Juukan Gorge inquiry: further questions for Rio Tinto

RIO TINTO will reappear before the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia to discuss the status of their relationship with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura People, following the destruction of the rock shelters at Juukan Gorge. There is also an intention to discuss the legacy of Marandoo.

Northern Australia Committee Chair Warren Entsch MP said this was an important opportunity for the committee to see how the recommendations from the interim Juukan Gorge report have been taken up by Rio Tinto.

Mr Entsch said he "seeks to discuss the Marandoo Mine with Rio Tinto and their perceptions of the Marandoo Act considering their reconciliatory approach to the destruction of Juukan Gorge".

The Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation has made a submission to the committee regarding the Marandoo Mine and the fact that artefacts were taken away by contractors and later disposed of. The committee is eager to listen to Rio Tinto’s response to these allegations.

A program for the public hearing is available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 27 August 2021
Time: 10am to 11am AEST
Location: by video/teleconference

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Further details of the inquiry, including terms of reference, can be found on the Committee’s website.

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