Companies often do not accept the need for Aboriginal interests to be represented through their elected or statutory agencies, nor the benefits to be gained from a statutory process. Most mining companies do not try hard enough to maintain positive relations with Aboriginal organisations or communities. They define Aboriginal interests narrowly, for example perhaps accepting site protection but ignoring other areas of concern, such as economic, social and cultural interests. The resource differences between companies and communities lead to unequal and inappropriate interaction and an unfair basis for negotiation.
Companies communicate selectively at the local level.
They are often patronising in their interaction. Chambers of Mines in some regions provoke hostility and play local politics. Company representatives will not communicate with Aboriginal organisation leaders but try to attack and discredit them in the media. Current training in inter-cultural understanding for mining company employees is insufficient, inappropriate and irregular. The organisations do not know enough about the way the industry has to function.