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
Nature solutions
Our nature-based solutions projects complement the work we're doing to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions
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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The 'f' word of innovation
How unlocking innovation requires a change of mindset
Reducing titanium oxide's carbon footprint
Our BlueSmelting technology could drastically reduce carbon emissions during ore processing
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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 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, we have successfully rehabilitated more than 3,600 hectares at RBM using native plants and trees. Our rehabilitation program is gradually resulting in the re-establishment and restoration of a coastal dune forest and ecosystem. 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 4 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.
RICHARDS BAY, South Africa -- Rio Tinto together with Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has joined forces with PinkDrive, a health sector NGO, to launch a campaign aimed at bringing essential health screening to under-resourced communities in celebration of Mandela Month. The two-week campaign focused on early cancer detection, health screening and education will begin in the King Cetshwayo District in
CAPE TOWN, South Africa--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has signed a renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with Khangela Emoyeni Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd to secure 140MW of wind energy from a new wind farm situated in the Western and Northern Cape Province. The project is expected to reduce RBM’s annual carbon emissions by 20%. Parties to the 20-year PPA include African Clean En
Established in 2009, community trusts were developed to deliver broad based benefit for host communities. RBM will provide immediate funding to the Sokhulu Trusts to enable it to continue funding programs in support of education and skills training.RICHARDS BAY, South Africa -- Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) and the Sokhulu community trusts have reached an agreement to revise the existing commun
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 program 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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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.
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