Supporting strong economic foundations: our contribution to Canada’s economy

We understand the lasting impact of our operations, and we aim to contribute meaningfully to the communities wherever we operate. This includes helping to lay strong economic foundations within our operational footprint and, crucially, beyond. From the talent we help develop to the local businesses we work with, we’re proud to be part of Canada’s economic fabric.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our operations in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean this year, I have been reflecting on the vast impact Rio Tinto has had in Canada. From helping to develop the Saguenay region to innovating significant expertise in processing through local talent, we have built a thriving Canadian organisation in partnership with local communities, businesses and individuals who power our operations every day.

As we work to innovate, finding new ways to deliver low-carbon materials essential to the future economy we’re building together, we are proud to lay the foundations for a lasting economic footprint. That commitment is reflected in the nearly US$5 billion we have invested in our Canadian operations in recent years. From expanding our state-of-the-art AP60 aluminium technology in Quebec and modernising critical infrastructure such as our new alumina conveyor in British Columbia, to advancing our lithium business in Quebec, these investments are strengthening Canada's position as a global supplier of the low-carbon and critical materials the world increasingly needs. They also help ensure our operations remain competitive, resilient and well positioned for decades to come.

But the impact extends beyond the investments we make, and will continue to make, into our own operations. Long-term economic value is built not only through jobs and investment, but through strong partnerships with the communities where we operate. That is why we work with local businesses to support regional growth, collaborate with educational institutions to develop future talent and invest through the Rio Tinto Canada Fund in initiatives that strengthen education, Indigenous reconciliation, environmental stewardship and community resilience across the country. Our ambition is not only to operate in Canada, but we are committed to growing alongside our host communities, helping sustain strong local economies today while leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Working with Canadian businesses and suppliers across the value chain

The economic value Rio Tinto creates in Canada is not limited to direct contributions. We are proud to work with Canadian businesses and suppliers across our value chain, buying local wherever we can and spending billions of dollars annually, with most of the procurement in Canada awarded to local and regional businesses.

By sourcing goods and services locally, we help strengthen Canadian supply chains and support businesses of all sizes—from small, specialised firms to long standing industrial partners. These relationships go beyond procurement: they foster collaboration, encourage innovation and help build capabilities that can be applied across projects and sectors. Through long term partnerships grounded in shared standards for safety, performance and sustainability, we create enduring economic value that supports jobs, skills development and resilient regional economies across the country.

Our partnership with Sciages GP is just one example. As we looked to fill a need for wooden skids to transport aluminium ingots from our operations around the world, we turned to Sciages GP, an Indigenous-owned producer of wood products, to meet that need. Our partnership has created 12 permanent, skilled jobs have been created in the community.

The Sciages GP case is just one example of 94 Indigenous suppliers we work with in Canada in 2025, representing approximately C$297.17M spent.

This is a priority for us, and we will continue to leverage procurement as a lever for Canadian economic growth, strengthening our local supply chain through partnerships with local businesses.

Supporting the development of Canadian talent and jobs

We are Canada’s largest mining and metals company, with more than 14,000 workers across our sites to support a future economy built with our critical materials. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are committed to supporting the development of tomorrow’s talent, whether through expertise gained at our site or via partnerships we build with educational institutions.

The recently inaugurated Rio Tinto IOC Research and Innovation Pavillion of the Cégep de Sept-Îles, for example, promotes applied research, training and innovation in sectors that are strategic for the region. This is only the latest step in our years-long partnership with Cégep de Sept-Îles, we’re supporting local youth to develop their talents in industries of the future.

We also look for partners to solve shared challenges through research and knowledge-building. Most recently, we expanded a partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia that will generate regional knowledge critical to the long-term sustainability of the watershed, while informing global water management and climate resilience efforts.
The knowledge, skills and talent developed through these partnerships extend well beyond our operations, advancing innovation that supports our industry, creates value for other businesses and contributes to more sustainable outcomes over the long-term at a global level.

A lasting legacy

Our commitment to leaving a lasting and positive legacy also extends to responsible closure of our operations. At our Diavik diamond mine, where we recently celebrated its final day of production leading into the years-long closure activities, Rio Tinto signed a closure agreement with the Tłı̨chǫ Government after several years of partnership to help sustain the community following our departure.

The closure agreement provides funding for socio-economic mitigation, but also investment commitments in employment, training and business opportunities—grounded in partnership and accountability with Northern and Indigenous communities.

Our responsibility is more than commercial, it is about long-term stewardship rooted in respect.

Looking ahead

Education, a skilled workforce and locally rooted supplier networks aligned with community priorities are foundational to resilient economies. We’re invested in contributing to this resilience, not only by producing materials essential to the economy of tomorrow, but by acting as a long-term partner in Canada’s national development.

By investing in people, partnerships and places, we are committed to creating lasting economic value and growing alongside the communities that have shaped, and continue to shape, our presence in Canada.

Jérôme is our Chief Executive, Aluminium & Lithium