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We operate in 35 countries where our 60,000 employees are working to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs
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We supply the metals and minerals used to help the world grow and decarbonise
Iron Ore
The primary raw material used to make steel, which is strong, long-lasting and cost-efficient
Lithium
The lightest of all metals, it is a key element needed for low-carbon technologies
Copper
Tough but malleable, corrosion-resistant and recyclable, and an excellent conductor of heat and transmitter of electricity
Bringing to market materials critical to urbanisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Oyu Tolgoi
One of the most modern, safe and sustainable operations in the world
Rincon Project
A long-life, low-cost and low-carbon lithium source
Simandou Project
The world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit
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We’re targeting net zero emissions by 2050
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Our nature-based solutions projects complement the work we're doing to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Enabling ESG transparency
Our START™ initiative tracks traceability and responsible production of Rio Tinto materials.
We aim to deliver superior returns to our shareholders while safeguarding the environment and meeting our obligations to wider society
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Refuelling the mining industry
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How we're working to decarbonise iron ore and steel
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Rio Tinto has today disclosed detailed information on each of its global tailings facilities and published both the company’s Group Procedure and its Standard for ‘Management of tailings and water storage facilities’ at www.riotinto.com/tailings.
Rio Tinto has 100 tailings facilities across 32 sites, and has a further 36 tailings facilities that are closed or under rehabilitation. Of the 100, 21 are upstream construction facilities.
All Rio Tinto managed facilities are subject to three levels of governance and assurance:
All Rio Tinto managed facilities, whether active or inactive, have an external engineer of record or design engineer.
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "I would like to acknowledge the recent tragedy at Minas Gerais in Brazil, and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this truly awful event. The entire industry has a responsibility to do better and Rio Tinto is committed to play its part in any industry response, including an independent expert review.
"In August 2015, Rio Tinto introduced a global Standard for ‘Management of tailings and water storage facilities’ in order to ensure all our managed facilities are operated in accordance with one global standard and any risks are actively managed. This Standard sets out a structured three stage approach, underpinned by Rio Tinto’s safety management system, and an external audit programme.
"In light of this tragic event, Rio Tinto is again reviewing its global standard and, in particular, assessing how we can further strengthen the existing external audit of facilities. We fully support the need for greater transparency which is why today we disclosed detailed information on our tailing facilities and how they are actively managed. We will add to this over time."
Full details of all Rio Tinto tailings and water storage facilities are available at www.riotinto.com/tailings
1 Business Conformance Audits are audits of a business or operation to assess conformance to the Rio Tinto Health, Safety, Environment and Communities (HSEC) performance standards and Management System according to procedures and protocols. 2 The third level of assurance is conducted by Rio Tinto Group Internal Audit who work with external auditors to provide confidence that the systems for risk management, internal controls and governance are adequate and effective.