Rio Tinto Faces Renewed Criticism Over Aboriginal Land Agreement Delays

Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) is under fire for failing to update a key land-use agreement with the Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal group, despite promising reforms after destroying the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge heritage site in 2020. The mining giant had committed to improved Indigenous engagement after the incident sparked global outrage, a government inquiry, and leadership resignations.

At Rio Tinto’s annual general meeting in Perth, Deanna McGowan of the Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation criticized the company for operating the Mesa J iron ore mine—its largest on their lands—for three decades while compensating the group for only three years. She claimed the company had misled elders when the original agreement was signed 20 years ago, saying the mine would soon close.

Rio Tinto Chair Dominic Barton responded by reaffirming the company’s commitment to resolving the issue through ongoing discussions. He emphasized the miner’s relationships with more than 60 Indigenous and land-connected groups worldwide, acknowledging that while many are positive, some remain “challenged.”

The Robe River Kuruma lands are located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, near but not inclusive of the Juukan Gorge site. Investigations following the 2020 incident revealed that outdated agreements had often restricted Aboriginal groups from speaking out and led to underpaid royalties. Major miners including Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue have since pledged to reform such agreements.

Failure to resolve land-use agreements could impact Rio Tinto’s mining operations. The company’s latest production report warned that output guidance is contingent on timely heritage approvals and clearances for new mining areas.

Rio Tinto’s delays in updating agreements risk further backlash and operational disruptions, raising concerns over its commitment to Indigenous rights and sustainable mining practices.