October 2008

Agreements reached with Queensland Aboriginal communities

Rio Tinto Coal Australia has entered into two new agreements with local Aboriginal groups in central Queensland, formalising our working relationships.

The first agreement, with the Wangan & Jagalingou people, covers land in the Clermont area including the Blair Athol and Clermont Mines. The second, with the Kangoulu people, covers land including Kestrel Mine.

The agreements recognise the Traditional Owners’ relationship to the land, are supported by a dedicated Aboriginal Relations officer to implement the programme at each mine site and are overseen by formal committee structures to implement the terms of the agreements.

“The formal structure and support of these agreements aim to help these Aboriginal communities build economic prosperity throughout the life of our mines and beyond,” External Relations general manager Fiona Nicholls said.

“Through the agreements we will also set up an Aboriginal Community Development Fund in each region, which will consider applications for funding that are designed to achieve long term capacity building in these communities."

Fiona said our mines will work with the communities to identify what they see is important for their future, and then consider programmes that will support achieving this.

"The programmes the Aboriginal Community Development Funds will support would help Aboriginal communities improve their sustainability, lifestyles, careers and income," Fiona said.

“They will focus on priorities such as business development, education, heritage and cultural conservation, training and employment, sport and community activities."

In addition, the Wiri Yuwiburra Community Benefits Trust was re-launched last month with assistance from Hail Creek Mine.

The agreements will also help reduce Native Title Act process delays to Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s mine tenure applications, as the Traditional Owners have agreed to recognise Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s rights in any native title determination.

Pictured: (above) Hail Creek Mine general manager Andrew Woodley (left) shakes hands with Wiri Yuwiburra Aboriginal Community Benefits Trust chairperson Duncan Johnson (right) after announcing the agreement to help Indigenous training, employment and education in the Bowen Basin.

Pictured: (above) Wiri dancer Calvin Duncan at the launch of the new agreement to help Indigenous training, employment and education in the Bowen Basin.