Rio Tinto chairman Simon Thompson is recovering from the recent upheaval following the indigenous cave destruction

Rio Tinto chairman Simon Thompson is recovering from the recent upheaval following the indigenous cave destruction

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Thompson, who has been chairman of the company since 2018, said according to Rio Tinto’s board that he would not be eligible for re-election in 2022, according to the company.

“As chairman, I am ultimately responsible for the shortcomings that led to this tragic event,” Thompson said in a statement. “The tragic events at Juukan Gorge are a source of personal sadness and deep regret, as well as a clear violation of our values ​​as a company.”

Rio Tinto's new CEO promises to 'restore confidence' after destruction of sacred indigenous territory

Thompson’s announcement comes almost a year after Rio Tinto, the second largest mining company in the world, blew up the Juukan Gorge in Western Australia to expand an iron ore mine.

The local rangers of the country, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people, fought for years to protect the caves, and their destruction was met with indignation. The caves had a significant archaeological value and a deep cultural significance for the indigenous people.

Rio Tinto apologizes for demolition in June and cuts bonuses for its former CEO, Jean-Sébastien Jacques, and two other senior executives. But it did not dismiss any board members immediately, leading to fierce criticism.
Months later and under pressure from investors, Jacques was forced to resign. He was replaced at the beginning of the year by the chief financial officer, Jakob Stausholm. (Rio Tinto, however, recently revealed that despite his resignation in 2020, Jacques still received about $ 18.6 million in salaries and long-term incentive rewards.)

Two other executives – Chris Salisbury, head of the iron ore industry, and Simone Niven, group manager for corporate relations – also left the company after the incident.

Thompson said in his statement on Wednesday that the company had involved investors, the government and indigenous communities to learn from the demolition of the caves.

It also took action to address the “weakness” in its risk management and governance, including the appointment of Stausholm, who, according to Thompson, “quickly appointed his new executive team and identified his key priorities to the trust we have lost. , to rebuild. “

The council said it had accepted Thompson’s decision and would seek a successor.

Shares in Rio Tinto (RIO) rose 1.8% in Sydney on Wednesday.

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