Rio Tinto has become the world’s first open pit mine to fully transition its heavy machinery from fossil diesel to renewable diesel at its Boron, California operation. This shift is expected to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by up to 45,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to the annual emissions of about 9,600 cars.
The transition began with a successful trial in partnership with Neste and Rolls-Royce, using Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ made from 100% renewable raw materials like used cooking oil and animal fat waste. The trial showed that trucks running on renewable diesel performed similarly to those using conventional diesel.
Based on these positive results, Rio Tinto U.S. Borax collaborated with various stakeholders to transition its entire heavy machinery fleet, including haul trucks, loaders, and blasting equipment, to renewable diesel.
This conversion aligns with Rio Tinto’s global decarbonization objectives, aiming for a 50% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Diesel use in its mobile fleet and rail accounted for 13% of Rio Tinto’s Scope 1 & 2 emissions in 2022.
The company considers this transition an important first step toward decarbonizing its global operations and anticipates further opportunities for sustainability transformations.
Source: PRESS RELEASE