Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs
Purpose & Values
The drive for innovation and continuous improvement is at the heart of our purpose
Business Strategy
Climate change is at the heart of our business strategy
Innovation
Finding better ways to do things is in our DNA
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
Tailings
Details of our tailings facilities can be found on our interactive tailings disclosure map
Communities
The strength of our relationships with the communities where we operate, and broader society, is fundamental to our business
We aim to deliver superior returns to our shareholders while safeguarding the environment and meeting our obligations to wider society
North America site visit, 24 September 2024
An investor site visit to our Aluminium operations in the Saguenay and our Iron & Titanium business in Sorel, Quebec, Canada
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Reducing titanium oxide's carbon footprint
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Aluminium’s use by the automotive sector is set to go up a gear, as auto manufacturers intensify their quest to design vehicles with ever-better fuel economy, safety and performance.
“Aluminium remains the fastest growing automotive material over competing materials,” said Abey Abraham of research firm Ducker Worldwide. “[It’s] entering its most unprecedented growth phase since we’ve been tracking the shifting mix of automotive materials.”
The average amount of aluminium contained in lightweight cars and trucks in North America was 397 pounds (180kg) per vehicle in 2015. In a recent study, Ducker is forecasting that quantity to increase by more than 40 per cent by 2028, to 565 pounds (256kg) per vehicle. At that point, aluminium is expected to represent 16 per cent of total average vehicle weight.
Aluminium remains the fastest growing automotive material over competing materials. Abey Abraham, director of Automotive and Materials, Ducker Worldwide
Light yet strong, aluminium has become an essential material for automakers seeking to push the weight of vehicles down, while ensuring they remain safe and durable. For every ten per cent reduction in the weight of a vehicle, fuel economy improves by seven per cent, saving the consumer money and benefitting the environment. Using one kilogram of aluminium to replace heavier materials in a car of light truck can save a net 20kg of carbon dioxide over the life of the vehicle.
An emerging design trend among automakers is also driving aluminium’s increased market penetration into the sector.
“To further improve fuel economy, battery range, safety and overall driving performance, automakers no longer default to a single material,” said Abey. “Instead [they] are pursuing a multi-material design approach where the best material is chosen for the best application.”
This is seeing aluminium increasingly being selected for vehicle doors, the lids of hoods and trunks (otherwise known as bonnets and boots), the body, bumpers and crash boxes
As well as reducing the weight of vehicles to provide energy and greenhouse gas emissions benefits, aluminium can offer intrinsic sustainability advantages compared with other materials.
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Producing aluminium remains an energy-intensive process, but by pursuing alternative power sources and new technologies, improvements are being made. Rio Tinto has reduced its greenhouse intensity from aluminium production by 39 per cent since 2008. Almost 80 per cent of the Aluminium group’s total power needs are supplied by low-carbon sources, with 55 per cent coming from self-generated hydropower, compared with 35 per cent for the industry.
Rio Tinto also produces RenewAl™, the world’s first certified low-carbon dioxide aluminium, with a 65 per cent lower CO2 footprint than the industry average.
Half a century ago, US brewer Coors introduced the first all-aluminium beverage can – an invention that went on to transform demand for the metal. Today, the automotive industry is the most important growth sector for aluminium since the arrival of that iconic drinks can in the 1950s.
“On top of 40 years of uninterrupted growth, the aluminium industry is experiencing a level of growth not seen before in any market or product sector,” said Heidi Brock, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association.
“However the true winners of this change are consumers who can choose next-generation cars and trucks that are high-performing, efficient, safe, sustainable and more fun to drive.” Heidi Brock, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association
“Aluminium is the natural ally of efficient and sustainable transportation,” said Jim Dickson, director, Global Automotive Strategy for Rio Tinto’s Aluminium commercial division. “We expect that regulatory issues around fuel efficiency and emissions – and continuous innovation – will support significant growth for automotive aluminium in North America and other regions.
“New and emerging automotive trends, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, and higher expectations related to safety and performance, all bode well for aluminium.”
Pound for pound, aluminium can absorb twice as much crash energy as steel. It can also be engineered to fold predictably during collision so the vehicle absorbs much of the crash energy, before it reaches the passenger compartment.
By reducing vehicle weight, aluminium can help drivers avoid a collision in the first place, since lighter vehicles have a shorter stopping distance than heavier models.
In fact, every aluminium-bodied car or truck ever crash-tested by US federal regulators, including recent models of the Ford F-150, has earned a perfect five-star safety rating.
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With the exception of the use of cookies, 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.
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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 our Privacy Policy), and also applicable data privacy laws.
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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