand trade
(Posted on 02/12/25)The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health programme and the... Read more
KNAC and Rio Tinto sign updated agreement
(Posted on 02/12/25)Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) Registered Native Title Body Corporate and Rio Tinto... Read more
OCI Global announces sale of OCI Ammonia Holding to AGROFERT
(Posted on 02/12/25)OCI Global, a leading global producer and distributor of nitrogen products has announced that it has... Read more
Court of Appeal confirms permit for new steel plant in Luleå
(Posted on 24/11/25)In December 2024, SSAB was granted a permit by the Land and Environment Court at Umeå District... Read more
Simandou partners celebrate start of operations
(Posted on 15/11/25)The President of the Republic of Guinea has joined project partners WCS1, Baowu, Chinalco and Rio Tinto... Read more
GSC launches mining advisory division, strengthening global investment capabilities
(Posted on 10/11/25)GSC (Global Strategic Commodities) has announced the launch of its dedicated mining advisory division... Read more
SSAB issues first green bonds amounting to SEK2,800m
(Posted on 10/11/25)SSAB AB has successfully issued its inaugural green bonds under its EUR 2 billion EMTN programme, dated... Read more
Anglo American publishes shareholder circular for merger with Teck
(Posted on 10/11/25)On 9 September 2025, Anglo American plc and Teck Resources Limited announced that they had reached an... Read more
