Finding better ways to find the materials the world needs
Oyu Tolgoi is one of the largest known copper and gold deposits in the world. It is also one of the most modern, safe and sustainable operations in the world
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We think copper is cool for so many reasons: it is tough but malleable, 100% recyclable, corrosion-resistant and its antimicrobial properties can even help keep us safe.
In 2020 our Kennecott mine in Utah, US, and Oyu Tolgoi, in Mongolia, became the world’s first producers to be awarded the Copper Mark – the industry’s independent assurance programme – verifying our copper is responsibly produced.
That means:
Kennecott's and Oyu Tolgoi's copper has been assessed against 32 criteria – based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – across environment, social and governance categories. These include health and safety, emissions, human rights and community development.
With a Copper Mark,our customers can be assured our copper meets the highest environmental and social standards – including a transparent and responsible supply chain.
The Copper Mark is the first and only programme for responsible production in the copper industry. Originally developed by the International Copper Association with input from a broad range of stakeholders including customers, NGOs and producers, the Copper Mark is now an independent entity with a multi-stakeholder council.
And, in case you needed another reason to love our copper:
Like all the materials we produce, our copper is essential for the future. Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity on the planet. Because it can help things work more efficiently, copper will play an important part in the transition to a low-carbon economy. For example, a single 1MW wind turbine uses three tonnes of copper. And electric vehicles have a copper intensity 3-4 times higher than traditional vehicles.
Kennecott's copper:
homes wireable with its copper recycled in 2018
Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity on the planet. Because it can help things work more efficiently, copper will play an important part in the transition to a low-carbon economy. For example, a single 1MW wind turbine uses three tonnes of copper. And electric vehicles have a copper intensity 3-4 times higher than traditional vehicles.
It’s enough to make anyone blush.
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With the exception of the use of cookies (explained below), Rio Tinto generally does not seek to collect personal data through this website. However if you choose to provide personal data to Rio Tinto through this website (for example, by sending us an email), we will process that personal data to answer your query and if relevant, to manage our business relationship with you or your company. We won't process that personal data for other purposes except where required to meet our legal obligations or otherwise as authorised by law and notified to you.
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