Rio Tinto Faces Accusations Over Decades of Indigenous Hurt in Western Australia

In a powerful plea for accountability, a group of traditional owners in Western Australia’s north has accused Rio Tinto of neglecting decades of pain inflicted by its mining operations. The grievances center on two iron-ore mines nestled within the Robe River Kuruma native title area in the vast Pilbara region, a staggering 1,400 kilometers north of Perth.

During the company’s annual general meeting in Perth, Deanna McGowan, a respected woman of the Robe River Kuruma community, delivered a pointed criticism. She accused Rio Tinto of not providing her people with a fair share of the revenue generated from one of the mines and of failing to rehabilitate lands damaged by mining activities dating back to the 1980s.

“Our memory is long and our wounds are deep,” McGowan declared during the public question segment. “We do not forget. We cannot forget.” Her words echoed the frustration shared by many in her community, emphasizing that until the company addresses its past wrongs, the future relationship remains stained with mistrust and unresolved grievances.

The confrontation underscores ongoing tensions between Rio Tinto and the traditional owners over resource management and the legacy of environmental damage. The community’s calls for justice and reparations highlight the broader struggle of Indigenous groups seeking recognition and fair treatment amid a landscape shaped by extractive industries.