Case Study: Transformative Technology Revolutionising Rio Tinto’s Security Operations

Global mining leader Rio Tinto uses autonomous vehicles, robotics and advanced analytics to optimise its operations and champion sustainable and safe mining practices. Therefore, it needed a leading security provider that embraces technology as part of its solution to improve security operations.

They chose Wilson Security's integrated reporting and data insights portal, DASH, to enhance the speed, efficiency and accuracy of their security operations.

This collaboration sees a significant step towards embedding proactive security measures in Rio Tinto, which can now harness immediate insights to safeguard its extensive operations across Western Australia.

DASH – an intuitive self-service reporting portal

Developed initially to meet nuanced needs within the defence industry, DASH pulls data from various operational and reporting systems. It then consolidates the information into customisable reporting dashboards to make it simple for organisations to implement and utilise.

DASH places cutting-edge analytics tools in the hands of users best placed to make and record observations. This enables them to efficiently circulate information and develop an operational source of truth.

The growth of next-generation security solutions will demand transparent, consistent information flows between security personnel and their stakeholders. As its rollout continues to expand across industries, DASH has begun to meet this demand.

Partnering with Rio Tinto to create safer, more secure sites

The collaboration between Wilson Security and Rio Tinto represents a substantial leap forward in the latter’s security management. The application of DASH across multiple Rio Tinto sites shows a critical shift towards harnessing state-of-the-art technology for hands-on security measures. 

“Understanding the incident taxonomy, when and where incidents occur in real-time, allows us to allocate resources to the right places at the right times,” says Jon Davison, Principal Advisor, Facilities (Iron Ore) at Rio Tinto. “This contributes to a more strategic approach and allows us to be more proactive in our security response.”

Leveraging DASH’s data, Rio Tinto expanded the behavioural analysis to two more sites, on top of the initial 22, with nearly 100 staff overseeing security operations in diverse locations – from remote villages to airports and gatehouses. Mr Davison notes that DASH has given Rio Tinto new insights into personnel risk and opportunities to enhance operations.

“The data we collect and display in DASH is invaluable. We are building a picture about how people behave, and we can use that information to try to transform our culture.

“The commencement of Wilson Security’s services was a resounding success. The collective hard work was preceded by a safe arrival on-site, backed by generous support from our facilities team and Sodexo’s village managers.”

How DASH benefits businesses

Reduce operational costs

With inflationary pressures placing more emphasis on the need to lower expenditure and maximise profit, organisations like Rio Tinto can use DASH to:

• generate a historical overview of how their facilities are used
• understand what areas can be upgraded
• explore ways to action these insights.

An example of this can be achieving non-security related goals, such as reducing energy consumption.

More efficient exchange of information

DASH empowers teams through advanced data analysis, better reporting accuracy and streamlined operations. Reports and insights are available self-serve rather than being kept to reporting season. This enables continuously well-informed, flexible and data-backed decision-making. 

Improve collaboration

DASH is a platform where collating and communicating key operational findings as a team is pivotal in its successful deployment. Bringing teams together to tackle the same challenges and working to create solutions, supported by DASH’s analytical insights, can create a more cooperative approach to work.

“The whole reason we do any of this is to provide a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone. Whilst security is only a single aspect, it is an important aspect.”

Further innovation in the Wilson Security-Rio Tinto Partnership

The collaboration between Wilson Security and Rio Tinto extends beyond DASH's application and sustainable operation. The integration includes advanced approaches, such as drones for enhanced asset protection and implementing a “See it, Report it” QR code system across all Rio Tinto sites.

A Rio Tinto spokesperson said, “This contract emphasises innovation, from incident reporting via DASH to our trained security officers using drones for site monitoring. All of which provides an additional layer of protection for our assets. Ultimately, it could save us approximately $2.5 million over five years.”

Looking ahead, Wilson Security is poised to push the boundaries further based on the success and insights gained from this collaboration. We’re continuously innovating and tailoring security strategies to meet the dynamic needs of our clients.

Contact our specialist team to explore how Wilson Security's services can be tailored to your security requirements and protect what matters most to you and your business.

Click here to learn more about how Wilson Security is a leader in providing professional security, risk management, training, safety, screening, healthcare, medical, and emergency management services in the resources and infrastructure sectors.

Written by Jaime Kendler-Arnold