Rio Tinto empowers Indigenous conservation

Rio Tinto and Indigital have launched the ‘Caring for Country’ program, a partnership combining Indigenous knowledge with technology to conserve biodiversity, protect cultural heritage and support sustainable mining practices.

Initially focused on Indigenous communities in far north Queensland, including Weipa, Aurukun, Napranum and Mapoon, Caring for Country equips communities with cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence (AI), light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping and environmental sensors to monitor soil and water health.

The initiative also uses augmented and virtual reality to preserve cultural knowledge and languages while fostering economic opportunities.

“At Indigital, we know the path to a sustainable future must be grounded in cultural wisdom, trust, and collaboration,” Indigital founder and chief executive officer Mikaela Jade said.

“We’re equipping the next generation with digital skills and conservation tools, while centring cultural wisdom to preserve Country and drive long-term sustainable change. This partnership is focused on building genuine, long-term relationships where both the Indigenous community and Rio Tinto benefit and grow.

“We are co-designing the program with community and tracking progress through our social reciprocity framework.”

Rio Tinto chief executive officer Australia Kellie Parker said it is important to engage the Traditional Owners in conservation and sustainability efforts.

“We are proud to be working with Indigital on this unique project, which is harnessing the power of Traditional Owners’ deep cultural knowledge of their land and water for everyone’s benefit and building opportunities for future generations,” Parker said.

“We continue to strengthen our approach to working and partnering with Indigenous Peoples, including by promoting greater recognition and inclusion in decision-making.

“We hope that through Caring for Country, the lives of those in remote Indigenous communities can be enriched and they can better share in the benefits of future sustainable development.”

Key program elements include community-led development, technology integration and cultural storytelling. In its first year, the initiative focused on building trust and capturing local stories.

“Before the Indigital program, I wasn’t confident using technology,” Alngith Traditional Owner with strong Wik ties, Ebony Doyle, Mbaiwum-Trotj said.

“I’ve never entertained the idea of taking up AI as a tool in my career. Now I see how it can help tell our story in new and wonderful ways.”

In years two and three of the program, participants will gain deeper expertise in conservation technologies, contributing to more efficient environmental management.

“Gathering for the Indigital program, we’re like one big family … It sets the tone for our children to think differently, to be resilient and positive about the future,” Alngith Traditional Owner Uncle Ernest Madua Junior said.

The Caring for Country program will run through to 2026 and aims to set a benchmark for community-led, tech-driven conservation with long-lasting benefits for Indigenous communities and the environment.