Rio Tinto has successfully completed its first renewable diesel trial across its Pilbara iron ore operations, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to reduce emissions and integrate alternative fuels into its supply chain.
The trial, conducted in partnership with renewable diesel producer Neste and Australian fuel supplier Viva Energy, provided Rio Tinto with critical insights into the scalability of biofuels across its operations.
- Neste supplied 10 million litres of renewable diesel derived from used cooking oil.
- Viva Energy transported the fuel from Singapore to Rio Tinto’s Parker Point terminal in Dampier, where it was blended with fossil diesel to create a 20% renewable diesel mix.
- The fuel was then distributed across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara network, including rail, marine, haul trucks, blasting operations, surface mining equipment, and light vehicles.
The four-week trial (January–February 2024) resulted in a 27,000-tonne reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the tailpipe emissions of 6,300 cars over a year.
The trial also helped evaluate the bulk renewable diesel supply chain, importation, and blending processes.
“Diesel accounts for about 70% of total carbon emissions from our Pilbara iron ore operations. While electrification remains our long-term goal for repowering our fleet, biofuels offer a near-term solution,” said Rio Tinto MD for Rail, Port, and Core Services Richard Cohen.
Rio Tinto aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The company has already replaced 11% of its global fossil diesel consumption with renewable diesel at its Boron and Kennecott operations in the US.
Additionally, it is developing a Pongamia seed farm in North Queensland as part of a pilot project to support Australia’s biofuels industry.
This successful Pilbara trial highlights the viability of renewable diesel in reducing emissions within the mining sector, reinforcing Rio Tinto’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
