Complaints

Rio Tinto Coal Australia provides a process for the local community to discuss any issues relating to our mining operations. Complaints are categorised into blasting, dust, light, noise, low frequency noise, odour and other*.

In 2008, our Queensland operations received four complaints compared to five in 2007. However, the start up of 24-hour construction of Rio Tinto Coal Australia's new Clermont Mine attracted 20 complaints, 14 of which were related to noise. In response to this, a comprehensive 'near neighbour' strategy was developed, which included impact management, proactive engagement, monitoring, reporting and internal communication.

* In 2008, 'low frequency noise' was included in the category 'other'.

Community complaints made to our operations in New South Wales decreased from 82 in 2007 to 73 in 2008. Significantly, complaints relating to dust decreased from 43 in 2007 to 19 in 2008. This decrease was assisted by wetter conditions at the beginning of 2008 and the ongoing improvement of dust management procedures at our New South Wales sites.

Historically, our Queensland operations have received substantially fewer community complaints than our operations in New South Wales. This may be due to the New South Wales sites operating in closer proximity to more densely populated areas.