Rio Tinto announces board-led heritage review
(Posted on 19/06/20)
Rio Tinto has launched a board-led review of its heritage management processes within Iron Ore following the events at Juukan Gorge, with a focus on recommending improvements to the effectiveness of its internal processes and governance.
The review will be conducted by Michael L’Estrange AO, an independent non-executive director of Rio Tinto, and will seek input from Rio Tinto employees and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people (PKKP). The review will be informed through engagement with Indigenous leaders, Traditional Owners and subject matter experts.
The review will focus on events at Juukan Gorge and appraise Rio Tinto’s internal heritage standards, procedures, reporting and governance, and will examine the company’s relationship and communications with the PKKP.
The review will commence immediately, with the final report targeted by October 2020, subject to completion of consultative processes with relevant stakeholders.
The review will complement and inform Rio Tinto’s cooperation with the Inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia. Rio Tinto will also continue to support the West Australian government’s planned reform of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA).
Simon Thompson, chairman of Rio Tinto, said “On behalf of the Rio Tinto board, I would like to apologise to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people. The decision to conduct a board-led review of events at Juukan Gorge reflects our determination to learn lessons from what happened and to make any necessary improvements to our heritage processes and governance. I am very grateful to Michael for agreeing to conduct the review on behalf of the board.”
J-S 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.”
Michael L’Estrange AO has been an independent non-executive director of Rio Tinto since 2014. His other appointments have included Secretary to the Cabinet (1996-2000), Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2000-2005) and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2005-2009).
Latest News
SSAB achieves IEA threshold for near-zero CO2e emissions steel
(Posted on 29/09/25)SSAB Zero steel produced with hydrogen-reduced iron from HYBRIT technology is the world’s first... Read more
Trafigura expands $400M US EXIM-Backed Revolving Credit Facilities
(Posted on 29/09/25)Trafigura, a global leader in the commodities industry, has successfully renewed and expanded the scope... Read more
Bunge and Bangkok Produce Merchandising expand soy supply partnership
(Posted on 22/09/25)Bunge and Bangkok Produce Merchandising Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group... Read more
NGFA applauds Senate confirmation of USDA Under Secretaries
(Posted on 22/09/25)The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has commended the U.S. Senate for confirming three key... Read more
Agreement secures long-term bulk logistics capacity for South African miner
(Posted on 14/09/25)Transnet SOC Ltd and Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining (Pty) Ltd have concluded a milestone 10-year... Read more
Bühler appoints Mike Häfeli as the new CEO of Grains and Food business
(Posted on 14/09/25)Bühler Group has announced a key leadership transition within its Grains & Food business. After... Read more
ADM increases export capacity with expanded Windsor, Ontario grain terminal
(Posted on 09/09/25)ADM Agri-Industries in Windsor has celebrated the opening of its expanded grain terminal at the Port... Read more
Anglo American and Teck to combine to form global critical minerals champion
(Posted on 09/09/25)Anglo American plc and Teck Resources Limited have announced that they have reached an agreement to... Read more
Ag leaders urge Senate to confirm Dr. Julie Callahan as Chief Negotiator
(Posted on 09/09/25)The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), joined by 89 agricultural organizations, has voiced... Read more
Rio Tinto streamlines to unlock additional shareholder value
(Posted on 01/09/25)Rio Tinto has announced a new operating model and executive team to shape the company’s next chapter... Read more
