Developing a Group strategy
Many Rio Tinto's operations are located in dry climates. These operations are
increasingly in competition with others for water. Expanding communities have
growing needs for potable water; farmers, pastoralists and other industries
require a reliable source of water. In addition, there is a greater
appreciation of the ecological role of water and the need to maintain adequate
flows.
Our operations also frequently affect the quality of water when it is discharged
to the environment. Increasingly, we must be alert to the relationship between
water quality downstream of our operations and availability of sufficient water
resources for other water users. Furthermore, superior management of water is
integral to achieving our sustainable development goals.
The Group has developed a water strategy that will encourage long term thinking
about water use, identify risks and opportunities, and promote better
performance including social, environmental and economic aspects. The strategy
defines Rio Tinto's water management objectives, builds on current practices,
and identifies new directions.
Each operation is encouraged to develop and implement its own water strategy
based on the Group strategy. All businesses do not have the same concerns about
water and as a result, can implement the water strategy in a manner that
addresses its own risks and opportunities. The draft water strategy was
reviewed within Rio Tinto and external parties during 2004 before finalisation
in early 2005.
One of the key gaps identified by the water strategy is a better understanding
of our exposure to current and future water risks. A water risk assessment of
selected operations has been initiated to address these knowledge gaps and to
provide support to sites in evaluating strategic water risk.
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