18 July 2008
Rio Tinto and Ngarluma agreement to clear the way for economic development in the Pilbara
Rio Tinto and the Ngarluma people have reached an initial agreement over the proposed expansion of mining operations in the Pilbara, clearing the way for a comprehensive new Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) for the area.
The binding letter of agreement between Rio Tinto and the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Ngarluma people on whose country much of the expansion will be based, will provide economic development opportunities for the native title holders alongside the expansion of iron ore mining infrastructure.
The agreement is the necessary first step towards a registered ILUA, providing for specific native title holder support for rail duplication in the Cape Lambert to Dampier area, the expansion of the Cape Lambert port and a new power station near Karratha, including transmission lines and substations.
These works are a critical part of Rio Tinto's drive to expand its annual Pilbara capacity to 320 million tonnes by 2012, and will not involve a significant increase in the footprint of operations on Ngarluma country.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore vice-president of organisational resources, Joanne Farrell said: "This is a wonderful outcome for both Rio Tinto and the Ngarluma people, on whose country we have been operating for more than 40 years. This places our relationship on a sound and mature basis and we look forward to working together on the bright future we share."
Jill Churnside, chairwoman of the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, said: "Our relationship is part of the new language that mining and industry must speak. We applaud Rio Tinto for forging ahead of others to be an industry leader in native title negotiations. We want to acknowledge the elders who have passed away, because it is their strength and dignity which allows us to be here today."
Under the agreement, Ngarluma will provide support for the Rio Tinto's existing operations, its future expansions beyond 320 million tonnes per annum and necessary infrastructure and government approvals. It requires Rio Tinto to work closely with Ngarluma people on all cultural heritage matters.
The agreement provides substantial funding for the community which will be managed solely by the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation. This will provide benefits for all Ngarluma members and enable the community to develop programmes to redress disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal people. The final agreement will provide for education, training and employment opportunities for Ngarluma people and the opportunity for commercial ventures such as business contracting.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa
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