THE BRIEF
“ Additive manufacturing shows a lot of potential … through reduced or eliminated need for transport and storage of parts , and also shorter
delivery times ”
Ronne Hamerslag Head of Supply Management , Boliden �
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“ As much as there is an increase in demand , there is also increase in demand for responsiblyproduced materials ”
Michèle Brülhart Executive Director , Copper Mark �
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“ The mining sector is hungry for solutions that improve safety , decrease greenhouse gas emissions , and
improve profitability ”
Dr Andrew Job CEO and Co-founder , Plotlogic �
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Mining giant Rio Tinto joins Russia exodus
Background Anglo-Australian mining group Rio Tinto has joined the lengthening list of major companies to pull out of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine .
What are the implications ? The group ' s decision to end commercial dealings leaves question marks over its Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project in Mongolia , where it buys Russian diesel , as well as its partnership with Rusal , the Russian aluminium group , in Australia , where the companies co-own the Queensland Alumina refinery .
In January , the Oyu Tolgoi Board approved the beginning of a near US $ 7bn-expansion of underground operations , unlocking the most valuable part of the mine , with sustainable underground production expected in the first half of 2023 .
How else might minerals ’ market be impacted ? Russia ' s abundant supplies of minerals such as nickel could have knock-on effects in other areas , including electric vehicles .
Rio Tinto is supporting the development of a battery ecosystem in Europe with an investment in Inobat Auto , a European-based battery technology and manufacturing company .
Rio Tinto isn ’ t the only company impacted , though : Canadian gold miner Kinross has announced a ‘ transition plan ’ to sell its Russian assets .
Why is Rio Tinto enhancing its ESG profile ? A damaging report found bullying , sexual harassment , racism and other forms of discrimination systemic across its worksites , with almost half of workers experiencing bullying .
The report , which outlines 26 detailed recommendations , will inform work being carried out to improve how the company prevents and responds to discrimination and unacceptable workplace behaviour . Rio Tinto said it will implement all recommendations .
12 May 2022