Australia launched an investigation into the destruction of "sacred caves" in the Pilbara by Rio Tinto
the Australian Senate on Thursday decided to launch a national investigation into the intentional destruction of cultural and historically significant places. Under the terms of the inquiry, the joint standing Committee on Northern Australia is due to report its findings until September 30.
on Friday, the CEO of Rio Tinto Jean-Sebastien Jacques apologized for the destruction of the two ancient and sacred caves of the aborigines in Western Australia, caused by the direction of the explosion last month, announcing their full cooperation with the request of the Australian government.
Previously reported that with the approval of the government of the state of the world's largest mining company iron ore destroyed two caves in the gorge Juukan where previously found evidence of continuous human habitation, has 46 000 years, as part of the expansion of the mine Brockman in a rich iron region of the Pilbara.
In Australia, mining companies must apply for approval on land use with groups of "traditional owners", that is, with indigenous aboriginal communities. In the case if users come to the conclusion that the impact on the heritage site is "imminent", they must obtain the consent of the Minister of state for the indigenous population to act in accordance with article 18 of the Law on the aboriginal heritage.
the Minister also receives advice from the body which represents the interests of the heritage of indigenous peoples within the decision-making process. But traditional owners cannot appeal the decision of the Minister.
This act was revised for two years, and the timing of the reforms was postponed in April 2020 due to limitations on the coronavirus.
Australian aborigines refused from reconciliation with Rio Tinto after it blew up two ancient sacred caves in the framework of expanding its iron ore mines.
"the Explosive activity in the gorge Juukan conducted by Rio Tinto, strips of torn relations with the peoples of puutu Kunti Kurama and Pintura (PKKP) and the ultimate violation of respect", - stated in the coalition of Australian aborigines.
"In Australia, there are only a few known places of residence of natives that are as old as this," said Chairman of the Land Committee Puutu Kunti of Kurrama John Ashburton, calling this part one of the oldest in the country. "Our people are deeply concerned and saddened by the destruction of these stone shelters and mourning the loss of connection with our ancestors and our land."