Latest news with #Cultural
Business Wire
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Rio Tinto and Baowu open Western Range iron ore mine in the Pilbara with Yinhawangka Traditional Owners
PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto has officially opened its newest iron ore mine, Western Range, with Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King joining Yinhawangka Traditional Owners and senior representatives from Rio Tinto and joint venture partner China Baowu Group (Baowu) to mark the milestone. Western Range has the capacity to produce up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore per year and could sustain the existing Paraburdoo mining hub for up to 20 years. The $2 billion 1 project, a joint venture between Rio Tinto (54 per cent) and Baowu (46 per cent), was completed on time and on budget. It involved building a primary crusher and 18-kilometre conveyor system linked to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant. The new mine provides stability for Paraburdoo's more than 880 residential and FIFO employees. It also supports the ongoing viability of Paraburdoo town and strengthens the Western Australian and national economies through royalties and taxes. Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation Board Chairwoman Robyn Hayden (née Tommy) and Yinhawangka Traditional Owners joined Premier Cook, Minister King, Baowu Group Chairman Hu Wangming, Baowu Resources Chairman Shi Bing, Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott and other government and joint venture representatives on site for the opening. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said: 'The opening of Western Range is a significant achievement, and its importance to Western Australia's economy cannot be overstated. 'My government will continue to back in our resources industry, which is creating quality jobs for Western Australians while helping us maintain the standard of life we all enjoy.' Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said: 'The opening of Western Range is fantastic news for the Pilbara, for Western Australians, for Traditional Owners and for the nation. 'The Pilbara is the engine room of the nation's economy. Projects like Western Range will keep that engine running for future generations of Australians.' Western Range is Rio Tinto's first project to feature a co-designed Social, Cultural and Heritage Management Plan (SCHMP) with the Yinhawangka Traditional Owners. In keeping with the SCHMP, announced in 2022 with the Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation, Western Range has been designed to protect significant cultural and heritage values in the area. Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation Board Chairwoman Robyn Hayden (née Tommy) said: 'For Yinhawangka people, Country is everything - it holds our spirit, our Law, and our deep responsibility to protect what was passed down to us. 'The opening of the Western Range mine represents a shift in how our heritage is being recognised and respected. We acknowledge the work Rio Tinto has done to change how they engage with us, and the steps they've taken to build a stronger, more honest partnership. This is a meaningful beginning - and we stand ready to walk forward together.' Rio Tinto and Baowu's partnership in the Pilbara began with the 2002 Bao-HI Joint Venture to develop the Eastern Range deposits in the Hamersley Ranges. Chairman of China Baowu Group, Hu Wangming said: "The success of the Western Range project is not only a milestone in China-Australia resource co-operation, but also a vivid reflection of joint efforts and resilience from all parties involved. "The Western Range project is not only a strategic cornerstone in the global resource layout of China Baowu and Rio Tinto, but also a model of China-Australia economic and trade cooperation. Our joint efforts in green, low-carbon development and collaborative innovation have set new industry benchmarks and contributed valuable insights and strength to the sustainable development of global resources. "We are committed to working hand in hand with the Western Australian Government, Indigenous communities, and partners from all sectors to build an inclusive and sustainable cooperation ecosystem. We will also continue to fulfill our corporate responsibilities and drive industrial upgrading through technological innovation, injecting new momentum into regional prosperity and the stability of global supply chains." Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: 'Opening Western Range is an important step in Rio Tinto's extension plans in the Pilbara and ensures the longevity of one of our oldest mining hubs, Paraburdoo, which began operating in 1972. 'I'm particularly proud of the work we've done with the Yinhawangka People to develop Western Range and we'll continue to work closely together. 