Business integrity

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of business integrity, building from a foundation of compliance with The way we work, our global code of business conduct and our core values: Accountability, Respect, Teamwork and Integrity. We promote the rule of law and our own high standards wherever we are in the world.

Conflicts of interest

We avoid conflicts of interest between personal and business interests and it is important that even the appearance of a conflict of interest be avoided. We disclose any material transaction or relationship that might be expected to give rise to such a conflict, immediately upon becoming aware of the conflict of interest. See our Business integrity (anti-corruption) standard and The way we buy, Rio Tinto's statement of procurement practice.

Competition / Antitrust issues

We support free and fair competition, and comply with competition and antitrust laws and regulations in all the countries in which we operate. See our Antitrust standard and guidance note.

Bribery and corruption

We prohibit bribery and corruption in all forms. We do not offer, promise, give, demand or accept any bribe or other undue advantage, whether directly or indirectly, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or to secure any other improper advantage in the conduct of business. Our businesses are encouraged to consider and address risks related to bribery and corruption concerns when undertaking a structured compliance risk analysis across all their activities. See our Business integrity (anti-corruption) standard and our Antibribery due diligence standard.

We continue to support Transparency International, a global civil society organisation leading the fight against bribery and corruption. We were one of the original corporate members of the joint business and civil society steering committee which, under the chairmanship of Transparency International, drafted the Business Principles for Countering Bribery.

Gifts, entertainment, travel and per diem reimbursements

We do not allow gifts, entertainment, travel and per diem reimbursements to be given and received as a reward or encouragement for preferential treatment. See our Business integrity (anti-corruption) standard.

Fair business practices

It is our policy to carry out our business fairly and with integrity. In our dealings with customers, we must be clear, concise and fair. We must fairly compare our products, services or employees to those of our competitors, where comparisons are permitted by law, and also ensure our products meet all relevant legal standards for health and safety. See The way we work.

In procurement, we expect to participate in a fair and competitive marketplace. We require our suppliers to maintain their own policies that support fair competition and integrity, require adherence to laws, standards and regulations and prohibit giving or receiving bribes, with a process for assuring compliance. See The way we buy, Rio Tinto's statement of procurement practice.

International business

We operate on a global basis and are therefore subject to national and local laws, regulations and risks that vary from one country to another. See The way we work, our Risk policy and standard, and our Antibribery due diligence standard.

Insider trading

We have rules that restrict the dealing in Rio Tinto securities by directors and employees with "inside information", ie non public information that would influence the price or trade of securities, and prohibit disclosure of such information to family, friends, and any other people. See our Corporate governance policy and standard and our Rules for dealing in Rio Tinto securities.

Political involvement

We do not, directly or indirectly, participate in party politics nor make payment to political parties or individual politicians.

We communicate views to governments and others on matters affecting our business interests and those of our shareholders, employees, and others involved in our activities. By furthering public dialogue, we contribute to the development of sound legislation and regulation that is relevant and appropriate to our business interests.

Nothing in our policy seeks to restrict individuals, acting in their personal capacity as citizens, from participating in the political process, and where the participation does not involve Rio Tinto funds, assets, resources, time or personnel. See our Business integrity (anti-corruption) standard.

Transparency

Rio Tinto is committed, in principle and in practice, to maximum transparency, consistent with good governance and commercial confidentiality. We issue information in a timely way on the Group's operational, financial and sustainable development performance through a number of channels including our Annual report. We seek and welcome constructive criticism.

We have a Group wide, internal "whistleblowing" programme called Speak-OUT where employees can report, subject to local law, concerns about any aspect of the business, or behaviour of individuals, including suspicion of violations of financial reporting or environmental procedures.

We also work with external groups to further our commitment to transparency. Since its launch in 2002, we have supported the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), to strengthen governance by improving transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. A summary of the taxes and royalties we paid can be found in the Economic prosperity section.