“I look forward to continuing the work with PKKP traditional owners to rechart our partnership and build a shared future,” Mr Vella said.
PKKP said it acknowledged the steps taken to address the "hurt and devastation" caused by the actions which culminated in the destruction in May 2020.
It said: “They are the first of many that will be needed to ensure the avoidable and unnecessary destruction of cultural heritage sites, like Juukan Gorge, will never be repeated.”
Kurrama Elder Burchell Hayes added: “While we have made some initial positive steps in rebuilding our relationship there is so much more we need to do in order to shape a shared future for our next generations of PKKP people working with Rio Tinto.”
In May, mine workers destroyed the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge to extract $188million of iron ore. The decision was described as “inexcusable” by federal MPs who ordered that is was rebuilt.
The event caused a huge outcry and eventually led to the departure of chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques, whose replacement Jakob Stausholm was announced earlier this month.
A statement read: “PKKP notes the appointment of new chief executive Jakob Stausholm and hopes that discussions between PKKP and Rio Tinto will continue in a positive direction.”
