Rio Tinto has partnered with Indigenous company Indigital for a ‘Caring for Country’ program in Far North Queensland.

The program enables Indigenous communities to harness 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.

The three-year program will operate across four remote Indigenous communities in Queensland – including Weipa, Aurukun, Napranum and Mapoon.

Indigital founder and chief executive officer Mikaela Jade said the partnership with Rio Tinto was a powerful example of what was possible when Indigenous knowledge and technology came together.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

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.