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heritage matters
A resource guide for integrating
cultural heritage management into
Communities work at Rio Tinto
About Rio Tinto
Cover
Mr Tseveen Ayush competing in
traditional archery at the 2010 National
Naadam Festival, Mongolia. Mr Tseveen
is the most respected traditional archer
in Mongolia and has been recognised
by the Mongolian Government as a
Distinguished Athlete. Oyu Tolgoi
supports the National Naadam Festival
which features traditional archery,
wrestling and horseracing. The National
Naadam Festival has been added to the
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Why cultural heritage matters
1. Introduction
Forewords 06
About this guide 10
Contributors to this guide 12
Key concepts 14
Introduction 15
2. How to guide
2.1 Inclusive engagement 22
2.2 Know and understand 28
2.3 Plan and implement 44
2.4 Monitor, evaluate and improve 66
2.5 Report and communicate 80
2.6 Summary 88
3. Background reader
3.1 Cultural heritage concepts 91
3.2 The business case 100
3.3 Impacts on cultural heritage 104
3.4 International protocols and standards for
protecting cultural heritage and diversity 109
4. References
Acronym list 118
Glossary 119
Rio Tintos policies, standards and guidances 124
Key websites 125
References126
Left
Dancers from the /Abi //Aeb Cultural
Group perform at the Rossing
30 Year Celebration in 2006. The
groups name means rain-time and
their dance style is traditional to this
region of Namibia, Africa.
9
2
12
5
3 7
10
1
13
11 6
8
Case studies
Forewords
Sam Walsh
Chief executive, Iron Ore and Australia
08
Introduction
What I have particularly noticed I am sure that you will each I commend this guide as a
with this work is its breadth have your own stories about resource for not only the
and complexity, as well as the community engagement. Each Communities staff of Rio Tinto,
considerable internal effort that will have as a backdrop the overall but also for all employees involved
it takes to get it right. We dedicate commitment of your business and in project development and land
highly skilled people and invest your operation to culture and management work indeed, to
substantial financial resources heritage protection, as well as to those more broadly in our businesses.
in cultural heritage management. the related capabilities and systems. It is a practical toolkit that will
help you to better understand
We are also clear about the need A common and practical guide cultural heritage considerations
to fully integrate this work across that reflects our cultural heritage and incorporate them into your
all parts of our businesses to management approach is most planning and programming.
achieve the best outcomes. important. Even more so that it
has been developed over many I would like to think that this guide
As the case studies in this years of robust engagement with will enrich your understanding
guide demonstrate, there can communities the world over. and in turn lead to more effective
be significant cultural heritage collaboration with our host
threats and opportunities in the It is a guide for all Rio Tinto communities, particularly to
diverse areas in which we operate. operations, including those protect and perpetuate their
This is often a complex and activities associated with cultural heritage.
challenging environment, exploration, with integrated
for which the experience and mining and with smelting and
stories from others can certainly other processing.
be most helpful.
09
Introduction
Forewords
Bruce Harvey
Global practice leader, Communities and social performance
010
Introduction
We want to increase the level of considerations cut across all leading to escalating social
trust our host communities have stages of an operations lifecycle, stress and harm. Furthermore,
in us. We can build trust through from exploration through to the effectiveness of our broader
the protection and celebration closure, and many operational community engagement can
of cultural heritage and going dimensions, such as community be limited by not adequately
beyond compliance with cultural relations, environment and land identifying and incorporating
heritage provisions in the UN management, mine planning important cultural considerations.
Declaration on Human Rights. and human resources. This And, by focussing entirely on
Celebrating the distinct cultural guide outlines cultural heritage conventional economic options,
achievements and heritage of management considerations such as mining employment
our host communities provides through all of these stages and business development, we
a foundation of confidence and and dimensions. can negate communities ability
trust. This foundation enables to access the many social and
us to work in partnership with At Rio Tinto we place great economic opportunities arising
our host communities to ensure importance on our relationships from their cultural heritage.
they benefit from the sustainable with host communities but we
economic opportunities provided know that we do not always This guide will help all of
by our activities. This is the achieve the outcomes that we our operations improve their
essence of Rio Tintos sustainable and others want. Some of our understanding of cultural
development objectives. businesses have engaged with heritage values and how, with
host communities to achieve guidance from communities and
In recent times we have made very positive cultural heritage stakeholders, they can manage
significant advances in community outcomes but others have any potential impacts. As we
engagement practices. We are further progress to make. Some improve our understanding of
building a solid architecture of achievements are highlighted in how our activities affect cultural
polices, standards and systems the case studies in this guide and heritage, we can improve our
that facilitate engagement and we plan to build on these. decision making processes. This
sustainable economic and social will help us progress towards
outcomes for host communities. Rio Tinto is committed to respecting our goal of making an enduring
Recognition of our host communities human rights, including the positive impact on the economic
culture and heritage is explicit potential impacts of our activities and social development of our
in our Communities policy and on cultural identity and heritage. host communities and nations.
standard, which clearly state our We recognise the fundamental
businesses responsibility to protect human right that all communities
and help maintain cultural heritage. have to cultural life and heritage,
and the ways in which our
The complexity and variability of activities could affect this. We
cultural heritage in the many places recognise that without appropriate
that we operate has highlighted cultural heritage management
the need for additional guidance our presence and the resulting
to complement our existing tools economic and societal changes
and guidelines on cultural heritage have the potential to devastate
management. Cultural heritage rich local cultures and heritage,
011
Introduction
This guide is written for Rio Tinto employees and managers working on cultural
heritage1 issues. They may be employed explicitly in cultural heritage roles, be
members of Communities2, Environment or Human Resources departments,
or be engaged in projects or other work which encounters cultural heritage
matters. The guide has been developed in response to requests from our
employees for tools and advice to guide them in how to deal with and manage
cultural heritage issues that affect and are affected by our activities.
This guide provides practical an External Review Panel The roll-out of the guide is
information and advice in consisting of eight international important for ensuring take up
two parts. experts in cultural heritage at the operational level and for
management and mining continuing an active conversation
The How To section This issues. across Rio Tinto about good
provides clear direction on how cultural heritage management
External Review Panel members
to integrate cultural heritage and why it is important.
were drawn from Africa, Europe,
considerations into our work.
Australia, and North and South
Itincludes case studies from Notes on language:
America. Their insights and
RioTintos experiences which For the purposes of this guide,
suggestions have been invaluable
illustrate good practice across the following terms are used as
and were included wherever
the Rio Tinto Group in different described, unless otherwise stated
possible, although some points
operational contexts. to make a specific point:
of difference remain. The listing
Operations refers to all phases
The Background Reader This of Review Panel members does
of Rio Tinto exploration, projects,
provides detailed information not therefore imply their full
construction, production, closure.
on various aspects of cultural endorsement of the content.
Activities and operational
heritage management. It includes
Developing the case studies for activities refers to activities
definitions of concepts, a business
this guide especially enabled that Rio Tinto may carry out
case for valuing cultural heritage,
Rio Tinto employees to study the during any of those phases,
impacts of mining and processing
cultural heritage approaches of including drilling, access tracks,
on cultural heritage, and
other operations and to identify hydro dams, mining, smelters,
international protocols related to
areas where they would like refineries, etc.
cultural heritage.
formal guidance. It provided an Site refers to a cultural heritage
To ensure it reflects best opportunity for employees to site.
international practice and concepts describe community concerns Cultural heritage feature
on mining and metals production over the management of cultural
includes places, objects and
and cultural heritage management, heritage and to ensure that practices.
this guide has been reviewed by: the guide is sensitive to these
an Internal Working Group, concerns. This means that
consisting of Rio Tinto RioTintos actual experience of
employees from different cultural heritage management
businesses, corporate functions at different operations is
and regions; and incorporated into this guide
and the content is relevant to
practitioners working in the field.
13
Introduction
Rio Tinto
Elizabeth Bradshaw
Principal advisor Communities
and Cultural Heritage
Dr Kirsty Gillespie
Research Fellow
14
Introduction
External Review Panel
Rio Tinto felt it was important Professor Pedro Paulo Funari Dr Michael Pearson
to incorporate perspectives Head, Centre for Advanced Studies, Historical archaeologist and
from outside the company in State University of Campinas, heritage planner,
the development of this guide. Brazil Chair of Australian Capital
An External Review Panel was Territory Heritage Council
established comprising experts Nola Markey
in the field of cultural heritage. Member of the O-Chi-Chak-Ko- Professor Willem J.H.Willems
The role of the panel was to Sipi First Nation, Crane River, Dean, Faculty of Archaeology,
advise and challenge Rio Tintos Manitoba, Canada University of Leiden, Netherlands
thinking, suggest key resources Consultant Anthropologist/ Co-president ICAHM
and literature for review and Archaeologist
Simon Makuvaza
provide critique at key points Jlio Jesus Archaeology and Heritage
in the process. While it was not Partner, Ecossistema Ltd Management Lecturer,
possible to incorporate all of the Lisbon, Portugal Catholic University of Malawi
feedback, the panels input has Expert member ICAHM
been invaluable. Arlene Fleming
Cultural Resource and Professor David Trigger
Development Specialist, Head, School of Social Science,
World Bank University of Queensland
Australia
Other acknowledgements
Rio Tinto would like to thank all Case study 1 Case study 8
those who have commented on Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa Rio Tinto Coal Australia
the various drafts of this guide, Dr Justin Shiner Dr David Cameron
including:
Case study 2 Case study 9
Dr Andrew Sneddon Director, Rio Tinto Minerals Serbia Diavik Diamond Mine
University of Queensland Culture Nenad Grubin Colleen English
and Heritage Unit
Case study 3 Case study 10
Dr Nicolas Bainton Adjunct Palabora Mining Company Oyu Tolgoi
Research Fellow, Centre for Social Tim Paxton Tserennadmid Osorpurev
Responsibility in Mining
Case study 4 Case study 11
Melanie Wilson Senior advisor, Rio Tinto Alcan Shawinigan Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pilbara
Communities and Social Patrick Beche Gavin Martin
Performance, Rio Tinto
Case study 5 Case study 12
We would also like to Murowa Diamonds Kennecott Utah Copper
acknowledge the contribution Israel Chokuwenga Piper Rhodes
of the Rio Tinto employees who
provided information for the Case study 6 Case study 13
case studies: Rio Tinto Aboriginal Fund Argyle Diamonds
Joy Love Rowena Alexander
Case study 7
Richards Bay Minerals
Jeremiah Thabede
15
Introduction
Key concepts
16
Introduction
Introduction
At Rio Tinto we recognise and respect the significance of the cultures and
heritage of our host communities, wherever we operate. The integration of
cultural heritage management considerations into all of our Communities
work and across all sections of the business is fundamental to achieving the
key objective of our Communities policy and standard: to build enduring
relationships with host communities that are characterised by mutual respect,
active partnership and long term commitment.
Cultural heritage is about far The Rio Tinto Communities We know from the past history
more than stones and bones from standard and Cultural heritage of mining that ineffective
the past. It is all the aspects of a management standard for management of both tangible and
communitys past and present that Australian businesses outline intangible cultural heritage can
it considers valuable and desires Rio Tintos cultural heritage lead to conflict. We recognise that
to pass on to future generations. management requirements. our activities often bring profound
The term incorporates places, The Rio Tinto Cultural heritage socioeconomic change to an area
objects and practices of cultural management guidance notes and are sometimes responsible for
significance. It thus includes provide detailed advice for the transition from subsistence
tangible heritage, such as meeting these requirements. living to modern industrial living.
buildings, industrial structures This guide, developed with cultural This change to forms of social life,
and technology, landscapes and heritage management expertise beliefs, language usage, customs
artefacts and non-visible cultural and containing good practice and practices, as well as the actual
heritage features such as buried case studies, provides a practical destruction of cultural heritage
archaeological sites, and intangible resource for Rio Tinto employees sites, can cause strong feelings in
heritage, such as language, visual to better understand and more the affected community. Any direct
art, music, performance, religion, effectively undertake cultural or indirect damage to cultural
beliefs and customary practices like heritage management as part heritage can lead to social, political
hunting and gathering. Cultural of their Communities work. and legal opposition to operations.
heritage is not just about old things.
New or newly altered objects, places Why is cultural heritage Cultural heritage programmes
and practices are just as much a management important to Rio Tinto? contribute to economic development,
part of cultural heritage where Cultural heritage is fundamental to social stability and environmental
they hold cultural value for the identity of our host communities protection. Rio Tinto is committed
todays generations. and is an integral feature of every to ensuring its cultural heritage
landscape we seek to explore, activities contribute to broader
Cultural heritage management develop or operate. The way we community aspirations and desires
involves the actions taken to engage with communities and as well as to business outcomes,
identify, assess, decide and enact stakeholders to protect and manage consistent with the United Nations
decisions regarding cultural their heritage greatly affects Millennium Development Goals
heritage. It is undertaken to actively the quality of our relationships, as stated in Rio Tintos global
protect culturally significant places, the effectiveness of our broader Communities target. Recognition
objects and practices in relation to community engagement and the of culture is also essential to the
the threats they face from a wide sustainability and legacy of our implementation of most of our
range of cultural or natural causes. operations. For this reason, Rio Tinto community programmes.
It may result in the documentation, has for more than a decade placed a
conservation, alteration or even very high priority on understanding
loss of cultural heritage. It can also and managing cultural heritage well.
include working with communities
to protect and enhance their culture
and its practices.
17
Introduction
Managing cultural heritage Cultural heritage management system (CHMS) ensures that
impacts well is therefore a is, therefore, the process through Rio Tintos holistic approach
primary concern for Rio Tintos which we account for cultural to cultural heritage is formally
development projects and heritage features and values within managed in a similar way to other
operations. Because of the an operations area of influence, parts of its businesses. The successful
value cultural heritage holds and then act to reduce damage implementation of a CHMS depends
for communities, as well as and/or protect and enhance these on the existence of integrated
governments and other bodies, its features and values. Rio Tinto systems and communication and
sound management can: understands that cultural engagement across the businesss
demonstrate respect for a practices, beliefs and associations many functions.
communitys values; with places, objects and practices
are constantly changing. Mining It is important to note that
help build sound community
activities contribute to, and can different levels of work will be
and stakeholder relationships
accelerate, these changes both required at different phases
and achieve sustainable
directly and indirectly. Our through exploration, project
developments;
approach to cultural heritage studies and development,
benefit the community construction and operations and
management acknowledges that
economically and socially into closure. For exploration, more
we need to consider and manage
the future; specific guidance is provided in the
change and impacts so that the
reduce business threats by heritage values of places, objects Rio Tinto Exploration Procedure
minimising exposure to and practices are maintained at Communities. For projects, refer
project delays, legal action and a level acceptable to the relevant to the Rio Tinto Communities
compliance costs; communities and stakeholders. and Social Performance guidance
hasten access to land and for Projects for specific detail on
acquiring approvals, enhance Cultural heritage management what to do at each project phase.
negotiation of agreements, for Rio Tinto businesses is broader There will also be different systems
reduce costs related to than just managing the impacts requirements for the varied
negotiations and compensation; of ground disturbance: it includes contexts in which we operate,
and consideration of the people and such as indigenous and traditional
places in the areas adjacent to lands, developing countries, and
enhance the public standing
Rio Tintos managed land. As such, greenfields through to expansion
of Rio Tinto and its individual
we work hard to manage cultural in existing industrial locations.
businesses.
heritage by engaging with relevant
communities and stakeholders. Expert professional cultural
Our approach to cultural heritage
This includes working with heritage management input is
management
communities to identify, assess required for cultural heritage
At Rio Tinto we recognise that
and manage places, objects and baseline and risk assessment
cultural heritage must be managed
practices of cultural significance. work to determine what level of
in a fashion that encompasses all
work and system is appropriate.
the many possible ways people
Cultural heritage considerations Information on cultural heritage
interact with their landscape
are a part of Rio Tintos broader also needs to feed into our
and culture. It is not only about
Communities work but they often Social Impact Assessment and
preserving individual sites, but
also require stand-alone procedures Environment Impact Assessment
must also look at the essential
and plans. Our requirement that work and management plans and
features of culture itself.
businesses develop and implement be captured within business risk
a cultural heritage management assessment processes.
18
Introduction
How effective is your current cultural heritage management system?
The following questions can help you assess the current status of your operations CHMS and the
effectiveness of your management in relation to cultural heritage issues.
Checklist
[ ] Are you aware of the legal framework within which cultural heritage management needs to occur? What are the
international, national and regional laws in relation to cultural heritage?
[ ] Does legislation covering other areas such as environment, mining or land rights link to cultural heritage requirements?
[ ] Has a cultural heritage assessment been conducted on all existing lands owned, leased and/or managed by the
business? This includes non-mining leases and previously developed land.
