Rio Tinto will sell a 30% stake in its Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia to Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. for $399 million, reported Bloomberg. “This is a unique opportunity to derisk our investment,” said Katie Jackson, Rio’s chief executive of copper. “We look forward to working more broadly as strategic partners to find new ways to deliver value…
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Rio Tinto has approved construction of a new 25-megawatt solar plant at its Kennecott copper operation in Utah, bringing the mine’s total solar capacity to 30 MW. It will be located next to an existing 5-MW solar plant. Full story.
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A Rio Tinto executive said U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s new administration should focus on speeding up the permitting process for its stalled Resolution copper mine in Arizona, reported Reuters. The mine could supply more than one-quarter of the country’s domestic copper needs. Full story.
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Rio Tinto said it is partnering with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to demonstrate battery swap electric haul truck technology at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia.
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Rio Tinto completed the previously announced acquisition of Sumitomo Chemical Co.’s 20.64% interest in the joint venture New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) on 1 November, making it the sole owner. NZAS owns and operates the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, located on Tiwai Peninsula in Southland. Around 90% of the aluminium produced there is exported. “We are pleased the acquisition of…
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Rio Tinto has finished the transition from conventional to renewable diesel for all heavy mining equipment at its Kennecott copper mine in Utah. Full story.
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Rio Tinto has confirmed that an employee from a contracting company has died following an accident on October 26 at the SimFer port site on the Simandou project in Morebaya, Guinea. “Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends, colleagues and communities affected by this tragedy. Our focus is on offering all possible support during this difficult time,” said Rio…
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Engineering company Monadelphous Group has secured new contracts and several extensions for projects in Western Australia totaling A$160 million. The Australian-based company was awarded two one-year contract extensions for fixed plant maintenance services and sustaining capital projects across Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara region. It has also secured a fabrication, supply, installation and commissioning contract at Rio…
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Rio Tinto has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion. The transaction, which will be implemented by way of a Jersey scheme of arrangement, is expected to close in mid-2025. “Acquiring Arcadium Lithium is a significant step forward in Rio Tinto’s long-term strategy, creating a world-class lithium business alongside our leading aluminum and copper operations to…
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Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories has moved into commercial production at its A21 underground operation, which was developed beneath the previously mined A21 open pit. Full story.
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