13th Sep 2007 14:56
Rio Tinto PLC13 September 2007 Rio Tinto to join FTSE4Good Index Rio Tinto is to join the FTSE4Good index, which measures the performance ofcompanies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards andfacilitates investment in those companies. Rio Tinto has been included in the index for the first time as the FTSE4Goodpolicy committee has developed its methodology to include companies involved inthe production of uranium, setting stringent criteria covering environmentalimpact and management, health and safety, community and employee responsibilityand product stewardship. By meeting all these criteria in addition to all the other qualifications forthe index, Rio Tinto has become eligible for membership of FTSE4Good. Rio Tinto has maintained membership of the Dow Jones Sustainability World indexsince its inception in 1999 and has for a long time been an active member of theWorld Business Council for Sustainable Development and the International Councilon Mining and Metals (ICMM), whose members are committed to superior businesspractices in sustainable development. "Operating sustainably is at the very heart of what we do, it is essential toour license to operate and central to our mission to deliver value to ourshareholders and stakeholders," said Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese. "Iam delighted that this has been reflected by our inclusion in the FTSE4Goodindex." "At Rio Tinto, our approach to sustainable development is embedded through alllevels of our organisation and, at all our operations, we try to minimise theadverse effects of our activities and strive constantly to improve every aspectof our performance. Wherever we operate, we hold the health and safety of ouremployees and the environment as a core value." "Nuclear energy offers a clean, low carbon, stable source of energy for heat,light and power. Rio Tinto is committed to developing our uranium business in asustainable and responsible way. Admission to the index indicates that Rio Tintohas met both the uranium mining and climate change criteria in full, in additionto the standards already applying to high environmental impact companies andhigh human rights global resource sector impact companies." About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK,combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, whichis listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Majorproducts are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold,industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and NorthAmerica with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southernAfrica. The Group's objective is to maximize the overall long term return toshareholders through a strategy of investing in large, cost competitive mines,driven by the quality of each opportunity, not the choice of commodity. Wherever Rio Tinto operates, the health and safety of its employees is the firstpriority. The Group seeks to contribute to sustainable development. It works asclosely as possible with host countries and communities, respecting their lawsand customs and ensuring a fair share of benefits and opportunities. About FTSE4Good & the entry criteria The FTSE4Good Index Series has been designed to measure the performance ofcompanies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards, andto facilitate investment in those companies. Criteria are developed using an extensive market consultation process and areapproved by an independent committee of experts. A broad range of stakeholdershelp shape the criteria, including NGOs, governmental bodies, consultants,academics, the investment community and the corporate sector. To remain consistent with market expectations and developments in CSR practice,the inclusion criteria are revised regularly. Since launch this has included tougher environmental and human rights criteriaas well as new supply chain labour standards and countering briberyrequirements. FTSE then engages with companies to ensure that they understandthe new requirements. Those not meeting the standards are deleted from the indexseries. The criteria have been designed to help investors minimise social, environmentaland ethical risks. Companies with the largest risks and impacts have to meetmore challenging requirements. Over the last year criteria for uranium mining and climate change have beenreleased. Today's successful result indicates that Rio Tinto has met both theuranium mining and climate change criteria in full in addition to the standardscurrently applying to high environmental impact companies and high impact(global resource sector) human rights companies. Copies of these criteria can be found at: http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/Downloads/FTSE4Good_Factsheet.pdf http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/Downloads/FTSE4Good_Inclusion_Criteria_Brochure_Feb_06.pdf http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/Downloads/Uranium_mining_criteria_v2_web_upload_Apr_06.pdf For further information, please contact: Media Relations, London Media Relations, Australia Christina Mills Ian Head Office: +44 (0) 20 8080 1306 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620 Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101 Nick Cobban Amanda Buckley Office: +44 (0) 20 8080 1305 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3627 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 Mobile: +61 (0) 419 801 349 Investor Relations, London Investor Relations, Australia Nigel Jones Dave Skinner Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2401 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628 Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227 365 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309 Investor Relations, North America David Ovington Jason Combes Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2326 Office: +1 (0) 801 685 4535 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978 Mobile: +1 (0) 801 558 2645 Email: [email protected] Website: www.riotinto.com High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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