More than 60% of the votes cast at the mining company’s annual general meetings in London and Sydney were against its remuneration report, according to results published by the company on Thursday.
Rio Tinto demolished the Juukan Gorge caves in Western Australia last May to expand an iron ore mine, causing an outcry from investor groups and local custodians of the land. The ancient caves have been described by one expert as “one of the most archaeologically significant sites in Australia.”
Rio Tinto (RIO) said Thursday that it “understands” the outcome of the advisory vote was a response to the remuneration of Jacques, as well as former head of the iron ore business, Chris Salisbury, and former group executive for corporate relations, Simone Niven.
“The Board acknowledges that the executive pay outcomes in relation to the tragic events at Juukan Gorge are sensitive and contentious issues,” it added, saying that it will “engage further” with shareholders.
All three executives left the…
