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Sir Robert added that the mining and metals industry is an essential pillar of economic activity. "I believe the report makes this quite clear. The challenge is to reconcile this fact with society’s growing expectations both socially and environmentally. Much has been done. The industry has the will to contribute positively towards sustainable development. But it cannot do so alone. Many aspects of the process of change will only be possible if others are prepared to work with us with a shared commitment and spirit of co-operation."

From identifying no go areas for exploration and mining; securing indigenous peoples’ land rights; and addressing the social consequences of major projects in very poor countries – the list of issues which extend beyond the remit of industry alone is considerable. The MMSD report, and the process involved in preparing it, provide an opportunity to carry the debate forward in a more constructive way than has ever been possible in the past.

Peter Eggleston, Rio Tinto’s group co-ordinator, sustainable development, said it is recognized that in many respects the MMSD report is a reflection of community perceptions about the industry and its contribution to sustainable development. For this reason alone, it must be taken seriously.

Eggleston is at the forefront of ensuring that at Rio Tinto, there is movement from words to action (see Review No 61). A recent Future Focus conference held in Valencia, California, involving sustainable development practitioners throughout the Group, identified progress on sustainable development as well as gaps. More is needed to integrate sustainable development concepts into core business activities. The focus on sustainable development needs to be sharpened by enunciating some concrete objectives.



Sir Robert added that the mining and metals industry is an essential pillar of economic activity. "I believe the report makes this quite clear. The challenge is to reconcile this fact with society’s growing expectations both socially and environmentally. Much has been done. The industry has the will to contribute positively towards sustainable development. But it cannot do so alone. Many aspects of the process of change will only be possible if others are prepared to work with us with a shared commitment and spirit of co-operation." From identifying no go areas for exploration and mining; securing indigenous peoples’ land rights; and addressing the social consequences of major projects in very poor countries – the list of issues which extend beyond the remit of industry alone is considerable. The MMSD report, and the process involved in preparing it, provide an opportunity to carry the debate forward in a more constructive way than has ever been possible in the past. Peter Eggleston, Rio Tinto’s group co-ordinator, sustainable development, said it is recognized that in many respects the MMSD report is a reflection of community perceptions about the industry and its contribution to sustainable development. For this reason alone, it must be taken seriously. Eggleston is at the forefront of ensuring that at Rio Tinto, there is movement from words to action (see Review No 61). A recent Future Focus conference held in Valencia, California, involving sustainable development practitioners throughout the Group, identified progress on sustainable development as well as gaps. More is needed to integrate sustainable development concepts into core business activities. The focus on sustainable development needs to be sharpened by enunciating some concrete objectives.
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Review is published by Rio Tinto, 6 St James' Square, London SW1Y 4LD, England Telephone +44 (0)20 7930 2399 Editor: Cherry DeGeer