16 July 2014
Rio Tinto’s Bunder project has announced a unique driver training programme as part of a skills development plan for its diamond project in Madhya Pradesh.
A special driver training program focussing on light vehicles has commenced with more than half the existing Bunder workforce eligible to apply. The programme, comprising theory and practical training, is being undertaken in partnership with local provider, Maruti driving school.
The driver training program is an integral part of the Bunder project’s skills development plan. A pilot driver training programme for women in the community has already been enthusiastically embraced and is indicative of the Bunder project’s commitment to empowerment, increasing skills and creating new opportunities for local communities.
“Being able to drive light and heavy vehicles is an integral part of a mining operation and we are pleased to be able to offer this programme to the existing workforce. We are taking a long term view here as we strive to empower the local community by initiating skills development that will maximise workforce and community participation”, said Kamal Kant, Director of External Affairs for the Bunder project.
About the Bunder diamond project
The Bunder diamond project was discovered in 2004 by Rio Tinto and in 2010 a State Support Agreement was signed with Government of Madhya Pradesh as an endorsement of the mutual commitment to the development of the project. An Inferred Resource (the first quantifiable estimate of an ore-body) has been defined as 37 million tonnes, containing 27.4 million carats. The Government of Madhya Pradesh gave in principle approval to the issue of a mining lease for the Bunder project via a “Letter of Intent” in January 2012. Rio Tinto is now working on the mine plan, environmental and forestry approvals required to execute a Mining Lease. At least rupees 2200 crore (US$500M) will be required to fully develop the Bunder diamond project. Once developed the Bunder diamond mine is expected to place Madhya Pradesh in the top ten diamond producing regions of the world. www.riotintoindia.com
About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments. Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India. Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating mines is sold through its Diamonds Sales and Marketing office in Antwerp, Belgium with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council.