Establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial agreements with groups representing indigenous peoples provide for

• Economic independence
• Protection of heritage sites
• Development of cultural awareness programs for employees and contractors

Western Australia Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)

Cliffs entered into a voluntary effort with the Western Australia Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) to improve management of the natural environment surrounding Cliffs’ mining and exploration programs.

• A three-year program provides training opportunities for indigenous Australians in conservation and land management.
• Cliffs funds the training and provides on-the-job experience as well as employment opportunities upon completion.

The Australian Employment Covenant (AEC)

In addition to the training and employment component of the joint land management project with the DEC, Cliffs made a commitment to The Australian Employment Covenant (AEC), an initiative to provide job-specific training and guaranteed jobs for indigenous Australians who complete the required training.

• Cliffs employs a senior indigenous person as an indigenous liaison officer to mentor indigenous employees and program trainees.
• The liaison officer also engages regularly with indigenous communities on issues regarding Cliffs’ operations.

You can read more about these efforts in our 2009 Sustainability Report, Committed to the Global Community.