By David Winning

SYDNEY -- Rio Tinto PLC said its chief executive would step down as it battles to contain the fallout from the destruction of two ancient rock shelters in northwestern Australia's minerals-rich Pilbara region that were culturally significant to a local indigenous group.

Rio Tinto said Jean-Sébastien Jacques would leave the company no later than March 31 after more than four years as chief executive, bowing to pressure from investors for its senior leaders to be held accountable for the destruction of the caves at Juukan Gorge on May 24.

Rio Tinto, the world's second-largest listed mining company by market value, said a search for a new chief executive is under way and Mr. Jacques would go sooner than March 31 if a successor is found.

Rio Tinto said two other senior executives, including the head of its iron-ore division, would also leave the company at the end of this year.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 10, 2020 20:20 ET (00:20 GMT)

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