Rio Tinto provides update on Communities and Social Performance commitments

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto has released its second progress report on Communities and Social Performance (CSP) practices, focusing on feedback from Traditional Owners and actions taken to rebuild relationships with Indigenous peoples. Initiated in September 2021, the report highlights advancements in partnerships, governance, and cultural heritage protection in Western Australia. With 500 CSP professionals now engaged globally, the company aims to enhance transparency and community trust, especially following past controversies related to cultural heritage. Full details can be found in the report available online.

Positive

• Established CSP report strengthens transparency efforts.
• Increased CSP professionals from 250 in 2020 to 500, improving governance.
• Commitment to rebuilding relationships with Traditional Owners and enhancing cultural heritage management.

Negative

• None.

MELBOURNE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has published its second progress report on Communities and Social Performance (CSP) practices, which includes direct feedback from Traditional Owners and details the actions the company has taken to rebuild relationships with Indigenous peoples and external stakeholders.

As part of efforts to increase transparency in its approach to cultural heritage protection, Rio Tinto established the Communities and Social Performance report in September 2021, engaging employees, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to improve the business’ CSP practice and outcomes.

The report details progress made in areas such as Traditional Owner partnerships and agreement modernisation in Western Australia.

It also details the implementation of new CSP organisational structures, standards and practices across the company; improved governance; and increased social expertise within the business, with 500 CSP professionals working on 60 operations in 41 countries (compared to 250 professionals in 2020).

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said “We thank those Traditional Owners who generously shared their constructive feedback and perspectives for this report.

“Listening to and responding to feedback is invaluable as we work to improve our practices. In the two years since the tragic destruction of the rock shelters at Juukan Gorge, we have been changing the way we work in every part of our business. While we have made progress, we know it will take time to rebuild relationships and regain the trust of Traditional Owners and the wider community.

“We remain focused on improving our engagement, and together with the Indigenous peoples of the lands on which we operate, we are committed to ensuring cultural heritage is respected, valued and conserved for future generations.”

This report provides an update on:

• Rio Tinto’s progress against its commitments and internal workplans, external obligations and recommendations, including rebuilding relationships with Traditional Owners.
• The views of the Traditional Owners who work with Rio Tinto in the Pilbara on how successfully these commitments are being met.
• The governance arrangements in place to oversee progress against these actions.
• How Rio Tinto is working to advocate for enhanced sector-wide cultural heritage management.
• Increasing Indigenous leadership, employment and cultural connection within Rio Tinto.

From 2023, Rio Tinto’s CSP progress reports will be integrated into the full year reporting suite published in the first quarter of each year.

The full report is available here: www.riotinto.com/cspreport.

This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Steve Allen, Rio Tinto’s Group Company Secretary.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221006005583/en/

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com

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Category: General

Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What are the key updates in Rio Tinto's Communities and Social Performance report?

The report includes progress on partnerships with Traditional Owners, improved governance, and increased social expertise.

When was the Communities and Social Performance report first established by Rio Tinto?

The initial report was established in September 2021.

How many Communities and Social Performance professionals does Rio Tinto currently employ?

Rio Tinto employs 500 CSP professionals, increased from 250 in 2020.

What is Rio Tinto doing to rebuild relationships with Indigenous peoples?

The company is focusing on transparency, listening to feedback, and enhancing cultural heritage protection.

How will Rio Tinto integrate CSP progress reports moving forward?

From 2023, CSP progress reports will be included in the full year reporting suite published in Q1.