22 December 2011
Rio Tinto and DEC work together for turtles
A renewed two-year partnership between Rio Tinto and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is aiming to ensure the future of turtles nesting on local West Pilbara beaches.
The partnership, which runs until the end of 2013, supports the West Pilbara Turtle Program, bringing together industry, government and the community to monitor marine turtles nesting sites, and increasing community awareness about the importance of these beaches for marine turtle conservation.
Rio Tinto manager Cape Lambert Operations Michael Bailey said the long-standing programme was integral to the sustainability marine turtles regularly inhabiting the area.
"Local Pilbara beaches are known nesting areas for flatback, green and hawksbill turtles and it's important their activity is monitored and their habitat protected, especially throughout the nesting season, which runs from October to February," Mr Bailey said. "Rio Tinto supports raising awareness of turtle nesting and ensuring their environment is protected."
Rio Tinto is committed to sustainable environmental practices and the preservation of flora and fauna, and the Rio Tinto environmental team works closely with DEC to assist in the monitoring of turtles and the coordination of the programme.
Mr Bailey asked that the community be aware of turtles on local beaches.
"It's nesting and hatching season right now and it is important that people don't drive on nesting beaches during this time. Besides disturbing the nests, wheel ruts left in the sand can obstruct turtle hatchlings from making their way to the ocean, reducing their chances of survival," he said.
Should anyone be aware of people driving on beaches during this time, please report them to the DEC on telephone 08 9182 2000 or Rio Tinto on 1800 992 777.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations, Australia / Asia
Gervase Greene
Office: +61 (0) 8 9327 2975
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 098 572
Rebecca Murphy
Office: +61 (0) 8 9143 5397
Mobile: +61 (0) 419 933 631
Website: www.riotinto.com
Email: media.enquiries@riotinto.com enquiries.mediaaustralia@riotinto.com
Twitter: Follow @riotinto on Twitter