Rio Tinto has approved an earmark of $2.5 billion to expand the capacity of its Rincon lithium project in Argentina to 60,000 tonnes per year. Rincon is the company’s first commercial-scale lithium operation; that capacity is comprised of the 3,000-tonne starter plant and 57,000-tonne expansion plant. Rincon’s mine life is expected to be 40 years, with construction of the expanded…
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Two class action lawsuits filed in the Federal Court of Australia, accuse BHP and Rio Tinto of knowingly placing female staff into environments where they faced systemic sexual harassment and gender discrimination, reported Bloomberg. Under the Anti-Discrimination Act an employer is liable if they “permit” a woman to work in an environment where they will likely be exposed to sexual…
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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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