Rio bosses lose bonus over cave destruction

THREE Rio Tinto executives have been stripped of their bonuses over the destruction of ancient Aboriginal rock shelters in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The company was granted approval for work at the Brockman 4 iron ore project in 2013, but after significant artefacts were subsequently found at Juukan Gorge, traditional owners called on the mining giant to halt its blasting activities.

Their pleas fell on deaf ears and the two 46,000-year-old caves were obliterated in May, devastating the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people, causing international outrage and sparking a parliamentary inquiry.

Rio Tinto initially only apologised for causing the traditional owners distress but has stepped up its remorse, saying it is determined to ensure such destruction of Indigenous heritage never occurs again.

The company said on Monday its board had completed an internal review of the incident, announcing chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques, the boss of its iron ore division Chris Salisbury and corporate relations group executive Simone Niven would not receive performance-related bonuses this year.

In addition, Mr Jacques’ 2016 long-term incentive plan award, which is due to vest in the first half of 2021, will be reduced by £1 million ($1.82 million).

“The board review concluded that while Rio Tinto had obtained legal authority to impact the Juukan rock shelters, it fell short of the standards and internal guidance that Rio Tinto sets for itself, over and above its legal obligations,” the miner said.

The parliamentary committee will hand down its report by September 30.