Water
In many regions Rio Tinto's water requirements, particularly for fresh water, compete with local ecological and social functions. This is particularly the case in areas where water is scarce, such as arid and semi-arid areas. There is also the potential for our operations to impact on water quality when water is discharged to the environment.
Our water strategy
Rio Tinto released its water strategy in 2005 to encourage long term planning on water use, identify risks and opportunities, and promote better performance. The strategy defines Rio Tinto's water management objectives, builds on current practices, and identifies new directions in order to ensure Rio Tinto's continued access to affordable water resources.
Position statement
Water is a precious resource and is essential to sustain life, development and the environment. In many regions in which we operate, Rio Tinto's requirements for water are increasingly competing with ecological, social and other economic demands. Rio Tinto is committed to managing water resources in a responsible manner that takes account of environmental, social, cultural and economic values. To achieve this we will:
- Continuously improve the efficiency with which we use water.
- Prevent, wherever possible, and otherwise minimise, adverse impacts on water quality and water quantity.
- Account for the economic, social and environmental value of water in business planning, operation and closure.
- Engage with water users, including communities, governments, and industry, to encourage the sustainable use of water resources.
- Identify and respect cultural values associated with water.
Building on existing work
The water strategy was developed by a team representing all product and key functional groups in Rio Tinto. This breadth of engagement was essential to reflect a variety of business concerns and to ensure the strategy was valued across the Group. A five year timeframe for the strategy allows time to embed current programmes, develop internal awareness on the value of water, and to build relationships with external groups.
The strategy will build on the substantial amount of work already undertaken in Rio Tinto, for example;
- The water use and quality control standard; the standard aims to improve water quality and maximise water efficiency, and is applicable to all managed operations from exploration through to closure.
- The five year water target; projecting a ten per cent reduction in freshwater withdrawal across the Group, per tonne of product, between 2003 and 2008.
- Reporting on water indicators. To meet our objectives we need to have a good understanding of how water is being used and managed at our operations. The quality of water we discharge should not have an impact on people or the environment. Appropriate performance indicators are being developed to drive improved performance and to communicate that performance.
Topics in this section:
Implementing the water strategy - an overview of the key programmes.
How is water being used and managed at our operations?
The quality of water we discharge should not have an impact on the environment.
Examples of water management projects undertaken around the Group.
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