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
Rincon Project
A long-life, low-cost and low-carbon lithium source
Simandou Project
The world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit
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
Reports 2024
Download our 2024 suite of reports, including our 2024 Taxes and Royalties Paid Report, detailing $8.4 billion of taxes and royalties paid globally during the year
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 students
If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it
Empowering families with flexibility
Supporting new parents of any gender with equal access to parental leave
Available jobs
Join our team
Scientists at our Critical Minerals and Technology Centre in Sorel-Tracy, Canada, have developed a new kind of steel powder for 3D printing.
It’s called water atomised steel powder, and it’s made by spraying liquid metal through a special nozzle at high pressure, transforming it into tiny particles – much smaller than a grain of sand. The metal powder delivers mechanical properties superior to conventional metal manufacturing techniques – from the shapes you can create to a lighter-weight finished product – and can be used across many industries.
And because it’s made using North America’s largest water atomiser, we can make the powder at the volume needed for industrial use.
Now the team are working on a range of other powders with specialist properties to support customers’ different 3D printing needs.
More
Our water atomised powder means 3D printing can be used in more ways – such as for spare parts or smaller scale production – and is accessible to more customers.
And it’s tried and tested by experts. We worked with KSB, one of the world's leading manufacturers of pumps and valves and a pioneer in industrial additive manufacturing, to test the new powder in 3D printing applications.
Here are some of the benefits of 3D printing using metal powders like ours:
If you are based in a remote location and need a spare part, with a 3D printer and the right powder, you can make any parts you need on-site.
Printing your own part is much quicker – and more sustainable – than ordering it from a supplier and waiting for it to be shipped. In many cases you may not be able to order just one part, and so then you need to store the extra parts in a warehouse. That costs time and money.
3D printing is an additive process, meaning it builds things by adding layer upon layer of material until it’s completed. So, you only ever use what you need. Conventional manufacturing techniques – like machining, where parts are cut out – leave leftover metal.
Because you’re printing it yourself, you can make the part exactly as you need it. You’re able to create prototypes quickly, without first manufacturing multiple moulds. And you can print complex and intricate designs – even with moving parts – in one go, with no assembly needed.
We’re supplying Amaero, a leader in metal additive manufacturing, with a specialised aluminium-scandium alloy to create a 3D powder for use in industries like aerospace and defence. The alloy – made from our responsibly produced, low-carbon aluminium and our high purity scandium oxide – is lightweight, strong, and resistant to high temperatures.