Our approach to exploration

Rio Tinto’s exploration teams are committed to practicing their activities in line with Rio Tinto’s commitment to making a net positive impact on biodiversity across its operations.

When exploration starts, two responsibilities must be addressed. First it’s essential to identify where is unacceptable to explore or consider mining. Second, everyone must understand what is at stake. To prevent unacceptable impact on biodiversity, the appropriate level of surveys and consultation and involvement with local communities must accompany every new land use project. Our aim is to develop understanding of local sensitivities associated with exploration in the project area as soon as possible.

Mining has significant potential to affect biodiversity adversely, if insufficient attention is given to it in the allocation of mine concessions, the conduct of exploration, or the implementation of operations. This is especially true of regions where mineralization coincides with remote areas that are largely inaccessible. Communities often rely on the land to grow crops, feed their livestock, and use river water to cook and drink.