Celebrating Indigenous culture in Australia
In May 2014, the business stated its intention through the Reconciliation Action Plan, which outlined Anglo American’s commitment to create an environment that supports diversity and inclusion for Indigenous People who interact with Anglo American operations in Australia.
The plan was followed by a series of initiatives which reflected the Anglo American’s approach as a whole: to make meaningful contributions and a real difference to the Indigenous communities of Australia.
Last week for example, in the mining town of Middlemount, the proud traditions of rugby league and local Indigenous culture were brought together. In one of several events surrounding the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrations, Anglo American’s Capcoal and Foxleigh operations brought representatives from the much loved Brisbane Broncos to host the annual Indigenous All Stars vs Middlemount All Stars match.
“Anglo American has a strong partnership and deep respect for the traditional owners of the land on which we operate,” said Kiri Branch, Community Officer. “This was a great opportunity to recognise the strong connection they have to this land.”
Perhaps the best example of building trust is Skye Davis, Foxleigh’s Environmental Superintendent, who began a process of engagement with the Southern Barada and Kabalbara People. Her work included facilitating meetings at Foxleigh, where the groups were able to share their culture through art and stories.
Skye also helped to create onsite employment and training opportunities for traditional landowners. Her collaborative approach meant that these groups trusted her to complete cultural heritage clearances directly, when in past these would have only been completed by traditional land owners.
The achievement is virtually unprecedented in Australian mining. And a shining example of how good Indigenous relations makes good business sense.
Strengthening traditional knowledge in Canada
220 kilometres away from the closest city, and next to the remote lake from which it takes its name, the De Beers’ Snap Lake Mine is bringing together traditional knowledge and modern engineering in Canada’s Arctic.
Local traditional knowledge and insight plays an important part in De Beers’ approach to environmental monitoring in the Arctic.This summer, elders who live in communities close to the mine shared their traditional knowledge about local tundra plants, helping De Beers advance its work on revegetation, as part of the mine’s closure and reclamation plan. Annually, elders take part in a fish tasting gathering at the mine, assessing the overall appearance and quality of fish caught from Snap Lake, as a complement to the information gathered by modern science.
“If we work together, everything will work out fine,” said Lutsel K’e elder Madeline Drybones, who has participated in the environmental programmes.
De Beersis committed to incorporating traditional knowledgeinto its environmental monitoring programmes, partnering with local Aboriginal communities. This commitment is a core part of their community investment – underpinned through four Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) – and environmental stewardship of the land.
By prioritising trust, respect and tradition, Anglo American and other mining companies can not only have the honour of sharing in traditional knowledge, but can also raise the bar for best practice in the industry.
Indigenous Peoples and Mining guide
In 2010, the ICMM (International Council on Mining & Metals) created the Indigenous Peoples and Mining guide with the aim to provide mining companies with positive, practical and comprehensive approaches to develop successful relationships with indigenous peoples.
See right, for an overview of the mining engagement sequence which is part of the ICMM guide, created in 2010.
Find out more about our approaches and policies.
