Antinuclear

Eastern Guruma Aborigines “worse off than when no mining existed” – snub Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto snubbed by Pilbara’s Aboriginal elder, The Australian, s  Andrew Burrell The Australian Business Review. August 6, 2016 

“Unfortunately, we cannot stand here today and welcome you to country when our people are worse off than when no mining existed,” the elders said.

Aboriginal elders refused to perform a “welcome to country” ceremony at a Rio Tinto (RIO) function to mark the company’s 50-year anniversary of mining in the Pilbara in a protest over what they say is a failure to pay royalties and create jobs for indigenous communities.

In an embarrassing snub, the Eastern Guruma native title holders instead took to the stage at the event in Tom Price to attack Rio’s record in the Pilbara.

Rio has long touted its credentials on indigenous issues, describing itself as one of the largest private sector employers of indigenous Australians.

The company has no legal obligation to pay mining royalties to the native title holders on six of its Pilbara mines because they were established before the Native Title Act came into effect in 1994.

At the recent function, three of the Eastern Guruma elders — Sue Boyd, July Hicks and Judith Hughes — refused to perform a “welcome to country” ceremony that is commonly used by traditional owners to welcome visitors to their land.

“Unfortunately, we cannot stand here today and welcome you to country when our people are worse off than when no mining existed,” the elders said.

“We are not being paid compensation for three Rio Tinto mines operating on our country. We are not being employed. We are not getting the contracts and business opportunities that the mining industry prides itself on.

“Outcomes for the Eastern Guruma people have been poor.

“Rio always wants us to consent to the destruction of our country for mining so that Rio can make more money for its shareholders. None of us know exactly how much money Rio Tinto has made from mining our traditional county.”…….. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/rio-tinto-snubbed-by-pilbaras-aboriginal-elders/news-story/32fb4168c6d295c63dce2ea95afcafef

August 6, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | aboriginal issues, Western Australia