Cultural heritage
We respect the cultural heritage of any community in which we operate, and we closely consult with local people in how we manage our activities to ensure the protection of their cultural heritage sites.
Cultural heritage sites are places that have cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, historic, scientific, research or social significance to past, present and future generations. These sites might include archaeological or fossil remains, or places of sacred significance to local and indigenous communities such as natural springs, mountains, burials, rock art, and ceremonial grounds.
In towns and cities, the site is more likely to be a place of historical or aesthetic interest.
How we protect cultural heritage
Our protection of a community's cultural heritage is led by the requirements laid down in our Communities Standard.
From the earliest stages of exploration through to beginning a mining operation, we conduct heritage assessments with our communities to understand the location and significance of heritage sites in the area. We then design our activities so as to avoid any damage to these sites.
If disturbance is unavoidable, we then seek approval from those to whom the site or feature has significance, and we work with them to mitigate the disturbance. All relevant government approvals are obtained.
In addition, all operations are required to have a cultural heritage management system in place, appropriate to their context, as part of their multi-year communities plans.
Our results
In 2007, we released new guidelines for cultural heritage management for Australian businesses. Cultural heritage takes many forms and the oral heritage of Copperton was a focus for Rio Tinto in 2007. Kennecott partnered with the University of Utah College of Humanities to complete the Kennecott Your Story project. The project captures captivating stories from 12 long-time Copperton residents between the ages of 55 and 85 on Compact Disk to preserve the town's long mining history. Copperton has been involved in mining for more than 100 years, and many generations of residents have worked at the mine. As the town's population ages, it became important to Kennecott and the Copperton Town Council to capture the stories while the opportunity existed.
Across Australia, there were 12 cultural heritage disturbances reported in 2006. The majority of these were at our iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia which have been undergoing substantial major new developments and construction. Most of these incidents were of a minor nature. We have responded by reporting and investigating each incident with the involvement of the custodial community and escalating induction and monitoring.