Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs
Our business
We operate in 35 countries where our 60,000+ employees are working to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs
Our purpose in action
Continuous improvement and innovation are part of our DNA
Innovation
The need for innovation is greater than ever
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
Simandou Project
The world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit
Western Australia
While iron ore is central to our operations in WA, we have a diverse presence across the state, from salt, lithium, our diamond legacy and our promising copper-gold project
Providing materials the world needs in a responsible way
Climate Change
We’re targeting net zero emissions by 2050
Nature solutions
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
Possible Glencore combination
Rio Tinto and Glencore have been engaging in preliminary discussions about a possible combination of some or all of their businesses
Get the latest news, stories and updates
Things You Can't Live Without
Our podcast discussing what needs to happen to create a sustainable future for the everyday items we have come to rely on
Refuelling the mining industry
How can we power the world’s biggest machines with new fuel solutions?
Forging a low-carbon future
How we're working to decarbonise iron ore and steel
Discover more about life at Rio Tinto
Graduates and interns
If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it
In-house consulting
Discover how our in-house consultancy team, PACE, offers a unique opportunity to help shape Rio Tinto from the inside
Available jobs
Join our team
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Rio Tinto has energized a new 25-megawatt solar plant at its Kennecott copper operations in Utah, showcasing a circular critical-minerals supply chain in which tellurium produced at the site is used to manufacture the panels now powering it. Together with the 5MW solar plant completed in 2023, Kennecott now has 30MW of solar capacity—enough to power approximately 1,026 average American homes annually and reduce Kennecott’s Scope 2 emissions by about 6% (20,000 tonnes CO₂e). This is equivalent to removing 4,400 cars from the road each year.Construction of the 25MW plant began in October 2024 in partnership with Bechtel, was completed and commissioned in October last year, and energized in December. The new solar array includes over 71,000 panels, containing tellurium produced at Kennecott, a critical mineral for solar technology. Kennecott began producing tellurium in 2022 as a byproduct of copper refining, making it one of only two U.S. producers of this critical mineral. Tellurium from Kennecott is converted into thin-film semiconductor materials by 5N Plus Inc. in Canada and then supplied primarily to First Solar for the manufacturing of the photovoltaic panels now installed at Kennecott, keeping the entire tellurium supply chain in North America. Nate Foster, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Kennecott, said: “This new solar plant is more than a source of renewable power for our operations; it’s a demonstration of circularity and supply chain resilience. By mining copper and tellurium, both classified as critical minerals in the United States, here at Kennecott and using that tellurium in the panels powering our site, we’re proving how domestic critical minerals support renewable energy manufacturing. This approach strengthens North America’s supply chain for essential resources, supports national energy security, and reinforces our commitment to a low-carbon future.”Scott Austin, General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power at Bechtel, said: “Working closely with Rio Tinto, Bechtel is proud to have delivered this project two months ahead of schedule while supporting 200 local jobs, helping bring renewable energy to the mine. We look forward to future projects together.”Gervais Jacques, Chief Executive Officer of 5N Plus, said: “Our partnership with Rio Tinto helps deliver industry-leading products that support the clean energy transition and advance national energy security. At a time when the security of critical minerals supply chains is under intense scrutiny, we’re pleased to reinforce our position as a trusted partner to deliver the advanced materials this critical and growing sector depends on.”
Note to editorsCopper and tellurium are both classified as critical minerals in the United States, underscoring their importance to clean energy technologies and national supply chain security. Kennecott produces both minerals and operates one of only two copper smelters in the U.S., reinforcing its role as a strategic supplier for the energy transition. Kennecott is also one of only two U.S. producers of tellurium, a key component in photovoltaic solar panels, further strengthening its contribution to domestic renewable energy manufacturing.
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Media Relations, US & Latin AmericaJesse Riseborough M +1 202 394 9480
riotinto.com
Category: Kennecott