Five year community plans were introduced in 1997 as a requirement for implementation of our communities policy. Group operations prepare the plans annually and submit them to Rio Tinto for review and guidance. Plans seek to ensure that at each stage of the mining cycle, from exploration to closure, programmes are in place to ensure that communities know and understand the operation and that, broadly speaking, our presence is supported. Systematic attention to baseline studies, two way consultation and delivery of socio-economic programmes have improved the strength and quality of the programmes on the ground, and hence the benefit provided.

The first stage of the 5 year plan addresses baseline studies & community surveys. Baseline studies & community surveys aim to collect information regarding affected communitiesÕ demographics, livelihoods, perceptions and expectations.

The second stage of the five year plan concentrates on building two way consultation. The operation and the community agree on how consultation should be organised and who should participate. Fluent and effective communication depends on listening and spoken skills. With better consultation there is less opportunity for unrealistic expectations. Company management and community representatives ensure that agreements and commitments are properly recorded.

The third stage of the five year plan focuses on programme development. Building on the findings of the baseline study and through the consultation, programmes and initiatives are undertaken. These aim to provide benefits to community groups that last beyond the life of the mine. For example, providing training or apprenticeships in essential trades can be of considerable benefit to both the individual and the community. Where communities' priorities point towards development initiatives for which the operation may not have skills (agricultural or education projects, for example), operations are encouraged to partner with organisations who have local expertise.