Rio Tinto 50–year shipping milestone at Cape Lambert port in Western Australia

Collaborating for ethical supply chains

We’re working closely with global resources companies to improve human rights across the supply chain.


Last updated: 29 May 2025

 

Before a smartphone is sold, a fridge is plugged in, or a car rolls off the production line, the materials used to make them are mined, processed and transported. This doesn’t involve just one company – it’s an interconnected supply chain of miners, refiners, manufacturers, shippers and many others working across countries and industries to bring everyday products to life.

Most critically, it involves unseen work by workers who play essential roles in making these products, far from the final product’s destination. Their safety, rights and dignity are not always guaranteed. Vulnerable workers can be exposed to exploitation, unsafe conditions and at worst, modern slavery.

According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index, an estimated 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021, including 28 million in forced labour. These are not abstract numbers – they reflect real people, whose lives are shaped by the decisions made along global supply chains.

Large companies have both the responsibility and opportunity to drive change, by choosing who we work with, how we uphold and monitor standards with suppliers and partners, and equipping our people to act. But we can’t solve these challenges alone.

Collaboration is critical. And human rights risks are systemic and shared. That’s why we have joined a group of other global companies who form the Human Rights Resources and Energy Collaborative (HRREC) – a practitioner-led initiative to share lessons, pool knowledge and co-create practical tools.

What started as a small group has grown into a network of over 30 member organisations, spanning mining, energy and resources sectors, whose combined worth is approximately US$1.3 trillion.

HRREC brings together practitioners from sustainability, human rights, legal and procurement – to collectively raise the bar across the sector. HRREC has no joining fee, no administrative teams, and no paid employees – it is facilitated and led entirely by practitioners (under an agreed competition law protocol) who contribute their time and insights to share knowledge and build trust.

By working together rather than in silos, we’re strengthening our ability to identify and address human rights risks – and embedding respect for people at every stage of the value chain.

Committed beyond compliance for accountability

Modern slavery legislation has been introduced in several countries we operate in over the past decade.

And while legislation is a mandatory way to increase corporate accountability and combat forced labour and human trafficking, initiatives like HRREC can help take it much further.

"The insights and experiences shared by fellow HRREC members have been instrumental in helping us address some of our toughest challenges,” Kylie, our Senior Advisor – Human Rights and current co-chair of HRREC, said.

“We leave each session inspired by the innovative work our peers are leading within their organisations."

Kylie, our Senior Advisor – Human Rights and current co-chair of HRREC
Kylie, our Senior Advisor – Human Rights and current co-chair of HRREC
“We leave each session inspired by the innovative work our peers are leading within their organisations."

HRREC works closely with a range of civil society groups, including Walk Free, an international human rights organisation that uses data-driven research, strategic partnerships, and advocacy to accelerate an end to modern slavery in all its forms.

Walk Free plays a vital role in advocating for the people affected by modern slavery in supply chains, providing an important civil society lens to HRREC members, balanced with clear, practical recommendations for continuous business improvement.

“Forced labour is one of the defining human rights issues of our time,” Charlotte Gwynn, Walk Free’s Advisor, Business and Human Rights, said.

Charlotte Gwynn, Advisor, Business and Human Rights, Walk Free
Charlotte Gwynn, Advisor, Business and Human Rights, Walk Free
“Partnering with companies like Rio Tinto and other HRREC members is a unique opportunity to prevent modern slavery. It ensures that all stakeholders contribute to embedding positive practices into complex global supply chains, particularly in high-risk geographies and vulnerable communities.

“Partnering with companies like Rio Tinto and other HRREC members is a unique opportunity to prevent modern slavery. It ensures that all stakeholders contribute to embedding positive practices into complex global supply chains, particularly in high-risk geographies and vulnerable communities.

“Given its reach and influence, Rio Tinto can create ripple effects both within HRREC and more broadly, helping to raise the bar across the sector.”

Since joining HRREC, we’ve worked with Walk Free to develop a Modern Slavery Response and Remedy Framework, which helps companies review and respond to modern slavery or related exploitation in their supply chains or operations.

We’ve also supported developing social auditing guidance for companies and suppliers to promote a “beyond audit” mindset, co-authored a submission to the Australian Government-led review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), and supported an internship program with the University of Western Australia, as well as ongoing training and roundtable initiatives to promote awareness and understanding of modern slavery.

Collaborating to create change

Most of HRREC’s member companies share some of the same suppliers and procure the same products. So pooling resources and working together isn’t just efficient – it’s essential.

“The ability to share learnings and insights has been invaluable,” Cath Bozanich, a founding member of HRREC and Chief Sustainability Officer for Sandfire, said.

Cath Bozanich, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sandfire
Cath Bozanich, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sandfire
“There’s no competitive advantage in this space. We all share the same issues and need to meet the same legislation and stakeholder expectations.

“There’s no competitive advantage in this space. We all share the same issues and need to meet the same legislation and stakeholder expectations.

“By sharing our learnings and working together, we’ll have a better chance of combating modern slavery in the supply chain.”

Consumers can bring powerful change

Consumers today are more informed than ever about how the products they buy are made. Research shows that ethical sourcing isn’t just a niche concern – it’s becoming mainstream.

With increasing access to information, many consumers are actively seeking out brands that demonstrate ethical sourcing and fair treatment of workers – and are willing to pay more for it. Increasingly, they’re putting their money where their values are.

“I genuinely believe most people would pay more or choose a different product if it meant workers weren’t subjected to modern slavery,” Cath said.

HRREC is showing that collaboration doesn’t have to be complex. It starts with practitioners investing the time to work together. While it’s not always easy, it’s worth it for its lasting impact in the fight to end modern slavery.

“I’m encouraged by the momentum we’re seeing, especially around stronger legal standards and increasing commitments from businesses and investors,” Charlotte said.

“More companies are recognising their role in shaping fairer systems. If we can make progress here, it will also help to drive change on other global challenges like poverty, women’s rights, children’s rights and more.”

Learn more about our work supporting human rights and our approach to modern slavery.

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