Aboriginal group seeks to strengthen ties with Rio a year after cave destruction

A Rio Tinto sign that indicates an Aboriginal heritage site is seen in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, May 10, 2021. Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP)/Handout via REUTERS

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -The Aboriginal group whose sacred rock shelters Rio Tinto destroyed in Western Australia last year for an iron ore mine said it was committed to improving its relationship with the miner to ensure such desecration never happens again.

Rio Tinto destroyed 46,000-year-old rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia in May 2020 against the wishes of the traditional owners, causing a public outcry. The rock shelters contained some of the oldest evidence of continual human habitation.