Rio Tinto PLC (LON:RIO)(ASX:RIO) is planning a series of seminars to outline how it is working in partnership with what it terms “traditional owners”.
The aim is to improve the company’s approach to cultural heritage and community relations after its recent decision to dynamite a major cultural heritage site in Australia.
What’s been termed an Indigenous Advisory Group or IAG will be established to ensure Rio Tinto has a better understanding of indigenous culture and issues in Australia, including at board level.
It follows broad consultation with “traditional owners” and indigenous leaders with the aim to introduce more diversity and breadth of views, including external perspective, in decision-making.
"We have reflected a great deal as a company and leadership team over recent months - listening, learning and responding by taking actions to better manage Traditional Owner partnerships and cultural heritage aspects of our business,” said Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm.
"One thing is clear - building meaningful and trusting relationships is fundamental.”
He also talked of the “felt experience” of the indigenous population and said that Rio Tinto would never forget that its people were “guests on their land”.
“As guests, we must respect our hosts and work with them to understand their priorities and concerns and minimise our impacts. We also must remember that our stay is temporary. We need to ensure we leave a positive legacy. This is essential to our business. We are committed to doing the right thing and working with our hosts to earn the right to be a trusted partner once more."