Marcelo Llano’s Post

Rio Tinto's Kennecott copper mine in Utah, the second largest copper mine in the US, produces around 200,000 metric tons of copper annually. Global demand for copper is expected to almost double by 2035, as copper is a major component of electric vehicles. However, the mining industry faces environmental challenges and concerns from local stakeholders while operating in remote locations. As a crucial player in the transition to green energy, Rio Tinto invested more than $2bn to modernise the Kennecott mine and facilities and is trying to open an underground copper mine 60 miles east of Phoenix. Rio Tinto is one of the world's largest mining companies with projects in 35 countries, producing materials such as iron ore, aluminum, diamonds, boron, and copper. Renewable power systems such as wind and solar are at least five times more copper intensive than conventional power, and to meet that demand, Rio Tinto is ramping up production of its critical minerals business. The company is hoping to increase its copper production by 30 to 40% over the next five years and potentially build one of the top ten copper mines in the world.

The mining industry and each mining company should (must) do more of these and distribute them widely!