BHP was aware of traditional owners' concerns about works impacting sacred sites at one of its mines before it obtained approval to destroy them.
Mining giant BHP was aware of traditional owners' concerns about works affecting sacred sites at one of its West Australian iron ore mines before it obtained approval to destroy them.
The comments were made under questioning by a federal parliamentary inquiry launched in the wake of the Rio Tinto blast, which is examining the mining sector's approach to cultural heritage. Rio Tinto's decision to destroy the ancient rock shelters without traditional owners' consent last week resulted in the resignation of chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques and two of his deputies, and has put the entire industry on notice.
Libby Ferrari, BHP's head of Indigenous engagement, said the Banjima people had expressed concerns about impact to some heritage sites in South Flank during field work conducted before BHP applied for Section 18 approval to destroy them. She said BHP supported the Banjima people in raising their concerns with the state regulator.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BHP bosses to front Rio Tinto's Juukan Gorge blast hearingsThree BHP executives will face the federal inquiry launched in the wake of rival miner Rio Tinto's destruction of two 46,000-year-old Aboriginal rock shelters as calls for greater protection of sacred sites spread across the mining sector | NickToscano1
Read more »
BHP bosses to front Rio Tinto's Juukan Gorge blast hearingsThree BHP executives will face the federal inquiry launched in the wake of rival miner Rio Tinto's destruction of two 46,000-year-old Aboriginal rock shelters as calls for greater protection of sacred sites spread across the mining sector | NickToscano1
Read more »
Three deaths in three days near remote settlement deep in WA outbackFive hours after a man's body was found on Mount Augustus, a woman was also found deceased. Their deaths follow that of another woman earlier this week.
Read more »
'Disappointing' start to Australia's private space race as rocket misfires at KoonibbaAustralia's first private rocket launch, set to take place at an Aboriginal community on South Australia's far west coast, has failed, with the propellent failing to ignite.
Read more »
New report says WA prisons are 'deadly and dangerous' for people with mental health issuesA new Human Rights Watch report finds prisons in Western Australia are 'deadly and dangerous' places for people with psycho-social disabilities. And Indigenous people are particularly at risk.
Read more »
Man 'confronted' officers with knife and pole before being shot, WA Police sayA 37-year-old man who allegedly emerged from bushes and threatened police with a knife and a pole in the northern Perth suburb of Yanchep overnight is shot by two officers and is in a stable condition in hospital.
Read more »