Sustainable development programmes
The "Precautionary principle"
The precautionary principle states that "where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation." See www.unep.org/unep/rio.htm
At Rio Tinto, we apply the precautionary principle through our approach to environmental risk management, as outlined in our statement of business practice, The way we work.
Rio Tinto has developed Group wide environmental standards, and employs a range of systems to identify, assess and manage environmental risk. These apply at each stage of our business, including exploration, project development, operation and closure, as well as in acquisitions and divestment evaluations.
More on Rio Tinto environmental management systems.
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More on how the precautionary principle is applied in practice at Rio Tinto
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