Stakeholder Engagement

Objective: Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal in British Columbia will work with its stakeholders to better understand their interests and take them into account when setting operational priorities.

Rio Tinto Alcan’s commitment to promote economic diversification in its operating area, in collaboration with the business community and other stakeholders – through the appointment of a full-time coordinator of regional industrial development for northwest B.C.

In 2005, Rio Tinto Alcan partnered in the formation of a unique Regional Industrial Development Centre, located in Kitimat. Rio Tinto Alcan coordinator of regional industrial development works with representatives of the Haisla Business Development Corporation and the Kitimat-Terrace Industrial Development Society (KTIDS) and other regional economic development groups. KTIDS was formed in 2005 to promote regional business opportunities.

Rio Tinto Alcan has expanded its communication efforts to continually inform its operating communities, from Kitimat to Vanderhoof on the state of its operations and the modernization project through a series of business update presentations, as well as updates to Rio Tinto Alcan retirees throughout BC.

The series ‘Future Must be Built on Facts’ explains factual information to employees and the public about the rationale for Rio Tinto Alcan’s long-standing practice of power sales.

Stakeholder engagement in the Watershed area is a primary forum to seek balanced outcomes with respect to the management of the Nechako Reservoir. Rio Tinto Alcan engages with diverse stakeholders, such as:

• The Nechako Watershed Council (NWC)
• The Province of British Columbia and the Nechako Enhancement Society about its long-term plan for the Cold Water Release Facility at the Kenney Dam.
• The Regional District of Bulkley Nechako and its commissioning of an economic study in 2005, which also addresses the District’s long-standing concern regarding a revenue shortfall.