Rio Tinto has confirmed it recently energized a new 25-megawatt solar plant at the Kennecott copper operations complex in Utah, showcasing a circular critical-minerals supply chain in which tellurium produced at the site is used to manufacture the panels now powering it.
Together with the 5-MW solar plant completed in 2023, Kennecott now has 30MW of solar capacity. The move will reduce Kennecott’s Scope 2 emissions by about 6%, or 20,000 metric tons of CO₂e.
Construction of the 25-MW plant began in October 2024 in partnership with Bechtel. It was completed and commissioned last October and energized in December 2025. The new solar array includes over 71,000 panels, containing tellurium produced at Kennecott, a critical mineral for solar technology.
Kennecott began producing tellurium in 2022 as a byproduct of copper refining; the miner is one of only two U.S. producers of the critical mineral. Tellurium from Kennecott is converted into thin-film semiconductor materials by 5N Plus in Canada and then supplied primarily to First Solar for the manufacturing of the photovoltaic panels now installed at Kennecott, keeping the entire tellurium supply chain in North America.
“This new solar plant is more than a source of renewable power for our operations; it’s a demonstration of circularity and supply chain resilience,” said Nate Foster, managing director.
“By mining copper and tellurium, both classified as critical minerals in the United States, here at Kennecott and using that tellurium in the panels powering our site, we’re proving how domestic critical minerals support renewable energy manufacturing. This approach strengthens North America’s supply chain for essential resources, supports national energy security, and reinforces our commitment to a low-carbon future.”
Scott Austin, general manager of Renewables and Clean Power at Bechtel, added: “Working closely with Rio Tinto, Bechtel is proud to have delivered this project two months ahead of schedule while supporting 200 local jobs, helping bring renewable energy to the mine. We look forward to future projects together.”
5N Plus CEO Gervais Jacques said its partnership with Rio Tinto helps to support the clean energy transition and advance national energy security.
“At a time when the security of critical minerals supply chains is under intense scrutiny, we’re pleased to reinforce our position as a trusted partner to deliver the advanced materials this critical and growing sector depends on.”
Source: Rio Tinto