Rio Tinto has launched an interactive map showing detailed information about annual surface water usage across its managed sites across 35 countries.
The database compiles permitted surface water allocation volumes, a site’s annual allocation usage and the associated catchment runoff from the average annual rainfall estimate.
The database also includes five-year historic comparative data and will be updated annually.
The minerals exploration and development business is also looking to incorporate future water and broader environmental disclosures within the platform.
According to the company, the new solution supports its efforts to drive good water stewardship and improve stakeholders disclosure.
It added that the interactive map also supports efforts to reduce permanent impacts on water resources by carefully managing the quality and quantity of the water used and returned to the environment.
The database was made in line with the water reporting guidelines of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Water Stewardship Position Statement, which sets out ICMM members’ approach to water stewardship.
The guidelines include commitments requiring members to implement strong and transparent water governance, manage water operations effectively and collaborate to achieve responsible and sustainable water use.
According to Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm, it is important for the company to carefully manage its water use and increase transparency as water is an “essential resource critical to sustaining biodiversity, people and economic prosperity.”
“This interactive database brings a new level of transparency and will enable us to engage more deeply with our stakeholders, seek their feedback on our disclosure and continue to focus our efforts on becoming better water stewards for today and future generations,” Stausholm added.
The interactive platform and full details of Rio Tinto’s approach to water management are available on the company’s website.
