Rio Tinto | Minerals and Metals for the world

Signs of the times
Hugh Leggatt looks at the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development report and conference.

Like a giant signpost, the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) report has been planted on the road to the future.

It is a far from perfect signpost and points to many avenues, but its general direction is clear. It directs the mining, metals and minerals industry towards a future of greater engagement with those outside, of shared problem solving with others, and reveals the complexity of the land beyond the horizon.

The launch of the MMSD report in London at the beginning of May was one leg of a unique industry initiative to determine how the mining and metals sector can best contribute to sustainable development. Nine of the world’s leading companies, including Rio Tinto, in 1999 launched the Global Mining Initiative (GMI), a programme involving wide consultation through the MMSD process. It is essentially about how to improve social, environmental and economic performance and to ensure the sector conducts itself in keeping with the expectations of contemporary society.

The MMSD report addresses strategic issues.

The 16 chapters deal with a framework for change, current trends and players, the challenges (nine chapters) and responses and recommendations.

The Agenda for Change section describes what the minerals sector should look like to maximize its contribution and sets out four steps: understanding sustainable development; creating organizational policies and management systems; achieving co-operation among those with similar interests; and building capacity for effective action at all levels.



Signs of the times Hugh Leggatt looks at the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development report and conference. Like a giant signpost, the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) report has been planted on the road to the future. It is a far from perfect signpost and points to many avenues, but its general direction is clear. It directs the mining, metals and minerals industry towards a future of greater engagement with those outside, of shared problem solving with others, and reveals the complexity of the land beyond the horizon. The launch of the MMSD report in London at the beginning of May was one leg of a unique industry initiative to determine how the mining and metals sector can best contribute to sustainable development. Nine of the world’s leading companies, including Rio Tinto, in 1999 launched the Global Mining Initiative (GMI), a programme involving wide consultation through the MMSD process. It is essentially about how to improve social, environmental and economic performance and to ensure the sector conducts itself in keeping with the expectations of contemporary society. The MMSD report addresses strategic issues. The 16 chapters deal with a framework for change, current trends and players, the challenges (nine chapters) and responses and recommendations. The Agenda for Change section describes what the minerals sector should look like to maximize its contribution and sets out four steps: understanding sustainable development; creating organizational policies and management systems; achieving co-operation among those with similar interests; and building capacity for effective action at all levels.
PAGE 1 OF 5

Review is published by Rio Tinto, 6 St James' Square, London SW1Y 4LD, England Telephone +44 (0)20 7930 2399 Editor: Cherry DeGeer