[ ] Was specific cultural heritage survey work followed by a significance assessment conducted in consultation with a
broad range of stakeholders and experts?
[ ] Did a social impact assessment for the operation consider both direct and indirect impacts to tangible and intangible
cultural heritage and identify programme areas to enhance cultural practices?
[ ] Did environmental baseline assessments for the operation consider cultural heritage issues including matters where
traditional or local knowledge could help in environmental monitoring or rehabilitation?
[ ] Has heritage work drawn on archaeological, anthropological, ethnographic and historic sources or experts to ascertain
the array of heritage concerns for the operation?
[ ] Did a cultural heritage baseline assessment examine the different impacts of the project on different ethnic and/or
cultural groups?
[ ] Was a broad range of community members consulted including men and women, old and young people, as well as
people from different cultural, ethnic, political or religious groups? (Note that people living outside and sometimes
a long way from the operation can have strong/key interests in the areas cultural heritage and so measures are also
needed to identify and include them.)
[ ] Did the baseline assessment consider a diverse range of stakeholders including both non-indigenous as well as
indigenous heritage values where applicable?
[ ] Did the baseline assessment consider the heritage values of the operation itself?
[ ] Have cultural considerations been considered in closure planning, such as rehabilitating land to accommodate cultural
concerns or the repatriation of cultural material?
[ ] Have cultural heritage management procedures been identified, developed and implemented to manage the
operations potential cultural heritage impacts and risks?
[ ] Are all relevant employees aware of the contents of cultural heritage or environmental agreements or systems under
which they operate?
[ ] Does the operation have cultural heritage targets for monitoring progress and activity?
[ ] Have non-local employees and contractors participated in a cultural induction and know how to avoid acting in
culturally inappropriate ways?
[ ] Have Human Resources or other appropriate personnel identified significant cultural events or practices that could be
impacted by the operations work rosters and practices?
19
Introduction
An effective CHMS involves the 2. Plan and implement evelop participatory monitoring
D
components and considerations evelop cultural heritage
D and evaluation processes that
set out in the following four management procedures include Rio Tinto employees,
phase framework. and systems appropriate to heritage experts and the community
the operational and cultural custodians of the heritage.
Inclusive engagement heritage context.
Ensure that community members 4. Report and communicate
and stakeholders are: se Rio Tinto planning tools such
U eport on the operations
R
involved in cultural as Communities multi year plans cultural heritage projects and
heritage assessments and in and specific cultural heritage incidents both internally, through
management decisions; and management plans to implement SEART (Rio Tintos Social and
consulted on impacts and the operations cultural heritage Environmental Accountability
opportunities. management system effectively. Reporting Tool), the Business
Solution and the Communities
nsure that cultural awareness
E nsure cultural heritage
E workbook, and publically through
is promoted internally and that management considerations sustainable development reports.
information is shared and integrated are integrated into all relevant
across operational functions. operational plans and procedures, ommunicate directly with
C
such as ground disturbance community members and Rio
1. Know and understand
permit systems, human resources Tinto employees and contractors,
Establish the knowledge base
policies, health and safety using culturally appropriate and
needed to shape and drive the
procedures and environmental accessible means.
operations cultural heritage
management programmes.
management approach and cultural ublish the cultural heritage
P
heritage management system. ontribute to the socioeconomic
C management outcomes, the
development of the region and cultural heritage and its values
Identify and understand cultural
meet Rio Tintos global Communities more broadly through academic
heritage values, their significance
target by effectively implementing or public means, while respecting
and appropriate management
cultural heritage programmes. intellectual property or privacy
options, through cultural heritage
requirements of the owners.
assessment and surveys with the 3. Monitor, evaluate and improve
community (including within Set targets and indicators to
the operations socioeconomic monitor the impact of the
knowledge base, social impact operation on cultural places,
assessment and social risk analysis). objects and practices, and the
overall performance of the cultural
I dentify and understand the
heritage management system.
operations potential impacts
upon cultural heritage values. se the results of Communities
U
site managed assessments,
nderstand appropriate
U
cultural heritage management
management options by drawing
system audits and complaints
on the knowledge base in
mechanisms to continually
consultation with community
improve performance.
members, heritage experts and
other stakeholders.
20
Introduction
Figure 1. Four phases of cultural heritage management
1 2
Know and understand Plan and implement
Know the cultural heritage Plan and effectively implement
considerations at your operation. cultural heritage management system.
Undertake significance and impact Integrate cultural heritage
assessments to understand the considerations into:
value of cultural heritage and policies at Business Unit level
inform management decisions. Communities strategy and multi-
Integrate in social risk analysis. year plans
operational plans and communities
work, including: goals, objectives,
targets, indicators and actions
Standard Operating Procedures
and protocols
Inclusive engagement
Ensure meaningful participation
of a diverse range of stakeholders
in cultural heritage work. Engage
internally with all employees to
ensure positive cultural heritage
outcomes.
4 3
Report and communicate Monitor, evaluate and improve
Report cultural heritage performance Monitor direct and indirect impacts
and incidents internally and to cultural heritage (+ve and -ve).
externally through formal reporting Evaluate cultural heritage outcomes.
processes such as SEART and
Review and assess performance of
sustainable development reports.
cultural heritage management
Communicate openly with external systems (eg: through SMA, cultural
communities and stakeholders heritage audits).
through diverse forums.
Adjust and improve systems,
programmes and operational plans.
21
2. How to guide
2.6 Summary 88
Left
Discovery of trading by John Bulunbulun and
Zhou Xiaoping, 2009. This painting is part of the
Trepang: China & the story of Macassan-Aboriginal
trade exhibition. The exhibition includes historical
artefacts and contemporary artworks to tell the
little-known history of the trade in trepang (sea
cucumber) between the Chinese, Macassan and
Australian Aboriginal cultures in the 18th to 20th
centuries. Rio Tinto has supported the exhibition in
China and Australia as part of the two-year cultural
exchange programme between the countries.
How to guide
Effective cultural heritage stakeholders are involved in between internal and external
management requires the active identifying and managing their parties is blurred, as local
participation of the community cultural heritage. employees are likely to have their
in any decisions affecting their own connections to and views on
cultural heritage. It also requires Involving community members a regions cultural heritage.
that community values and in our decision-making processes
concerns are heard and respected helps Rio Tinto employees to We believe that inclusive
by all relevant departments within identify opportunities where engagement should continue
our businesses. cultural heritage work can throughout the long life span of
contribute to our broader exploration, development, mining
The values that communities community objectives. For and processing, and closure and
hold for specific places, objects example, it can enable us to help completion. This means that the
or practices and the impact of in the revitalisation of traditional issues and the people responsible
operational activities on these cultural practices. for cultural heritage, both inside
values may not be visible to and outside the company, will
people who are not a part of Inclusive engagement also change over time, as may their
the local community. Inclusive means communicating across the perception of risk and impact
engagement ensures that business to ensure that everyone to cultural heritage.
community members and other is working to manage cultural
heritage. Often the distinction
Checklist
24
How to guide
Inclusive engagement in cultural heritage brings with it many challenges, as outlined below.
These need to be resolved as far as possible so everyone is treated consistently and fairly.
Misconceptions The idea that cultural heritage is mostly an indigenous issue or is only related to material resources
about heritage or historic items can influence who we engage with. Failure to recognise that cultural heritage
management is about intangible cultural values as well as physical objects and places can cause
significant impacts and lost opportunities.
Access to In many situations, heritage legislation or individual community agreements define who should be
individuals consulted in relation to heritage issues. This means that often the same people are consulted while
others may be excluded. While regulatory protocol must be followed, broader consultation is desirable
to ensure that the engagement process includes all those who are concerned. Where regulations do
not stipulate who to consult, broader consultation is recommended. Some vulnerable and marginalised
groups may be hard to reach for various reasons. Work demands or schedules may prevent some people
from engaging, as may issues such as consultation fatigue, disputation and family circumstances.
Cultural Cultural protocols can prevent women or young people participating (speaking out) fully in meetings
protocols where men or elder people are present. This can prevent their views and concerns from being heard.
Time/workload Workloads and project timelines can prevent employees from engaging fully.
Access to Knowledge about some cultural heritage may be restricted to a certain group, making individuals
information unable to divulge the whereabouts or the significance of certain objects, places and practices. It may
be restricted by gender, age or affiliation. Regular consultation by appropriate employees, and heritage
experts as required, can be necessary to be sure that all relevant cultural heritage concerns are
identified.
Legislative In some jurisdictions, the law requires that heritage consultations be conducted by the relevant
requirements government agency. Consultation run by a third party may not satisfy the Rio Tinto Communities
standard, nor produce positive relationships with affected communities. Where working through a third
party may reduce the quality of the consultation and/or relationships between the operation and the
community, opportunities to supplement this consultation should be considered.
Logistical Remoteness, extreme climatic conditions, knowledge and education (both linguistic and procedural
constraints understandings), cost, distance, information flow (being isolated from communication channels) and
other factors can make engagement difficult. Internally, funding and time restrictions can prevent
effective engagement across functions within an operation.
25
How to guide
There are many ways to engage Cultural heritage intersects information. It is extremely
with a community. Any process in with other aspects of diversity, important to respect peoples
which employees and community including age, gender, class, right to privacy and to recognise
members talk openly with ethnicity, family, politics, religion, that cultural knowledge is the
each other can improve our economic and marital status. intellectual property of those
understanding of community All of these factors can influence who hold it.
concerns. how people value certain places,
objects and practices and all Sometimes there is no common
Consultation, conducted in ways should be taken into account view of the value or importance
that are culturally acceptable during the process of community of cultural heritage features,
to the communities concerned, and stakeholder engagement. even within a family group. Our
is a key aspect of this (see role is not to take sides in such
Rio Tinto Consultation and Sometimes knowledge about debates the process of inclusive
engagement guidance). We cultural heritage is restricted engagement makes it possible
develop a consultation approach to one group in the community for different values and/or
at the outset, which can be and its members may not wish to conflicting views to be heard and
adapted as we learn more about a share all their information with accommodated. Other approaches
community. It specifies who needs employees or with employees of that foster inclusive engagement
to be consulted, their connections a particular age or gender. Experts are listed in box 2.
to cultural heritage and sets and managers should be mindful
a timetable that emphasises of these wishes and be able to
consultation from the earliest assess significance without the
stages of project conception. disclosure of culturally sensitive
26
How to guide
2.1.2 Internal engagement
Left
Hail Creek walking track,
Queensland, Australia. The track
was designed in consultation with
the Wiri Yuwiburra Traditional
Owners to promote employees
awareness of Aboriginal heritage.
27
Case study 1: Rio Tinto in Weipa, Australia
Case study 1
28
Case study 1
Outcome: Integrated and inclusive
management of Vyces Crossing
Inclusive engagement is needed
to understand heritage issues
at any operation, especially to
identify appropriate management
options for culturally significant
places. In the case of the East
Andoom Management Plan, the
engagement process included
consultation with the Traditional
Owners and other Thanikiwithi
people, and environment
practitioners in addressing
heritage issues associated with
land management. This also
involved engaging the broader
Weipa community to ensure their
behaviour is culturally sensitive
and in line with the wishes of the
Traditional Owners. Top
Senior Thanikwithi Elder Steven Hall
The result of this inclusive and Rio Tinto Alcan heritage liaison
engagement has been the officer Amanda Woodley collecting
shell samples from a midden for
development of an integrated
radiocarbon dating. The midden is
management plan, the production approximately 500 years old.
of positive environmental Above
outcomes in terms of land and Information brochure on the cultural
water management, and the significance of Vyces Crossing. The
Thanikwithi traditional owners and
strengthening of relationships
Rio Tinto Alcan jointly produced
between the operation and the the brochure and other educational
Traditional Owners. materials about Vyces Crossing.
Circle
1
Shells on the surface of a midden.
29
How to guide
Knowing the places, objects and practices that are important to communities,
and understanding why these are valued, is the foundation for a sound
cultural heritage management system.
30
How to guide
2.2.1 Develop the cultural heritage knowledge base
Developing the knowledge The Rio Tinto Communities Analysis of this information
needed for effective cultural standard also requires all of by cultural heritage experts,
heritage management takes our businesses to address, as part whether internal or external,
time and should begin at the of their community engagement, creates an understanding of how
project exploration or conceptual changes that occur in local places, objects and practices are
stage. Developing and regularly cultural norms, whether these valued, how they may be impacted
updating a relevant knowledge are a result of our operations by operational activities, both
base is a requirement of our or not. This means that while we positively and negatively, and
Communities standard. are responsible for understanding how impacts can best be managed.
and managing changes due to Each operation also needs to
The knowledge base enables an our presence, we also need to carefully consider how data
operation to plan properly and to understand how these relate to will be handled in the cultural
monitor, review and evaluate its other cultural changes. These can be heritage management system and
cultural heritage performance. monitored by periodically checking how it will be used to inform the
Rio Tinto uses a very broad with communities and by carrying operations management.
definition of what constitutes out cultural heritage studies.
cultural heritage. This requires Cultural heritage information
different surveys and assessments The studies and their terms should be collected throughout
to build the knowledge base. of reference should be broad the lifecycle of a mining or
At each stage of this process, enough to ensure they meet the processing operation. This is
assessments and surveys should requirements of the Communities because different stages in the
be undertaken by professionals standard to: life of the operation can have
and may be subject to specific compile a list of tangible different impacts on cultural
legal and specialist methods cultural heritage features based heritage (see the Background
and requirements. on relevant cultural norms; reader for more information).
develop an understanding of It is also because the long life
ommunities assessments
C span of operational activities,
intangible cultural values; and
socioeconomic situational analysis and associated infrastructure,
or social and environmental document all industrial and
means that individuals in
impact assessments can identify historical heritage features and
affected communities will change,
cultural practices and assets values of the operation itself.
as may their understanding and
of concern to communities, perception of risk and impact to
which may be affected by cultural heritage.
the operations activities.
31
How to guide
Risk analysis, including threats the nature of the communitys/ Peoples perception of risk is
and opportunities, helps determine regions intangible cultural context dependent. In an area
the scale and complexity of the heritage and values, and its where industrial development is
cultural heritage management likely sensitivity to impacts new, or in which cultural heritage
system required to adequately from mining; is impacted cumulatively by
cover the operations risk profile. recorded heritage sites in the many operations or activities,
Cultural heritage risks should be area of operation and the people may feel the impact of new
assessed as part of an operations significance of these sites; activities more strongly, regardless
Social Risk Analysis (see Social of the impacts intensity. This
any land claims or land
risk analysis guidance), and in is another reason why regular
ownership issues relating to the
some situations specific cultural updating of our baseline data
operations land, and whether
heritage risk analyses are warranted. is required.
any community agreements are
Understanding risk exposure in place;
provides a better understanding the extent of any existing
of how to design and implement statutory and project
a cultural heritage management approvals or cultural heritage
system that is appropriate to management plans, including
the level of risk. Factors that ones for cultural heritage
contribute to risk exposure disturbance;
include: the priorities, concerns and
the pattern of the regions willingness to engage of
cultural heritage sites (types, relevant communities;
distribution and density)
past disputes or legacy issues;
and the absence or extent
and
and quality of previous
heritage surveys; the nature of the operations
activities.
Left
This sacred tree is located next to
the ruins of the ancient Alag Bayan
temple in the Bayan bag, Khanbogd
soum, Mongolia. It is the largest
elm tree (6m in diameter) found
in Mongolia. The local community
protects the tree, including not
moving wood or fallen branches of
the tree and prohibiting polluting
and littering. This photo was taken
by Oyu Tolgoi botanist, J. Sanjid,
in July 2009 to record this cultural
heritage feature.
