Traditional Owners and Rio Tinto reaffirm shared commitment to Argyle closure
Traditional Owners’ connection to the land on which the Argyle diamond mine is located stretches back tens of thousands of years. Across generations, Traditional Owners have cared for Country, exercised cultural authority and knowledge, and continued to lead discussions about its future beyond mining.
Traditional Owners, their representative body Gelganyem Group, and Rio Tinto have reaffirmed their shared commitment to working through the closure, monitoring, maintenance, and eventual relinquishment of the site in a way that respects Traditional Owners’ enduring connection to Country.
The relationship between Traditional Owners at Argyle and Rio Tinto spans more than 45 years. It includes significant achievements, periods of challenge and differing perspectives, and continued work to reach shared outcomes through the closure process.
Rio Tinto recognises and acknowledges the important partnership with Traditional Owners and Gelganyem, to ensure closure is delivered in the spirit of the Argyle Participation Agreement and Traditional Owner perspectives contribute meaningfully to decision-making.
Over the last two years, Gelganyem has designed and led the Closure Work Plan, an independent technical review of Rio Tinto’s mine closure plans. The process has drawn on independent technical experts and direct engagement with Traditional Owners to ensure their concerns, knowledge, rights, and interests are considered at all stages of closure.
Together, Gelganyem and Rio Tinto have co-developed and implemented the Post-Mining Alignment Framework, working towards a shared view of closure in the next iteration of the mine closure plan. This approach has strengthened dialogue, created space to work through complex issues, and provided a foundation for constructive conversations about the future of Argyle.
Responsible closure is a complex, long-term undertaking that must integrate cultural, environmental, safety, cost, and social considerations alongside technical and regulatory requirements. As Argyle moves into monitoring and maintenance, continued collaboration, appropriate resourcing, participation and access to experts and independent advice are essential to achieve post-mining land use outcomes for Country and future generations.
Rio Tinto recognises the significance of Traditional Owners’ and Gelganyem’s ongoing commitment to Country, and the critical role they play in shaping Argyle’s future. Together, Traditional Owners and Rio Tinto remain committed to building understanding, strengthening relationships and working through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as Argyle transitions into its next chapter.
