Rio Tinto plc - RIO STOCK NEWS

Rio Tinto has commenced production of spodumene concentrate at a demonstration plant in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, enhancing its capabilities in lithium battery material production. The innovative process developed at their Critical Minerals and Technology Centre achieves superior lithium oxide grades and recovery rates while minimizing environmental impact by avoiding chemical usage. The plant, operational since June 2022, is part of a strategy to cater to the growing North American lithium market, supported by a recent acquisition of the Rincon lithium project in Argentina, promising low carbon footprint production.

Rio Tinto (LSE: RIO) has acknowledged the independent valuation report by Energy Resources of Australia, released on September 26, 2022. This report aims to address significant cost and schedule overruns in the Ranger rehabilitation project in Northern Territory. The company respects the long-standing opposition of the Traditional Owners, the Mirarr People, towards further uranium mining. Rio Tinto remains dedicated to completing the Ranger rehabilitation to match the environmental standards of Kakadu National Park and is seeking a fair funding solution considering the Mirarr People's concerns.

Rio Tinto has approved a $55 million investment to commence underground mining and expand production at its Kennecott copper operations in Utah, USA. This initiative targets the Lower Commercial Skarn area, aiming to extract around 30kt of high-quality copper until 2027. Initial ore production is expected in early 2023, with full production in the second half of the year. The project leverages existing infrastructure and aims to enhance efficiency using trial battery electric vehicles, thereby promoting employee safety and reducing emissions.

Rio Tinto has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shougang Group to advance low-carbon solutions in the steel industry. The partnership aims to explore technologies including low-carbon sintering, carbon capture and utilization (CCU), and optimization of blast furnace processes. This collaboration underscores Rio Tinto's commitment to sustainability, aligning with its goal to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 15% by 2025 and 50% by 2030, backed by $7.5 billion in investments. The companies plan to leverage their expertise to mitigate climate change impacts.

Rio Tinto has announced its participation in the First Movers Coalition, a global initiative aimed at commercializing zero-carbon technologies. The coalition consists of over 50 companies with a combined market value of $8.5 trillion, focusing on reducing emissions in sectors responsible for 30% of global emissions. Rio Tinto commits to sourcing more zero-emission fuels and aims for a net-zero target by 2050, with a goal to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, backed by a $7.5 billion investment.

Rio Tinto has partnered with China Baowu Steel Group to invest $2 billion in the Western Range iron ore project in Western Australia. The project aims for an annual production capacity of 25 million tonnes to sustain Rio's existing Pilbara Blend. Construction is set to begin in early 2023, with first production expected in 2025, supporting around 1,600 jobs. Rio Tinto's share of the investment is included in its $9-10 billion capital expenditure guidance for 2023 and 2024. Both companies will also enter a sales agreement for up to 126.5 million tonnes of iron ore over 13 years.

Rio Tinto and Volvo Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership focused on supplying low-carbon products and enhancing sustainability. This collaboration aims to decarbonise Rio Tinto's operations through Volvo's autonomous hauling solutions. The partnership will facilitate the supply of responsibly sourced materials like lithium, low-carbon aluminium, and copper, aligning with both companies' commitments to sustainability and a net-zero future.

The board of Turquoise Hill Resources has unanimously recommended that minority shareholders accept Rio Tinto's all-cash offer of C$43 per share, which represents a premium of 67% over the previous closing price of C$25.68 on March 11, 2022. This offer follows Rio Tinto's binding agreement to acquire all remaining shares. Additionally, Rio Tinto has committed up to US$1.1 billion in liquidity for Turquoise Hill during the transaction process. The transaction is set to require approval from both Turquoise Hill's shareholders and is aimed at alleviating funding risks for the Oyu Tolgoi project.

Rio Tinto has proposed to acquire the remaining 49% of Turquoise Hill Resources shares it does not own for C$43 per share, valuing Turquoise Hill at approximately US$3.3 billion. This offer, which has received unanimous approval from the Special Committee, represents a premium of 67% over the closing price of Turquoise Hill shares on March 11, 2022. The transaction requires a 66.67% shareholder approval from Turquoise Hill and is anticipated to close shortly after approval. Additionally, financing arrangements have been revised to support Turquoise Hill in addressing liquidity needs.