December 2009 www.riotinto.com The way we work
Our global code of business conduct
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Rio Tinto The way we work
Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a world leader in finding, mining and processing the Earth’s mineral resources.
The Group combines Rio Tinto plc, a public company listed on the London and New York stock exchanges, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
We aim to operate as a seamless organisation that maximises the benefits of standard and shared approaches for every activity.
Dear colleague
The Group’s objective is to maximise total shareholder return by sustainably finding, developing, mining and processing natural resources. Our strategy is to invest in and operate large, long term, cost competitive mines and businesses, driven not by choice of commodity but rather by the quality of each opportunity.
Our reputation stems from our four core values, which define the essence of who we are and who we will be: Accountability, Respect, Teamwork and Integrity.
Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals
(borates, titanium dioxide, salt, talc), and iron ore. Our activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South
America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.
Wherever Rio Tinto operates, the health and safety of our employees, a contribution to sustainable development and conducting business with integrity are key priorities. We work closely with host countries and communities, respecting their laws and customs and ensuring a fair share of benefits and opportunities.
The way we work
Rio Tinto’s reputation for acting responsibly plays a critical role in our success as a business and our ability to generate shareholder value.
These values are expressed through the principles and standards of conduct set out in
The way we work. They define the way we manage the economic, social and environmental challenges of our operations and are important to fulfilling our commitment to contribute to sustainable development.
Actions speak louder than words. The behaviour of each and every one of us will influence how well we perform and how the world views Rio Tinto. The way we work is our conscience.
Our conduct will bring about a success that we can all be proud to share – and one that everyone notices.
By working according to our values we will help sustain long term business success by encouraging more effective relationships and stimulating deeper contributions to our local communities.
Please take time to read and understand The way we work and use it as a continual reference in your work.
Jan du Plessis
Tom Albanese
Chairman
Chief executive
December 2009
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Rio Tinto The way we work
Contents
About The way we work Corporate responsibility and sustainable development
How to use The way we work
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Application of The way we work
Who does it apply to?
Our responsibility
Implementation and compliance
Asking questions and reporting violations
Speak-OUT
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The workplace
Safety
Health
Employment
Drugs and alcohol impairment
Security and business resilience
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Human rights, communities and environment
Human rights
Communities and indigenous peoples
Land access
Environment
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Business integrity
Conflicts of interest
Competition/Antitrust issues
Bribery and corruption
Gifts and entertainment
Fair business practices
International business
Insider trading
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Group assets and information management
Internal controls and Group records
Employee use of Group property
Employee use of electronic resources
Confidential information
Intellectual property
Data privacy
