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
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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
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The Rincon Lithium Project – a large, low-cost lithium-brine asset located in the heart of the ‘lithium triangle’ in Argentina – will be a valuable source of rapidly produced, high-quality lithium for the global energy transition.
In December 2024, we announced our investment of US$2.5 billion to expand Rincon, representing our first commercial scale lithium operation. Rincon's capacity of 60,000 tonnes of battery grade lithium carbonate per year is comprised of the 3,000-tonne starter plant and 57,000-tonne expansion plant.
The project consists of brine extraction using a production wellfield, processing and waste facilities, as well as associated infrastructure. We’re using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, a process that supports water conservation, reduces waste and produces lithium carbonate more consistently than other methods.
This investment follows our achievement of producing first lithium at the Rincon 3000 starter plant in November 2024, only 32 months after completing acquisition of the greenfield project.
Rincon’s mine life is expected to be 40 years, with construction of the expanded plant scheduled to begin in mid-2025, subject to permitting. First production is expected in 2028 followed by a 3-year ramp up to full capacity, generating significant job creation and economic opportunities for local businesses1.
We're committed to advancing the project safely, meeting all regulatory requirements, and ensuring operational readiness on site. We’ll continue to engage with communities, the province of Salta and the Government of Argentina to build on the strong foundations developed since the start of the project in 2022.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has approved $2.5 billion1 to expand the Rincon project in Argentina, the company’s first commercial scale lithium operation, demonstrating its commitment to building a world-class battery materials portfolio. Rincon's capacity of 60,000 tonnes of battery grade lithium carbonate per year is comprised of the 3,000-tonne starter plant and 57,000-tonne expans
CHICAGO and DEARBORN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto and Ford Motor Company have signed a non-binding global memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop more sustainable and secure supply chains for battery and low-carbon materials to be used in Ford vehicles. The multi-materials partnership will support the transition toward a net-zero future by supplying Ford, one of the worl
MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has completed the acquisition of the Rincon lithium projectin Argentina for $825 million, following approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). A binding agreement to purchase the project from Rincon Mining, a company owned by funds managed by the private equity group Sentient Equity Partners, was announced in December 20