Rio Tinto is First Miner to Achieve RJC Certification

(IDEX Online News) – Rio Tinto, a leading diamond and gold miner and a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), is the first mining company to achieve RJC certification.

The certification covers Rio Tinto’s Diavik, Argyle and Murowa diamond mines and Kennecott Utah Copper, which produces gold and silver used in the jewelry industry.

Rio Tinto’s Bunder diamond project in India and Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia have not been included in the audit because they are not yet in commercial production and don’t supply the jewelry industry, RJC stated.

Rio Tinto has however committed to the RJC that both projects are being developed in accordance with the RJC’s Code of Practice.

“We support stakeholders’ demands for greater transparency and appreciate that people want to know that the jewellery they buy has been mined responsibly and ethically," said Harry Kenyon-Slaney, Rio Tinto’s chief executive, Diamonds and Minerals.

"As a founding member of the RJC, Rio Tinto is proud that our commitment to sustainability, integrity and environmental stewardship has been recognized and that we are the first mining company to receive this recognition from the RJC.” 

"Rio Tinto currently occupies a unique position within the international mining industry of being the only certified gold and diamond miner,” said RJC CEO Michael Rae.