Journey to a lasting relationship

When Rio Tinto sought to develop the Marandoo iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia 16 years ago, relationships were turbulent between the Aboriginal community and the company.

Since then great efforts have been made towards mutual understanding and development. Now a special book, Breaking new ground: stories of mining and the Aboriginal people of the Pilbara, remembers the start of company activity in training and reconciliation, discussing frankly the hazards and joys of the journey of the Aboriginal Training and Liaison Unit formed with Rio Tinto.

The book is beautifully presented and illustrated, conversational in style and revolutionary in content. People talk for themselves here – honestly – of difficulties overcome, and still existing. There were triumphs and wrong turnings. These accounts are by a cross section of elders, executives, miners, apprentices, trainers and specialists, who discuss the growth of the Aboriginal Training and Liaison Unit.

It grew from small contracts with local firms, one trainer and a couple of machines, to a purpose built set up with prize winning trainees and a framework for partnership. There has been increasing mutual acceptance of the values of different traditions and customs during years of persistent, dedicated effort on all sides.