Rio Tinto to spend $1.9bn on Australian bauxite expansion

· Energy · Australia

Rio Tinto Group will spend $1.9 billion to expand its bauxite mining operations in northern Australia, developing a new major mine to replace production from depleting projects. The investment underpins the company's aluminium supply chain, as bauxite is the main ore used to make aluminium. The expansion comes as demand for aluminium grows in construction, transport and renewable energy equipment. Rio Tinto is one of the world's largest miners and a major supplier of iron ore, aluminium and copper. The company did not disclose the expected start date for the new mine.

Why it matters：The investment secures aluminium feedstock as demand rises for the metal in construction and clean energy, a key input for the global energy transition.

Key points

  • $1.9 billion to expand bauxite mining in northern Australia
  • New mine will replace production from depleting projects
  • Bauxite is the main ore used to make aluminium

Sources (original reporting)

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