Australian mining giant Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation have signed an updated agreement aimed at strengthening ties and delivering improved social and economic outcomes for the Yindjibarndi people for generations to come. The updated agreement, delivered as part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to modernise its relationships with Traditional Owners, was signed on Yindjibarndi Country at Jirndawirrinha (Millstream), a location that is central to the Yindjibarndi people’s identity and spiritual beliefs, holding an important story about Barrimirndi, the Dreamtime serpent that travelled from the sea to the desert.Rio Tinto’s rail network, which connects its Pilbara mines to ports at Cape Lambert and Dampier in Western Australia, traverses through Yindjibarndi Country. YAC is the representative body for the Yindjibarndi people, which Rio Tinto has held a Participation Agreement and Indigenous Land Use Agreement with since 2013.The agreement builds on this partnership and reflects a deeper commitment to work together to create more opportunities for Yindjibarndi people to participate in Rio Tinto’s operations, including direct and indirect employment opportunities, and build sustainable long-term benefits to the community.Part of the agreement includes support for YAC to deliver the outcomes of its 3C Strategy, which is focussed on developing Community, Commercial and Culture projects and programmes to assist YAC to fulfil its aspirations of self-determination. These programs support the Yindjibarndi people's aspirations to build capacity and capability, as well as support initiatives that will preserve, sustain and celebrate culture.Rio Tinto continues to work with YAC to develop a new model to inform the co-management of Country and decision-making in relation to Rio Tinto activities on Yindjibarndi country, with plans to implement it in 2023.Approximately 350 kilometres of Rio Tinto’s railway line traverses through Yindjibarndi Country. Rio Tinto has no mining activities on Yindjibarndi Country. YAC’s 3C Strategy aims to help build resilient and prosperous communities through community groups and funds, while developing strategic business partnerships, including in mining and energy industries, to create a successful model for self-determination that supports and benefits all Yindjibarndi members.
Australian mining giant Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation have signed an updated agreement aimed at strengthening ties and delivering improved social and economic outcomes for the Yindjibarndi people for generations to come. The updated agreement, delivered as part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to modernise its relationships with Traditional Owners, was signed on Yindjibarndi Country at Jirndawirrinha (Millstream), a location that is central to the Yindjibarndi people’s identity and spiritual beliefs, holding an important story about Barrimirndi, the Dreamtime serpent that travelled from the sea to the desert.Rio Tinto’s rail network, which connects its Pilbara mines to ports at Cape Lambert and Dampier in Western Australia, traverses through Yindjibarndi Country. YAC is the representative body for the Yindjibarndi people, which Rio Tinto has held a Participation Agreement and Indigenous Land Use Agreement with since 2013.The agreement builds on this partnership and reflects a deeper commitment to work together to create more opportunities for Yindjibarndi people to participate in Rio Tinto’s operations, including direct and indirect employment opportunities, and build sustainable long-term benefits to the community.Part of the agreement includes support for YAC to deliver the outcomes of its 3C Strategy, which is focussed on developing Community, Commercial and Culture projects and programmes to assist YAC to fulfil its aspirations of self-determination. These programs support the Yindjibarndi people's aspirations to build capacity and capability, as well as support initiatives that will preserve, sustain and celebrate culture.Rio Tinto continues to work with YAC to develop a new model to inform the co-management of Country and decision-making in relation to Rio Tinto activities on Yindjibarndi country, with plans to implement it in 2023.Approximately 350 kilometres of Rio Tinto’s railway line traverses through Yindjibarndi Country. Rio Tinto has no mining activities on Yindjibarndi Country. YAC’s 3C Strategy aims to help build resilient and prosperous communities through community groups and funds, while developing strategic business partnerships, including in mining and energy industries, to create a successful model for self-determination that supports and benefits all Yindjibarndi members.