32
How to guide
2.2.3 Undertake cultural heritage assessments
33
How to guide
Most heritage assessments involve Industrial heritage can be The completion of survey work
both an ethnographic survey identified in a historical survey does not mean that all heritage
conducted by an anthropologist and and where relevant should features or values have necessarily
an archaeological survey conducted include an assessment of been identified. Sub-surface
by an archaeologist. A specific Rio Tintos own business assets. prehistoric human remains for
historical-archaeological survey Palaeontological surveys are example may only be uncovered
may also be required where there conducted in areas likely to during ground disturbance works
are potentially historic remains, contain dinosaur or other or other activities. If you come
including old buildings or mine prehistoric, non-human fossils. across a cultural heritage feature
workings. Palaeontological surveys that was not previously known
Technical experts should be
may be required in areas containing about, it is called a chance find.
accompanied by community
fossil remains. Procedures to deal with chance
members, especially those for
finds should be developed and
Ethnographic surveys are used whom the cultural heritage is
implemented so all employees
to identify places and practices important, who can assist in the
and contractors stop work at once
of significance, some of which identification of features and
on discovery of new objects until
may be invisible to people more importantly explain the
the work is cleared through the
outside of the cultural group significance of these features.
relevant process. Chance finds
concerned, and possible impacts The involvement of local groups
procedures are discussed in more
to them. Ethnographic surveys or traditional land owners in both
detail in the Plan and Implement
are conducted by a qualified ethnographic and archaeological
section of this guide (2.3).
anthropologist. surveys can:
contribute to cultural Case study 2 from Jadar, Serbia,
Archaeological surveys should
maintenance; highlights the importance of an
aim to locate and record all
archaeological sites likely to foster cultural education early stage desktop review and
be affected by the proposed and help to ensure there are initial survey work to ensure a
project works. A comprehensive community members with thorough awareness of the cultural
survey is necessary when little is cultural heritage knowledge for heritage issues of the region during
known about the distribution of future assessment processes; project studies and design.
archaeological heritage. Where and
substantial baseline data are foster a spirit of inclusivity and
available, a sampling survey may engagement.
be appropriate, provided it is S ometimes communities include
rigorously justified. or employ their own technical
A historical survey may be experts and can conduct the
required where it is likely there required survey work. In Australia,
are historic buildings or other Canada and the US, for example,
remains. Historical archaeologists representative indigenous
are trained in identifying subtle organisations often coordinate
landscape evidence such as indigenous heritage assessments,
property boundaries and historic especially if this is required by an
evidence that would not normally agreement between the operation
be detected in archaeological and the community.
or ethnographic surveys.
34
How to guide
Above
Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa employees
examining a historic drill rig on ML7031,
in Queensland, Australia. This artefact
is now protected by a fire break and a
controlled burning programme to reduce
the impact of bushfires on the wooden
frame. (L-R) Neale Dahl, Environment
superintendent, and Justin Shiner,
Specialist archaeologist.
Left
Ken Mulvaney, Cultural Heritage specialist
at Rio Tinto Iron Ore, and students from
the University of Western Australia record
rock art on the Burrup Peninsula, Pilbara
Region, Western Australia.
35
Case Study 2: Rio Tinto in Jadar, Serbia
Case study 2
Process: Conduct early desktop Neolithic Age all the way through
review the Middle Ages, the Jadar
Exploration undertook a area also possesses significant
desktop review of the Jadar site, intangible value owing to the
involving regional experts from areas historical involvement in
the University of Belgrade. This World War I. The Battle of Cer,
consisted of an in-depth literature also known as the Battle of Jadar,
review, a site inspection and the took place between the Serbian
building of a digital database, and invading Austro-Hungarian
integrated with GIS, for easy armies in this area. The battle
future use. This process helped was the first allied victory in
to compile information about the World War I. This historic memory
history and significance, past and from the war, along with physical
present, of the site. archaeological assets from the
time, is an important aspect
The findings of the desktop review of the local communitys
revealed very broad and significant collective memory.
heritage values including the
existence of Bronze and Iron Continued study of the tombs
Age tombs in the area of Brezjak in particular is likely to provide
village. These contained cremated deeper insights, which have
human remains, bracelets, long been lacking, about the
necklaces, spears, urns and people who occupied the site
other artefacts. This early research several thousand years ago. In
helped inform cultural heritage November 2010, Rio Tinto signed
management requirements an agreement to donate 50,000
for future project phases and to the Jadar Museum to continue
will prevent any unnecessary research into these prehistoric
disturbances to cultural heritage burial mounds. Once exploration
during the construction and is complete, Rio Tinto will work
operation of the mine. with the museum to develop
plans on how to best interpret
As well as possessing tangible and exhibit their discoveries.
artefacts dating from the late
36
Case study 2
Outcome: Early heritage work even though the evolution of a Top
A school group visiting the battle of
leads to success later mining project can take 10 or 20
Cer Memorial House. The Battle of
By conducting the desktop review years. By involving the right local Cer, which was the first allied victory
early in the project as part of experts this was achieved at a cost in World War 1, is an important
its heritage work, Exploration proportionate to the project phase. aspect of the local communitys
collective memory.
revealed significant archaeological With a thorough knowledge of the
Bottom
sites, drew attention to an Jadar areas cultural heritage, Site reclamation after excavation
important time in history for Rio Tinto Minerals is also now well of Bronze and Iron Age tombs at
the local people, and identified placed to support and strengthen the Jadar project.
areas of sensitivity, such as the the areas on-going heritage Circle
unearthing of mortal remains management. Early engagement Excavation of Bronze and Iron
Age tombs at the Jadar project.
from WWI. Rio Tinto Minerals around cultural issues and
need to remain cognisant of involvement of local experts is
these findings in their work. also recognised as crucial for
building strong community
These findings demonstrate relationships and partnerships.
the importance of addressing
cultural heritage issues upfront, 2
37
How to guide
38
How to guide
Heritage assets Historic mining operations
In some circumstances the cultural often have a special place in the
heritage baseline assessment should collective memory of the local
also recognise and record the community as generations of
historical importance of the mining people have worked in the mine
operation itself. Historical and/or or the industry. Sometimes the
industrial heritage professionals can history of a mining operation or
assess the significance of historical a commodity will be intimately
buildings, landscape features or linked to the history of regional
machinery which may reflect their development in the area. For
period architecture, illustration example, case study 4 (page 40)
of a point in the nations history on the Shawinigan Aluminium
or any other element of historical Smelter in Canada highlights
or technological importance. some of the reasons why historical Top
Mining cottages are a valued
Circumstances where this would buildings owned by an operation heritage asset in Michigan, US.
be relevant include: where the may be significant heritage Above
businesss assets are over 50 years features themselves and how Interior of the Humbolt mill, which
old; where they represent the first these features can be managed in will be refurbished to process ore
from Kennecotts Eagle mine in
example of a technology or building a way that enhances their value
Michigan, US.
type; or where the operation through contemporary use.
played a significant role in the
development of a region or nation.
39
Case study 3:
Case study 3
41
Case study 4: Rio Tinto in Quebec, Canada
Case study 4
43
How to guide
44
How to guide
Impact assessment ongoing access and therefore
5. Cumulative impacts
Once a place, object or practice restrict the continuation of their
has been assessed as significant, cultural practice. Oral histories, In areas where there is a lot
of other mining activity or the
then the appropriateness of all photographs, film, facsimiles and
impacts of mining development
future operational activities need other forms of documentation
are compounded by other forms of
to be measured according to the and community museums may be
development, then the cumulative
degree of impact they will have necessary to preserve something of
impact of these activities will
on this significance. Impacts need what is lost and wherever possible
also influence management
to be clearly spelled out so that to enable continuity of traditions. requirements. What may be
management measures can be perceived by employees as a
clearly identified. Box 5 outlines The establishment of hydro-
relatively small loss of cultural
the potential for cumulative electric dams can be another high
heritage for example, the
cultural heritage impacts. impact area. In these cases, there
destruction of an archaeological
may be a much greater and longer
site that is deemed to have little
For cultural heritage, an impact term demand for a businesss
historical or social significance may
assessment looks at changes to resources for studies and experts to be valued highly by the descendent
both tangible and intangible address these impacts. This could community if they have experienced
cultural heritage likely to be caused include protection and mitigation significant loss of other sites or
by our operational activities. measures, as well as compensation change in their cultural heritage
Impacts of these activities can for permanent cultural loss and, from mining or other developments
range from minor disturbance of in certain cases, the performance in the area.
a low significance archaeological of rituals that may need to be
site to the destruction of an entire repeated well into the future.
cultural landscape. Changes
caused by our operational activities International good practice
can be analysed for threats to and requires that cultural heritage,
opportunities for communities including biophysical and
and the business and link them to social features, be captured
proposed risk mitigation strategies. in environmental impact
In short, impact assessment allows assessments. Rio Tintos
us to understand how the project requirements are even more
or operational plan may affect stringent, requiring that
local cultural heritage matters, a specific cultural heritage
however complex. baseline assessment be conducted
as part of a new projects social
Projects requiring the resettlement and environmental impact
of a whole community for example, assessment process. A procedure
could lead to significant impacts for conducting cultural heritage
on both tangible and intangible assessments should be developed
heritage values. In such cases the and incorporated into the cultural
assessment involves identifying heritage management system,
specific cultural impacts likely especially where the business
to result from relocation such is likely to have an expanding
as relocating the custodians footprint and require more than
of a sacred site away from that a single survey and assessment.
site, which may limit their
45
How to guide
46
How to guide
Above
A local woman intricately and
delicately weaves a basket out of
strips of bamboo in Bajna village,
nearRio Tinto Diamonds Bunder
camp, Madhya Pradesh, India. Most
local communities in this area make
their livings from farming or traditional
handcrafts such as this.
Right
Bheemkund is an underground
perennial pool which is a significant
religious site in Madhya Pradesh, India.
During religious pilgrimage hundreds
come to bathe in and drink from
this pool as a sign of allegiance and
dedication to the Gods. Bheemkund
is 15 kilometres from the Bunder
camp and will not be affected by the
development of the mine.
47
How to guide
Cultural heritage management Box 6 provides an example of a comprehensive management plan for
plans (CHMP) set out the an area, which pulls together all the applicable elements of the business
management issues relating to CHMS. CHMP for a specific cultural heritage place, object or practice
a specific area, or heritage place, would include the relevant elements of these.
object or practice. A CHMP is
often a legally-binding document
6. CHMP example contents
which sets out the accountabilities
1. Introduction
of signed parties.
a. Context and setting
The content of a CHMP will b. Applicable laws and standards
differ depending on its scope, c. Definitions
the existence of heritage values 2. Scope and structure
in the area, the heritage work a. Heritage values
done to date and other factors. b. Nature of the operation and potential impacts
A CHMP may be two or 200 pages c. Cultural heritage management objectives
long, proportionate to the level 3. Responsibilities
of cultural heritage complexity. a. Operational accountabilities
In some areas and jurisdictions, b. Employee induction and training
legislated or formal guidelines c. Contractor management
may influence or determine the 4. Roles of the parties
content of a CHMP. a. Rio Tinto operation
b. Local community(s)
In general, a CHMP will: c. Other parties
outline the history, contemporary 5. Disclosure of information
profile and aspirations of the 6. Consultation procedure
relevant community;
7. Management of cultural heritage
outline the cultural heritage a. Procedure for conservation of cultural heritage
characteristics and values of b. Procedure for removal of cultural heritage
the area; c. Procedure for chance finds
identify important management d. Procedure for implementation of cultural programmes
issues, objectives and priorities e. Procedure for use of cultural heritage (by community/by business)
including co-management aims 8. Cultural offset
and community perspectives; a. Identifying and managing offsets
set out the planning background 9. Complaints, disputes and grievance procedure
that has influenced consultations 10. Incident reporting
and management decisions; 11. Monitoring and evaluation
set out the proposed governance 12. Management schedule
and management arrangements
for the area or feature, including
accountabilities of all parties;
identify monitoring and
reporting objectives; and
outline a complaints, disputes
and grievance procedure.
48
How to guide
A CHMP often has monitoring All operations should have a chance finds procedure which sets out
and reporting requirements what is to be done when cultural heritage objects are unexpectedly
that can be used to review its uncovered during operational activities. In particular this procedure
effectiveness. These may include should specify the steps to be taken if human remains are found,
tracking performance, verifying as these may constitute a crime scene or may be of high cultural
compliance in consultation sensitivity and need to be treated with particular care. Operations
with all parties and making should also plan for unforeseen discoveries of intangible heritage and
recommendations. set out the correct procedure for dealing with them. These plans should
be established from the start of a project. Box 7 outlines likely steps.
Cultural heritage management
plans should also take into
account how the operation 7. Chance finds or unforeseen discoveries procedures
may affect a neighbouring 1. Stop work in the vicinity of the find at once (very often work can be continued
communitys intangible at another part of the project, so avoiding costly delays).
and tangible heritage both 2. Notify the accountable operations manager or relevant Rio Tinto authority.
economically and physically, and The find should be treated as a cultural heritage incident and reported.
contain guidelines for managing 3. Notify police if human remains have been found: various legal requirements
these impacts across the life of are likely to be triggered.
mine. For example, they can 4. Notify cultural heritage authorities, if required, in the case of any
include programmes designed archaeological or palaeontological find.
to maintain or preserve a local 5. Use heritage experts and relevant community members to assess the
tradition or intangible cultural significance of the find, and report it if required by law.
value or compensate in a different 6. Decide on the right way to manage the find in consultation with the relevant
way for damage caused to a site. community groups and stakeholders.Resume work if permitted and agreed.
The CHMP should state clearly
who is accountable.
49
How to guide
Left
Aboriginal artists from the
Pilbara region at the opening of the
Colours of My Country exhibition
in Perth, Western Australia, 2010.
The exhibition is supported by Rio
Tinto Iron Ore. (L-R) Tootsie Daniels,
Loreen Samson, Kenny Diamond,
Kaye Warrie, Judith Coppin.
50
How to guide
Figure 2. Process for developing a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)
Identify
Identify cultural heritage features (place / object / practice)
Assess
Significance assessment
Assess
Impact assessment
Consider
Consider appropriate management options
51
How to guide
52
How to guide
Mitigation and relocation Heritage values are often integrally Case study 5 from Murowa
In instances where disturbance connected to the place/context and Diamond Mine in Zimbabwe
of tangible cultural heritage is removal of the heritage feature from shows the importance that
approved, steps must still be taken its original context can destroy that communities can place on the
to reduce the impact of the loss. connection. Preservation in-situ is relocation of significant and
This may include recovery of as therefore the best practice for site threatened cultural heritage
much information or material protection. Given the potential for such as graves. In this example,
as possible before the feature impact, relocation should only be importance was placed on
is destroyed. These options are considered as an option after advice respecting the cultural values
often referred to by Rio Tinto as from cultural heritage experts and and concerns of family members
mitigation options. only if relocating the site or object when considering, planning
it is seen to preserve its heritage and implementing the grave
Mitigation may include one or values. Where this is not possible relocations. The countrys
more of the following measures: other forms of mitigation should regulatory guidelines were
surface salvage collection of be undertaken. In planning for also closely followed.
cultural heritage artefacts; relocation it is important to consult
sub-surface salvage excavation with community members as well
of cultural heritage artefacts; as regulatory bodies over issues
sub-surface investigation and such as:
recording of archaeological how the material should
deposits; be handled;
archival documentation of who should be involved or
places and objects; present during the relocation
relocation or recovery of processes;
significant cultural heritage what, if any, ceremonies should
objects/places; and be performed and who should
ethnographic studies. perform these;
Relocation is a mitigation option where should the features
that is commonly requested by be relocated to; and
community members, yet it can how they should be managed
significantly affect archaeological in their new location.
or other heritage values and this
impact is not always understood
by community members.
53
Case study 5:
Case study 5
54
Case study 5
The exhumations had to be Outcome: Working together for a
conducted in accordance with positive outcome
public health regulations and Through effective planning,
policy. Considerable planning Murowa was able to incorporate
also went into ensuring that the community sensitivities and
correct bodies were exhumed in considerations into the grave
accordance with the Deeds and relocation plans as well as to meet
Registration policy. Where no government health regulations.
records existed, the chief and/ Murowa sought agreement from
or his subordinate had to sign both the community and local
affidavits to vouch for the identity government authorities on how to
of the deceased. This process mitigate the impact of the grave
ensured that relatives would relocation process. By respecting
not lose track of their deceased. local ways of treating the dead and
Where bodies were not found in allowing the active participation
their graves, an agreement was of community members and local
reached with the affected family government, Murowa demonstrated
to take soil and rebury it in the its respect for the local community
normal way. and their way of life. This was Top
an important component of the New grave sites constructed for the
purposes of relocating the graves that
successful resettlement process
were inside the Murowa Diamond Mine
that enabled the Murowa mine plan area.
development to proceed. Above
Levie Moyo in the kraal built on his
5 homestead by Murowa Diamonds.
Family member Emanuel Mvuri is in the
background. Murowa Diamonds built farm
facilities in Shashe for each resettled
family that had a farm on land at Murowa
to enable the families to maintain their
livelihoods after resettlement.
Circle
Community members overseeing the
exhumation of graves that were relocated
from the mine lease.
55
How to guide
Above
Justina Willis of the Yinjaa Barni Art
Group paints while her son looks on.
The Yinjaa Barni Art Group, in the
Pilbara region of Western Australia,
is supported by Rio Tinto Iron Ore.
Left
Pansy Sambo of the Yinjaa Barni Art
Group with one of her artworks.
