Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and metals company with headquarters in both London, United Kingdom, and Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1873, the company has built a reputation as one of the world’s most influential producers of minerals essential for human progress. Rio Tinto is listed on the London Stock Exchange (RIO), the Australian Securities Exchange (RIO), and trades on the New York Stock Exchange (RIO).
Vision, Mission, and Values
Rio Tinto’s vision is to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs. Its mission focuses on responsibly mining essential commodities, from aluminum and copper to iron ore and lithium, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and ethics.
The company values care, courage, and curiosity, which guide its operational and corporate culture.
Mining Operations
Rio Tinto operates a broad portfolio of mines that supply copper, aluminum, iron ore, diamonds, and industrial minerals. One of its flagship assets is the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in Mongolia, a world-class resource that is transitioning to full underground production. Rio Tinto holds a 66 percent interest in the project through Oyu Tolgoi LLC, with the Government of Mongolia retaining the remaining 34 percent.
In Australia, Rio Tinto is a dominant player in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, where it manages a network of 17 iron ore mines, four port terminals, and a heavy-haul rail system. This integrated system produces over 300 million tonnes of iron ore annually, making it one of the largest suppliers to global steelmakers. Additionally, Rio Tinto is one of the world’s leading producers of aluminum, operating smelters and bauxite mines in Australia, Canada, and Guinea.
Geographic Presence
Rio Tinto has a strong footprint in over 35 countries. Its key operations include copper in Mongolia and the United States, iron ore in Australia, aluminum in Canada and Australia, and diamonds in Canada. The company’s diverse geographical spread ensures stability and resilience in changing market conditions.
Financial Performance
In 2024, Rio Tinto reported revenue of USD 54 billion and underlying earnings of USD 11.8 billion. The company’s market capitalization stood at approximately USD 110 billion. Iron ore remains the largest contributor to Rio Tinto’s earnings, but copper and aluminum are growing areas of focus, particularly as global demand for electrification materials rises.
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Rio Tinto has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The company invests heavily in renewable energy to power its operations, such as hydropower for aluminum smelting in Canada. It also works closely with communities near its mining operations, providing infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities. Rio Tinto continues to enhance its safety performance, with a strong emphasis on creating a culture where every employee goes home safe each day.
Partnerships and Customers
Rio Tinto partners with governments, indigenous groups, and joint venture partners across its projects. Key customers include global steel producers, manufacturers of electric vehicles, and technology companies requiring aluminum and copper for their products.
Recent Developments
In 2024, the company advanced the underground expansion of Oyu Tolgoi, marking a major milestone for copper production. Rio Tinto also increased its investments in lithium projects, recognizing the role of lithium in battery technology for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Furthermore, its operations in the Pilbara continued to expand with new automation technologies, including driverless trains and digital mining systems.
Challenges and Opportunities
Rio Tinto faces challenges such as community relations, particularly with indigenous groups, and the volatility of commodity markets. Nevertheless, the company is positioned for opportunities linked to the global energy transition. With copper, lithium, and aluminum in its portfolio, Rio Tinto is set to benefit from the rising demand for clean energy technologies and electrification.
Contact Information
Rio Tinto maintains dual headquarters in London and Melbourne. Its London office is located at 6 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom, while its Melbourne office is at 360 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. General inquiries can be directed through its website at www.riotinto.com.
