Rio Tinto Diamond Project Wins Social Awareness Award

(IDEX Online News) – Rio Tinto has received an award for its significant work in building social capacity in communities surrounding its developing Bunder diamond project in India, the miner reported Monday.

The 2010-2011 Sitaram Rungta Social Awareness Award is conferred by the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI). It recognizes leadership in corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the Indian mining industry, encompassing both social and environmental performance. This is the first time FIMI has granted a Social Awareness Award to a pre-mining project rather than an established mining operation.

The Bunder Project consults with local communities to determine their needs and priorities. With the aid of local and international organizations, such as UNICEF, programs included health and education services, training and employment, sustainable agricultural practices and water resource management.

Bunder Project director Stefanie Loader said “Workshops have been held with women from local villages to discuss a range of topics associated with health, nutrition, childcare and employment, including how flexible working arrangements with Rio Tinto can be a catalyst for women’s employment in the region.

“We have also been instrumental in developing a driver training program for women, working with local schools and in developing a travelling AIDS awareness show. We have a great opportunity here to add real value to these communities.”

Rio Tinto first discovered diamond deposits in the Chhatapur District of Madhya Pradesh in 2004 and subsequent economic viability studies have shown that an open pit mine could operate at a production rate that would place Madhya Pradesh in the top ten diamond producing regions of the world.

FIMI has a membership of around 350 organizations involved in mining and mineral processing. Its annual awards are decided by an esteemed panel of independent judges.