56
How to guide
Compensation and cultural offsets Cultural offsets, like biodiversity the documentation or research
Rio Tinto businesses are required and environmental offsets, should (interpretation/publication) of
to mitigate direct damage to exceed the life of the operation significant tangible cultural
tangible cultural heritage and and be able to continue into the heritage places;
should also consider ways to deal future without the operations establishing museums
with the more difficult issue of support. They should enhance the or cultural centres;
changes or losses to intangible heritage values of a community.
the conservation and
cultural heritage. Compensation To ensure transparency, cultural
presentation of other culturally-
of some form may be necessary. heritage offsets should be
significant landscapes or
Complex political battles (within defined as such by the relevant
features outside the operation
communities and between community and stakeholders.
area to be used by community
communities and companies)
Case study 8 (page 64) from Rio members in accordance with
can occur over compensation
Tinto Coal Australia outlines their their cultural aspirations; and
for damages and, therefore any
compensation methods need to approach to potentially intractable initiation and continuation
be sensitive to the context. At cultural heritage situations. of cultural programmes
Rio Tinto cash compensation Using a net positive approach, Rio that focus on local cultural
is recognised as an appropriate Tinto Coal Australia identifies practices (note these can mesh
mechanism in some situations, opportunities within the broader with environmental offsets
but an emerging approach is cultural landscape to offset any involving documentation and
mitigation or compensation in unavoidable disturbances. In maintenance of traditional
the form of a cultural offset. A such cases, well-planned cultural ecological knowledge and
cultural offset is a set of measures heritage offsets can enhance its connections to use and
intended to protect, perpetuate certain cultural heritage values and management of biodiversity
or enhance the cultural heritage more than offset the impact of the andlandscape).
of the community which original loss.
Enhancement
may be accepted by them as Cultural offsetting is a new and Cultural heritage management
compensating for any residual, difficult area to navigate, as it is is as much about maximizing
unavoidable harm, loss or change very hard to compare or substitute positive opportunities as it is
caused to cultural heritage one type of heritage value for about managing negative impacts.
by a development project. An another similar or different type Not all management options
important principle is to limit of value. However, regulatory need to respond to a negative
cumulative impacts and ensure requirements are increasingly cultural heritage impact. The
an overall positive outcome for heading in this direction, business should also be aware
cultural heritage values. including in jurisdictions where of and actively seek opportunities
Rio Tinto operates. Examples of to enhance the local culture.
cultural offsets include: Cultural offsets (like those above)
documenting local oral can also be used as cultural
histories, genealogies or other heritage enhancement strategies.
significant intangible heritage;
57
How to guide
Although it is an artificial Human Resources is accountable has adopted this approach and will
distinction, for the sake of for cultural inductions and dual track impacts to cultural heritage
efficient management and language policy, and Environment against locally-defined levels of
programme delivery, intangible for community participatory acceptable change.
cultural heritage considerations environmental monitoring.
can be treated separately from The use of a limits of acceptable
tangible heritage. This helps to Limits of acceptable change change framework is part of our
safeguard intangible cultural Culture changes and adapts overall approach to Communities
heritage which may otherwise not continually in response work, which ought to be holistic,
receive formal protection under to many factors, such as endorsed locally and contribute to
cultural heritage management subsistence practices, land broader community development.
plans that are focussed on tenure arrangements, migration, This framework can link to or be a
tangible assets. external influences and component of a Social Environment
economic change. People will Impact Assessment (SEIA).
Rio Tinto businesses are often be more comfortable with
encouraged wherever possible to the changes brought about by Cultural heritage programmes
assist the continuation of relevant a large development project and partnerships
cultural practices such as: once they have considered the Cultural programmes are key
local languages and traditional full range of its impacts on components of an operations
customs; the socio-cultural wellbeing of cultural heritage management
theircommunity. system. Cultural programmes
land-uses and other traditional
contribute to the economic
economic practices;
It is important to engage with development of communities,
the retelling of local stories; communities to identify what consistent with the Millennium
holding of local festivals form and levels of cultural change Development Goals. For example,
and performance of local are acceptable to them, and then cultural heritage management
ceremonies; and design operational practices and can help to alleviate poverty by
the continual passing of cultural programmes that target enhancing tourism or providing
these practices on to the areas they are most concerned opportunities to make and market
younger generations. about or motivated by. Rio Tinto cultural goods and services. The
encourages all its businesses to protection or revival of traditional
It is important that in so doing we
understand and set limits of farming and grazing practices
do not inadvertently contribute
acceptable change with local can enhance food security while
to the stagnation of cultural
communities. Essentially this sets traditional land use practices
practices which are in reality
the level of change to a cultural can contribute to environmental
dynamic and always changing.
heritage place, object or practice, sustainability. The sustainability
Often the protection of or the cumulative impacts to all and self reliance of a community
intangible cultural heritage will these, acceptable to a community can be greatly enhanced by assisting
be addressed in an operations once all the positive and negative it to form strong external ties
multi year Communities plan impacts have been taken into beyond the operation that advance
or social impact management account. These limits have to be their own development aspirations.
plan. An operations CHMS defined, and often redefined, Cultural programmes are excellent
should outline which part of over the life of an operation. For vehicles for such partnerships.
the business is accountable for example, the Oyu Tolgoi project in
specific aspects. For example, Mongolia (case study 10, page 74)
58
How to guide
Box 8 gives some ideas of types of
8. Potential cultural programmes
cultural programmes that may be
applicable to your operation. Cultural celebrations: helping communities to stage large celebrations/
festivals to celebrate culture can help to strengthen and uphold a sense
Case study 6 demonstrates of community.
how cultural practices can Dance, song/music, art, performance: sharing traditional means of artistic
lead to measurable community expression is considered highly important to community and also to help
development outcomes such as pass down these practices to youth.
improved health and wellbeing Education: facilitating cultural education or formal cultural heritage training
and increased school attendance. helps build community capacity, self-empowerment and pride.
The case study outlines the Environmental programmes: promoting local agricultural practices,
importance of community subsistence farming, rain-water harvesting, biodiversity monitoring and
desire and support for cultural management and recycling all have positive environmental and cultural
programmes to ensure the outcomes.
sustainability of the programme. Community led oral history collection: many communities value the
Case study 7 documents Richards documentation of their traditional stories and knowledge through innovative
Bay Minerals establishment of the and interactive multimedia tools.
Mananga Heritage Centre, which Economic projects: programmes that build businesses around cultural
promotes local cultural heritage heritage and creative activities can contribute to poverty reduction and
in a way that is educative to the economic growth.
wider public and has contributed Youth engagement: mentorships, summer camps and employment in cultural
to community pride in their own activities provide opportunities for older community members to pass on
unique history. knowledge to young people. They can help younger generations to retain
their culture, identity and pride.
Womens programmes: craft, agriculture, health and cottage industry
programmes that target women through these cultural activities. Women
are often marginalised within communities: these programmes can empower
them and help to develop a mutual support system.
Community health programmes: focusing on nutrition, exercise, safeguarding
traditional medicinal practices, disease education, drug/alcohol abuse
support. Promoting good health can help limit many of the undesirable
impacts of development.
59
Case study 6:
Case study 6
60
Case study 6
For example, the Fund has part- Outcome: Milpirri a cultural
funded the ongoing Milpirri heritage success
festival, a two-yearly cultural The planning expectations of the
celebration by Warlpiri people in Fund serve as a good example
conjunction with Tracks Dance of the characteristics that
Company. The Milpirri festival operations should consider when
demonstrates that cultural funding cultural programmes
celebration can effectively that will enhance their cultural
contribute to community heritage management work.
development. Milpirri engages The experiences of the Fund
Warlpiri communities in music, demonstrate that attention to
dance, ceremonies and painting cultural programmes in cultural
in order to build the interest of heritage work is valuable and
younger Warlpiri in their cultural with proper planning and
heritage. The result has been a implementation, they can have
strengthening of intergenerational wide social and economic
and cross-community bonds benefits that continue beyond
and growing self-esteem among the life of the programme itself.
young Warlpiri. The benefits are The Milpirri programme for
being seen in increased school example, has succeeded in not
Top
attendance, cultural revival, the only protecting, celebrating and
Milpirri Festival 2009. The Rio Tinto
acquisition of the skills needed to continuing the cultural heritage Aboriginal Fund has supported the
stage a large cultural festival, and of Warlpiri communities but Milpirri Festival, which promotes
an improvement in the physical also demonstrating that capacity cultural celebration and contributes
to community development, since
wellbeing of those involved in can be built through the self-
2007.
staging Milpirri. management of cultural events.
Above
6 Milpirri Festival, 2007.
Circle
Milpirri Festival, 2009.
61
Case study 7:
Case study 7
Richards Bay
South Africa
Challenge: Managing heritage unique partnership between RBM,
findings and mitigating cultural loss Umlando, Amafa akwaZuluNatali
As the Richards Bay Minerals (the government heritage authority)
mining process involves and the Mbonambi community.
wide-scale removal of surface The objective of the centre is to
deposits the company has had preserve the cultural history and
a longstanding programme heritage of local communities with
of archaeological monitoring, a long term aim of developing it
assessment and mitigation in as part of a local tourism route,
advance of mining. This work preserving not only the past but
has excavated or recorded over improving the socioeconomic
250 archaeological sites. Because future of the community.
of the regions history, some of
these sites and artefacts hold both Described as a living memorial
local and national significance. rather than a museum, the Mananga
As part of the ongoing consultative Heritage Centre is designed in
and engagement framework, the an interactive way to encourage
local community of Mbonambi cultural education via a hands on
expressed a desire to have a way approach. Interpretative signage
of preserving and promoting at the Mananga Heritage Centre
their cultural and historical is based on amasiko, or local oral
heritage. The challenge for RBM stories, recorded by RBM as part
was to respond to community of their cultural heritage projects.
expectations over potential The centre consists of three
cultural heritage loss and to thatched rondavels (a typical style
the communitys desire to of house in South Africa) made of
promote their heritage. traditional materials such as anthill
clay and cattle dung. Early metal
Process: Create the Mananga work artefacts as well as other
Heritage Centre a living archaeological objects excavated
memorial from the area are on display.
Responding to the wishes of the These objects are on lease from the
Mbonambi community, RBM Natal Museum where all material
established the Mananga Heritage excavated by the mine is held.
Centre as part of its cultural
heritage management initiatives.
The Centre is the culmination
of several years work from a
62
Case study 7
In between the three rondavels and improve the centre, thus
is a demonstration garden promoting the development of the
representing a unique form of centre as an active and evolving
living heritage preservation. cultural community centre. RBM
The garden grows a number of is also working on strategies and
traditional medicinal plants procedures for handing over the
including the African potato management of the centre to the
and plants which heal broken local community to encourage
bones and cuts. Visitors can walk local cultural heritage management.
through the garden and see the
7
same plants which were used by
Mbonambi community ancestors
and other historical figures like
King Shaka.
65
Case study 8:
Case study 8
69
Case study 9:
Case study 9
Process: Involving Aboriginal Fish Palatability Study: To assess Caribou Fencing: To address
organisations in environmental the health of fish in the mine community concerns regarding
monitoring affected area, Diavik undertakes caribou (a type of deer) potentially
In response to community regular monitoring of fish in Lac getting caught in the mines
concerns about a lack of certain de Gras. On top of this regular Processed Kimberlite Containment
environmental regulations, Diavik monitoring, Elders and youth from (PKC) Area during their annual
established an Environmental the communities are encouraged migration, the EMAB facilitated
Agreement that allows for an to participate together in a consultations between Diavik
Environmental Monitoring study to monitor the continued and local community leaders
Advisory Board (EMAB). The palatability and texture of lake to come up with a suitable
EMAB includes representatives fish. Community representatives fencing solution.
from each of the five First rate the fish on appearance
Nation groups affected by the before cleaning, and on look and The issues included:
mine, governments and Diavik. taste once cooked. Ratings are what time of year the PKC area
With a mandate to facilitate compared to several benchmarks, should be fenced;
collaboration, one of EMABs including the previous years how to avoid increasing
aims is to foster an open survey, the quality of fish in predation of caribou along the
exchange of ideas on traditional the persons home area and fence line;
ecological knowledge and perceptions of the health of who should be responsible for
scientific monitoring methods. fish prior to mining operations. the design and location of the
Collaborative consultations Tissue and organ samples of fence; and
between EMAB and Diavik the same fish are submitted for who should manage it.
have resulted in environmental laboratory analysis to determine
The outcome from various
monitoring programmes that metal levels. The palatability
workshops run by EMAB was a
combine traditional and Western study has dual outcomes:
caribou fencing plan, designed
scientific knowledge to monitor contributing to environmental
and managed according to
and protect wildlife in the mine management and cultural
local traditional knowledge of
affected area. Two examples of heritage management on site
caribou and predator activity,
these outcomes include the fish while upholding fishing as a
implemented by the operation.
palatability study and the caribou traditional way of life through
fencing work. monitoring the operations
impact on favoured fish species.
70
Case study 9
Outcome: Shared knowledge
and improved environmental
monitoring
By integrating traditional
knowledge with scientific
procedures, Diavik has
demonstrated the value
of incorporating traditional
knowledge into the companys
monitoring processes. Through
this collaborative work Diavik
has drawn on different ways
of thinking and observing the
environment, which has helped
to continue traditional ecological
knowledge and subsistence
practices. This has contributed
to effective cultural heritage
management, better
relationships with local
Top
communities and meeting
Community members participating
the operations environmental in a fish palatability study. The
commitments outlined in the study is conducted as part of
Environmental Agreement. Daiviks fisheries authorisations
requirements and environmental
9 agreement commitments.
Above
Caribou fencing. Diavik and local
community leaders worked together
to plan a fencing solution based on
traditional knowledge of caribou and
predator activity.
Circle
Community members inspecting lake
trout during a fish palatability study.
71
How to guide
Central to the monitoring process currently reported is focused on what is desirable is community
is the creation of appropriate effort and activity, rather than endorsement of priorities and a
targets and indicators to outcomes or impacts. shared understanding of what will
help measure activity and constitute evidence of progress.
performance. Well-planned While culture, including cultural Where specific agreement is
targets and indicators can be heritage, is not specifically not possible, public reporting of
used to monitor both external referred to in the MDGs, the UN targets and indicators will at least
processes of change and evaluate emphasises its importance for ensure that they are available for
the operations performance development and contributing expert and community review.
against its stated cultural heritage to achieving the MDGs. The
goals. By focusing attention on cultural sector, through tangible The process steps are a useful
desired outcomes, the process of and intangible heritage, creative tool for businesses developing
developing targets and indicators industries and various forms of targets and indicators, but several
can also help operations to re- artistic expressions, is seen as challenges remain, including
design, implement and improve a fundamental component of how to measure individual
their CHMS and performance. sustainable development and contributions in a situation where
as a powerful contributor to there are many effects being felt,
Carefully defined local targets, economic development, social and how to obtain useful data
and continuous improvement of stability and environmental cost-effectively.
their measurement, are necessary protection. Businesses should take
for demonstrating that operations this into account in developing The most useful targets are
meet and, if possible, exceed: their cultural heritage indicators SMART. Targets qualify as
specific regulatory and reporting against the SMART if they are:
requirements; Communities global target. Specific: Is the target
well-defined?
internal requirements;
Figure 3 outlines the process steps Measurable: Are tools
commitments made in and key questions for monitoring to evaluate the targets
negotiated sovereign and reporting on contributions progress available?
investment and community to cultural heritage that may
consent agreements; and Attainable: Are knowledge
assist businesses in the design
and resources necessary to
general community and development of targets
achieve this target available?
expectations. and indicators.
Results focused: Does the
Rio Tinto now requires its
Targets and indicators should target add value to our work
businesses to observe the Rio Tinto
be developed to reflect the or approaches as a company?
Communities global target,4 which
local context and be integrated Time oriented: Is there a
states that, by 2013, all operations
into the operations objectives, clearly-defined timeframe
should develop locally appropriate
business drivers and operational for achievement, including
social performance indicators that
baselines. The best way to ensure a target date?
demonstrate a positive contribution
that targets and indicators
to local communities and their In developing indicators to go
are locally appropriate is to
economic development, consistent with targets, the focus should be
reach agreement with local
with the Millennium Development on measuring whether progress
communities on their form.
