Former Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh has joined one of WA’s largest Aboriginal corporations as an independent director.
Former Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh has joined one of Western Australia’s largest Aboriginal corporations as an independent director.
Mr Walsh will join seven traditional owners on the board of the Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC).
The announcement coincided with news that PKKP Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Carol Meredith will be leaving her role in coming weeks.
The Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people were at the centre of the Juukan Gorge controversy, which is reshaping the management of Aboriginal heritage in the Pilbara.
Ms Meredith said dealing with the devastation of Juukan Gorge last year and its aftermath had been extremely challenging.
She added that the PKKP and Rio Tinto (which blew up the gorge) were close to finalising a new model for jointly managing mine developments.
“In the coming weeks I will be working closely with the PKKP board and our support team as we seek to finalise a co-management of mining model with Rio Tinto,” Ms Meredith said.
“This is a critical and far-reaching step as co-management of mining represents a true partnership which will recognise and support the rights of traditional owners in relation to mining on their lands.”
BHP has already put in place a similar model, establishing a heritage advisory council with Banjima elders and BHP representatives to provide input into mine planning at South Flank.
The Banjima people hold native title over the land on which several big mines are located, including South Flank and Rio’s Gudai-Darri.
Rio changed the name of its new mine last year after a request from Banjima elders.
Formerly known as Koodaideri, the project’s name is now pronounced and spelt in Banjima language.
Mr Walsh is arguably the highest profile recruit to an Aboriginal corporation in WA.
He led Rio Tinto up to 2016 and his current roles include chairing Gold Corporation and being a director of Mitsui & Co and Saudi company Ma’aden Mining.
Banjima Elder and BNTAC chair Maitland Parker said he looked forward to Mr Walsh’s unique perspective.
“Our traditional lands not only have some of the largest mining projects in WA, but also hosts the largest contaminated area in the Southern Hemisphere: Wittenoom,” he said.
“Sam’s extensive experience in the mining sector and demonstrated track history with Aboriginal matters can support us in ensuring mining projects and conversations regarding issues like Wittenoom benefit Banjima people and our country.
“In addition to supporting the Banjima board on mining-related business, Mr Walsh’s networks and strategic planning experience across several sectors will further strengthen BNTAC’s community, country, and cultural work.”
Mr Walsh said he was honoured to be joining the Banjima board after almost 25 years of engagement with them.
“My focus at BNTAC will be to be an active participant, to support the board and the corporation and to add value,” he said.
“Clearly there are a lot of issues occurring in the mining and native title space where I can help to advise the Banjima directors.”
BNTAC is one of WA’s largest Aboriginal corporations, with revenue of $11.7 million in the year to June 2020.
Its main operational focus is delivering services to Banjima people, including payments for funeral expenses, household expenses, education costs and medical expenses along with supporting the maintenance of traditional ‘lore’ and ceremonial activities.
It is primarily funded through the Banjima Charitable Trust, which had total assets of $131 million at June 2020, primarily from royalties paid by the big miners.
Meanwhile, PKKP chair Donna Meyer said Ms Meredith had made an outstanding contribution to the corporation over the past four years.
Ms Meredith said the decision to end her time as CEO had been an exceptionally difficult one.
“I have loved my time working with the PKKP people but the decision to leave has been necessary to allow me to spend more time supporting my family in New Zealand,” Ms Meredith said.
Ms Meredith will the leave the CEO role in September and the search for a replacement is under way.
