Rio Tinto Transitions Mine Fleet to Renewable Diesel
The world’s largest open-pit copper mine is about to get a whole lot greener (KSL News).
What’s going on: Minerals and metals producer Rio Tinto “on Tuesday announced a full transition from conventional to renewable diesel for [its Kennecott] mine’s entire fleet of 97 haul trucks and heavy machinery equipment at the mine, concentrator, smelter, refinery and tailings.”
- Approximately 200,000 metric tons of copper are produced each year at Kennecott, located west of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Why it’s important: The change is expected to cut the mine’s emissions by 450,000 tons and slash emissions from the truck fleet by 40%.
- Copper, an essential component in everything from smart phones to plumbing, is critical to powering a clean energy transition and meeting our nation’s infrastructure goals.
A significant reduction: The switch—along with the installment of a 5-megawatt solar farm and the use of electric vehicles in underground mining operations—will reduce Kennecott’s overall emissions by more than 80% compared to 2018 levels.
The final word: “[T]his is just another step in showing our commitment into making the environment the best that we can and trying to show how to do that in a responsible manner,” Rio Tinto Copper Chief Operating Officer Clayton Walker told the news outlet.