Goals (MDGs). Meeting this is being made towards desired
This does not necessarily require
requirement can be challenging, outcomes, not just on the level
communities to be involved in the
as much of the performance data of activity (eg: jobs carried out
technicalities of measurement, but
72 4. For more information, please refer to the Rio Tinto Communities target guidance
or meetings held). In the case are available and demonstrates cost and practicality of obtaining
of cultural heritage, monitoring how goals, targets and indicators the required data.
should be linked to the business link to each other; it is not
CHMS and specific CHMPs. For intended to be a blueprint for a As described in case study 10
example, what does the CHMP monitoring system. Operations (page 74), the Oyu Tolgoi project in
identify as significant and will be limited in the number Mongolia has adopted a limits of
needing conservation, and what of targets and indicators that acceptable change approach and
are the processes it establishes they can reasonably manage so is currently designing a monitoring
to achieve this? prioritisation will be required. framework to track impacts to
Factors to be considered in cultural heritage against locally-
The table on page 72 provides determining priorities include defined levels of acceptable
generic examples of possible community expectations, the change. This will include impacts
goals, targets and indicators outcomes of internal risk analyses, on the nomadic herding lifestyle
for cultural heritage. The table regulatory requirements, and the and national traditions such as
provides a range of measures that the Nadaam festival.
Figure 3: Process steps for planning, monitoring and reporting on contributions to cultural heritage
73
How to guide
Better integration of cultural 3 full time heritage practitioners Number of heritage practitioners employed
heritage into the business employed measured quarterly and reported annually
and adequate provision of
heritage practitioners on site 20 community members on a regular Number of community members participating
monitoring roster by end 2012 in regular monitoring activities measured
quarterly and reported annually
100% of other internal functions are Number of internal meetings with other
aware of cultural heritage by end 2012 site functions regarding cultural heritage
measured quarterly and reported annually
Findings from interviews with representatives
of other functions
Avoid any heritage incidents Zero heritage incidents/legislative Number of heritage incidents, legislative
and legal breaches breaches by 2012 breaches measured quarterly and reported
annually
A detailed record of all chance finds Number of chance finds measured quarterly
will be put in place by end 2012 and and reported annually
updated regularly
Zero damage to identified heritage Number of instances of unauthorised damage
places by 2015 to/destruction of identified heritage places
measured quarterly and reported annually
Improve cultural awareness 100% of employees will complete % of workforce completed cultural awareness
of employees cultural awareness training by 2013 training measured quarterly and reported
annually
Outcomes of follow-up surveys of employees
who have done training
Cultural heritage All cultural heritage programmes of the Documented case studies of where
programmes to contribute operation linked to contribute to broad cultural heritage programmes have made a
to community economic community economic development contribution to community development
development goals by 2013
Engagement of the Participation of community members in Number of community members participating
community in cultural the design, implementation and review in cultural heritage programmes measured
heritage management of all cultural heritage programmes/ quarterly and reported annually
activities by end 2012 Documented case studies of programmes/
activities in which community members have
been involved
Number of community members in
leadership roles in cultural heritage
programmes initiated by the operation
measured quarterly and reported annually
A complaint system identifying cultural Number of cultural heritage complaints
heritage related complaints will be received, tracked, responded to and resolved
formalised by mid 2012 measured quarterly and reported annually
Community awareness of and confidence
in the complaints management system, as
measured through community surveys and/
or other engagement processes
Net positive impact on Community has a strong sense Community perception of strength of their
cultural heritage of cultural identity and connection cultural identity measure trends over longer
timeframe
Documented case studies of where the
operation has been effective in protecting at
risk cultural heritage
Number of instances of unauthorised damage
to/destruction of identified heritage places
measured quarterly and reported annually
74
Above
Archaeological excavation work has
been undertaken at the La Granja
copper project in Peru. The artefacts
recovered from the La Honda
valley area excavation have been
donated to the Bruning Museum
in Lambayegue, Peru.
75
Case study 10:
Case study 10
77
How to guide
78
10. Evaluating performance against Rio Tintos Communities standard
Have you compiled a list of all tangible cultural heritage features?
Do you have recorded information about the intangible cultural values associated with the site based on consultation and an
understanding of local cultural norms?
Have you documented all industrial and historical heritage features and values of the business itself?
Have you developed and implemented a cultural heritage management system?
Does the CHMS ensure the protection of tangible heritage features and also include the implementation of community
programmes for the maintenance and protection of intangible cultural heritage?
Was the CHMS designed around extensive baseline work conducted in consultation with relevant communities, and is
consultation ongoing?
Is the CHMS consistent with the operations cultural heritage risk exposure?
Are all ground disturbing activities compatible with all components of the CHMS?
Are formal procedures such as cultural heritage assessments and cultural heritage management plans executed
smoothly, expertly and in a timely manner?
Has there been any avoidable damage to cultural heritage?
Are significant incidents being reported?
Is the heritage co-managed with relevant communities?
Is the operation attempting to address changes that are occurring to local cultural norms?
Are cultural heritage considerations being recorded in all agreements with indigenous groups wherever these groups
have recognised legal rights or interests coincident with the operations areas of interest?
Left
Dancers from the Ranomafana area
of Southern Madagascar perform
the Mangaliba dance which is a
dance of celebration. The dance was
performed at the Katrehaky cultural
festival which is celebrated in Fort
Dauphin, Madagascar, every August.
Rio Tinto QMM supports the festival,
which celebrates cultural diversity
and community.
79
Case study 11:
Case study 11
80
Case study 11
may involve documenting oral Outcome: Evolving in line with
history, developing keeping changing community needs and
places for cultural material and aspirations
assisting with access to country. Rio Tinto Iron Ore has been
The Heritage Regional Standard operating in the Pilbara for over
of the new agreements formalises 40 years with a cultural heritage
a process for these activities team in place for almost 15 years.
to progress. The company has continually
recognised and valued Aboriginal
Improving community capacity peoples connections to country
to manage cultural heritage: and their heritage values. Building
Rio Tinto Iron Ore has committed on its growing history of cultural
to improving community capacity heritage management in the
to manage cultural heritage Pilbara, Rio Tinto Iron Ore strives
through the development of for continual improvement and
several initiatives including: advancement of its Cultural
employing a Land Management Heritage Management System Top
Officer from each of the On-site consultation with senior Nyiyaparli
by reassessing its existing efforts members for the Hope Downs 4 project,
Aboriginal language groups to as well as adjusting projects specifically the rail crossing of Weeli Wolli Creek.
serve as a liaison between their and plans to comply with the L-R: Peter Sage (Study Manager, Rio Tinto Iron
group and Rio Tinto Iron Ore ever-evolving cultural heritage Ore), Luke Lowery (Heritage, Rio Tinto Iron Ore),
operations; concerns of the Aboriginal Eric Parker, Stanley Watson, Gordon Yuline, Keith
Hall, and Victor Parker.
the development and provision community.
Above
of a nationally accredited 11 Wurrurnha rail bridge sign, designed by Mark
archaeological assistants Lockyer, a Kuruma Marthudunera traditional
training course; and owner. The sign acknowledges a pool in the Robe
River close to the rail bridge that is of importance
offering assistance to Aboriginal to the Kuruma Marthudunera people.
groups to manage their heritage Circle
and environmental information An example of rock engravings on the Burrup
in digital format. Peninsula, Western Australia. Rio Tinto Iron
Ores cultural heritage management includes
the protection of the rock art on its Burrup
Peninsula leases.
81
How to guide
Reporting to local communities, is complying with all relevant operation (song, archaeology,
stakeholders and the public on legislative or other requirements. etc) are irreplaceable records of
the cultural heritage management Reporting on the quality of the human culture for use by future
activities should be a routine part management processes in place to generations. Cultural heritage
of an operations cultural heritage celebrate an areas heritage values survey reports can disappear
management system. This and to limit any incidents, and into our system and never be
external communication needs how any disputes were resolved, is seen again, resulting in the loss
to be both on the actions and more informative than the simple of important data over many
programmes being undertaken dollar spend on a programme years. Rio Tinto believes that, so
by an operation and on the or the number of incidents and far as cultural sensitivities allow,
outcomes of any significant complaints occurring. these reports should be placed in
heritage disturbances that may a publicly accessible archive or
occur. External reporting should Reports describing the cultural be made available online. Care
also demonstrate the operation heritage of the area of the must be taken, however if this
82
How to guide
involves the open publication Sustainability reporting guidelines Information and document
of site location data, as this are offered by the Global management
can lead to potential negative Reporting Initiative in the Mining The collection, use, disclosure and
impacts to sites from increased Metals Sector Supplement.5 The security of a communitys cultural
visitation, artefact collection, Rio Tinto guidance for local heritage information need to
looting or graffiti. Where this is sustainable development reports be handled by an operation in
a possibility, location data should requires reporting against a accordance with the wishes of
be kept secure or appropriate number of issues related to that community and with relevant
site management and protection broader, mostly intangible, aspects legislation. An operation may
measures put in place with of cultural heritage, including: use a variety of physical and
communities and the relevant stakeholder engagement; electronic measures to protect
cultural heritage authorities. human rights; paper documents and electronic
files, including computer and
As with all forms of public environmental management;
network security. The operation
communication, the wishes training and education; and should undertake to protect the
of communities that hold the a range of social performance cultural heritage information from
cultural heritage should be indicators. misuse, loss, and unauthorised
respected so that no cultural access, modification or disclosure.
While there is no specific mention
knowledge is used without their Where appropriate, the operation
of reporting cultural heritage
permission. Sometimes local should also provide for access by
aspects included in the GRI
communities are offended if the community to the stored data.
guidance, operations should still
their involvement in cultural
consider cultural heritage when
heritage management is used
reporting. Reporting against 11. Examples of cultural heritage
for public-relations stories and related work and initiatives
Society Performance Indicators
unilateral publicity should be for inclusion in sustainable
allows for wide scope to report
avoided. Meaningful and inclusive development reports:
on efforts employed to reduce
engagement should ensure that
the impacts operations have incidents;
employees recognise, value and
on the communities in which outcomes of cultural
respect community concerns
they operate. programmes;
and that community members
in turn trust the operation training of local employees in
Box 11 provides some examples
cultural heritage related work;
will act in their best interests of cultural heritage management
in their management of cultural interesting outcomes from
work that could be included in
heritage information. archaeological survey work,
written sustainable development
management and protection
reports. Sustainable development
Local sustainable development outcomes;
reporting can also be done orally
reports measures taken to conserve
if this is a more appropriate
In accordance with the Global industrial heritage associated
method. If reporting orally then
Reporting Initiative (GRI), with the site; and
minutes should be taken and kept
Rio Tintos business units prepare cultural induction programmes.
within the internal information
their own annual local sustainable
management system.
development reports. The style
and presentation of local reports
should be appropriate for the local
community and stakeholders.
2.5.3 Communicate
Communicating about cultural with the custodians of the consultation with the people to
heritage issues with local heritage to ensure that their whom the place or object holds
communities and stakeholders intellectual property rights and value to ensure that any use of
is an integral part of inclusive privacy are always respected. images or words is culturally
engagement. Communication will This communication can be appropriate and sensitive, and
largely focus on heritage values part of internal and external should only publicise cultural
and disturbances, outcomes and communications work, heritage features that the
plans. maintenance and celebration community approve of. It is
programmes, and employee particularly important that
Communicating heritage values cultural induction programmes. this kind of communication is
Communication of the operations conducted in line with cultural
cultural heritage management With the consent of the local norms and restrictions over the
to the general public and community, it can also include dissemination of knowledge.
employees and contractors can the development of interpretative
have a number of benefits. These signage to increase public The archaeological,
benefits include raising wider knowledge about the value anthropological, palaeontological
awareness of the cultural heritage of the heritage place and to and other research documented
of the area and enhancing the communicate stipulations in heritage survey reports by
operations reputation. This that ensure respectful use of an operation may contribute
broader communication needs the site (see box 3 and case significantly to academic
to be undertaken with careful study 1). Interpretive signage research in the field, as well as
consideration and consultation should be developed in close being of interest to the local
84
How to guide
community. Numerous cultural Disturbances, outcomes and plans
heritage publications and Rio Tinto businesses should
conference papers have been consult regularly with
published and/or supported by communities to find out what
Rio Tinto operations, especially information the community
collaborations between their wants to know about or, in respect
employees, community members of the maintenance of cultural
and consultants. These reports heritage, shared with others.
are a positive way in which an Communities should be kept
operation can meet its obligations informed about new project work
regarding transmitting heritage (including all ground disturbance
information to the wider public. work and new environmental
Experiences from one operation procedures) and any potential
can also aid other Rio Tinto impacts on cultural heritage. It is
operations to improve their also important we communicate
own management outcomes. the outcomes of audits or reviews,
For example, information on so that the community is aware
rock shelter stability relative of what is going on inside the
to vibration caused by drilling company with regard to their
and blasting has improved the cultural heritage. Significant
way Rio Tinto Iron Ore manages incidents must be reported to the
rock shelters in the Pilbara. This relevant parties this is often a
information may be of value to legal stipulation and included in
other operations within the cultural heritage management
Rio Tinto Group. plans and agreements. Actions
taken to mitigate the impact and
Another form of communicating the outcomes of these actions
heritage values includes the should be communicated in a
development of museums, timely fashion.
cultural or visitors centres,
and other activities that make Case study 13 from the Argyle
heritage accessible, interactive diamond mine in Australia
and educative for the general outlines the importance of
public. Often the operations own building trust with the local
historical assets can be managed community through open and
in this way. Case study 12 from transparent communication.
the Bingham Canyon Mine Through Argyles new engagement
Visitors Center is an example strategy they have been able to
of communicating the historic repair a historically damaged
industrial heritage value of the relationship between the
mine and informing people operation and their landlords
about current operations, thereby the Traditional Owners of the
strengthening the operations area.
social licence to operate.
85
Case study 12: Rio Tinto in Utah, US
Case study 12
87
Case study 13:
Case study 13
88
Case study 13
Two-way communication Manthe welcome ceremony: Outcome: Improved community
in landclearance processes: Protocol at Argyle now states that relationships
In accordance with the Argyle mine operators must be welcomed Creating formal mechanisms
Participation Agreement, every onto the mine site by Traditional to encourage continual
land clearance is conducted in Owners through a Manthe communication between
partnership with Traditional ceremony. The ceremonies confer employees and Traditional Owners
Owners, ethnographers, safe passage of employees through has broadened the operations
archaeologists and subject the traditional lands and are a understanding of cultural issues,
matter experts. Argyle Diamonds formal component of the sites allowed for a closer working
has encouraged this broader Health and Safety induction. relationship and further enriched
involvement as it ensures that They are conducted fortnightly Argyles understanding of the
the right decisions are made ensuring all new employees are affected communitys concerns.
and that mining activities welcomed by Traditional Owners, By formalising a communication
and cultural heritage aspects remain safe on the operation and strategy, Argyle was able to
are communicated widely are inducted into the cultural overcome past issues and forge
in the Miriuwung and significance of the site. strong, cooperative ties with the
Gidja communities. community while continuing to
Protocol for using Miriuwung mine in a culturally significant
Traditional Owner Open Day: and Gidja intellectual property: place. Argyle maintains an
Traditional Owner Open Day is Argyles cultural heritage enthusiasm and openness for
held on site annually. Traditional management system outlines greater communication and
Owners are given the opportunity procedures for the use of exchange of ideas between
to visit and discuss any part of photographs depicting Miriuwung employees and Traditional Owners.
the mine where cultural heritage and Gidja people, their artwork,
13
issues exist. This may include stories, songs and language in the
visits to caves, the underground operations promotional or other
Top
project, rehabilitation sites and/ materials. This ensures that the Peggy Patrick, Gija Traditional
or key water sources including reproduction of such intellectual Owner, explains the importance of
springs and dams. The Open property is culturally sensitive the Manthe welcome ceremony to a
group of employees and contractors.
Day is an opportunity for both and is not used disrespectfully.
Circle
employees and Traditional
A special Manthe welcome ceremony
Owners to view together, and is held at the entrance to the
further discuss, the work of the underground project at Argyle
Relationship Committee. diamond mine.
89
How to guide
2.6 Summary
90
3. Background reader
92
Background reader
3.1 Cultural heritage concepts
The How to section of this guide covered some of the key concepts associated
with cultural heritage and mining and processing operations. This section
provides additional detail on the following issues and draws on key theoretical
debates and literature:
cultural heritage and types of cultural heritage;
cultural heritage management;
assessing significance;
cultural heritage and cultural diversity;
the convergence of tangible and intangible values;
distinctions between natural and cultural heritage;
threats to cultural heritage; and
debating cultural heritage.
