Performance
Governance systems
Sound governance and high ethical standards of conduct are a source of competitive advantage in securing access to resources. Environmental performance, community relations, employee wellbeing and transparency are just as important as the technical aspects of mining and processing. If Rio Tinto is to succeed in positioning itself as a "developer of choice" it has to be equipped to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
Accordingly, our operating philosophy has a strong focus on corporate responsibility clearly outlined in our code of conduct, The way we work. This covers issues such as human rights, political involvement, transparency and zero tolerance of corruption.
We also actively engage with a wide range of external stakeholders to promote leading business practices. As a member of the International Council for Mining and Metals (www.icmm.com), we are continuously improving our economic, social and environmental performance and we regularly report our progress against the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact and in line with the Global Reporting Initiative.
Rio Tinto is a founding member of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (www.responsiblejewellery.com) which commits members to promote responsible ethical, social and environmental practices which respect human rights throughout the diamond and/or gold jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail. It also seeks to maintain consumer confidence in diamond and gold jewellery products and the trust of all interested stakeholders in the industry. We are also a member of the Kimberley Process (www.kimberleyprocess.com), a joint government, industry and civil society initiative to stop trade in diamonds that fuel conflict.
Additionally, we have a long standing partnership with the Dundee University Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy to sponsor post graduate studies contributing to the creation of a stable international legal and investment environment in which the mining industry can contribute to sustainable development (www.dundee.ac.uk).
