In celebration of World Indigenous Peoples Day on 9 August, Anglo American reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the cultural heritage of the communities where we operate.
The requirements for cultural heritage management and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples are embedded in our Social Way Policy framework and we believe that respect for, and stewardship of, the cultural heritage of host communities is fundamental to responsible mining. As a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), we have actively contributed to the development of the updated Indigenous Peoples Position Statement and are engaged members of the ICMM’s Indigenous Peoples Working Group.
We recognise that Indigenous Peoples have profound and distinct connections to their lands, territories, and resources. These connections are deeply tied to their physical, spiritual, cultural, and economic well-being. We are committed to respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes. Our approach includes implementing appropriate human rights due diligence, engaging in material consultation, and using these processes to establish equitable agreements. These efforts are guided by the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), applied early and throughout the mining lifecycle.
As the traditional owners and custodians of land and natural resources, Indigenous Peoples often regard cultural heritage protection as a critical issue. We share this belief and consider it of utmost importance to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of the communities where we operate. We achieve this through collaboration with the custodians of the land, ensuring that we respect their cultural heritage and support them in enjoying its full value.
Our approach in action: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage at Minas-Rio
At our Minas-Rio operation in Brazil, we have made significant efforts to find and preserve cultural heritage sites and archaeological remains. Through the Cultural Heritage Management Plan, as part of our Social Way Policy, we have invested over $10 million in cultural heritage initiatives in Brazil. These efforts have included extensive field studies that led to the identification of more than 100 archaeological sites and the recovery of over 200,000 artefacts.
During the development of Minas-Rio, two important prehistoric archaeological sites were discovered within the project area: the Stove Shelter and the Power Plant Shelter. These sites contain evidence of some of Brazil’s oldest indigenous populations, who inhabited the region more than 10,000 years ago.
Recognising the cultural significance of these discoveries, we voluntarily committed in 2013 to avoid any impact on the sites. As a result, the Minas-Rio project was redesigned, including changes to the layout of the conveyor belt that transports iron ore to the coast, ensuring the protection of these invaluable cultural assets.
Our cultural heritage activities have since expanded well beyond their initial scope. In close partnership with local communities and authorities, we have launched an extensive restoration programme. This includes cataloguing archaeological artefacts, renovating historical ruins, restoring churches, and supporting artistic and cultural events within the community.
Anglo American Science Station
A key highlight of our efforts in Brazil is the Anglo American Science Station, an interactive and architecturally striking space dedicated to exhibiting and sharing knowledge about the history and culture of Conceição do Mato Dentro. The station features two main Exhibition Halls – the Landscape Room and the Cultural Heritage Room – where visitors can engage in interactive experiences that explore geological and human timelines. Importantly, the facility is designed to be inclusive, with features that support individuals with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and hearing difficulties.
The integration of the adjacent Serra da Serpentina iron ore resource, owned by Vale SA, with our Minas-Rio mining area presents an opportunity to expand an already vast iron ore resource. It also opens the door to further archaeological discoveries. All exploration activities will continue to be conducted in alignment with Anglo American’s standards and international best practices.
“I am extremely proud of our focused efforts to find and preserve cultural heritage sites and archaeological remains surrounding our Minas-Rio site area in Conceição do Mato Dentro. Our Science Station showcases in a most compelling way what we, working closely with neighbouring communities, can achieve in protecting a nation’s cultural heritage and making it come alive for present and future generations.”
— Duncan Wanblad, Chief Executive Officer