93
Background reader
94
Background reader
In making this assessment, it is
14. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
important to be aware that some
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO in 1999. It is
aspects of heritage may embody
in South Africas Gauteng province, about 50km northwest of Johannesburg.
various values which may hold
The name, Cradle of Humankind, reflects the fact that the site has produced
different significance for different
a large number of hominid fossils, including some dating back as far as 3.5
groups. Likewise, heritage may
million years ago, making them the oldest ever found. The archaeology here has
be valued at a global, national or
contributed to current understanding of human evolution. It is therefore deemed
local level, or from several points
to be of exceptional scientific value.
of view (see box 13). This is why
broad consultation with a diverse
range of relevant community phenomena or non-physical and links more than 15 pre-Civil War
members and stakeholders is intangible attributes. A view of structures and historic sites.
essential to identify the value and the English countryside featuring
rolling pastures and stone walls, A cultural heritage place, object
significance of cultural heritage.
for example, may be valued or practice may have scientific
It can sometimes be difficult to
for aesthetic reasons because or research significance if it
decide who constitutes relevant
it represents a certain style of provides information of value
community and considerations
landscape that is equated with for historic, prehistoric or
about gender, age, ethnicity,
a place. environmental research (see
religious affiliation and class
Box 14). Scientific significance
must all be addressed to ensure
This does not mean that heritage relates to the evidence a site
that the values of these different
has to be pretty. Industrial holds and therefore its ability
groups are captured. The How
landscapes or industrial sites to answer questions about the
to section of this guide and
such as the Battersea Power past and is most often associated
the Rio Tinto Consultation and
Station on the River Thames in with archaeological significance.
engagement guidance describe
London are valued as heritage Scientific significance can be
what broad ranging consultation
despite their unattractiveness based on the contribution that a
should look like.
(or even because of it). Of course cultural heritage feature can make
Assessing significance beauty is in the eye of the to our understanding of early
One way to determine the beholder and is not universally human practices and settlements,
value of cultural heritage is defined. In all instances the value past environments, or historical
through the assessment of of a place, object or practice must occupations of countries.
cultural significance. The term be defined by those for whom it
holds importance and the values Social value refers to the qualities
significance is used in heritage
should not be measured relative for which a cultural place, object
management to mean the
to each other. or practice has become the focus
aesthetic, historic, scientific or
of spiritual, political, national
social value of a place, object or
Historical significance refers to or other cultural sentiment.
practice for past, present or future
the history of society evident in Most definitions of social value
generations. In other words, why
a cultural heritage feature. For refer to the way that cultural
a cultural heritage feature is
instance, a place or object may heritage may be important to
important to a group of people.
be valued based on its association a communitys identity due
Aesthetic value refers to with a famous person or with a to its traditional, historic or
heritage that is valued for its significant event such as a battle. contemporary associations. While
pleasing or unique form, scale More recently, places have also social significance often refers
or design or for the sensory been assessed in terms of their to a sense of place this sense
experience that it provides (ie: relation to historical themes can include aesthetic, historical
visual or olfactory sensation). such as the development of and scientific values. Although
While aesthetic value can be specific industries or struggles a cultural heritage feature may
associated with architectural for land rights or independence. be valued for spiritual reasons,
and artistic significance, it can An example of this is the Black its aesthetic qualities, historical
also be constituted by natural Heritage Trail in Boston, which association or potential to answer
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and the reasons for which they are
17. Marine mammals as invaluable Inuit cultural heritage
valued, differ through time in line
A recent decision has been made to suspend seismic testing of an Arctic sound
with changes in the meaning(s)
due to Inuit concerns over the impact on the marine mammals that they hunt
that the current living population
for food and other resources, which are also important for cultural and spiritual
ascribes to them. In some cases, the
reasons. The Nunavut court judgement made on 8 August, 2010 is considered to
value of certain cultural heritage concern the protection of Inuit cultural heritage rather than just safeguarding an
can be lessened when knowledge Inuit food source.
is lost or not transferred between
The judge reportedly stated that:
generations and new values,
If the testing proceeds as planned and marine mammals are impacted as Inuit
practices and beliefs can arise with
say they will be, the harm to Inuit in the affected communities will be significant
the passage of time and changing
and irreversible...The loss extends not just to the loss of a food source, but to
circumstances. The notion of
loss of a culture. No amount of money can compensate for such loss.
authenticity, which is so important
in cultural heritage, can mistakenly
be used to imply that newer cultural place is taken to mean sites, which practices are integral to the
beliefs/practices are inauthentic or areas, land, landscapes, buildings meaning of the cultural place and
made up. It is important to stress and other works and, potentially, to ensure that other inappropriate
that there is no necessary link the components, contents, spaces, activities are limited (see box 16).
between age or authenticity and outlooks and even the sounds
associated with these places. Similarly, cultural practices such
significance. For instance, many as ritual and ceremonies may
Pacific Islanders have recently More recently, heritage include both moveable physical
embraced reggae music (originally guidelines have incorporated objects, such as ceremonial objects
Jamaican in origin) as a form the management of intangible and dress, as well as intangible
of cultural expression and, in components of cultural diversity performances of song and dance.
doing so, have created a Pacific and cultural practices including
island style of reggae that has language, art, music, customs and The management of intangible
become synonymous with their traditional ecological knowledge heritage is complicated. UNESCO
cultural lifestyle. and subsistence practices such proposes safeguarding intangible
as hunting. These changes heritage rather than preserving
Despite the fact that new forms it. This is because preservation
of cultural expression and recognise that tangible objects,
such as buildings, contain no could be interpreted as freezing
new objects and places can be cultural practices in time rather
considered cultural heritage, some necessary cultural value in and
of themselves. Rather, they are than allowing cultural practices
distinction needs to be made to adapt and change as necessary,
between things valued for their assigned value based on the
intangible elements that give as would normally occur.
cultural significance as opposed
to other important assets valued them context and meaning. It is important that safeguarding
by a community which do not These factors are often based on measures add to or strengthen and
possess cultural heritage value how contemporary people use the reinforce the diverse and varied
per se, such as good roads and cultural object or place. As such, circumstances (both tangible and
new public buildings, facilities sometimes the management of intangible) that are necessary
and infrastructure. cultural heritage is implemented for the continuous evolution,
through traditional methods as interpretation and transmission
The convergence of tangible and opposed to a more contemporary of intangible cultural heritage
intangible values style of management. for future generations (see box 17).
In professional heritage work,
the focus has shifted from a Managing the intangible values
stones and bones or object-based of tangible heritage can be
approach, concerning just the difficult and will often require
physical or material aspects of considerable negotiation between
cultural heritage. There is now heritage professionals and the
a place-based focus in which concerned community to establish
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Background reader
Threats to cultural heritage 19. Captain Cooks landing place significant despite change
Sound cultural heritage
Kurnell in Sydney is the site of Captain Cooks initial landing in Australia.
management recognises that
The site is considered culturally significant to non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal
cultural heritage is constantly
Australians alike because the event is considered to be one of the defining
susceptible to change and needs points of Australian history.
conscious decisions to manage
Nowadays the site looks nothing like it did in 1788. Urban development has
those changes.
totally altered the material aspects of the site. However this has not diminished
Examples of the changes that the historic significance of the site or the sites integrity because the significance
cultural heritage may face include: of the place is not contained in its material aspects.
Natural and cultural causes Nobody knows where Cook actually stepped ashore and there are in fact two
of decay: Natural decay refers plaques both supposedly commemorating exactly where he landed but lying
to the deterioration of a place 2km apart.
Adapted from Pearson and Sullivan, 1996:147
or object through time due
to natural processes such
as biological or chemical Natural disasters: Fires, depends on the integrity of the
weathering, the action of water earthquakes, storms and cultural heritage feature. Integrity,
and wind, or the actions of floods as well as other natural as defined by the World Heritage
animals and plants. Cultural disasters can adversely impact Convention, is a measure of the
causes of decay can stem from upon cultural heritage. wholeness and intactness of the
neglect or from continual use natural and/or cultural heritage
These challenges and their and its attributes. Examining the
of a place or object, producing
consequences are not mutually conditions of integrity requires
gradual wear and tear.
exclusive but can be interrelated assessing the extent to which the
Development pressures and and interdependent. One type cultural place, object or practice:
disturbance: Factors such as can lead to or intensify the includes all elements necessary
pollution or ground disturbance consequences of another. For to express its value;
related to development for example, tourism often leads
housing, industry, forestry, is of adequate size to ensure
to construction and ground
farming, infrastructure, the complete representation
disturbances but can also cause
tourism, transport and mining. of the features and processes
increased rates of cultural decay
which convey the propertys
Climate variables: Factors such due to greater visitation and
significance; and
as climatic variations, sea level use of cultural places. Similarly,
shifts, ground water levels, development can also increase suffers from adverse effects of
floods and droughts. access to previously remote development and/or neglect.
Looting: Valuable movable locations, which may precipitate Decisions not to conserve
heritage may be stolen or sold. higher rates of looting. elements of cultural heritage are
sometimes based on the perceived
Intangible impacts/cultural Threats such as these may lead to lack of integrity or authenticity of
change: Processes of the total destruction of cultural a place, object or practice.
globalisation and economic heritage or they may degrade the
development or the forced values associated with cultural It is important that assessments
removal of people from their heritage by diminishing the of integrity do not focus solely on
land can speed up processes integrity of a cultural heritage the physical state of an object or
ofcultural change, leading to feature, or by denying people place or on an assumption that
the loss of traditions, languages access to places or objects something is only authentic if it is
and local knowledge systems. (see box 19). old or physically intact. Damaged
Cultural disasters: Wars and or degraded things, and recently-
other civil disturbances often Often the protection afforded created or altered places, objects
lead to deliberate or inadvertent to places, objects or practices or practices, are often considered
destruction of cultural heritage. through cultural heritage highly significant.
legislation or heritage listing
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Background reader
Debating cultural heritage in many parts of the world. ensure protection in perpetuity.
There are lively ongoing debates Recently, many different types These management decisions may
in academia, the community of heritage have begun to be conflict with local ideas about the
and among cultural heritage recognised and protected by appropriate management or use of
professionals surrounding the organisations such as UNESCO places and objects and with local
definition of heritage, its value, and ICOMOS. Consequently economic initiatives, practices and
who has the rights to heritage many companies are further development projects.
and the ethics of heritage evolving the concept of heritage
management. by conducting cultural heritage Similarly cultural heritage
work based on community has been used to symbolically
The history of heritage studies values and social values which assert national identities and
has been dominated by Western do not separate tangible and to simultaneously deny the
(and especially Anglo-American) intangible heritage. Collaborative legitimacy of identities that
ideas of what constitutes heritage. management approaches, in conflict with national ideals.
Western, more materialistic which scientific or research values However the example of the
values, have now become and the interests and concerns Brixton Walking Tour (see box 20)
enshrined in global heritage of traditional communities are illustrates how heritage can be
guidelines such as those produced combined, are gaining favour a form of social action in which
by UNESCO and ICOMOS. in countries where professional minority groups can contradict
These guidelines in turn inform ethics encourages the inclusion ideas of official heritage and
heritage statutes that outline of indigenous or minority values commemorate and contextualise
definitions of cultural heritage in heritage management. their own unique connections to
and, in essence, describe what is the past and present.
thought of as Official Heritage Despite this evolution, debate
(see Smith, 2006). These framing will continue over who has the The debate over who owns the
guidelines have been criticised right to make management past and who has the moral
as discriminating against local decisions about cultural heritage. as well as the legal authority to
communities and minority Collaborative approaches are still make decisions about the future
groups by preventing them from uncommon in many countries, of cultural heritage is particularly
defining and protecting the types especially if there is no law strong in countries with colonial
of heritage that are important to protect local community, histories but can also happen at
to them in ways that they deem indigenous or minority values a sub-national scale as different
appropriate. and to recognise the moral, religious, ethnic and class groups
intellectual and property rights of attempt to assert their unique
Heated disputes often arise due to these groups to own and speak rights to heritage over other groups.
conflict between scientific and for their cultural heritage.
traditional values, an example Differences may also arise
being disputes over the study, Debates over ownership and between genders, age groups
or reburial, of human skeletal management of cultural and even within families. For
remains. These debates have heritage have political, legal, example, what is considered
caused a distinction to be made economic and social impacts and sacred or significant for women,
between historical or industrial triggers. The concept of world who may not possess an authority
heritage and indigenous heritage heritage, for instance, implies to speak out in their community,
in some former colonial countries that the heritage in question is may vary greatly from what is
and how these heritages should owned, at least culturally, by considered significant for men.
be managed. the world community. Many Even in dealing with a cultural
indigenous people and other heritage element of communal
It must be recognised that official local communities around the significance, groups within a
heritage concepts and guidelines world have expressed concern community, such as elders and or
are constantly evolving in about this situation, as world young people, may have differing
response to such criticism and heritage listing enforces certain opinions about how to best
in accordance with advances in management approaches to manage them.
heritage work undertaken
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Background reader
Due to of the variety of pertinent
20. Brixton Walking Tour commemorating Londons African-
and often conflicting interests, Caribbean history
consultation and engagement
Londons mainstream heritage consists of monuments such as Big Ben
should aim to capture all relevant
and Tower Bridge. The Brixton Walking Tour exposes tourists to a part of
perspectives. Engaging with
Londons often overlooked heritage Britains African-Caribbean history
groups within a community and contemporary communities. In doing so it sheds light on the origins
separately and sensitively will and development of one of Londons largest minority communities.
ensure thorough cultural heritage
The tour is a sensory experience in which participants are encouraged to listen
understanding and also avoid
to and observe the sights and sounds of the community, including its reggae
infringing upon local social music and Rastafarian culture. Participants are also encouraged to taste
dynamics and customs. traditional West Indian foods and fruit from the local markets.
Box 21 highlights some specific The tour celebrates the multicultural past of Brixton and in doing so also
areas of contention that may commemorates and contextualises the 1981 race riots which started
need to be considered in cultural initially because of the police targeting of African-Caribbean men in black
heritage management. British communities.
The tour reclaims and celebrates the riots as an important historical event
heralding the development of inclusive multicultural policies by the British
government and in so doing is an example of cultural heritage promotion as
a type of social action. The intent of the walking tour is to make visible an
alternative perception of Londons heritage and history.
Adapted from Harrison, 2010:261-272
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Background reader
Cultural heritage places are a Overall risk management strategy with a business. As a result,
key feature of the landscape and Sound management of cultural heritage matters can
will form a critical component of cultural heritage will reduce be highly political, contentious
the planning for most resource business threats and enhance and carry significant risk.
development projects. The skill opportunities, including
with which cultural heritage improving the reputation Unauthorised cultural heritage
issues are managed will affect of a business and the Rio Tinto disturbance, whether by legal
the quality of the companys Group. Conversely, mishandling or community standards, will
relationship with the communities of cultural heritage issues can expose a company to legal action,
where it works. A good cultural fuel community opposition to a compliance costs and reputational
heritage approach provides a project, lead to delays in obtaining damage (see box 22). It is also
foundation of confidence and approvals, jeopardise future land likely to offend local communities
trust that enables the community access and, potentially, expose and damage relationships.
and business to work together. a company to prosecution. Significant impacts to cultural
heritage sites, even where legally
Engagement between companies Cultural heritage sites are often authorised, can potentially lead
and communities on cultural protected by law, including to community and stakeholder
heritage is often challenging as cultural heritage, mining, outrage (see box 23). Business
well as rewarding and there is environment, planning, land impacts upon intangible cultural
no easy formula for success. rights and other forms of heritage values, especially those
Communities are complex and legislation. Customary law also of indigenous peoples and in
dynamic entities and can react in needs to be considered in relevant places where communities have
a variety of ways to businesses contexts such as in African and had relatively little exposure
efforts to engage with them in Pacific Island nations. Managing to industrial development, can
managing their cultural heritage. cultural heritage in accordance also lead to significant threats
There is no guarantee that what with relevant laws and practices to an operation, in particular
works in one context will work is at the heart of good community its on-going social licence to
in another, or that following relations and avoiding potential operate. International cultural
specific cultural heritage conflicts. Ineffective cultural heritage and indigenous NGOs
guidance will always produce heritage management can cause are increasingly challenging the
the desired outcome. Knowledge delays to land access and project resource industry on its impacts
about effective strategies is still development, as well as loss of and performance and influencing
evolving, so it is good to have benefits to the local communities. the cultural heritage standards
internal capability and effective of multilateral agencies such as
systems and processes in Cultural heritage issues are often the IFC, which are becoming
place, including the capacity used as a vehicle for communities increasingly rigorous.
to learn and adapt when to express their rights in their
circumstances change. relationships and negotiations
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Background reader
22. The legal case
Gain and maintain a social licence
to operate In 2010, a large multinational mining company was fined under Australian law
Rio Tinto believes engaging with for a breach of cultural heritage legislation. The company carried out a cultural
communities on cultural heritage heritage survey in 2008, in conjunction with the local people. The survey found
that a ridgeline contained artefacts of importance to the local people. However,
issues is essential to maintaining
later in that same year, workers using a bulldozer to upgrade a road at the base
a social licence to operate. Social
of the ridgeline inadvertently damaged or disturbed cultural heritage objects in
licence is the general acceptance
the vicinity of the known cultural heritage site.
and approval by a community
It was submitted to the court that the workers actions amounted to the
of a company to begin and
company breaching its duty of care. The court found that the company had
continue operating in an area.
failed to take reasonable measures to ensure that cultural heritage was not
Social licence to operate is
harmed and that the company should have had better internal procedures
never to be taken for granted
in place to protect the site.
and can change over time with
The decision reinforces the importance of companies understanding and
shifts in political, economic
complying in practice with their cultural heritage obligations under legislation.
and stakeholder circumstances.
