Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Rio Tinto Apologizes to Australian Aboriginals, Again
The miner failed to inform the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people about a change in leadership.
Melbourne, Australia—Rio Tinto issued an apology last week after a miscommunication with two Australian Aboriginal groups they are trying to mend fences with following the destruction of a sacred indigenous site.
The Australian miner blew up prehistoric rock shelters that were considered sacred to two Australian Aboriginal groups, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people, in the Juukan Gorge in Western Australia in May 2020 in order to access iron ore.
The caves were culturally and archeologically important sites that contained signs of human habitation stretching back as far as 45,000 years. Their destruction sparked outrage worldwide and led to a parliamentary inquiry in Australia.
Rio Tinto’s Executive Director and CEO Jean-Sébastien Jacques and two other executives resigned following destruction of the caves, with Jacques leaving the company in January.
The company also publicly apologized.
The miner has been working to repair its relationship with the Australian Aboriginal groups ever since, but had to issue another public apology last week after failing to communicate a change in leadership.
Chairman Simon Thompson had said that the acting head of Rio Tinto’s iron ore business, Ivan Vella, would spearhead the repair effort and remain in the role until things were mended.
However, last week, Rio Tinto moved Vella to its aluminum business in Canada and appointed marketing chief Simon Trott to the iron ore role.
The PKKP told The Australian that they found out about the change through the media and were not informed by Rio Tinto directly.
The miner apologized for not communicating better with the Australian Aboriginal groups about replacing Vella with Trott.
“Rio Tinto accepts that it should have communicated the recent executive changes to the PKKP in a more collaborative way,” Rio Tinto and the PKKP said in a joint statement.
“The PKKP acknowledges that it was not the intention of the Rio Tinto Chairman Simon Thompson to mislead the PKKP board and the elders at the joint board meeting,” the statement said.
“We jointly recognize that in any relationship, mistakes are going to be made and it is how we work through these that informs the strength and depth of the ongoing relationship.”
The Latest
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.