Recruiting for good

At Rio Tinto Coal Australia's new Hail Creek mine, a proactive recruitment drive and a comprehensive induction programme for new employees is helping to build a sustainable future for the mine.

The construction and subsequent operation of Hail Creek provided an opportunity to assemble a team of employees from scratch. While its core management and services team was in place for the construction period, 96 operating positions were filled during 2003.

Approximately 40 per cent of applicants came from existing Rio Tinto operations and the mining industry. The other 60 per cent were employed locally, with a focus on personal qualities, regardless of experience. The recruitment campaign sought out new employees who understood the company's values and its commitment to sustainable development and safety.

Securing employees from the local community was an important part of contributing to the operation's sustainability. An intensive local campaign was conducted, enlisting the support of local authorities and other organisations to distribute application forms and assist with applications. A strategic media campaign was conducted, with advertising in local suburban newspapers and the distribution of 2,500 application forms from Hail Creek's Mackay office.

To make this recruitment a success, a new starter induction programme was put in place that would help to develop a culture focused on sustainable development, safety, teamwork and productivity.

All new employees undertook the three week induction programme designed to ensure they understood the culture and values of the operation, covering:

• Information on sustainable development, including the business context, training in cultural awareness, the role of community relations and environmental standards
• A detailed understanding of the business and its operating philosophy
• A safety induction and overview