Rio Tinto | Minerals and Metals for the world

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) mines heavy minerals from the sand dunes of the coast north of Durban and smelts ilmenite to produce titanium dioxide feedstock and pig iron, the ingredients of, respectively, paint and special steels. The minerals are mined by suction dredges floating on artificial ponds. The method requires the clearing of virgin bush, which is then replaced after mining with coastal forests similar to the original environment. This is where the birds are.

RBM, 50 per cent owned and managed by Rio Tinto, is an active partner in the Richards Bay Avitourism (short for avian tourism) Programme which trains birding guides and develops hiding places as well as other birding infrastructure such as paths and a visitor centre. As part of the established Zululand birding route, the aim is to attract more visitors to enhance sustainable economic activity among local communities. It was an excellent project for delegates to the Durban conference to see, as the RBM site is located in one of the world's prime birdwatching areas where over 600 species of birds can be observed - among them (for everyone's favourite pun), the mynah bird.

Accompanying the group to see the RBM fly past was John Hall, Rio Tinto's manager of corporate relations, who is responsible for running the Group's partnership programmes. He was a speaker at the conference, where he said partnerships between corporations and NGOs (non government organisations) are critical for the protection of global biodiversity.

He notes that birding provides Rio Tinto with one of its most significant and broad partnerships. Fifty Group sites are involved in some form of birding activity in ways that suit them locally, such as involving community groups and schools.

"Birds are loved by everyone," says Hall. "Around the world, birdwatching enthusiasts number in the millions. The most passionate advocates for conservation and wise use of habitat are those who enjoy birds and their place in nature. They form a catalyst for companies and communities to come together with common goals."



Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) mines heavy minerals from the sand dunes of the coast north of Durban and smelts ilmenite to produce titanium dioxide feedstock and pig iron, the ingredients of, respectively, paint and special steels. The minerals are mined by suction dredges floating on artificial ponds. The method requires the clearing of virgin bush, which is then replaced after mining with coastal forests similar to the original environment. This is where the birds are. RBM, 50 per cent owned and managed by Rio Tinto, is an active partner in the Richards Bay Avitourism (short for avian tourism) Programme which trains birding guides and develops hiding places as well as other birding infrastructure such as paths and a visitor centre. As part of the established Zululand birding route, the aim is to attract more visitors to enhance sustainable economic activity among local communities. It was an excellent project for delegates to the Durban conference to see, as the RBM site is located in one of the world's prime birdwatching areas where over 600 species of birds can be observed - among them (for everyone's favourite pun), the mynah bird. Accompanying the group to see the RBM fly past was John Hall, Rio Tinto's manager of corporate relations, who is responsible for running the Group's partnership programmes. He was a speaker at the conference, where he said partnerships between corporations and NGOs (non government organisations) are critical for the protection of global biodiversity. He notes that birding provides Rio Tinto with one of its most significant and broad partnerships. Fifty Group sites are involved in some form of birding activity in ways that suit them locally, such as involving community groups and schools. "Birds are loved by everyone," says Hall. "Around the world, birdwatching enthusiasts number in the millions. The most passionate advocates for conservation and wise use of habitat are those who enjoy birds and their place in nature. They form a catalyst for companies and communities to come together with common goals."
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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