Breaches of these obligations are being prosecuted by governments and can
Engagement with the custodians
result in damage to reputation, loss of trust in dealing with local communities,
of cultural heritage through all
and the imposition of hefty fines and convictions.
project study and development
phases, operations and closure
will enable a greater level of 23. Destruction of unique Afghani Buddhist statues
mutual involvement and ideally In 2008, a Chinese mining company signed a contract to begin extracting
will produce a more robust social copper from Mes Aynak, possibly the worlds second largest copper deposit,
licence to operate. located in Afghanistan. The mining lease includes a 7th century Buddhist
monastery, containing more than 100 statues, and seven stupas (tombs that
Social licence to operate can hold relics of saints). Forming part of the famous Silk Road, the monastery can
be seen as the canary in the provide information on the origin and history of Buddhism in the area. Impacts
coal mine, pointing to potential to the monastery are especially significant considering that much Buddhist
loss of approval to operate even archaeology in the area has already been destroyed by religious zealots.
where the law permits it. This The company intends to destroy the monastery to make way for the new
is illustrated in box 24 where copper mine. This sparked considerable outrage amongst Afghan and French
Vedantas downfall was to rely archaeologists excavating the site, who rallied international support. In
on the false security provided December 2010 the Afghanistan Government signed the Mes Aynak Cooperation
by Indias environmental law. Agreement which gives archaeologists an additional three years to excavate and
remove cultural heritage features from the site.
Demonstrating quality cultural Adapted from Lawler, 2010
heritage management capability
and a successful approach can
also be useful for future projects. 24. Social licence and cultural heritage
If our businesses are able to In August 2010 Indias Environment Minister blocked UK based Vedanta
execute proper cultural heritage Resources controversial plan to mine bauxite from an open pit mine on
management in sensitive areas, Niyamgiri mountain, which is of great spiritual significance to the Dongria Kondh
this can serve as a testament to tribe. The mountain is considered to be the home of their god Niyam Raja.
communities, governments and The Dongria Kondh tribe campaigned against the proposed mine, gaining the
stakeholders in other sensitive support of Survival International, an NGO that supports indigenous social
areas, build trust and help movements. Despite having provisional environmental clearance, Vedantas
position Rio Tinto to successfully performance and future plans were questioned in relation to laws granting
negotiate future agreements and rights to local tribal groups.
gain access to future projects. It is obvious that a social licence to operate was never achieved in this instance,
which led to an international campaign against the operation and, eventually,
to its premature closure.
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Background reader
The economic benefits for the Uphold commitments to cultural
community from cultural heritage heritage human rights
can arise from programmes The Universal Declaration of
that alleviate poverty or Human Rights declares that every
unemployment through, for human being has the right to
example, the production and enjoy and develop cultural life
sale of cultural products and and identity (see box 26). Many
services and through the tourism countries have enshrined these
potential of local music and rights in law, providing safeguards
dance, archaeological sites and for cultural heritage and defining
the retelling of oral histories. the processes for redress if
standards are not met.
There is a substantial body of
evidence that the cultural sector Where this is the case, RioTinto
is a significant driver of economic must comply with the law.
development. The cultural sector Even without specific local
represents seven per cent of global laws for example, in newly-
GDP (UNESCO 2010), and Culture industrialising economies which
and Development is one of the have less-developed regulatory
United Nations formal funding regimes and service provision
programmes aimed at meeting than industrialised economies
the MDGs. As a major driver we should seek to comply with
for tourism, cultural heritage international cultural heritage
holds great potential for regional treaties such as the World
growth, tourist revenue, jobs, Heritage Convention and widely-
skills training and other benefits recognised global standards such
which will often out-last the life of as World Bank safeguard policies.
an operation. The Global Heritage
Fund for example, promotes the Rio Tinto has made an explicit
safeguarding of endangered commitment to support and
cultural heritage sites as positive respect human rights in its
investments in the economic operations. Our commitments
development of an area. to cultural heritage and human
rights are reflective of our overall
Cultural heritage programmes philosophy of empowering the
can also generate income for the communities in which we conduct
community by building small our business.
enterprise skills or delivering
education and training. Cultural
heritage management should
be understood as part
of a much bigger exercise
of community development
involving social, economic
and environmental elements.
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Background reader
This section outlines impacts and benefits of mining and processing in the
context of:
negotiation and engagement;
direct impacts;
indirect impacts;
socio-cultural and environmental changes; and
employment and training.
Operational activities can company processes and activities about changing social or cultural
have positive and negative develop and change. processes and help to achieve
impacts on both the tangible acceptable outcomes.
and intangible cultural heritage The value placed on cultural
of communities. The nature heritage features may vary The value of cultural heritage
of mining means it is often according to the type of operation places often relates to local
impossible to avoid disturbing taking place. In areas where many belief systems: it is not always
some cultural places and objects, mining activities exist, or that possible for those outside of
as the physical location of have already experienced high a community to know how
an operation depends on the levels of impact to their cultural mining will be perceived to
geography, geology and features heritage, people are more likely to impact on cultural heritage. It is
of the ore body. The associated highly value any residual cultural not the role of a business or its
infrastructure can significantly heritage regardless of its perceived employees to critique or interpret
broaden the operational footprint value in relation to cultural local belief systems. Rather, all
but there can be flexibility in heritage elsewhere. Throughout the concerns should be considered
design, location and options operations lifecycle a communitys important and can only be
for protecting cultural heritage cultural beliefs and practices may addressed through the community
values. Processing facilities and also change in relation to changing negotiation and engagement
other major infrastructure, such socioeconomic or biophysical processes.
as smelters, refineries and hydro conditions. This can mean that
places, objects or practices that Cultural heritage management
dams can also have significant activities undertaken by a
and widespread cultural heritage were once valued may no longer
be as highly regarded. Alternatively, business without appropriate
impacts. engagement can lead to
preserving some cultural practices
Impacts on cultural heritage can prevent them from evolving unintended impacts to cultural
can be both direct and indirect. and changing naturally, which heritage values. It is important to
Impacts can vary in scale can itself be regarded as destructive acknowledge not only the legal
and scope over the life of the to a communitys broader cultural rights of the community with
operation, sometimes spanning wellbeing. respect to its cultural heritage
several generations. The but also its customary and
nature and degree of impacts Negotiation and engagement moral rights to make decisions
to cultural heritage will differ Involvement of local communities about its management. This is
from exploration, project study as early as possible can help important because sometimes
phases, construction and minimise any direct negative the management outcomes that
operations through to closure as impact of mining or processing heritage professionals and other
the extent of ground disturbance on cultural sites and objects as stakeholders suggest may not sit
and other destructive activities well as identifying opportunities well with the local custodians
(eg: vibration, emissions, to create positive impacts. of that heritage. For example,
water extraction) and number Community engagement can also cultural heritage management
of personnel fluctuates, and help identify community concerns decisions to conserve cultural
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Background reader
heritage in certain ways can have
27. Pilbara tree burial
unintentional impacts, especially
A heritage survey in the Pilbara region of Australia located an Aboriginal burial
if conservation restricts access to
bundle cradled in the forking branches of a very old Mulga tree. The burial tree
particular heritage sites or is in
was assessed as highly significant and conservation measures were planned in
conflict with traditional cultural
accordance with the significance assessment. In their proposed management
practices (see box 27). plan, the heritage professionals wanted to plant new Mulga trees to be shaped
Cultural sensitivity, an awareness to support the burial bundle once the old tree died and in doing so retain the
integrity of the site. The Traditional Owners of the area were against this idea,
and consideration of other
stating that the tree burial was most likely a punishment of some kind with the
cultures and their customs, is a
intention that once sufficient time had passed the tree would die and the bones
cornerstone of good engagement.
be rightly left to return to the earth.
When absent, it can lead to deep
and long-running mistrust and
conflict between a company and 28. Positive impacts of mining on intangible cultural heritage
local community. Engagement A mining company operating in Tocantins, Brazil has launched a project jointly
with the custodians of cultural with the local indigenous community to safeguard its intangible cultural
heritage, through a collaborative heritage in the face of significant cultural change. The project aims to gather
and respectful approach to and record stories told by the elderly chiefs. The project also incorporates
the identification, protection workshops to teach local indigenous people transcription, photography and
and management of cultural filming techniques so that the stories and customs of the local indigenous
places, objects and practices, culture can be safe-guarded and passed down to future generations.
helps to establish and maintain Though mining will necessarily impact the local community, the company has
trust and provide a foundation initiated programmes to help the local community record and maintain its
for constructive long-term important cultural history.
relationships. It is integral to
cultural sensitivity to adhere subsidence, water extraction, If this happens, the operation
to community concerns about pollution, construction and the needs to accept responsibility,
confidentiality of cultural like. It can also be impacted acknowledge the mistake, and
information. Practicing culturally by vandalism and theft by make an effort to restore their
sensitive reporting of information employees, contractors or visitors. relationship with the custodians
is important for respecting These activities can result in of the affected cultural heritage.
the community and garnering the disturbance or destruction
of cultural heritage or limit Mining and processing can, on the
their trust.
access to culturally significant other hand, help to strengthen the
Cultural sensitivity may be shown places. Mitigation options will protection of cultural heritage. For
through the incorporation of depend on the nature and example, archaeological finds that
ceremony into business operating significance of a site, and can may have remained undiscovered
procedures (as at the Argyle range from destruction with without mining can contribute to
mine in Australia) or through minimal recording to detailed local knowledge about community
having culturally-sensitive work archaeological research and associations with places and
schedules that allow people the relocation of movable can enhance community pride
to attend important ceremonies cultural heritage. (see Box 28 for an intangible
or to hunt when the season cultural heritage example).
is right (Diavik mine, Canada). Despite the best-laid plans, Similarly, mining and processing
our operational activities can developments can provide the
Direct impacts on cultural accidently destroy or disturb economic and other capacities
heritage significant tangible cultural needed to protect heritage from
Physical cultural heritage can be heritage remaining in place vandals and looting or from
directly impacted by operational during operations. This can be as natural deterioration.
activities through land simple as inadvertently driving a
clearance, ground disturbance, car over a scatter of unobtrusive Baseline surveys and community
excavation, drilling, vibrations/ artefacts and destroying them. consultation can never ensure
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Background reader
the identification of all cultural or scientific value and interest. Socio-cultural changes
heritage, and there will inevitably This is particularly the case Some degree of social change is
be chance finds during the life of where they provide evidence of inevitable when large-scale
an operation. Rio Tinto companies innovations in energy extraction developments occur. This is
have procedures, agreed upon by or generation, transportation particularly true if the area has not
community and stakeholders, for or service settlements as been developed previously. It is
addressing chance finds when well as developments in the important is that the change is
they occur. In some instances, social, technical and economic acceptable to those who are
such finds will need to be reported circumstances of mining and affected and occurs at a pace which
to local or national heritage processing. These remains does not cause undue stress and
registers and this can result usually consist of buildings result in community breakdown
in legal directions to preserve and machinery, workshops, and social dysfunction.
or conserve the heritage item. mills and factories, mines,
processing and refining facilities, Socio-cultural change may be
Sometimes the national context warehouses and stores, places caused by an increase in numbers
will require certain cultural where energy is generated, of outsiders who bring with them
heritage items to be relinquished transmitted and used, transport different ideas, technologies and
to the government or a heritage and all its infrastructure, as value systems. In some areas, this
body for research or for placement well as places used for mine can contribute to shifts in local
in national, regional or local social activities such as housing, languages, customs, rituals and
museums. These outcomes may religious worship or education. beliefs (see box 29).
not accord with local wishes. These tangible remains may
In such instances the business The following factors should be
often have intangible values considered when determining the
should first comply with the too, as emblems of a bygone era,
law and also ensure that the scope of the impact from mining
symbols of industrial progress and processing activities on
community is fully engaged and and development, measures
advised of what is happening. intangible cultural heritage:
of changing social mores and respect, preservation, protection
Having assured access to repositories of family history. and maintenance of traditional
identified sites and places of New mining or processing knowledge, innovations and
importance is a critical component activities on historic mining practices;
of community wellbeing, operations can potentially harm sacred sites and associated
especially for indigenous or other (eg: through physical destruction) ritual or ceremonial activities;
minority groups. Facilitating the or help manage (eg: through continued customary use
continued use of land for such documentation, interpretation, of biological resources and
things as hunting and fishing or continued use) the tangible landscape;
or simply for walking through and intangible industrial heritage
may also be a key element in respect for the need for cultural
values of the site. privacy and the maintenance of
an operations cultural heritage
management plan. Equally, legal Indirect impacts on cultural cultural obligations; and
approaches that seek to discredit heritage continued exercise of customary
local attachment to places or While the direct impacts on law.
specific cultural objects often cultural heritage can be dramatic
Employees and contractors
have a direct and negative impact. and are readily recognised, an
can inadvertently act in ways
operations indirect impacts which
Mining and processing operations that damage physical cultural
extend beyond the physical are
can over time develop cultural heritage or that are insensitive
not as easily identified. Large
heritage values in the form of to local customs and therefore
development projects can often
industrial heritage. This consists impact on intangible cultural
bring about significant social
of the remains of industrial heritage. This can be addressed
and cultural change, especially
culture which are of historical, through training employees and
when they occur in areas that are
technological, social, architectural contractors in cultural norms and
relatively undeveloped or remote.
108
Background reader
considerations, such as respecting
29. Cultural change in Papua New Guinea
taboos associated with certain
Recent consultation by a large mining company in a remote part of Papua
areas of land and respectful ways
New Guinea resulted in a list of cultural changes that the community has
to touch or talk to people. For
experienced since mining began in its area, including:
example, certain Southeast Asian
a breakdown of customary law;
minorities cannot be touched on
the head without causing offense changes in the material used to construct mens houses and a reduction in
for spiritual reasons. Similarly, for the construction knowledge in younger generations;
a female employee to swim in a the wearing of shorts and trousers by women;
swimsuit and expose her thighs the incorporation of non-traditional foods, such as beer and rice, into feasts
would be considered disrespectful and exchange rituals;
in Melanesian countries for economic changes have lead to increased competition in customary
example where the practice is exchange rituals creating inflation;
culturally unacceptable. changes in the local language, especially through conflation with English and
Tok Pisin; and
Offence can also be caused if
weakened respect and avoidance of taboo places.
employees fail to respect the
secret or gendered nature of some
Conversely, our engagement with tourist access to remote areas.
cultural heritage knowledge.
communities on forward-thinking Cultural tourism is a sensitive
Often diversity of the workforce
cultural heritage programmes topic, however, as tourism can also
and the surrounding community
can actively safeguard intangible have significant negative impacts
might also mean that several
heritage and contribute to cultural on cultural places and practices,
cultures mingle in the one
revitalisation. The creation of and there should be scrupulous
workplace or community.
museums or the facilitation of attention paid to the wishes of
Employees need to be informed
cultural celebration programmes, custodians of the local culture.
about how to act respectfully
for example, can be very powerful
towards all cultural heritage Environmental changes
tools for keeping culture alive.
issues, both in their workplace Mining can result in the
Museums can incorporate changing
and in the local communities. alteration, loss and destruction of
living perspectives by highlighting
how cultural heritage plays a role in traditional and communal lands
Mining and processing activities
contemporary society, portraying its and resources which are linked
can increase economic inequality
evolving and sometimes contested to cultural practices and beliefs.
in an area. The sudden influx
significance and including For some people the health of the
of cash through compensation,
interactive and creative displays environment connects directly to
royalties or wages can result
that are designed in consultation the health and wellbeing of the
in significant changes to local
with local communities. Displays human population because of
cultural practices and sometimes
can be arranged in unconventional both physical and spiritual links
cause conflict and the decay of
ways to highlight the values that between people and animate
social mores and respect by the
local communities or minority and inanimate elements of the
young for elders. Increased access
groups prefer rather than in environment. The aesthetic and
to cash may lead to neglect of
traditional museum display ecological values of landscapes
peoples subsistence activities,
approaches. Other examples include must also be considered.
such as herding, gardening or
hunting, as well as the influence oral history documentation and As stated in section 1 of this
of alcohol, drugs and crime. the use of visual media to record background reader, including
Economic changes can also result ceremonies or dances. local/indigenous people in
in the closure of established biological monitoring or other
Cultural heritage tourism is a
businesses that themselves have land-management practices can
potential socioeconomic benefit
cultural heritage value but which be part of an operations cultural
that can be fostered by our
cannot survive amid the new heritage approach. This is because
businesses. The infrastructure
economic conditions. many traditional/indigenous belief
built for operations can improve
109
Background reader
This section outlines key The following carry some level of The need to manage sites of
developments in international legal obligation or commitment by outstanding universal value
heritage and in industry standards signatory states to the governing to all humanity over and beyond
and protocols and how they relate organisation (UN, UNESCO, etc.). local interests has been criticised
to good practice cultural heritage by some indigenous people and
management in the mining and Convention for the Protection of nation states, who argue for the
processing industry. Though these the World Cultural and Natural right to define management of
international agreements exist, Heritage 1972 world heritage sites according
they do not override the local The 1972 World Heritage to their own values and means.
legal context. Understanding Convention (UNESCO, 1972)
the history and context of cultural was the first attempt to create a Recent revisions to its Operational
heritage ideas and concepts helps list of internationally significant Guidelines have broadened the
to understand the nuances heritage sites. It continues to category of qualified types of
and motivations behind on-the- be the primary instrument in sites, acknowledging significant
ground practices. international law for enforcing the interactions between people and
protection of natural and cultural environment. They have also
International heritage conservation sites of universal significance. recognised the importance of
conventions and charters factoring in cultural context and
Many aspects of cultural heritage To be inscribed on the List, a cultural value in assessing the
are covered by international cultural and/or natural site authenticity of a world heritage
conventions and charters. must be judged to be of such site, incorporating a much wider
Changes in heritage practices exceptional interest and such range of cultural values than was
can be traced through these universal value that their previously recognised in World
agreements which provide a protection is the responsibility Heritage listings.
basis on which cultural heritage of all mankind. Once added to
legislation is founded as well the World Heritage List the sites
as important guidelines for receive legal protection from the
management by industry of both host nation state in compliance
tangible and intangible heritage. with the Conventions guidelines
This section distinguishes and the nation is then eligible
between conventions and charters for international technical and
that carry legal obligations and financial aid and, to some extent,
those that are voluntary and supervision in relation to the
serve primarily to guide. management of the site.
