Rio is striving to improve its perception across the world after it blew up the Juukan George rock in Western Australia last year
Rio Tinto, the FTSE 100 mining group, has appointed its first ever indigenous Australian to its board as it deals with the aftermath of its destruction of a nearly 50,000-year-old sacred site in 2020.
The iron ore-focused miner said on Friday that Ben Wyatt, the former Australian minister of Aboriginal Affairs, would bring about expertise in public policy, regulation and trade upon joining the company on the first day of September.
“I was deeply saddened and disappointed by the events at Juukan Gorge but I am convinced that Rio Tinto is committed to changing its approach to cultural heritage issues and restoring its reputation,” Wyatt said.
Rio is striving to improve its perception across the world after it blew up the Juukan George rock in Western Australia last year, leading to investors and board members to variously express their disapproval.
Rio Tinto’s chairman Simon Thompson said: “With family links to the Pilbara and an impressive track record in public life, Ben’s knowledge of public policy, finance, international trade and Indigenous affairs will significantly add to the depth of knowledge on the board at a time when we are seeking to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in Australia and around the world.”
Approximately 90% of the mining company’s profits come from its iron ore production in the Pilbara.
Prior to entering state parliament in 2006, Wyatt has worked as a solicitor and a barrister.
The Rio Tinto share price (LON:RIO) moved sideways on Friday and is currently valued at 6,166.00p.
