New publication highlights the commitment to sustainable development at Rio Tinto’s diamond project in India
5 July 2012
Rio Tinto today released the first sustainable development report for its most advanced diamond project, the Bunder project, in Madhya Pradesh.
From the time of discovery in 2004, the Bunder project has been proactive in setting a new benchmark for mine development in India. With commercial diamond production planned to commence around 2016, the Bunder project will have spent some 12 years working with local communities to determine how the developing project can improve economic opportunities and quality of life in this region of India.
Dr Nik Senapati, Managing director of Rio Tinto in India, said, “As the sustainable development report shows, the Madhya Pradesh region in India presents many challenges but also enormous scope for positive change. Already our initiatives in the areas of education, training, employment, health and sustainable agricultural practices are starting to make an impact.”
Social and community development work has been undertaken at a range of levels and across a range of issues, initially focusing on the needs of women and children in the communities surrounding the Bunder project. The significant work Rio Tinto is undertaking to build social capacity attracted the 2010-2011 Sitaram Rungta Social Awareness Award, conferred by the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI).
Mr Tarun Malkani, Chief operating officer, India for Rio Tinto's diamonds business commented, “Our experience across all our diamond operations has been to provide a legacy of stronger, healthier and environmentally secure communities and Bunder would be no different. We recognise that significant obligations are attached to accessing land for mining purposes.”
The Bunder project currently employs around 420 people, of which some 80% are from Madhya Pradesh. This figure will likely double during the construction phase. Over time hundreds of other jobs will be required to provide the necessary goods and services to support a mine, with additional job creation in India’s diamond processing industries.
About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 per cent interest in the Bunder project in India.
Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
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