Water
Access to water is critical to Rio Tinto's operations. We use water at every stage of our business - exploration, mining, processing, smelting and refining.
Each of our operations has its own set of water challenges. Some are located in water scarce environments where they compete with other water users, while some need to manage surplus water resulting from storms or groundwater. The quality of water is also a concern, as it can affect production or increase operating costs.
Water can have social, environmental and economic values. Communities need clean water for drinking and sanitation but, in many countries, water is either contaminated or insufficient to meet communities' needs. The world is also recognising the importance of good quality water for environmental flows and the value of water as an ecosystem service.
As our businesses have different concerns and challenges regarding water, each implements the strategy in its own way. Water is also closely linked to how we manage other resources and ecosystem services issues such as energy, climate change, and biodiversity.
- Approach
- Value of water
- Engagement
- Results
For our water strategy to succeed, we need good working relationships with those directly or indirectly affected by our businesses. Indigenous and other land owners, potentially affected communities, governments, regulators, international, regional and local non government organisations, investors, the scientific and financial communities, and employees all have interests and concerns to which we must respond. Engagement helps us understand issues and priorities and develop programmes and actions that deal with the things that matter to our stakeholders.
Communities require an adequate supply of clean water. Increasingly, we are working in locations where access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation is an issue for neighbouring communities, particularly in developing countries. Our QMM mineral sands operation in Madagascar is a good example of working with the World Bank and the local water authority to provide a clean water supply to communities.
As water is not an issue for Rio Tinto alone, it is important to work with other businesses and governments on water related policy issues. In Australia, we are supporting the National Water Initiative that is reforming the way water is managed. We are collaborating with other mining companies and the Australian Government to provide information and work on research opportunities for industry water issues. Among the initiatives are the development of industry wide water metrics and best practice guidance on water.
The World Economic Forum invited Rio Tinto to join its Project Board for a major water initiative from 2008-2010. Our participation at the forum is a unique opportunity to participate at a leadership level in the water debate, to learn from other leading companies about their successful approaches, and to enable others to recognise the good work we have already undertaken in water management.
Proposed emissions trading legislation in Australia
- The current Australian Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) legislation disproportionately impacts the coal, aluminium and alumina industries and threatens the viability of low emissions technology development.
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Environmental publications
Water strategy sets the standards
- Ethical Corporation, an independent firm that encourages debate and discussion on responsible business practices, has recognised Rio Tinto’s water strategy as providing a model for other businesses.
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Video
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