Rio played down Australian heritage damage at inquiry - Aboriginal group

FILE PHOTO: Aboriginal groups' members carrying a banner march to protest against what they say is a lack of detail and consultation on new heritage protection laws, after the Rio Tinto mining group destroyed ancient rock shelters for an iron ore mine last year, in Perth, Australia August 19, 2021. Courtesy Gabrielle Timmins/Kimberley Land Council/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT./File Photo

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - An executive with mining company Rio Tinto has played down damage to Indigenous Australian heritage, an Aboriginal group said on Thursday, in a submission to an inquiry into widespread destruction of sites of cultural significance.

A spokesman for Rio Tinto said the company declined to comment.