Rio Tinto will expand its safe production system beyond five pilot sites aiming at improving targeted bottlenecks, according to the company’s quarterly report.
In October, the company announced the deployment of the Rio Tinto Safe Production System (RTSPS) at five pilot sites, focussing on sustainably unlocking capacity across the system.
Rio Tinto has a significantly larger programme planned for 2022, subject to COVID-19 constraints, with the RTSPS rollout of up to 30 deployments at 15 sites as well as up to 80 rapid improvement projects
“We are seeing some initial positive results from the implementation of the Rio Tinto Safe Production System, which we will significantly ramp up in 2022, as we continue to work hard to improve our operational performance to become the best operator,” Rio Tinto chief executive officer Jakob Stausholm said.
The company has also recorded its third consecutive year with no fatalities across its managed operations, despite the heightened safety risks COVID-19 has brought to day-to-day processes.
The company is working hard with its partners to achieve the same results at the non-managed assets and marine operations.
“In 2021 we continued to experience strong demand for our products while operating conditions remained challenging, including due to prolonged COVID-19 disruptions,” Stausholm said.
“Despite this, we progressed a number of our projects, including the Pilbara replacement mines, underlining the resilience of the business and the commitment and flexibility of our people, communities and host governments.”
Rio Tinto has become a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, which comprises global sustainability leaders as identified by S&P Global, representing the top 10 per cent of the largest 2500 companies in the S&P Global broad market index based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions.
In October, the company also announced a partnership with BHP and Fortescue Metals Group to fund innovative, industry-first learning programmes as part of a continued commitment towards mining sector workplaces that are free from sexual harassment, bullying and racism.
“In the fourth quarter we set a new direction for the company and announced a number of partnerships focused on decarbonising the value chain for our products, including green steel,” Stausholm said.
“These actions will ensure we continue to deliver attractive returns to shareholders, invest in sustaining and growing our portfolio, and progress our ambition to net-zero carbon emissions.”