'Partnering with Baowu ensures our biggest customer directly benefits with a consistent, dedicated supply of Rio Tinto's world leading Pilbara Blend iron ore.' First ore was processed through the Western Range system in late March this year. Additional Information Western Range is one of a tranche of replacement projects, with total annual capacity of ~130Mtpa 2, that underpin Rio Tinto's ongoing commitment to the Pilbara. In addition to the 6 March 2025 announcement of a $1.8 billion investment to develop Brockman Syncline 1, both the Hope Downs 1 and West Angelas sustaining projects are progressing through approvals processes. During the next three years (2025-2027) Rio Tinto expects to invest more than $13 billion on new mines, plant and equipment. This builds on about $8.5 billion of investment in the Pilbara during the past three years (2022-2024). Rio Tinto continues to work on the pre-feasibility study for Rhodes Ridge, one of the world's largest and highest quality undeveloped iron ore deposits, which is targeting an initial capacity of up to 40Mtpa and first ore by 2030. Footnotes 1 All currency figures are in US dollars, unless otherwise specified, and on a 100 per cent basis. 2 Subject to timing of full capacity. The replacement projects include Western Range, West Angelas, Hope Downs 1, Greater Nammuldi and Brockman 4.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Aldar unveils Dh 40 bn Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination
2 June 2025 21:03 ABU DHABI (WAM) Aldar unveiled on Monday the master plan for Abu Dhabi's next iconic island destination, Fahid Island, which has an 11km coastline and a gross development value of over Dh 40 billion. With 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side of the island and serene mangrove forests on the other, the island is a wellness sanctuary offering a seamless connection to the part of the 2.7 million sqm island is no more than a five-minute walk to the water's edge, creating a vibrant island culture complete with refined coastal residences, curated leisure, and 5-star hospitality. Aldar has also partnered with a leading international institution to introduce an elevated education experience to Fahid Island in line with Abu Dhabi's vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education. The school will become an integral part of the community, providing a key differentiator for family life on the between Abu Dhabi's most desirable lifestyle destination, Yas Island, and its cultural centre, Saadiyat Island, Fahid Island is where entertainment and culture meet wellness. A celebration of contrasts, the island offers a unique mix of city and sand, retail and relaxation, energy and serenity, and all with exceptional connectivity – Yas Island's thrilling theme parks, Saadiyat Island's Cultural District, and Zayed International Airport are all accessible in under 15 Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar said: 'Abu Dhabi is a thriving, global destination where heritage and innovation combine to create a world-class environment to live, work, and explore. Sustainable and inclusive development has been a critical part of this success, which is why Aldar remains focused on delivering communities that reflect the values and ambitions of the UAE. Fahid Island is the latest chapter in that journey—building on the success of Saadiyat and Yas Islands to offer a new benchmark in premium waterfront living, wellness, and sustainable design."Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, said: 'Our plans for Fahid Island support a thriving real estate market in Abu Dhabi, where we are seeing incredible demand from buyers within the local market as well as overseas investors. With a gross development value of over Dh 40 billion, Fahid Island is one of the largest mixed-use residential masterplans launched in Abu Dhabi and will ensure the emirate consolidates its position as one of the world's most desirable destinations to reside, invest, and visit.''Fahid Island is the world's first Fitwel-certified island, highlighting the health-focused design of the destination. The island has also received LEED City and Communities Platinum precertification and is targeting an Estidama 3-Pearl rating. In addition, the masterplan has been thoughtfully designed to ensure and promote eco-friendly mobility and connectivity, with pedestrian bridges linking the two sides of the island, as well as a streetscape designed to prioritise foot traffic paired with a shading strategy using innovative design for outdoor thermal has engaged some of the world's most renowned architects to design the island's residential offering, including Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada who have designed two separate residential concepts on the island. Further residential developments are being designed by London headquartered ACME and UAE-based NAGA Architects. More than 6,000 luxury residences are planned for the island, ranging from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas. The first residential development to be introduced on Fahid Island - Fahid Beach Residences -sets a new standard for exclusive beachfront living in Abu Dhabi. This limited collection of seven buildings, each featuring 65 residences, reflects a carefully crafted approach to privacy and world-class design.
