We are pioneers in mining and metals, producing essential materials that society needs to advance.
We supply iron ore for steelmaking; aluminum for cars and smartphones; copper for wind turbines, electric vehicles, and water pipelines; borates to enhance crop yields; titanium for paints; and diamonds to celebrate life’s most cherished moments.
Established in 1873, we employ approximately 45,000 people across 35 countries. Our global structure comprises four product groups—Aluminium, Copper, Industrial Minerals, and Iron Ore—supported by functions including Safety, Technology & Projects, Strategy & Development, Commercial, and corporate services.
We operate mines, smelters, refineries, sales offices, data centers, and AI-powered R&D hubs. Our geologists explore Earth’s most remote frontiers; our wildlife experts protect species like Canada’s grizzly bears and Western Australia’s migratory birds; and our marketing teams ensure our materials meet customers’ specific needs worldwide.
We deploy some of the world’s largest robots—and “Mark,” one of the smallest. A wind farm we built 200 km south of the Arctic Circle powers our diamond mine. In 2018, we became the first major mining company to exit fossil fuels, including coal, reaffirming our commitment to global climate action.
We aim to deliver superior shareholder returns across cycles by meeting customer demand, maintaining disciplined capital allocation, and investing in high-quality projects within structurally resilient sectors.
Rio Tinto and China
Rio Tinto has forged enduring partnerships with China. Our ties began in the early 20th century when we supplied borates from California to China. In 1973, we were among the first foreign companies to export iron ore to China. We opened our Beijing representative office in 1983 and now employ nearly 200 people in China, headquartered in Shanghai with a branch office in Beijing and an annealing plant in Suzhou Industrial Park.
China is our largest market. We supply critical minerals—iron ore, aluminum, copper, and industrial minerals—to support China’s rapid industrialization and urbanization. Simultaneously, we actively procure goods and services from China to support our global operations. Chinese enterprises are also among our largest shareholders.
Through joint ventures with leading Chinese state-owned enterprises like Sinosteel, China Baowu Steel Group, Chinalco, and China Minmetals, we operate projects including:
Channar Iron Ore Joint Venture (Australia)
Bao-HI Joint Venture
Simandou Iron Ore Project (Guinea)
Minmetals Rio Tinto Exploration Co., Ltd.
We strive to be China’s supplier, customer, and partner of choice in mining and metals.