Foundation for sustainability

Half way through its agreed five year term, the Rio Tinto Foundation for a Sustainable Minerals Industry is providing solid evidence that business and social/environmental performance can be mutually reinforcing, says Anne St John-Hall — companies no longer have to think in terms of trading one off against the other.

The Rio Tinto Foundation for a Sustainable Minerals Industry was established as a partnership with the Australian Government, following agreement in June 2002. It is targeting A$70m (US$54m) of spending, including A$35m (US$27m) in loan funding from the Government.

The Foundation focuses on R&D and innovation. Its main aim is to find sustainable technical solutions for major environmental challenges facing Australian minerals and metals industries and their customers in the Asia Pacific region. Executive director Mike Hollitt explains: “Contributing to sustainable development in the minerals industry is not only about propagating best practices; it is also about developing new technology and new approaches and systems for how we interact with the world, to deliver better social and environmental outcomes.”

This guiding philosophy – of progress through doing things differently – contrasts with approaches to sustainable development that focus on abatement technologies.

The other pivotal element in the Foundation's philosophy reflects directly the Rio Tinto position: that there is no conflict between sustainable development and business. Turning that philosophy into action is made possible largely by the pragmatic culture of the minerals industry in general, and Rio Tinto in particular. “Get on with it and learn from experience” permeates every aspect of the Foundation's activities.