Rio Tinto recognizes that a sincere commitment to its stakeholders is a crucial element to its success at La Granja. The development of lasting working relationships with those who are or will be affected by, or have an interest in, our activities is essential to our future operations.

In this respect, Rio Tinto has made a strategic commitment to sustainable development, as we believe that acting responsibly will result in long-term business benefits.  Among these advantages, is an enhanced reputation that enables access to land, capital and people. These are some of the business reasons for making a responsible contribution to sustainable development.

Rio Tinto - La Granja is surrounded by five communities that are in our direct area of influence: La Granja, situated at 7 minutes away from the La Granja camp, Paraguay at 30 minutes, La Pampa at 15, El Sauce at 20 and La Iraca wich is 10 minutes away. Additionally, the Proyect maintains communications and good relations with several other communities which we also consider to be in our general area of influence.

We regularly meet with the communities in the direct area of influence of the La Granja project. We inform them of our plans and advances and listen to their suggestions and comments about the project. The feedback collected is then, insofar as possible, incorporated into our Social Responsability Plan, wich guids our actions with the communities.

Our Social Responsibility Plan responds to the reality of the communities within our direct area of influence. It is important that we listen and learn from the surrounding communities.

Situation prior to the start of the Proyect (2006):

Since its arrival to the area, the Rio Tinto-La Granja team has pursued a close relationship with the communities in the area of direct influence of the project, their authorities, and the representatives of civil society. We informed the local population of our business policies and practices, which meet the highest international standards andare based on our core values of fairness, equity and openness.

Wherever Rio Tinto operates, we seek to understand the social, environmental and economic implications of our activities for the local communities, as well as the overall economy.

Before beginning our exploration activities, we were already planning and working together with the local communities to execute projects aimed at promoting sustainable development.

Social Responsability Objectives:

Rio Tinto seeks to develop La Granja in a manner that will maximize opportunities for local development. As a result: 

• We are giving priority to providing support aimed at improving the health and education of all the population - men and women, adults, youth, and children.
• We are promoting the development of existing and new skills and capabilities of the local population, which will permit the local population to recognize that their future is primarily in their own hands and get them to assume responsibility for realizing their personal aspirations. As a part of this process, they must understand that their aspirations imply certain obligations - particularly with regards to their families. 
• Each project that is carried out involves our commitment of available resources and significant and responsible participation on the part of the communities, which includes the sharing of responsibility for the success of the initiative. 
• We promote local employment and self-employment, not only in accordance with the Project's needs and existing skills and capabilities, but also aimed at addressing new markets and developing new capabilities.

Our programmes are the result of rigorous consultation and research.