111
Background reader
112
Background reader
Other Relevant International
32. UNESCO Conventions Article 14 Education, awareness-raising and
Conservation Bodies and capacity-building
Agreements
Each State Party shall endeavour, by all appropriate means, to:
UNESCO 1970 Convention
(a) ensure recognition of, respect for, and enhancement of the intangible
on the Means of Prohibiting
cultural heritage in society, in particular through:
and Preventing the Illicit
Import, Export and Transfer of (i) educational, awareness-raising and information programmes, aimed at
Ownership of Cultural Property the general public, in particular young people;
(ii) specific educational and training programmes within the communities
UNESCO 1997 Resolution 23
and groups concerned;
creates the proclamation of
the Masterpieces of Oral and (iii) capacity-building activities for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural
heritage, in particular management and scientific research; and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity;
90 examples proclaimed in 2001, (iv) non-formal means of transmitting knowledge;
2003 and 2005 (b) keep the public informed of the dangers threatening such heritage, and of
the activities carried out in pursuance of this Convention;
UNESCO 2001 Convention
on the Protection of the (c) promote education for the protection of natural spaces and places of
Underwater Cultural Heritage memory whose existence is necessary for expressing the intangible
(entered into force 2009) cultural heritage.
113
Background reader
114
Background reader
with all their other tangible and
35. The Nara Document on Authenticity
intangible manifestations, are of
Conservation of cultural heritage is rooted in the values attributed to the
fundamental importance. Their
heritage.
meaning and significance should
It is not possible to base judgements of values and authenticity within fixed
be studied and shared, and the
criteria as they differ between cultures.
most significant and characteristic
examples should be identified, The respect due to all cultures requires that heritage properties must be
protected and maintained. considered and judged within the cultural contexts to which they belong.
Judgements of authenticity may be linked to a great variety of sources of
The charter outlines procedures information. Aspects of the sources may include form and design, materials
for identifying, recording, and substance, use and function, traditions and techniques, location and
protecting and conserving industrial setting, and spirit and feeling, and other internal and external factors.
heritage and the need to educate
and train professionals and
36. The Akw: Kon Guidelines
members of society in the historic
Produced by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity The Akw:
importance of industrial heritage.
Kon Guidelines provide advice for:
Akw: Kon Voluntary Guidelines including indigenous and local communities in the screening, scoping and
2004 planning of development projects;
Developed out of the Convention considering the cultural, environmental and social concerns and interests of
on Biological Diversity, these indigenous and local communities;
voluntary guidelines are intended incorporating traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous
to influence the conduct of and local communities in environmental, social and cultural impact
cultural, environmental and social assessment processes, with due regard to the ownership of and the need for
impact assessments regarding the protection and safeguarding of traditional knowledge, innovations and
practices; and
developments that may impact
on sacred sites, lands and waters considering the interrelationships among cultural, environmental and social
elements of development projects.
that are used or occupied by
indigenous or local communities.
They promote the use of a
transparent and inclusive process
for community identification
and a thorough engagement
and understanding of the local
context to be incorporated
into assessments. They call for
cultural, environmental and
social impact assessments to be
integrated as a single process,
a principle that is pertinent to
cultural heritage management
as well. From these assessments,
the guidelines also advise
developing a management system
or monitoring plan to address
possible impacts.
115
Background reader
116
Background reader
World Banks Environmental
38. World Bank environmental and social safeguards
and Social Safeguards
Operational Policy 4.11 on Physical Cultural Resources
The World Banks environmental
and social safeguards are a Recognises that:
cornerstone of its support for Physical cultural resources are important as sources of valuable scientific and
sustainable poverty reduction. historical information, as assets for economic and social development, and as
The objective of the safeguards integral parts of a peoples cultural identity and practices.
is to prevent or mitigate undue Operational Policy 4.10 on Indigenous People
harm to people and their Recognises that:
environment in the development The identities and cultures of Indigenous Peoples are inextricably linked to the
process. These policies provide lands on which they live and the natural resources on which they depend. These
guidelines for bank and borrower distinct circumstances expose Indigenous Peoples to different types of risks and
employees in the identification, levels of impacts from development projects, including loss of identity, culture,
preparation, and implementation and customary livelihoods...
of programmes and projects.
118
4. References
Glossary 119
References126
119
References
Acronym list
CHZP Cultural Heritage Zone Plan, used by Rio Tinto Coal Australia
EMAB Environmental Monitoring Advisory Board from the Diavik Diamond Mine
GIS Geographic Information Systems (system used to store, retrieve, map and analyse any geographic data)
GPS Geographic Positioning System (satellite-based navigation system used to determine exact
latitudinal and longitudinal location)
OT Oyu Tolgoi, Rio Tinto joint venture mine development project located in Southern Mongolia
UN United Nations
Aboriginal group(s) any aboriginal group and or representative body recognised either by
legal or statutory process or through legitimately and broadly-supported local community
acknowledgment that is affected by Rio Tinto operations, decisions or actions.
Aesthetic value aspects of sensory perception for which cultural heritage may be valued
such as form, scale, colour texture, materials and others.
Archaeological site a place with physical evidence of past human activity; may also have
a more specific, legislative definition.
Business unit for the purposes of this guide, a Rio Tinto business unit is an operational
entity and associated assets managed by Rio Tinto.
Business case a business case provides justification for undertaking a particular activity,
in terms of evaluating the benefit, cost and risk of alternative options.
Capacity building strengthening the skills and ability of individuals and communities
to develop and manage their own resources and livelihoods.
Collective memory the way in which a society or social group recall, commemorate
and represent their own history (as opposed to personal memory).
Communities multi-year planning Rio Tintos mandatory process for developing an action
plan to direct Communities work at an operation or project for a pre-determined number of
years. It is called multi year to indicate it should reach beyond a single year and it should
match the usual operational planning period of the site, typically between three to five years.
121
References
Compensation payment made by those causing specified and agreed loss to those who
suffer impairment of their access to land, water, and other critical natural resources or
livelihoods, or damage to, or destruction of, community members individual or collective
assets of any kind, whether accidental or intentional. For further information, see the
Rio Tinto compensation guidance.
Conservation the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance.
Includes maintenance, and may according to circumstance include preservation, restoration,
reconstruction and adaptation, and will be commonly a combination of several of these.
Consultation providing information or advice on, and seeking responses to, an actual
or proposed event, activity or process.
Cultural heritage management plan a plan that sets out the management issues and
requirements relating to a specific area, or heritage place, object or practice. A CHMP
is a component of a CHMS and is often a legally required and binding document.
Cultural significance aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value that cultural heritage
may hold for past, present or future generations. The process of determining the value of
a heritage feature is known as the assessment of cultural significance.
Cumulative impact social, cultural or environmental impacts of other past, present and
reasonably foreseeable future projects and activities that interact with, add to or further
complicate the social, cultural or environmental impacts of the project under consideration.
122
References
Customary law traditional common rule or practice that has become an intrinsic part
of the accepted and expected conduct in a community, profession, or trade and is treated
as obligatory.
Dispute a complaint that has not been accepted as valid by one party or the other and
has escalated into disagreement between the parties.
Engagement beyond consultation, the active exchange of information, the active listening
to concerns and suggestions and the active consideration of ways to mutually accommodate
these, including potential responsive changes to design and operational parameters.
Gender a socially perceived set of characteristics distinguishing the sexes (male and female).
Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role
to gender identity.
Historic value value attributed to cultural heritage stemming from the influence
of or by a historic figure, event, phase or activity.
Human rights the rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled as defined in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
Incident a distinct event that may affect a community or any of its members, usually in a
negative way. Specific definition needs to occur at individual business level consistent with
the Rio Tinto HSEQ definition, however generic definitions for significant incidents (required
for Group reporting requirements) are provided in the Rio Tinto Social Risk Analysis guidance.
Identification and analysis of incidents over time can be used to correct hazards.
Indicator a quantitative or qualitative variable that provides simple and reliable means
to measure progress, monitor performance, or to reflect changes.
Indigenous refers to people, communities and nations who claim a historical continuity
and cultural affinity with societies endemic to their original territories that developed prior
to exposure to civilizations associated with Western culture. Indigenous communities can
be referred to in many ways (such as tribal, aboriginal, first nation and, most correctly, by
the name they ascribe to themselves in their own language) and usually consider themselves
distinct from mainstream society with whom they contest their cultural sovereignty and
rights of self-determination. Their strong customary affiliation to ancestral lands and waters
is where major conflicts can occur with resource developers.
Limits of acceptable change the maximum level of change to a cultural heritage place,
object or practice, or the cumulative impacts to all these, acceptable to a community,
once all the positive and negative impacts have been taken into account.
Knowledge base information compiled in a cohesive and coherent way for subsequent
and iterative analysis.
123
References
Natural heritage plants, animals, landscape features and biological and geological
processes that are not humanly modified.
Restoration returning the existing status of a feature to a known earlier state by removing
accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new material.
Rio Tinto Group refers to all Rio Tinto business and corporate units worldwide.
Scientific value value stemming from the importance of the data involved or its rarity,
quality or representativeness and on the degree to which the heritage feature may contribute
further substantial information. A feature is said to have scientific value when its further
study may be expected to help current research questions.
Significance the degree to which a cultural heritage feature possesses a certain valued
attribute.
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) documented studies and analysis that review the social
implications of the planning, design, decision making, management and operation of a
proposed new activity, most commonly carried out as a regulatory compliance exercise. In a
regulatory context, the SIA can stand alone or be part of prescribed Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) or similar process.
Social licence to operate the intangible and informal permission granted by a community
to enable a mining company to operate in that area. Social licence to operate must
continually be maintained through a cooperative relationship between an operation and
a community. Though they are often unwritten understandings, they can be contractually
formalised into agreements such as ILUAs and other community agreements. It is a
descriptor of the state of the relationship between the mining proponent and the community
which can change through time.
Social Risk Analysis specific risk analysis consistent with the Group Risk standard carried
out as a standalone exercise or part of a more comprehensive risk analysis to identify and rank
risks to the business arising from actual and potential social and community interaction.
Social value the value of a heritage place, object or practice to society. The term is most
often contrasted with other types of heritage values that are determined by experts, and
is closely linked with the concepts of community values.
124
References
Stakeholders those people who have an interest in a cultural heritage decision or activity,
either as individuals or representatives of a group. This includes people who influence a
cultural heritage decision, or can influence, as well as those affected by it.
125
References
Communities policy*
Communities standard*
Resettlement guidance
126
References
Key websites
Australia ICOMOS
http://australia.icomos.org
Council of Europe
http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/QueVoulezVous.asp?NT=199&CM=8&CL=ENG
127
References
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Aplin, G. (2007) World heritage cultural landscapes. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 13(6): 427-446.
Australia ICOMOS (1999) The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for places of cultural significance
1999.
Ayton-Shenker, D. (1995) The Challenge of Human Rights and Cultural Diversity, United Nations Background
Note.
Bainton, N., Ballard, C., et. al. (2011) Stepping Stones Across the Lihir Islands: Developing Cultural Heritage
Management Strategies in the Context of Large-Scale Mining, International Journal of Cultural Property,
18:81-110.
Barillet, C., Joffroy, T. and Longuet, I. (2006) Cultural heritage and local development: A guide for African local
governments. Produced for PDM, UNESCO and the French Senate. CRATerre-ENSAG/Convention France
UNESCO. Paris: 108.
Burton, J. (2007) The Anthropology of Personal Identity: Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Papua New
Guinea, West Papua and Australia, The Australian Journal of Anthropology 18(1): 40-55.
Byrne, D., Brayshaw, H. et al. (2001) Social significance: a discussion paper, Cultural heritage Division, NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Commonwealth of Australia (2003) Australian Heritage Council Act 2003. Canberra, AGPS.
Department of Industry Tourism and Resources (2006) Community Engagement and Development. Leading
Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry. Commonwealth of Australia. Canberra: 48.
Department of Industry Tourism and Resources (2006) Mine Rehabilitation. Leading Practice Sustainable
Development Program for the Mining Industry. Commonwealth of Australia. Canberra: 67.
Department of Industry Tourism and Resources (2007) Working With Indigenous Communities. Leading
Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry. Commonwealth of Australia. Canberra: 78.
Guilfoyle, D., Bennell, B. et al. (2009) Integrating Natural Resource Management and Indigenous Cultural
Heritage. Heritage Management 2(2): 149-176.
Harrison, R. (2010) Heritage as Social Action. In S. West (ed.), Understanding Heritage in Practice. Manchester
and New York, Manchester University press: 240-276.
Harrison, R. (2010) The politics of heritage. In R. Harrison (ed.), Understanding the Politics of heritage.
Manchester and New York, Manchester University Press: 154-196.
Harrison, R. (2010) What is heritage? In R. Harrison (ed.), Understanding the Politics of heritage. Manchester and
New York, Manchester University Press: 5-42.
Higueras, A. (2008) Cultural Heritage Management in Peru: Current and Future Challenges. N H. Silverman
and W. Isbell (eds.), Handbook of South American Archaeology. New York, Springer: 1073-1088.
InterGroup Consultants (2008) Aboriginal Engagement in Resource Development: Industry Leading Practices.
Commissioned by Rio Tinto: 114.
Kemp, D. and Keenan, J. (2009) Why gender matters: a resource guide for integrating gender considerations into
Communities work at Rio Tinto. The Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining and Rio Tinto: 104. Available:
http://www.riotinto.com/documents/ReportsPublications/Rio_Tinto_gender_guide.pdf
Lawler, A. (2010) Copper mine threatens ancient monastery in Afghanistan, Science. 329(5991):496-497.
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Muir, R. (2001) Landscape detective: discovering a countryside. Chesire and London, Windgather Press.
Ndoro, W. (2003) Traditional and customary heritage systems: nostalgia or reality? The implications of
managing heritage sites in Africa. In E. de Merode, R. Smeets and C. Westrik (eds) Linking Universal and Local
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are Likely to Impact on, Sacred sites and on Lands and Waters Traditionally Occupied or Used by Indigenous and Local
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Segobye, A. K. (2006) Divided Commons: The Political Economy of Southern Africas Cultural Heritage
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Smith, H. D. (2008) Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge to Develop Closure Criteria in Tropical Australia.
In A. B. Fourie, M. Tibbett, I. M. Weiersbye and P. J. Dye (eds) Mine Closure 2008 Proceedings of the Third
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