Rio Tinto and PKKP Sign New Cultural Heritage Agreement After Juukan Gorge Destruction

In a landmark development, Rio Tinto and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Aboriginal Corporation have formalized a new cultural heritage management agreement. This initiative follows the 2020 destruction of the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in Western Australia’s Pilbara region—an incident that triggered global outrage and prompted major changes within Rio Tinto’s leadership and operations.

A Step Towards Reconciliation

The agreement places a strong emphasis on co-management of culturally significant sites, giving traditional owners a central role in managing the land and participating in decision-making. This collaborative approach seeks to embed cultural sensitivity within mining practices and reflects Rio Tinto’s commitment to Indigenous partnerships and heritage protection.

PKKP chairperson Burchell Hayes acknowledged that the loss of Juukan Gorge is irreversible, but said the new agreement represents a positive step toward preventing future cultural destruction and strengthening the voice of traditional owners in resource management.

Juukan Gorge Legacy Foundation

As part of the agreement, Rio Tinto and the PKKP have committed to establishing the Juukan Gorge Legacy Foundation. The foundation will be led and governed by the PKKP people and is designed to support the community’s cultural, social, educational, and economic development.

Financial support from Rio Tinto will help fund a range of initiatives, including the construction of new facilities for the protection and preservation of cultural materials and historical records. The foundation also aims to create broader commercial opportunities for the PKKP community.

Remediation and Cultural Restoration

Rio Tinto is continuing its work to rehabilitate the Juukan Gorge area. Remediation efforts include planting native vegetation and working closely with PKKP representatives to recover and preserve archaeological deposits and artifacts.

Terry Hayes, a PKKP traditional owner, emphasized the importance of safeguarding cultural knowledge and materials for future generations. He described the ongoing efforts as essential to the community’s healing process and to rebuilding trust between Indigenous groups and mining companies.

Lessons for the Industry

The destruction of Juukan Gorge led to a national inquiry and intensified calls for stronger protections of Indigenous cultural sites. In response, Rio Tinto overhauled its leadership, introduced new cultural heritage protocols, and reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining practices.

This new agreement is seen as a potential blueprint for other mining companies operating on Indigenous land. It underscores the importance of genuine collaboration, respect for traditional knowledge, and shared stewardship of cultural landscapes.