United Nations Global Compact

Welcome to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact section of the Rio Tinto website.

Statement of support from Jan du Plessis, Chairman of Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto became a signatory to the Global Compact in 2000 and were one of its early supporters. As Chairman of Rio Tinto I am proud to confirm Rio Tinto's continued support for this important initiative.  Nine years on Rio Tinto remains committed to its ten principles and to promoting the Global Compact wherever we operate.

Our objective is to maximise the overall long term return to our stakeholders through a strategy of investing in large, cost competitive mines and associated activities. This is driven by the overall quality of each opportunity, and not the choice of commodity. We maintain the health and safety of our employees, and our contribution to sustainable development, as key values. We work as closely as possible with our host countries and communities, respecting their laws and customs and ensuring a fair share of benefits and opportunities.

The Global Compact's ten principles are reflected in Rio Tinto's policies, standards and guidance and are embedded in our overall approach to sustainable development.  Here you will find out about how we are implementing the ten principles across the Group and you can view our 2008 communication on progress. 

Jan du Plessis, Chairman Rio Tinto plc

What is the UN Global Compact?

The UN Global Compact is an accord between the United Nations and business for cooperation and promotion in upholding a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, environmental practice and anti corruption. These values are reflected in ten principles. Read more about the United Nations Global Compact.

Rio Tinto and the UN Global Compact

Rio Tinto is a founding member of the Global Compact having become a signatory in 2000. The ten principles of the Global Compact are reflected in Rio Tinto's policy, standards and guidance and we communicate our progress annually. We are active members of the UK Network of the Global Compact and a member of the Network's Communication on Progress working group.

Rio Tinto regularly participates in Global Compact working groups and events such as the Human Rights' Working Group, the Local Network meetings and the Leaders Summit.

View Rio Tinto's archived UNGC Communication on Progress 2007