Rio Tinto has finished the transition from conventional to renewable diesel for all heavy mining equipment at its Kennecott copper mine in Utah.
The miner said the move is expected to reduce Kennecott’s Scope 1 emissions by 450,000 tonnes. Additionally, the switch to renewable diesel reduces PM2.5 emissions at the tailpipes of its haul truck fleet by 40%.
“The transition to renewable diesel is a significant step toward our decarbonization goals at Kennecott where we have now reduced emissions by 80% [compared to 2018 levels], thanks to a range of initiatives in recent years,” said Rio Tinto Copper Chief Operating Officer Clayton Walker.
“We remain committed to being responsible stewards of the environment and are always looking to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs for the energy transition.”
Rio Tinto is targeting reductions in Scope 1 and 2 emissions of 50% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
Source: Rio Tinto