Rio Tinto today published the board review of cultural heritage management, following the destruction of the Juukan rockshelters in May 2020 (
https://www.riotinto.com/news/inquiry-into-juukan-gorge ). The review details what elements of Rio Tinto's systems, decision-making processes and governance failed to work as they should have and sets out recommendations to prevent a similar incident occurring in the future.
The board review builds on Rio Tinto's submission to the Inquiry by the Australian Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia. While the submission sets out details of Rio Tinto's relationship with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people (PKKP) from 2003 to 2020 and the circumstances that led to the events that occurred in the Juukan Gorge, the board review addresses why it happened and how Rio Tinto can improve internal processes and practices within Iron Ore and across Rio Tinto.
The board review concluded that while Rio Tinto had obtained legal authority to impact the Juukan rockshelters, it fell short of the Standards and internal guidance that Rio Tinto sets for itself, over and above its legal obligations. The review found no single root cause or error that directly resulted in the destruction of the rockshelters. It was the result of a series of decisions, actions and omissions over an extended period of time, underpinned by flaws in systems, data sharing, engagement within the company and with the PKKP, and poor decision-making.
And later;
In light of the findings of the review, the board has decided that J-S Jacques, chief executive; Chris Salisbury, chief executive of Iron Ore; and Simone Niven, Group Executive, Corporate Relations, will not receive a performance-related bonus for 2020 under the company's Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP). In addition, J-S's 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) award, that is due to vest in the first half of 2021, will be reduced by £1 million (subject to vesting). The rationale for this decision is outlined in the Addendum to the review.