The way We work
The way we work is our code of business conduct. It is supported by many policies, standards and procedures which provide more detail about the way we make decisions and how we behave.
The way we work reflects our strong commitment to undertaking our business with integrity and requires us to stick to rigorous standards of corporate governance and contribute to sustainable development.
The way we work does not stand alone. The standards of conduct which it contains are inspired by our core values: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Accountability.
Everyone involved with Oyu Tolgoi is required to know and understand The way we work and our integrity and compliance standards, and apply them to their work every day.
While our mission is to deliver a safe and globally competitive copper business that contributes to the prosperity of Mongolia, The way we work guides us to ensure that we do this in a fair and sustainable way – every day.
Safety and Health
Each of us is responsible for working safely, sticking to our standards and caring for the health and safety of those around us.
We are all responsible for making sure we are fit for work every day. This means not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, being well rested, and being physically and mentally fit to perform our jobs at Rio Tinto.
We expect others we work with, including consultants, agents, contractors and suppliers, to respect and stick to our health and safety requirements.
We have a responsibility to stop and report the work of colleagues if we think they are putting their health and safety – or that of others – at risk.
Employment and Inclusion
We value diversity and offer the same welcome to all employees and partners, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age or sexual orientation.
We believe everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Bullying, intimidation or harassment of any kind is not acceptable in our workplace.
We are committed to meeting local laws and international agreements about workforce labour. We recognise that people have the right to choose whether to belong to a union and to seek to bargain collectively.
We work with governments to share the economic benefits of developing a country’s mineral resources with the communities in which we operate. This includes prioritising local employment and suppliers where we can do so.
Human Rights
We support the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and respect those rights wherever we operate. We are committed to operating consistently with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This means that we need to know what adverse human rights impacts we are causing, contributing to or are directly linked to, and that we manage them.
We expect our suppliers to adhere to the same human rights standards as we do. We reject any form of child labour or slavery, including forced labour. We work hard to ensure that slavery or child labour is not taking place in our business and that our supply chains comply with international standards.
We work with public and private security providers to avoid security arrangements that harm human rights. We limit the use of firearms for the security of our sites as far as possible.
Data Privacy
We only collect and handle the personal information of our colleagues, shareholders, business partners, suppliers, customers and associated family or next of kin when needed for legitimate business purposes. We respect the rights each of us has to review, update and correct our information.
We only share personal data with others when there is a legitimate business or legal need to do so. We ensure that those receiving personal data understand the importance of keeping the data private.
We work with public and private security providers to avoid security arrangements that harm human rights. We limit the use of firearms for the security of our sites as far as possible.
Conflicts of Interest
We use good judgement to avoid situations where there may be, or even appear to be, a conflict of interest.
We report any actual or potential conflict of interest. Where a conflict cannot be avoided we manage it appropriately and transparently, taking advice from other colleagues.
We do not allow ourselves to obtain any undeclared personal advantage through our position or role within Rio Tinto.
Fair Competition
We believe in free and fair competition. We compete ethically and respect all applicable competition and antitrust laws across the globe.
We do not obtain information about our competitors, suppliers or customers illegally, nor communicate false information about our competitors.
When we interact with competitors or potential competitors, we do not share confidential information which may impact how we all compete.
Bribery and Corruption
We do not offer or pay bribes, no matter where we operate, no matter what the situation is, and no matter who is involved. Nor do we allow our agents or intermediaries to do so. Bribery is where someone is persuaded by gifts, payments or other personal favours to behave improperly, to do something that they should not do, or to not do something that they should do. It is also where someone wants a payment, even a small one, to do what they ought to do.
We never accept or take bribes. We do not demand or accept any financial or other favour from anyone else for doing our job, or to persuade us to behave improperly, to breach our duties to Rio Tinto, or as a reward for doing so.
Confidential information and Insider trading
Confidential information includes technical information about products or processes, vendor lists, pricing, marketing or service strategies, non-public financial reports, and information on asset sales, mergers and acquisitions.
We are careful about where and to whom we talk about confidential information, and where and how we store it.
We do not disclose or use any confidential information for personal profit or advantage.
We do not share insider information with anyone else, including our family and friends. We never commit the offence of insider dealing in Rio Tinto or third parties’ securities.
Communities
Our relationships with local and regional communities are a key part of our projects and operations. We recognise and respect the cultures, lifestyles and heritage of our neighbours.
We respect the special connection of local and Indigenous people to land and waters. We seek mutually beneficial arrangements with each community on their engagement with us in the development and performance of our operations.
We operate in a manner consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in those jurisdictions that have signed the Declaration, and elsewhere in accordance with the Declaration’s principles. We strive to achieve the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous communities as described in the 2012 International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 7 and supporting guidance, and consistent with the law.
We work with communities to understand any impacts from our activities, and with the community and other stakeholders to undertake appropriate sustainable development initiatives that reflect community priorities and focus on local and/or regional development.
Governments, international Organizations and civil society
We respect every country’s political processes and do not favour any political party, group or individual. As a company, we do not involve ourselves in party political matters nor do we make any type of payments to political parties or political candidates.
We do not restrict individual rights and freedoms. Employees and contractors may support political parties, candidates or campaigns in their own time and with their own money.
We engage on public policy and legislative issues that affect our business. We contribute relevant information and share our experiences to help in the creation of robust policy, regulation and legislation.
Transparent Communication
We share accurate information about our operations and financial performance with our stakeholders, including media, investors and regulators.
We comply with our market disclosure obligations and share material information that may affect how the market views Rio Tinto.
We are open and honest in our communication, sharing information, insight and advice frequently and constructively, and managing tough situations with courage.
Environment
We understand and mitigate the impacts our activities and products might have on the environment as we plan, build, operate, decommission and close our operations.
We collaborate with the communities in which we operate and continually seek sustainable improvements to product life cycles, biodiversity, carbon and energy management, our use of land, water and air, and closure of our sites to provide us continued access to resources and markets.
Intellectual Property
We protect our intellectual property (including patents, copyright, trademarks and trade secrets) and closely monitor for unauthorised use of our intellectual property by others.
We respect the intellectual property of others, such as our suppliers, customers and competitors, and only use their intellectual property when authorised to do so.
Company Property and Records
We do not obtain, use or divert company property or financial resources for personal (including family) use or benefit, or for any activity that causes a conflict of interest, or is inappropriate or illegal.
We are provided with electronic resources such as email, internet and telephone to help us do our jobs. We can occasionally use these resources for personal reasons if that use does not impact company systems, incur undue costs for the company or interfere with our work duties.
We keep true and accurate records of all financial and nonfinancial company materials in accordance with Group document retention policies from time to time.
We do not alter, destroy or remove company property or company records unless authorised to do so.
