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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
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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
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The Winu Project is a copper-gold deposit located in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, approximately 320 kilometres east of Port Hedland. Since discovering mineralisation at the site in 2017, we’ve been working closely with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to develop a greenfield mining project. Our planned operations are located on Nyangumarta Country, and the Karlkayn Airstrip servicing the Winu site is located on the traditional lands of Martu. We continue to work closely with both Traditional Owner groups on all aspects of Winu’s planning to minimise our impact on Country. As temporary stewards of the land, we’re already planning for responsible mine closure, considering issues like how we will manage waste, minimise disruption to the local community and economy, and remediate and manage the site and local environment after closure. We’re also planning to power Winu’s operations largely through renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, supported by battery storage.
Copper has many important jobs. It’s found in everything from pots and pans, to the water pipes in our homes and the radiators in our cars. It also plays an essential role in computers, smartphones, electronics, appliances and construction. Used as a tiny antenna in many hearing aids, copper helps people hear for the first time. And bonus: it has antimicrobial properties, meaning it helps keep bacteria away. Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity on the planet. So it’s found in everything from the electrical wiring in your house to renewable power sources like wind turbines. And because it can help things work more efficiently, it’s going to play an important part in a more sustainable future.
PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co (SMM) have signed the final joint venture agreements to deliver the Winu copper-gold project, located in the Great Sandy Desert region of Western Australia. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250511288741/en/Sumitomo Metal Mining Director, Managin
MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) have signed a Term Sheet for a Joint Venture to deliver the Winu copper-gold project, located in the Great Sandy Desert region of Western Australia. Under the Term Sheet, which includes exclusivity obligations to work towards a binding Definitive Agreement, Rio Tinto will continue to develop and operate Winu as
MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has disclosed the maiden Inferred Mineral Resource at the 100% owned Winu copper-gold project and revealed the discovery of a new zone of gold dominant mineralisation approximately 2 km east of the Winu deposit in the Paterson Province of Western Australia. The Inferred Mineral Resource, reported at a 0.2% copper equivalent cutoff, is 503Mt at
In November 2025, we finalised a joint venture partnership with experienced copper miner, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co (SMM). The partnership, which is based on shared values around safety, respect for land-connected peoples and minimising our environmental impact, will provide additional resources and expertise to support the development of Winu.
Under the agreement, we will continue to develop and operate Winu as the managing partner, while SMM will hold a 30% equity interest.
In November 2023, we started formal environmental approvals with the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), with the project being subject to the highest level of environmental assessment – a Public Environmental Review.
To support this assessment process, Winu has worked constructively with the EPA to prepare a comprehensive Environmental Review Document (ERD) that clearly explains the proposed project, the environmental studies undertaken, potential impacts assessed, and the measures proposed to avoid, minimise, manage and, where required, offset residual impacts during construction, operations and closure.
The ERD reflects the findings of extensive survey work undertaken with the Traditional Owners to understand what the biology of the land means for their social, cultural and spiritual connections to Country, and how this can best be protected.
As part of the EPA assessment process, Winu’s ERD will be available for public comment. Interested parties can view and comment on the ERD on the EPA’s website during the public review period, which closes on 22 October 2026. A copy is also available below.
Winu is also progressing approvals through the Commonwealth environmental assessment process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. A separate opportunity for public comment under the EPBC Act will occur in the future, in line with the assessment pathway and timing determined by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
We are open to community feedback about all aspects of Winu’s operations. Our Communities and Social Performance (CSP) team oversees a grievance management procedure to handle any concerns or complaints in a timely way. Read more about how we process personal information.
Lodge a complaint or concern
E: WinuCSPteam@riotinto.com T: +61 474 438 557