Conservationists have called for an urgent deal on new laws as mining giant Rio Tinto throws its weight behind reforms to tackle climate change and protect significant places and species.
A once-in-a-generation rewrite of laws was supposed to fix flaws in existing environment and biodiversity laws but stalled in the Senate amid criticism it lacked a "climate trigger" and was instead focusing on nature and cultural heritage.
The Australian Conservation Foundation says Rio Tinto's support and recognition the reforms need to deal with climate change mean Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should immediately re-open negotiations with the cross bench.
"It is significant that Rio Tinto has today broken rank and is joining a chorus of voices calling on the government to reform the EPBC Act given the mining industry's role in derailing the process through parliament," ACF chief executive Kelly O'Shanassy said on Wednesday.
"We have been actively engaging with Rio Tinto and while we do not agree on everything, we both believe it is this government's job to urgently reform the broken laws like it promised."
The industry peak body, the Minerals Council of Australia, has warned the federal government against "regressive" red and green tape, while the Greens have slammed Mr Albanese for repeatedly ruling out a climate trigger.
Rio Tinto said in the statement it was committed to decarbonising its operations and contributing to "nature positive" globally.
Still doing penance for - legally - blowing up an ancient rock shelter in Juukan Gorge in 2020 to extract more iron ore, Rio Tinto pledged to work constructively with government, Indigenous people, civil society and others.
"In Australia, we support reform to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)," Rio Tinto said.
Rio Tinto said it supported the Australian government prioritising and progressing reforms to the EPBC Act, "given the urgency of finding solutions to nature loss and the impact of climate change".
Not a supporter of an independent authority, the miner urged "overall ministerial accountability" for approvals decisions and consideration of economic and social impacts while upholding the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
The company also pledged to engage with the federal government on an updated emissions reduction target for 2035, which must be set within months.
