Weipa

Rio Tinto Aluminium in Weipa recognises its responsibilities to the unique environment and communities of the Western Cape that are impacted by its operations. Rio Tinto Aluminium Weipa is comprehensively involved in a number of projects to promote education, training, employment and a diversity of industry in the Western Cape region. The business supports partnerships that promote community growth and sustainability.

At Rio Tinto Aluminium Weipa we work with the community by establishing and maintaining relationships that contribute positively to the quality of life where we live and work. In recent years, we have worked with teachers and students at the Western Cape College to improve the transition for students from school to full time employment. Rio Tinto Aluminium Weipa employees visit the College throughout the year to give careers talks to students and provide information about career opportunities in the mining industry.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Weipa has a three year partnership with Mapoon Council in place, providing five employees with the opportunity to take part in the Cape York Turtle Rescue programme at Camp Chivaree each year. This partnership supports local tourism ventures, provides our employees with a cultural and environmental experience and allows us to share safety advice with camp organisers.

In 2006 our leaders hosted a sustainability meeting with community leaders to identify the highest priority projects for the Western Cape. The meeting helped determine how local organisations can work together to deliver outcomes for the region. This meeting was the first of its kind and delivered significant improvements in our business relationships and understanding of the region's needs.

Recognising the importance of Indigenous art from Cape York has been a fundamental part of Rio Tinto Aluminium's ongoing relationship with the Traditional Owners from Western Cape York in Queensland. In 2003 the Queensland Art Gallery with support from Rio Tinto Aluminium developed Australia's first major exhibition of Aboriginal art from Cape York. Known as Story Place, the exhibition explored historical and contemporary art from throughout the region. In 2006 Rio Tinto Aluminium joined other key sponsors to participate in a special project acknowledging the role of Aboriginal people in the initial contact with Dutch explorers 400 years ago. The result from the project was a limited edition portfolio of original prints from the artists. These prints are available for purchase from the Australian Print Workshop.