‘I am ultimately accountable’: Rio Tinto chairman to stand down after cave blast disaster

Rio Tinto chairman Simon Thompson has announced he will step down within the next year following pressure over the board’s initial response to the destruction of the 46,000-year-old Aboriginal rock shelters at Western Australia’s Juukan Gorge.

Mr Thompson has told the board of the world’s second largest miner he would seek re-election at this year’s annual general meeting but would not seek re-election in 2022, triggering a search for his replacement.

The decision comes after Mr Thompson has faced pressure from Aboriginal groups, top shareholders and Australian government leaders over Rio’s decision to destroy the culturally significant rock shelters in Western Australia’s Pilbara region against the wishes of the land’s traditional owners.

A board-led review of the cause of the incident initially determined no one would be stood down over the matter. But an investor revolt eventually forced the departures of former chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques and two of his deputies.