Rio Tinto Group (ASX:RIO) signed a native title agreement with the Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body Corporate on Nov. 28 to engage in mine development on Nyiyaparli country in Western Australia, where parts of Rio Tinto's Hope Downs iron ore mining operations and the proposed Rhodes Ridge development are located, according to a Tuesday statement.

The agreement delivers enhanced cultural heritage and environmental protections, supports earlier and ongoing consultation, and provides greater transparency in decision-making for mining in the area.

The mining giant's shares rose 1% in recent trading on Tuesday.