Mining giant Rio Tinto released its first sustainable development report for its Bunder diamond project, in Madhya Pradesh, India. Although the project’s commercial diamond production planned to commence around 2016, it has already set up good results in the developing and improving the economic opportunities in the region.

The Bunder project was discovered in 2004 and has been proactive in setting a new benchmark for mine development in India. “As the sustainable development report shows, the Madhya Pradesh region in India presents many challenges but also enormous scope for positive change,” said Nik Senapati, the managing director of Rio Tinto in India. “Already our initiatives in the areas of education, training, employment, health and sustainable agricultural practices are starting to make an impact.”

Social and community development work has been undertaken at various levels, and to begin with it has focused on needs of women and children in the communities surrounding the Bunder project. The significant work Rio Tinto is undertaking to build social capacity attracted the 2010-2011 Sitaram Rungta Social Awareness Award, conferred by the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI).

“Our experience across all our diamond operations has been to provide a legacy of stronger, healthier and environmentally secure communities and Bunder would be no different,” said Tarun Malkani, chief operating officer, India for Rio Tinto's diamonds business. “We recognise that significant obligations are attached to accessing land for mining purposes.”

With the progress of the project, Rio Tinto expects the current employment of 420 people at the mine would double and further increase.