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Support For Huetepara Park And Lyall Bay Surf Hub Confirmed
Wellington City Council's Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee has agreed to progress the land negotiations needed to deliver a long-awaited community park and surf hub at Lyall Bay, with a strong focus on public access, co-design, and early delivery of key amenities. The committee recommended declaring three parcels of land surplus, with the sale conditional on Wellington International Airport Ltd (WIAL) meeting design and delivery obligations. Draft designs for Huetepara Park and the Surf Hub include public toilets, changing rooms, showers, a boardwalk, nature play areas, accessible ramps, picnic tables, a raised viewing platform, and sand dunes - delivering practical, inclusive spaces for locals and visitors. Key commitments include: Co-design with the Huetepara Community Group at key milestones Targeted delivery timeframes for amenities like a pump track and picnic area Improved disability access Ongoing public access protections A nature-first landscaping approach supporting coastal resilience. The Council's three Eastern Ward councillors welcomed the decision. Committee Chair Councillor Teri O'Neill said: 'Huetepara is a space dreamed up by and for the community. I'm so proud that we've recognised that legacy today. We're truly lucky to have a partner like Wellington Airport committed to investing in shared spaces and working alongside the community to get it right.' Councillor Sarah Free added: 'I'm really pleased we've included stronger accessibility requirements in today's decision. This ensures our south coast spaces are welcoming and usable for everyone- a key value for our community.' Councillor Tim Brown added: 'This is a win for common sense and community priorities. These conditions strike a good balance: they give the community confidence that important elements like the Surf Hub will be delivered on time, while giving flexibility to finalise the agreement properly.' The development is expected to include accessible boardwalks and raised platforms, connecting wheelchair users and others with limited mobility to the beach and park spaces. A nature-first design approach will also help strengthen the coast's resilience to climate change. Formal public consultation will be part of both the road stopping and reserve revocation processes. Community informed on progress and to let people know how they can have their say throughout final design. More information on the Airport's proposed Huetepara Enhancements can be found here.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Penampang Che Hor Khor's cultural centre project boosted
Liew (centre), flanked by Wong (on her left) and the Society's deputy president Datuk Frankie Liew, at the anniversary cake-cutting ceremony. KOTA KINABALU (May 19): Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew announced a contribution of RM100,000 in aid of the Penampang Che Hor Khor Moral Uplifting Society's Lodge cum Moral Cultural Centre Building Fund. She made the announcement when officiating at the threefold celebration to mark the sacred birthday of the Principal Deity Lord Li Daoming, the 23rd anniversary of the Society's founding, and the 21st anniversary of the establishment of its Free Medical and Medicine Unit yesterday night. Calling for efforts to expedite the construction of the lodge and cultural centre on a 6.6-acre site at Bukit Padang here, Liew said when completed, the architectural structure will not only serve as the Society's official premises but will also become a tourist attraction. An artist's impression of the Lodge cum Moral Cultural Centre. 'This positive development will not only further the Society's spiritual and charitable mission but will also become a new place of interest in Sabah, bringing benefits to both the organisation and the State's tourism industry. 'I urge leaders and members to unite in spirit and action to complete this noble task. May the new lodge be built successfully and at the earliest,' she said. The estimated cost of building the lodge cum moral cultural centre is in the region of RM52 million. An artist's impression of the complex shows a pagoda-like structure that portrays the De Jiao design, reflecting Chinese moral values. According to the president of the Che Hor Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Penampang, Wong Sound Sing, the development and building plans were in the process of being approved by the relevant authorities. 'We have started the earthworks now and will complete this project within three years, hopefully by the end of 2027,' he said.
Eyewitness News
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
NPA's Batohi tells MPs that her personal request to meet Omotoso's victims declined
CAPE TOWN - National director of public prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, said that she had personally requested to meet with the victims of Nigerian pastor, Timothy Omotoso, who was acquitted of sex crimes and human trafficking in April, in a protracted trial that lasted seven years. However, despite having made the overture through the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission, Batohi told Parliament that the request had been declined. Batohi came under harsh criticism before Parliament's justice committee on Friday, with at least three political parties calling for her to step down. ALSO READ: • NPA's Batohi defiant as MPs call for her head over botched Omotoso trial • Batohi receives stinging rebuke in Parliament over Omotoso acquittal • Reasonable prospect of success in appealing verdict in Omotoso sex crimes trial - Batohi In a six-hour-long justice portfolio committee meeting, Batohi was lambasted by political parties for not directly intervening in the prosecution of Omotoso when the judge raised issues with the conduct of prosecutors. But Batohi said she didn't want to interfere and left the Eastern Cape director, Barry Madolo, in conjunction with her late deputy, Rodney de Kock, to make the necessary interventions. She said the NPA didn't want to further traumatise the victims by dragging them into an investigation before they had testified. "It's a no-win situation, damned if you do, damned if you don't. We would have been crucified for being insensitive to victims and proceeding with this when, in fact, we should have waited until they had testified." Batohi said she wanted to tell the victims that they did nothing wrong in the testimonies they delivered during the trial. "It's been devastating for the victims and I want to hear them, I want to listen, to really deeply understand how they feel the prosecutors in this matter let them down." She said that investigations into the prosecutors' handling of the case would inform her of whether an apology was due to them.
