Managing director's message

I am delighted to present Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s 2008 sustainable development report, which details our achievements and results throughout the past year.

In 2008 there were no critical environmental incidents, or incidents with regulatory fines or penalties recorded at any of our mines.

Last year brought many highs and lows to Rio Tinto Coal Australia - our best safety performance in six years, record coal prices, record annual coal production at Hail Creek Mine, remarkable teamwork shown by our workforce in the quick recovery from the Queensland floods, and numerous award wins and accolades for our business.

However, to ensure that our approach to sustainable development is not impacted by these or other distractions, we have a commitment to integrate sustainable development into everything we do, from high level business planning to everyday tasks. It is something we take very seriously, and as a result we voluntarily set ourselves stretch targets – in addition to our statutory requirements.

The global economic climate is certainly bringing new challenges to all businesses in 2009, and environment and sustainable development are no exception. Due to this uncertainty we are currently not in a position to set meaningful 2009 targets.

I hope you enjoy reading this report. As always, throughout 2009 stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on our sustainable development reporting through our community consultative committees, and on our website you can also visit an online feedback section.

Bill Champion

Managing director