THE IMPORTANCE OF CSR

The mining giant has a strong history of effective and demonstrable corporate community engagement , proving that no matter how big or small – CSR is very much a crucial element across the industry .

“ Our commitment to sustainable development is central to our ambition . We focus on making a positive difference in areas such as stewardship of natural resources , climate change and local employment ,” says the company in its sustainability report .

According to the Minerals Council of Australia , more than 60 per cent of Australia ’ s mining operations neighbour Indigenous communities , however Indigenous employees make up on average only six per cent of the country ’ s mining workforce .

Rio Tinto owns and operates the Weipa bauxite mine in which 24 percent of employees are Indigenous , and 13 percent are local Aboriginal people .

The Weipa ’ s Kinection programme from Rio Tinto is an innovative pre-employment training course designed to equip local Aboriginal people with the skills needed to work in the mining sector .

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