Company: RTNTF
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form Type: 20-F
Source: 0001628280-25-006642
Chunk: 104

Company: RIO TINTO LTD
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form: 20-F
Chunk 104
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 BHP to test battery- electric haul trucks in the Pilbara region. In 2025 and 2026 we will collect data on battery performance, charging systems, and overall productivity in Pilbara conditions, and share the information so we learn faster. 2) China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) partnership: Battery swapping technology allows a battery- electric vehicle to quickly exchange a discharged battery pack for a fully charged one, instead of recharging the vehicle at a static charging station. The technology is already applied on haul trucks in mining operations across China. The 2-year project will demonstrate 8 mining haul trucks (91 tonne payload), 13 batteries (800kWh), and a robotic battery swap and charging station in non-production activities at the Oyu Tolgoi open pit copper mine in Mongolia. Renewable diesel Renewable diesel is a drop-in replacement fuel that can be used in existing equipment to significantly reduce emissions. While renewable diesel presents a compelling option, widespread adoption depends on development of a liquid market of sustainable feedstock. To support this, we are developing a sourcing strategy for commercially available renewable diesel from third-party suppliers while also developing organic supply options by identifying and cultivating sustainable feedstocks focusing on Australian-based options such as Pongamia. In 2024, we progressed the following renewable diesel activities: 1) Transitioned Kennecott operations to renewable diesel, achieving 95% diesel displacement including all heavy mining equipment across the mine, concentrator, smelter, refinery and tailings. 2) Continued renewable diesel use at Boron following successful trials initiated in 2022. 3) Purchased land for Pongamia seed oil feedstock generation pilot. We acquired approximately 3,000 hectares of land in north Queensland to assess Pongamia viability and yield. We are partnering with Midway to oversee the planting and management of the Pongamia seed farms . Given the potential timeframes and challenges associated with large-scale development and deployment of battery vehicles in some industries, policies must support market development and competitiveness of alternative fuels. The lack of a liquid market is a key constraint to widespread and accelerated use of alternatives to diesel fuels, both physically and economically. Support is needed to incentivise the production and use of biofuels at volume and grow this industry. Incentives could include support for research and development, pilot programs and direct support to landowners to develop advanced biofuel feedstock crops in suitable areas.

| For further informationsee our climatebriefing paper on transitioning our dieself