Rio Tinto announces A$1.2 million three-year AusIMM partnership

Rio Tinto technical professionals are set to benefit from a A$1.2 million three-year partnership formed with peak professional association the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

At a signing ceremony at AusIMM offices in Melbourne yesterday, Rio Tinto confirmed it will invest A$400,000 a year until 2020 to provide employees with extensive professional development and external accreditation opportunities through AusIMM.

Rio Tinto Growth and Innovation group executive Stephen McIntosh said "Rio Tinto is pleased to invest in this partnership with AusIMM to grow Rio Tinto’s critical technical capabilities.

"The agreement will improve industry engagement and inclusion for employees globally and confirm Rio Tinto as a preferred employer for technical professionals."

Around 300 Rio Tinto employees are currently active members of the AusIMM and under the new agreement 500 more employees across the group will be able to take up membership.

One hundred will also be eligible for Chartered Professional status and 50 will have the opportunity to become Fellows of AusIMM.

AusIMM chief executive officer Stephen Durkin said "AusIMM is very excited to be announcing this major corporate partnership with Rio Tinto, one of the world’s great resource companies. AusIMM’s flagship strategy is to be the trusted voice of all resources professionals.

"This landmark global partnership provides an opportunity to further enhance the development of our professionals and help tell the story of the vital work they carry out."

The partnership will also provide Rio Tinto access to future talent through the AusIMM new leaders’ conference and preferential access to the AusIMM scholarship and education endowment fund recipients.

It will build engagement and inclusion with Rio Tinto becoming more involved in the AusIMM Women in Mining national conference ‘Achieve and Inspire’, the AusIMM Women in Mining network and recognition as an AusIMM national diversity partner.

AusIMM currently represents 13,000 people across 100 countries working in the resources industry.

Rio Tinto has a long history of collaboration with the AusIMM including participation in conferences, technical journals and publications, policy development, minerals industry education and interaction with regulators.

Rio Tinto is a signature partner in a programme of events to mark AusIMM’s 125th anniversary this year. It was also the foundation sponsor for the recent AusIMM publication Australian Ore Deposits Monograph, a prestigious industry reference.