Another step closer: Rio Tinto concludes first round of SEIA Stakeholder Engagement Process

Rio Tinto, through its subsidiary Simfer S.A, has concluded the first round of public workshops of the stakeholder engagement consultation process for the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA), in relation to the Simandou Project.

The purpose of these consultations was to identify the effects the project may have on communities and the environment, so that the final design of the project can be tailored to maximise positive impacts and minimise adverse impacts. They also provided an opportunity for local stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the Simandou project and its potential opportunities for their towns and villages. Also, the sessions allowed for Rio Tinto to listen to the communities' expectations of the project and Rio Tinto. Other rounds of SEIA meetings and consultations are going to be held in the future to allow stakeholders to voice their concerns and provide solutions to improving their livelihoods and minimizing negative impacts on the socio economic situation and environment.

More than 2,500 people attended the consultations, held over September and October, in relevant prefectures along the future railway alignment. Participants around the mine demonstrated a good understanding of Rio Tinto and the nature of the Simandou Project, with discussions ranging from local employment and vocational training opportunities to local procurement, health and safety, resettlement and compensation.

Graham Davidson, Managing Director, Simfer, said, "I am delighted with the outcome of this first round of consultations. Simandou is a unique project, which requires strong partnerships at every level. It is clear that there is overall strong support for the project among our local stakeholders and communities. There is a particular interest in local development opportunities and the company is placing great emphasis on these important areas going forward."

All participants showed a great interest in the meeting and their principles interests were on the protection of the environment alongside the rail, at sea for fishermen; and the likely route of the railway.
Subsequent rounds of consultations will be held over the coming months, with the objective of responding to queries and to provide information and feedback on the main Project components. Further consultations will be held with vulnerable groups to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard in the process.

The SEIA report is expected to be completed and submitted to the Government for review and approval in 2012. It will then be made available for public comment and its findings disseminated to affected communities.

Notes to editors

Simandou is a world class iron-ore mining project operated by Rio Tinto that will include joint venture partners, the Government of Guinea, the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of World Bank Group. The project is located in the south-east of Guinea and will comprise of a mine, approximately 650 km Trans-Guinean railway, and a deep water port south of Conakry. After a five year ramp up, the project will export up to 95 million tonnes per year. The first shipment of ore is expected by mid-2015.

About Rio Tinto

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 Limited, 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) 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.

Press release_ Rio Tinto concludes first round of SEIA [PDF: 1.7 MB]