"Mining companies flout human rights conventions when negotiating with Indigenous Australians, study finds", 20 March 2021

Some top mining companies are flouting international human rights conventions when negotiating with Indigenous Australians over land use, a study has found.

Companies, including Origin Energy and Glencore, have failed to adequately obtain consent from traditional owners for some projects, RMIT University researchers say.

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An Origin spokesman said the company worked with the Northern Land Council and the processes followed were guided by the principles of free, prior and informed consent.

"Traditional owners who are the native title holders for the areas where we undertake exploration activity have agreed to and support our work in the Beetaloo, including fracking," he said.

A Bravus spokeswoman said RMIT's report contained inaccurate information about the company's interaction with traditional owners and it strongly rejected the portrayal of events.

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A Glencore spokesman said the company was disappointed by RMIT's report and the university did not genuinely consult.

"We have openly addressed operational challenges at (McArthur River Mine) and have made significant progress on many of the issues raised," he said.

"The final report lacks balance, rigour and contains a number of inaccuracies and misinformation."