Rio Tinto is currently the principal supporter of the ASO, a not for profit organisation that conducts Australia's premier science challenge for secondary school students.

By participating in the Australian Science Olympiads students are given the opportunity to represent Australia at the International Biology, Chemistry or Physics Olympiad competitions.

The objective of the partnership is to support and encourage the young scientists and technologists of the future by stimulating the interest of students in science and technology and to promote and reward the pursuit of excellence in scientific endeavour.

The programme also aims to encourage the teaching and understanding of the value of science and technology among the wider community and helps promote the opportunities for a science career in industries such as mining and minerals processing.