Abstract
As part of Rio Tinto’s 2023 mining operations, approximately 977 Mt tonnes of mineral waste was generated, including material that has the potential to be chemically reactive. The identification and management of risks associated with chemically reactive mineral waste, such as acidic drainage, neutral drainage, salinity and sodicity, asbestos and asbestiform minerals, are a key requirement of Rio Tinto’s standards and procedures. The management of these risks is included in Rio Tinto’s environmental risk taxonomy and appropriate guidance provided to the company’s operations. In terms of quality assurance, the operations within Rio Tinto are independently audited. In addition to confirming operational compliance with company guidance, the independent review process identifies opportunities for improvement, with the learnings socialised across Rio Tinto.