Rio Tinto: Investing millions in innovative mining technology!

Rio Tinto: Investing millions in innovative mining technology!

Rio Tinto is furthering its innovation efforts with a $7.6 million investment in a new project at the Lac Tio open pit mine in Quebec, Canada. The aim is to develop a new sorting technology to classify ore according to titanium and scandium content directly at the source. This technology promises several benefits, including increasing efficiency by reducing the amount of material that needs to be transported and processed. This not only leads to cost reductions in logistics and processing, but also reduces the ecological footprint as transport routes become shorter. Another advantage is the development of previously unprofitable deposits.

Practical testing of this technology is planned until 2026. This initiative is part of Rio Tinto's broader future-proofing strategy, which also includes the Western Range iron ore project in the Pilbara region. The company is also modernizing its legal department with the iManage platform, which will support over 200 users worldwide. This platform aims to improve search functionality, performance and data security. Loud Exchange Express Rio Tinto leverages smart technologies to remain a leader in the competitive mining landscape.

Historical milestones and sustainable practices

Founded in 1873, Rio Tinto has a long history in mining that began with the purchase of a mining complex on the Rio Tinto in Huelva, Spain. Today the company is the second largest diversified mining and metals company in the world. In the 1990s it began pioneering land agreements with Indigenous peoples in Australia and was the first company to have its aluminum produced and certified responsibly.

Another significant project is the Koodaideri railway project in Western Australia, in which Rio Tinto has invested $2.6 billion. Koodaideri will serve as a manufacturing hub for the Pilbara region's rail business and includes a modern processing plant and a 166km rail line. Construction of the project is already underway, with production expected to begin later this year with a targeted annual capacity of 43 million tonnes.

Technological advances in mining

Koodaideri will feature a variety of autonomous vehicles, including trucks, trains and drills, and also includes over 70 design innovations. Rio Tinto CEO J-S Jacques described Koodaideri as a technological breakthrough for the company. This mine will also use digital twin technology developed by NASA to create virtual models of physical environments. Digital twins combine data from actual processing plants with historical information to make real-time decisions.

Automation has been a key strategy at Rio Tinto for more than a decade to ensure safer and more cost-efficient operations. The company has implemented the world's first fully autonomous, long-distance heavy rail system, AutoHaul™, which has already covered over 7 million kilometers in Australia. In addition, remote-controlled Land Rovers and drones are used to carry out risky tasks and ensure the safety of employees, as shown on Mining Digital is highlighted.