Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) and Ngarlawangga Aboriginal Corporation have signed an interim modernised agreement to strengthen the two parties’ partnership.
The agreement reflects a co-management approach to how the parties will work together on Ngarlawangga Country within the agreement area.
Under the agreement, Rio Tinto and Ngarlawangga Aboriginal Corporation will engage earlier and throughout the mine lifecycle.
Ngarlawangga perspectives will shape decisions using agreed processes to provide more certainty about how cultural heritage and the land will be managed and protected.
The Ngarlawangga People will also receive long-term financial support to achieve social, cultural, and economic aspirations.
Ngarlawangga Aboriginal Corporation says it is pleased to sign the agreement with Rio.
“This agreement highlights the strong partnership we have built over the years, and a relationship built on respect,” the group says.
“We look forward to the next phase of implementing the agreement, and many more years of working together.
“Our people have cared for Ngarlawangga Country for thousands of years. Through this agreement, Ngarlawangga People will continue to protect our cultural heritage and values, and carry out our responsibilities in looking after Country, as we work in partnership with Rio Tinto through our jointly designed co-management approach, ensuring Ngarlawangga People continue to have a voice in how our cultural heritage is managed and maintained.”
Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Matthew Holcz says the company is grateful for the trust and openness the Ngarlawangga People have shown throughout this process.
“This agreement is an important step in how we will work together to manage and protect Ngarlawangga heritage and Country,” Holcz says.
“We will continue to listen, learn, and work together to build a strong partnership that reflects Ngarlawangga aspirations and supports responsible operations on Country.
“The interim modernised agreement lays the foundation for a full modernised agreement. Ngarlawangga Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto will continue working together to finalise that agreement.”
The existing agreement builds on the participation agreement signed between the Ngarlawangga People and Rio Tinto in 2011.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Main Image: Rio Tinto
