Protecting cultural heritage

Respecting local culture is part of the Fortescue Value of Integrity. It has been an essential aspect of our operations in the Pilbara since we were established in 2003. As we expand into new countries and territories, it is important that our Values are upheld in all that we do, wherever we are. We respect and acknowledge the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the human rights principles it embodies by working together with First Nations people globally to manage Indigenous cultural heritage responsibly and sustainably. We focus on actively communicating with all stakeholders, including local communities, and seek to secure the consent of First Nations peoples for any activities on their traditional lands.

To determine the location, nature and significance of First Nations heritage sites within an area, we engage with First Nations peoples and heritage professionals to conduct archaeological and ethnographic heritage surveys, in accordance with our land access or heritage agreements. To date, we have surveyed 320,439 hectares of land for archaeological heritage and 2.94 million hectares for ethnographic heritage. Through our seven major Native Title agreements and many dozens First Nations heritage agreements, we have worked closely and transparently to manage 7,148 heritage places. 

Fortescue is party to seven major Native Title agreements with Native Title groups in the Pilbara region, three of which are underpinned by registered Indigenous Land Use Agreements. Our Native Title agreements include principles and detailed processes for the identification, management and protection of significant First Nations cultural heritage. They also provide significant and sustainable outcomes for the relevant communities through a range of benefits, including financial compensation, vocational training and employment opportunities and commercial contracting opportunities.