Rio Tinto, in partnership with Finland-based renewable diesel producer Neste and Australian fuel supplier Viva Energy, has completed its first biofuel trial in Western Australia aimed at decarbonizing its iron ore operations.

The four-week trial, conducted from January to February, blended 20% renewable diesel with fossil diesel for use across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations. 

The trial reduced Rio Tinto's Scope 1 emissions by around 27,000 tons. Meanwhile, the trial also provided insights into expanding the use of renewable diesel, supply chain logistics, and blending processes.

This initiative supports Rio Tinto's emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050.