Rio Tinto has sought to improve its relationship with First Nations communities affected by mining operations, signing a new agreement with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) to deliver improved social and economic outcomes.
The updated agreement, delivered as part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to modernise its relationships with Traditional Owners, follows the miner’s disastrous destruction of culturally significant rock shelters in the Juukan Gorge during 2020.
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 focused on developing Community, Commercial and Culture projects and programs 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 the agreement demonstrated mutual trust between the two parties.
“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.”
