Glencore response to comments on Indigenous Sacred Sites at McArthur River Mine

posted: 02/03/2021

Media statement
Darwin, Australia

Glencore notes the comments made by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) in relation to our McArthur River Mine (MRM) at the parliamentary inquiry public hearing.

We want to be very clear that we have no intention of physically interfering with or damaging any Indigenous Sacred Site on our mining lease at MRM.

We operate under stringent conditions set down through Northern Territory and Federal legislation as well as conditions of Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority certificates, designed to protect Sacred Sites.

We take our obligations to protect Sacred Sites on our mining lease very seriously and we are meeting these obligations. 

Glencore is committed to working together and considering the views of all stakeholders, particularly our local traditional owners and custodians.

MRM will continue to engage with AAPA to ensure we have the necessary approvals for any future mining plans.  

We are committed to operating a safe, responsible and environmentally sustainable mining operation.

 

For further information, please contact:

Media

Francis De Rosa
m: +61 417 074 751
e: Francis De Rosa

Tracy Jones
m: +61 418 251 774
e: Tracy Jones

Agata Graham
m: +61 478 024 644
e: Agata Graham

 

Notes for editors

About Glencore

Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 responsibly-sourced commodities that advance everyday life. The Group's operations comprise around 150 mining and metallurgical sites and oil production assets.

With a strong footprint in over 35 countries in both established and emerging regions for natural resources, Glencore's industrial activities are supported by a global network of more than 30 marketing offices. Glencore's customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation, battery manufacturing and oil sectors. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities. Glencore's companies employ around 145,000 people, including contractors.

Glencore is proud to be a member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Council on Mining and Metals. We are an active participant in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050.

About McArthur River Mine

McArthur River Mine is located in the Northern Territory approximately 970km south-east from Darwin and 60km south-west of its closest township, Borroloola. MRM mines one of the world’s largest zinc and lead deposits.

MRM provides direct employment to about 1,150 people, including contractors. In 2019, we contributed about $550 million to the local, Territory and national economies through our payment of wages, spend on goods and services from 980 suppliers – much of which we sourced in the Territory – taxes and community investment projects.

For more information, visit McArthur River Mine's website.