Rio Transitions Kennecott to Renewable Energy

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,LSE:RIO,NYSE:RIO) has made plans to reduce the carbon footprint made by its Kennecott Utah Copper operation by up to 65 percent through renewable energy methods and shutting down the associated coal power plant.

According to the company, Kennecott’s electricity will be paired with 1.5 million megawatt hours of renewable energy certificates.

Jean-Sébastien Jacques, Rio Tinto Chief Executive, commented:

“Rio Tinto is committed to playing a part in the transition to a low-carbon economy. This move will significantly reduce emissions associated with our operations in Kennecott and allow us to offer customers copper, gold and silver with a reduced carbon footprint.”

“The materials we produce, from infinitely recyclable aluminium and copper used in electrification to borates used in energy-efficient building materials and our higher grade iron ore product, all play a part in this transition to a low-carbon economy. Rio Tinto will continue to work with partners and customers to develop new sustainable solutions”.

Click here to read the full press release from Rio Tinto.