Indigital and Rio Tinto launch ‘Caring for Country’ programme to combine Indigenous knowledge and technology for biodiversity conservation

Indigenous company Indigital and Rio Tinto have partnered on an initiative that combines traditional knowledge with digital innovation to protect and restore Country and strengthen culture, while advancing sustainable mining practices for the energy transition.

Image Source: Rio Tinto

Initially focused on communities in Far North Queensland, the Caring for Country program enables Indigenous communities to harness conservation technologies, such as AI-driven data analysis, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for mapping land features, and “Internet of Things” environmental sensors to monitor soil and water health.

The program also uses Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality to capture and preserve cultural knowledge and languages for future generations and, by integrating technology with traditional knowledge, helps create economic opportunities, including employment, entrepreneurship, and new industries.

The three-year program will operate across four remote Indigenous communities in Queensland - including Weipa, Aurukun, Napranum and Mapoon—engaging Indigenous Elders, Traditional Owners, teachers, rangers, technologists, and students in developing innovative local solutions for environmental challenges.

Indigital Founder and CEO, Mikaela Jade said: “At Indigital, we know the path to a sustainable future must be grounded in cultural wisdom, trust, and collaboration. This partnership with Rio Tinto is a powerful example of what’s possible when Indigenous knowledge and technology come together to solve global challenges at a local level. We’re equipping the next generation with digital skills and conservation tools, while centering cultural wisdom to preserve Country and drive long-term sustainable change.

"This partnership is focused on building genuine, long term and mutual relationships where both the Indigenous community and Rio Tinto benefit and grow. We are codesigning the program with community and we track progress diligently and respectfully through our Social Reciprocity Framework that we are developing, as part of this work.”

Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker said: “We are proud to be working with Indigital on this unique project, which is harnessing the power of Traditional Owners’ deep cultural knowledge of their land and water for everyone’s benefit and building opportunities for future generations.

“We continue to strengthen our approach to working and partnering with Indigenous Peoples, including by promoting greater recognition and inclusion in decision making. We hope that through Caring for Country, the lives of those in remote Indigenous communities can be enriched and they can better share in the benefits of future sustainable development.”

Caring for Country is community-led, with a focus on trust and collaboration. The program prioritises the voices and expertise of Indigenous communities to ensure that solutions are culturally grounded and sustainable.

In its first year, the program has focused on building trust, connection and a shared vision with the communities, as well as setting cultural protocols critical for success and exploring and capturing local stories through the use of technology, safeguarding them for generations.

In years two and three, the team will work with the community to deepen their skills in more targeted conservation technologies. The development of these skills will support the community to embed practices that will more efficiently and effectively care for Country - where community members can then support Rio Tinto in the implementation of more sustainable mining practices.

Alngith Traditional Owner, Uncle Ernest Madua Junior, said: "Gathering for the Indigital program, we’re like one big family, sitting around the fireplace, sharing stories. With our elders present and the kids involved, it sets the tone for our children to think differently, to be resilient and positive about the future.”

Ebony Doyle, Mbaiwum-Trotj, an Alngith Traditional Owner with strong Wik ties said: “Before the Indigital program, I wasn’t confident using technology. I’ve never entertained the idea of taking up Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool in my career. Now I see how it can help tell our story in new and wonderful ways.”

The Caring for Country initiative will continue through 2026, with the aim of setting a global benchmark for community-led, tech-driven environmental action, with lasting benefits for Indigenous communities and the planet.

Rio Tinto is committed to supporting the project with an ongoing focus on engagement, knowledge sharing and exploring new opportunities with Indigital, as the partnership evolves.

The company’s operations are located on land and waters that have belonged to Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. We pay our respects to Elders, both past and present, and further acknowledge the important role that Indigenous Peoples continue to play within communities and our business.