The registered Native Title organisation for Nyiyaparli people has formalised a renewed partnership with Rio Tinto through an updated Native Title agreement.

The miner's deal with Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) will strengthen collaboration and further protect cultural heritage, enabling long-term sustainable development on Nyiyaparli Country.

The agreement, which provides Rio Tinto with a clear framework for engaging on mine development, was developed jointly over several years.

KNAC's Agreement Review Committee led the process with support from Common Law Holders, guided by extensive on-Country consultations and cultural heritage assessments.

This approach ensured Nyiyaparli perspectives were central to the updated agreement, aligning community aspirations while enhancing measures to protect Country.

KNAC chairperson, Leonard Michael Stream, emphasised the significance of the collaborative effort.

"We appreciate working with Rio over the last three years to deliver a better deal for Nyiyaparli Country and for Nyiyaparli People that works for us both," he said.

Nyiyaparli Country hosts parts of Rio Tinto's Hope Downs mining operations and the proposed Rhodes Ridge development.

The new agreement signed on Friday marks a significant evolution of the original 2011 Native Title Agreement between Rio Tinto and the Nyiyaparli People, and also includes stronger cultural heritage and environmental safeguards, commits both parties to earlier and more continuous consultation, and establishes clearer, more transparent decision-making processes for mining activities.

It also reinforces the foundations for long-term social and economic benefits, including increased employment, training and business development opportunities, while governance structures within the agreement have been redesigned to reflect Nyiyaparli cultural values and corporate principles.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO, Matthew Holcz, acknowledged the contribution of the Nyiyaparli community and KNAC to the process.

"We are grateful for the time, guidance, cultural knowledge and technical expertise shared by Nyiyaparli and Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body Corporate as we worked to jointly develop this updated agreement," he said.

"Through open dialogue and collaboration, we have strengthened the way we will work together, with clearer processes that respect Country and support transparency in decision-making."