Rio Tinto in North America (PDF 957 KB

Rio Tinto has made a
strategic commitment to
sustainable development
in the belief that acting
responsibly will result
in long term business
benefits such as lowering
risks, reducing costs,
creating options, and
leveraging reputation.
Drilling at the Resolution Copper project in Arizona.
Front cover photo: Kennecott Utah Copper's smelter is one of the cleanest in the world,
capturing approximately 99.9 percent of the sulfur dioxide generated during smelting.
1 Rio Tinto in North America
The Rio Tinto Group comprises
30 businesses in more than 20 countries,
with approximately 30 percent of
its assets in the US and Canada.
The Group's operations in Australia
comprise generally 56 percent of its
assets with the remainder of its holdings
located in Africa, Indonesia, South
America and Europe.
Rio Tinto takes a long term and
responsible approach to the Group's
business. It concentrates on the
development of first class orebodies into
large, long life and efficient operations
capable of sustaining competitive
advantage through business cycles.
The Group's worldwide operations
supply essential minerals and metals
that help meet global needs and
contribute to improvements in living
standards. Major products include
aluminum, copper, diamonds, energy
products (coal and uranium), gold,
industrial minerals (borates, titanium
dioxide, salt, talc), and iron ore.
Wherever Rio Tinto operates, health
and safety are the first priorities.
The Group seeks to contribute to
sustainable development. It works as
closely as possible with host countries
and communities, employing local
people at all levels. Local laws and
customs are respected and businesses
ensure fair and equitable benefits
and enhancement of opportunities.
North American businesses
In the US, Rio Tinto’s primary
businesses include: Rio Tinto Energy
America, Kennecott Exploration
Company, Kennecott Land Company,
Kennecott Minerals Company,
Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation,
and Rio Tinto Minerals. Additionally,
the Group operates the Resolution
Copper project in Arizona (55 percent
ownership interest). Rio Tinto also
maintains an expert technical support
staff, as well as Group procurement
and other support services in the US.
Rio Tinto employs more than 5,600
people in the US.
In the Canadian provinces and Territories,
Rio Tinto employs approximately
4,000 people. The company owns
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium, which is
operated through QIT-Fer et Titane Inc.
Rio Tinto also owns a 59 percent interest
in IOC and a 60 percent share of the
Diavik Diamond Mine, both of which it
also operates.