Rio Tinto responsibly produces ANZ aluminium

According to Mining News Pro - The company’s Performance Standard and Chain of Custody certifications have been granted by ASI to the Amrun and Weipa bauxite mines, Yarwun alumina refinery and the Bell Bay and NZAS aluminium smelters

Set to strengthen the company’s offering of aluminium throughout its global supply chain, the certification paves the way for its Canadian operations.

In 2018, Rio Tinto became the first producer to offer ASI aluminium through a ‘chain of custody’ spanning the Gove bauxite mine in Australia to its refinery, aluminium smelters and casthouses in Quebec, Canada.

As the company is the largest integrated producer of aluminium, bauxite and alumina in Australia and the only producer of aluminium in New Zealand, the certification shows effort to restore its competitive position.

The certification reaffirms customer assurance in the company and its considerations of environmental, social and governance standards, ranging from gas emissions to human rights.

Rio Tinto aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said the certification expanded the company’s offering of independently certified, responsibly produced aluminium to customers around the world.

“It continues our leadership on produced aluminium production from mine to metal, so that our customers can meet the growing demand from consumers for sustainably sources materials,” Barrios said.

The company’s latest ASI certification is an addition to its slew of ASI certified operations, with BC Works smelter and Kemano Power Operations in British Columbia and Canada recognised in January 2019.

ASI chief executive officer Fiona Solomon said, “Having a responsible supply chain means not just low carbon emissions in production, but also meeting the highest standards from material stewardship to human rights.”

“We applaud Rio Tinto’s ongoing commitment to encouraging the uptake of ASI’s standards across the aluminium and manufacturing supply chain.”