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Rössing and sustainable development

While Rössing has earned a reputation as a responsible company, our goal is to be regarded by all Namibians as the best corporate citizen in the country.

To achieve this goal, Rössing has committed itself to contributing towards sustainable development. This commitment is evident in our current business approach, which aims at making sustainable development an integral component of every aspect of the business.

Rössing’s sustainable development approach is informed by the sustainable development
strategy and policy laid down by Rio Tinto. Its conceptual framework is based on the need for integration and balance of economic, environmental and social aspects in the mainstream business.

The following six central themes are currently in place at Rössing to support the integration of sustainable development into the business:

1. People – The aim of this theme is to ensure Rössing creates an enabling working environment (i.e. a safe, healthy environment which is geared for development of its employees) in order to attract and retain its employees.

2. Communities – By understanding the diversity of the communities within which the company operates, through continuous interactions with these communities, Rössing is able to respond to their concerns and needs to ensure the realisation of one of its strategic goals of being the best corporate citizen in Namibia.

3. Product stewardship – This theme helps to inform Rössing’s understanding on the impact of its product on society by working with relevant customers, suppliers and policy makers.

"If, towards the end of 2008, the concept of sustainable development is no longer seen as something foreign, but is fully embedded in our everyday operations, then I will know we have made a gigantic step in the right direction.”

FRANCES ANDERSON - Manager: Sustainable Development

4. Economic viability – In order to provide the best returns on investment for the shareholders, Rössing should understand the long-term demand for its product as well as its associated cost, proactively identify resource availability, and understand the value creation therein.

5. Environmental and resource stewardship – Ultimately, Rössing aims to be the leader in environmental stewardship. This can be realised when the company correctly understands, appreciates and utilises natural resources, both biotic and abiotic, in a sustainable manner.

6. Corporate governance – Rössing strives to be transparent and proactive in its business operations. Thus, the company has business systems in place which are auditable and these systems form the backbone of good corporate governance.

Rössing cannot successfully implement the above-mentioned themes without the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Therefore, cooperation and consultation with stakeholders have been, and will continue to be, pivotal to Rössing’s activities.