Traditional owners in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia have firmly stated that they will not accept the return of the Argyle diamond mine site unless it is fully rehabilitated to a higher standard. Rio Tinto, the company responsible for the mine, is in the process of completing demolition, landforming, and revegetation, but traditional owners are concerned about the presence of 'forever chemicals' that could pose environmental hazards. These chemicals, known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, raise serious questions about the eligibility of the site for handback.

The Argyle diamond mine, which was operational for nearly four decades and was renowned for producing 90 percent of the world's pink diamonds, ceased its production in November 2020. Since then, the focus has shifted to rehabilitating the site, and Rio Tinto is engaging with traditional owners to develop a plan that addresses cultural heritage considerations as part of the restoration process. The outcome of these discussions will be critical in determining whether the traditional owners will accept the mine's handback.

This situation highlights a broader issue of indigenous rights and environmental responsibility within the mining sector in Australia. With increasing scrutiny on mining companies regarding their environmental practices and the treatment of traditional owners, the Rio Tinto case serves as a significant example of the ongoing challenges in reconciling corporate interests with the rights and concerns of indigenous communities. The response of both the traditional owners and Rio Tinto could set a precedent for future mining projects in Australia, particularly in how they manage land restoration and cultural heritage.