ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY HEADLINESEnvironment and Sustainability
Rio Tinto Wins Nedbank Green Mining Award
Oct. 30, 2009 Rio Tinto's QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) in Madagascar has won the 2009 Nedbank Environmental Award, which honors a company that has made a significant effort in terms of protecting or improving the biophysical environment in which it operates. QMM was recognized, according to Rio Tinto, for its groundbreaking work and commitment in environment and biodiversity, especially its net positive impact.
"We are pleased that QMM has been recognized for protecting and conserving the unique biodiversity of the mining sites and other related infrastructures and for building capacity for better use of the natural resources,” said Manon Vincelette, head of Community Affairs, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development at QMM.
"Active engagement with local, national, and international stakeholders has been fundamental to the success of the project,” he continued. “We engaged extensively with aid agencies and international institutions to build capability in the areas of communities, education, and health. QMM also worked with numerous specialist environmental organizations researching the region's biodiversity.”
QMM's biodiversity program includes identifying opportunities to enhance biodiversity conservation and promote fast-growing plantations for community use, biodiversity conservation, rehabilitation, and dune stabilization. It also seeks to restore the natural ecosystems and to rehabilitate the land.
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Ltd, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminum, 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 North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe, and southern Africa.