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
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Before a smartphone is sold, a fridge is plugged in, or a car rolls off the production line, the materials used to make them are mined, processed and transported. This doesn’t involve just one company – it’s an interconnected supply chain of miners, refiners, manufacturers, shippers and many others working across countries and industries to bring everyday products to life.
Most critically, it involves unseen work by workers who play essential roles in making these products, far from the final product’s destination. Their safety, rights and dignity are not always guaranteed. Vulnerable workers can be exposed to exploitation, unsafe conditions and at worst, modern slavery.
According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index, an estimated 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021, including 28 million in forced labour. These are not abstract numbers – they reflect real people, whose lives are shaped by the decisions made along global supply chains.
Large companies have both the responsibility and opportunity to drive change, by choosing who we work with, how we uphold and monitor standards with suppliers and partners, and equipping our people to act. But we can’t solve these challenges alone.
Collaboration is critical. And human rights risks are systemic and shared. That’s why we have joined a group of other global companies who form the Human Rights Resources and Energy Collaborative (HRREC) – a practitioner-led initiative to share lessons, pool knowledge and co-create practical tools.
What started as a small group has grown into a network of over 30 member organisations, spanning mining, energy and resources sectors, whose combined worth is approximately US$1.3 trillion.
HRREC brings together practitioners from sustainability, human rights, legal and procurement – to collectively raise the bar across the sector. HRREC has no joining fee, no administrative teams, and no paid employees – it is facilitated and led entirely by practitioners (under an agreed competition law protocol) who contribute their time and insights to share knowledge and build trust.
By working together rather than in silos, we’re strengthening our ability to identify and address human rights risks – and embedding respect for people at every stage of the value chain.
Modern slavery legislation has been introduced in several countries we operate in over the past decade.
And while legislation is a mandatory way to increase corporate accountability and combat forced labour and human trafficking, initiatives like HRREC can help take it much further.
"The insights and experiences shared by fellow HRREC members have been instrumental in helping us address some of our toughest challenges,” Kylie, our Senior Advisor – Human Rights and current co-chair of HRREC, said.
“We leave each session inspired by the innovative work our peers are leading within their organisations."
HRREC works closely with a range of civil society groups, including Walk Free, an international human rights organisation that uses data-driven research, strategic partnerships, and advocacy to accelerate an end to modern slavery in all its forms.
Walk Free plays a vital role in advocating for the people affected by modern slavery in supply chains, providing an important civil society lens to HRREC members, balanced with clear, practical recommendations for continuous business improvement.
“Forced labour is one of the defining human rights issues of our time,” Charlotte Gwynn, Walk Free’s Advisor, Business and Human Rights, said.
“Partnering with companies like Rio Tinto and other HRREC members is a unique opportunity to prevent modern slavery. It ensures that all stakeholders contribute to embedding positive practices into complex global supply chains, particularly in high-risk geographies and vulnerable communities.
“Given its reach and influence, Rio Tinto can create ripple effects both within HRREC and more broadly, helping to raise the bar across the sector.”
Since joining HRREC, we’ve worked with Walk Free to develop a Modern Slavery Response and Remedy Framework, which helps companies review and respond to modern slavery or related exploitation in their supply chains or operations.
We’ve also supported developing social auditing guidance for companies and suppliers to promote a “beyond audit” mindset, co-authored a submission to the Australian Government-led review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), and supported an internship program with the University of Western Australia, as well as ongoing training and roundtable initiatives to promote awareness and understanding of modern slavery.
Most of HRREC’s member companies share some of the same suppliers and procure the same products. So pooling resources and working together isn’t just efficient – it’s essential.
“The ability to share learnings and insights has been invaluable,” Cath Bozanich, a founding member of HRREC and Chief Sustainability Officer for Sandfire, said.
“There’s no competitive advantage in this space. We all share the same issues and need to meet the same legislation and stakeholder expectations.
“By sharing our learnings and working together, we’ll have a better chance of combating modern slavery in the supply chain.”
Consumers today are more informed than ever about how the products they buy are made. Research shows that ethical sourcing isn’t just a niche concern – it’s becoming mainstream.
With increasing access to information, many consumers are actively seeking out brands that demonstrate ethical sourcing and fair treatment of workers – and are willing to pay more for it. Increasingly, they’re putting their money where their values are.
“I genuinely believe most people would pay more or choose a different product if it meant workers weren’t subjected to modern slavery,” Cath said.
HRREC is showing that collaboration doesn’t have to be complex. It starts with practitioners investing the time to work together. While it’s not always easy, it’s worth it for its lasting impact in the fight to end modern slavery.
“I’m encouraged by the momentum we’re seeing, especially around stronger legal standards and increasing commitments from businesses and investors,” Charlotte said.
“More companies are recognising their role in shaping fairer systems. If we can make progress here, it will also help to drive change on other global challenges like poverty, women’s rights, children’s rights and more.”
Learn more about our work supporting human rights and our approach to modern slavery.
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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.
Part 1 of this Privacy Policy contains the Rio Tinto Data Privacy Standard, which provides an overview of Rio Tinto’s approach to personal data processing. There is additional information in the appendices to the Data Privacy Standard, including information about disclosures, trans-border data transfers, the exercise of data subject rights and how to make complaints or obtain further information relating to Rio Tinto’s processing of your personal data.
If you choose to subscribe to our media releases or other communications, you can unsubscribe at any time (by following the instructions in the email or by contacting us at digital.comms@riotinto.com).
With your consent, our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users of our website. This helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also allows us to improve our site.
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As some data privacy laws regulate IP addresses and other information collected through the use of cookies as personal data, Rio Tinto’s processing of such personal data needs to comply with its Data Privacy Standard (see Part 1 of this Privacy Policy), and also applicable data privacy laws.
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