Oxides of sulphur (SOx)
In 2005, total SOx emissions were 79,162 tonnes, a four per cent decrease from 2004. Ninety eight per cent of the SOx emissions were from stationary sources and two per cent from mobile sources.
SOx emissions by product in 2005
Nine operations contribute 97 per cent of Group emissions, six of which are involved in aluminium or copper smelting. Palabora remains the largest contributor to the Group's SOx emissions, contributing 41 per cent of total emissions. Boyne Smelters, Sorel-Tracy and IOC's Carol Project account for a further 34 per cent of total emissions.
In 2005, the equivalent of approximately 810,000 tonnes of SOx was captured by the Group, representing an overall capture rate of 91 per cent. The capture rate (per cent capture) is the proportion of sulphur input to stationary sources that is not emitted to the atmosphere. This capture rate has remained relatively constant since 2001.
SOx emissions per unit of product from Rio Tinto activities from 2001 – 2005
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