Mineral wastes
Rio Tinto generated 1,737 million tonnes of mineral waste in 2005. This is a three per cent decrease from 2004. Ninety two per cent is derived from the mining process, while eight per cent is derived from processing mineral waste.
The decrease in mineral waste generated in 2005, compared to 2004, was primarily a result of divestment and improved ore accessibility and grade including:
- Divestment of Rio Tinto’s 14.5 per cent share in Lihir Gold and 51 per cent share in Morro do Ouro during 2004.
- Increased ore grade at Argyle Diamonds and reduced overburden removal at Boron.
In 2005, 66 per cent of mineral waste was placed back into the mine, 24 per cent in rock dumps, six per cent in tailings dams, and the remainder was either recycled/reused, stored or disposed of at other locations. Only 0.2 per cent of mineral waste is disposed off site.
Management of mineral waste in 2005
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