Community investment

Our community investment programmes seek to establish and maintain relationships that contribute to communities where our employees live and work. These programmes must be mutually beneficial and deliver long term sustainable benefits.

Australia

Our key Western Australian partnerships and community programmes are outlined below or you can find out more by visiting our dedicated community investment website www.ciwa.riotinto.com. 

We set out to build enduring relationships with our neighbours; characterised by mutual respect, active participations and long-term commitment. Our aim is to make a positive and lasting difference to the communities surrounding our operations.

Wherever we operate, we seek to understand the social, environmental and economic implications of our activities so we can optimise benefits, both for the local community and for the overall economy. We discuss mutual benefits and obligations with local governments and community representatives, and agree on the objectives that will secure long term results.

In Western Australia, Rio Tinto operations span the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid-West, Gascoyne and Perth metropolitan area. State-wide support is provided through the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund and regionally through each of our business units.

Our community investment activities focus on projects that offer long term solutions in key areas surrounding education, health, the environment and culture. By directing our efforts into these priorities, we are able to make an impact on some of the most important issues facing our community. 

As our business grows in 2012 and beyond, we will continue to work in partnership to deliver extensive value to Western Australia.

For more information about our Community investment activities please visit www.ciwa.riotinto.com.

Canada

Our operations in Canada also have a long tradition of community support.

The Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) actively supports a wide range of activities that benefit the communities in which we operate, such as health, social and cultural initiatives. IOC employees care passionately about their local communities, providing their time to keep clubs and volunteer organisations running, undertaking fundraising activities, and participating in group events to raise funds and awareness for causes close to their hearts.

Working directly with the community in an intergal part of IOC's culture. We have been partnering with the communities of Labrador City and Sept-Îles for more than five decades and hope to be around for that many more. We actively participate in many community services including social and recreational centres and palliative care centres.

Simandou

We have invested more than US$45 million in the sustainable development of the regions surrounding our Simandou project to support community development, protection of the environment and public infrastructure.

In nearby villages, Rio Tinto is working with non governmental organisations and other partners to support community programs. This includes health prevention, the creation of local businesses, as well as empowering local authorities and village communities to conduct their own improvement projects in the future.

View images from our communities and operations

Rio Tinto Community Investment

View our reports and publications