We’re on a mission to become the world’s most valued metals and mining business – for the people who invest in us, the people we work and partner with, and the communities around us
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
2026 half year results
Announced on Wednesday 29 July 2026
Get the latest news, stories and updates
Driving generational growth in the Pilbara
Our plan to invest in Western Australia’s long-term iron ore legacy
Giving materials a second life
How we keep materials in circulation, from extraction to reuse
Driving toward lower emissions
Haul truck battery swapping technology trials are ramping up at Oyu Tolgoi
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
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How our teams help keep supply chains moving
In industries powered by aluminium and lithium, reliable performance matters. Manufacturers depend on a steady supply of critical materials to keep production lines operating, meet customer demand and deliver everything from vehicles to infrastructure projects on time.
But global supply chains rarely move in a straight line. Weather events, transport disruptions, shifting market conditions and evolving customer requirements can all create unexpected challenges. Every day, our teams work behind the scenes to help customers navigate this type of complexity. Across regions and time zones, they coordinate closely with operations, logistics, sales and supply chain teams to solve problems quickly, keep materials moving and help customers avoid costly disruptions. Chelyn, a customer service team lead, recalls a situation where a customer urgently required material to avoid a production stoppage. At the same time, the material was still being cast and an unexpected truck breakdown disrupted transit plans. Teams from across our network jumped into action: rebalancing deliveries, sourcing material from other smelters and securing replacement transport to keep shipments moving.
“It’s not just about responding to requests,” Chelyn says. “Customers depend on us to support their production, so consistency in delivery, clear communication and the ability to manage disruptions effectively are critical.”
The way we work with our customers was reinforced during the Harbor Conference Summit in Chicago, where conversations consistently returned to the same themes. They spoke about the importance of trusted partnerships, particularly during a year marked by market volatility and supply chain disruption. “It’s been a crazy year, but we appreciate the foundation of trust it’s built on. Rio has been very fair and we work together towards a beneficial solution for both parties,” one customer said.
Other customers pointed to reliable supply, consistent communication and our support for their growth and sustainability goals as reasons they continue to work with us. “Rio has been a consistent and reliable partner, which given everything in today’s market, has been incredibly valuable,” another customer says. It’s feedback that reflects what our teams strive to deliver every day: not simply moving material, but supporting our customers in achieving their goals.
Long-term partnerships are shaped by how challenges are handled and how customers are engaged along the way. In Japan, where customers place strong importance on long-term relationships, our approach is grounded in transparency and responsiveness. When a shipment couldn’t meet a scheduled vessel, Megumi, a customer service officer in Tokyo, worked closely with the customer to identify alternative options and agree on the best path forward.
Those relationships are what make the work meaningful for Hyline, a customer service representative in Germany.
As customer needs evolve, customer service teams help support increasingly complex and interconnected supply chains. Our relationships with automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) often involve long-term lithium supply agreements and close coordination across global supply chains. Justin is a strategic account manager in Australia. He says continuity of supply is critical for customers manufacturing battery materials and electric vehicles.
Behind every shipment, delivery adjustment and urgent phone call are teams working to keep customers informed, supported and one step ahead of disruption. Emily, an inside sales analyst in Chicago, says communication and prioritisation are central to helping customers navigate fast-moving market conditions.
Kristi, a customer service manager in Indiana, strongly agrees.
It’s an approach built on reliability and accountability: taking responsibility for outcomes, anticipating risks and acting quickly when it matters most for our customers. As supply chains become more interconnected and customer requirements continue to evolve, the ability to coordinate quickly across continents is becoming an increasingly important part of customer service. These stories shared by team members illustrate how much of that work happens behind the scenes, often long before material reaches its destination.