Rio Tinto chairman Simon Thompson resigns in latest turmoil after the destruction of the native cave

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Thompson, who has chaired the company since 2018, has said he will not pursue reelection in 2022, according to Rio Tinto’s board of directors.

“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 grief and deep regret, but also a clear violation of our values ​​as a company.”

Rio Tinto's new CEO pledges to 'restore confidence' after destruction of the sacred native site

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

The land’s local custodians, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura, fought to protect the caves for years, and their destruction was met with outrage. The caves had considerable archaeological value and deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal people.

Rio Tinto apologized for the June scrapping and cut bonuses for its former CEO Jean-Sébastien Jacques and two other senior executives. But it did not immediately fire executives, sparking severe criticism.
Months later Jacques was forced to resign under pressure from investors. At the beginning of this year, he was replaced by Chief Financial Officer Jakob Stausholm. (However, Rio Tinto recently revealed that despite his resignation, Jacques was still receiving about $ 18.6 million in compensation and long-term rewards in 2020.)

Two other executives – Chris Salisbury, head of the iron ore company, and Simone Niven, group leader for business relations – left the company after the incident.

Thompson said in his statement Wednesday that the company is working with investors, the government and indigenous communities to learn from the cave’s demolition.

It has also taken action to address “the weaknesses” in its risk management and governance, including the appointment of Stausholm, of whom Thompson said he “moved quickly to appoint its new executive team, and has identified its key priorities to increase confidence. that we have lost to rebuild. “

The board said it has accepted Thompson’s decision and is looking for a successor.

Classifies Rio Tinto RIO rose 1.8% in Sydney on Wednesday.

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