Rio Tinto Expands Focus on China for Mineral Production and Innovation
Rio Tinto is intensifying its operations in China, targeting critical minerals to meet rising demand driven by energy transition goals. The company aims to enhance its lithium output and copper production, collaborating with Chinese partners for innovation and supply chain efficiency.
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Rio Tinto plans to increase its lithium production capacity to 200,000 metric tons by 2028 and aims for 1 million tons of copper production by 2030, primarily through the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia. The company's procurement spending in China reached $4.3 billion in 2025, with a decade-long total of approximately $22 billion, reflecting growing supply chain sophistication.
The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, a joint venture with Chinese partners, is expected to achieve sales of 5 to 10 million tons in 2026. This collaborative effort aligns with the evolving needs of China's steel industry, which is focusing on carbon reduction and efficiency. The strategic partnership model with Chinese enterprises also supports Rio Tinto's global growth initiatives, including a recent joint acquisition in Brazil.
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