Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs
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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
We are 150
150 years of finding better ways
We supply the metals and minerals used to help the world grow and decarbonise
Iron Ore
Iron ore is the primary raw material used to make steel
7 things the world will need for a low-carbon future
Wind, sun and water – what else do you need to make renewable energy work?
Sustainability – the expectation, not the exception
Shaping our aluminium product offering to meet demand for greener metals
Bringing to market materials critical to urbanisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Look inside a mine of the future
Our most intelligent mine yet is pioneering new mining technologies
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
Sustainability Reporting 2022
We have a responsibility to extract the full value from the minerals and materials we produce in the safest and most sustainable way possible
Climate Change
We’re targeting net zero emissions by 2050
Tailings
We’ve launched a new interactive map of our tailings facilities
We aim to deliver superior returns to our shareholders while safeguarding the environment and meeting our obligations to wider society
Investor Seminar 2023
Sydney: 6 December 16:00 (AEDT) | 5:00 (GMT)
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New partnership a slapshot for sustainability
Rio Tinto becomes official aluminium partner of the Montreal Canadiens
Fuelling our tanks with renewable diesel
Diesel made from renewable raw materials is helping us reduce emissions
Rio Tinto commits $150 million to Centre for Future Materials led by Imperial College London
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Started
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining and is South Africa’s largest mineral sands producer. RBM mines the vast mineral rich sands of the northern KwaZulu-Natal province and produces predominantly zircon, rutile, iron and slag – materials used in everything from paint to smart phones to sunscreen.
RBM is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (74%) and Blue Horizon – a consortium of investors and our Host Communities Mbonambi, Sokhulu, Mkhwanazi and Dube – which owns 24%. The remaining shares are held in an employee trust.
RBM has been a major contributor to the communities of KwaZulu-Natal for more than 45 years.
At RBM, where we mine sand dunes along the coast, we have been pioneering award-winning, progressive dune rehabilitation and have been learning and sharing lessons with the global scientific community for nearly 45 years.
After we remove the minerals from the sand, the dunes are reshaped to mimic their pre-mining topography. Topsoil retrieved from the front of the mining face (which contains the seed and organic matter of the local indigenous forest) is spread over the reshaped dunes and enriched with fast-growing annuals to begin biological processes and to protect the topsoil from wind and water erosion. When these annuals take root, helped by periodic windbreaks, they both green and stabilise the dunes.
To date, using native plants and trees, we have successfully rehabilitated more than 3,311 hectares at RBM. More than 35 scientific studies have been conducted by scientists around the world to learn from our work.
In April 2019, we approved the next stage in the development of RBM through the construction of the Zulti South project.
The $463 million (our share is $343 million) investment will sustain RBM’s current capacity and extend the life of the mine. RBM currently operates four mines in the Zulti North lease area, a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. The Zulti South mine will underpin RBM’s supply of zircon and ilmenite over the life of mine.
The Zulti South project is on full suspension. We will reassess a restart at an appropriate time.
JOHANNESBURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Richard’s Bay Minerals (RBM) will be supplied with renewable solar power through an agreement with international energy company Voltalia and local Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) partners, for its operation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Under the agreement, Voltalia will begin construction of the Bolobedu Solar PV renewable energy project in 2023, at a site
RICHARDS BAY, South Africa -- Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has committed R5 million towards supporting relief efforts in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), following the devastation caused by the recent floods.Working together with the Provincial and local governments, as well as key partners in the region, RBM will contribute these funds to assist affected KZN residents receive basic necessities and to support
RICHARDS BAY, South Africa -- Rio Tinto has announced that force majeure on customer contracts at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in South Africa has ended. Force majeure commenced on 30 June 2021 following a deterioration in the security situation around the mine. Rio Tinto chief executive Minerals Sinead Kaufman said “This marks an important moment in RBM’s recovery since the halt in operations las
In the 1990s, the exploration of the sand dunes at Richards Bay uncovered not only valuable minerals but hidden treasures – archaeological remains that provide a unique opportunity to reconstruct a historical record of the area. Pottery shards found on the sites revealed different ethno-linguistic groups, as did necklaces, beads, smoking pipes and tools. Many sites had hearths or fireplaces. RBM established an archaeological programme to protect the cultural heritage of the area in partnership with anthropologists, the KwaZulu-Natal Museum and the Amafa/Heritage KwaZulu-Natal the provincial heritage conservation agency for KwaZulu-Natal. The project has involved excavating and recording hundreds of archaeological sites. Exhibits and examples of artefacts are housed at the Mananga Heritage Centre in the Mbonambi community in KwaZulu-Natal – a series of traditional rondavels that is also a valuable educational resource for local schools and a living cultural monument.
RBM is committed to sustainable development, and to working in partnership with government, suppliers and our Host Communities.
The Farm RBM PO Box 401 Richards Bay 3900 South Africa
T: +27 35 901 3111
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