Rio Tinto has published an independent report based on a global audit of its cultural heritage management compliance and performance – one of a number of steps it is taking to continue to find better ways to manage and protect heritage.

 

The report was produced by ERM, a global sustainability consultancy, following an audit of 37 Rio Tinto assets. The audit was completed throughout 2021 and 2022 across 20 assets in Australia and 17 assets in other countries where Rio Tinto operates including Canada, South Africa, the U.S. and Mongolia.

Commissioning an independent audit was a commitment made in response to the findings from the Rio Tinto Board Review of Cultural Heritage Management, which identified priorities for change following the destruction of the rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in May 2020.

“We have been working to strengthen and improve our approach to cultural heritage and community relations. Our immediate focus was in Australia following Juukan Gorge before steadily expanding across our global operations,” said Kellie Parker, Rio Tinto chief executive, Australia.

“The report highlights some good progress, in particular in Australia, where we started. We know we have more work to do and the report gives us areas for further improvement across our global operations, and we will adopt all of its recommendations.”

The audit found 81 non-conformances and 60 improvement opportunities. In addition, 144 recommendations were provided to support alignment with global good practice.

Source: Rio Tinto