“We are determined to ensure that the destruction of a heritage site of this exceptional archaeological and cultural significance does not happen again in the Rio Tinto process,” Thompson added.

The three executives will still receive some remuneration as part of the terms of their contracts, including long-term incentive bonuses. They have already been penalized with a total of £ 3.8 million (roughly $ 5 million) in cut-off bonuses.

In a report published last month, the company said it had failed to meet some of its own standards “in relation to responsible management and protection of cultural heritage.” But it didn’t fire any of the executives – a decision that drew criticism from investor groups who accused the company of failing to take full responsibility for the cave demolitions. The caves had great archaeological value and a deep cultural meaning for the indigenous people.

In a statement on Friday, Rio Tinto acknowledged that “important stakeholders have expressed concerns about operational accountability for identified failures.”

Some advocacy groups in Australia welcomed the decision by Rio Tinto.

“This is just a first step on the long road towards restoring Rio Tinto’s good practices and reputation in its relationships with indigenous peoples,” James Fitzgerald, head of legal and strategy counsel at the Australian Center for Corporate Responsibility, said in a statement.

“The damage cannot be repaired,” he added. “We’ll need to hear who [Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura] To see if they are satisfied with any compensation offered by Rio Tinto. “

The National Council for Indigenous Property Rights, an organization representing the rights and interests of indigenous guardianship groups, also welcomed the departure.