Rio Tinto caves in after outcry over destruction of ancient Oz sites
The blasts are taking place on aboriginal land, with indigenous Australians hoping for a positive outcome
Metals and mining giant Rio Tinto has pledged to protect a 43,000-year-old rock shelter on the fringe of its Silvergrass iron ore mine in Western Australia as it reviews heritage sites after outrage about the destruction of sacred ancient caves this year.
The company, which has state government approval to damage the site, told the Wintawari Guruma people, its traditional owners, of its intention to preserve the rock shelter last week, though the Wintawari say they have yet to receive confirmation in writing.
“We will protect the site and also have mining buffer zones in place to further ensure the site is not at risk,” the world’s largest iron ore miner said in an e-mail in response to questions about the site...
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