People
Working to increase employment diversity
Pictured:Hail Creek Mine General manager operations Andrew Woodley (left) accepts the Employer of Choice award at the Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
Our approach
As a major employer, we recognise the importance of equal employment opportunity, the benefits of a diverse and motivated workforce, fair and valued treatment of employees and contractors, and the value in attracting, retaining and developing a capable workforce.
We recruit based on skills and experience and are committed to employment diversity and a workplace where the rights of employees are upheld and where their dignity is affirmed, free of intimidation, discrimination or coercion of any kind. Our recruitment strategy supports local employment wherever possible. We have identified four key aspects of recruiting and retaining high potential people:
- Focus on health and safety
- Great workplace relationships
- Benefits for work and lifestyle
- Working at heights
Employees are guided by the Rio Tinto statement of business practices, The way we work. It ensures everyone reflects in their daily work the high standards and values of Rio Tinto, including accountability, fairness, integrity and openness.
Our employment arrangements across the business include a mixture of collective employment agreements and individual arrangements. We recognise everyone's right to choose whether or not they wish to join a union.
Our leadership team is accountable for our performance against the health and safety standards. They are supported by competent and trained personnel at each site whose responsibilities include implementing health systems and monitoring workplace conditions to control exposure to health hazards. Health and safety advisers manage risk registers, conduct personal monitoring for dust, noise, thermal stress and audiometric testing, as well as educate and inform operational teams of health findings and initiatives.
| People snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Contractors | 2083 | |
| Indigenous employees | Direct | 91 |
| Contractors | 9 | |
| Apprentices and trainees | 21 | |
| Apprentices and trainees* | 79 | |
| Graduates and vacation students | 82 | |
*In addition to this, some of our contractors also have trainees based on our sites.


