Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs
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The drive for innovation and continuous improvement is at the heart of our purpose
Business Strategy
Climate change is at the heart of our business strategy
Innovation
Finding better ways to do things is in our DNA
We supply the metals and minerals used to help the world grow and decarbonise
Iron Ore
Iron ore is the primary raw material used to make steel
7 things the world will need for a low-carbon future
Wind, sun and water – what else do you need to make renewable energy work?
Sustainability – the expectation, not the exception
Shaping our aluminium product offering to meet demand for greener metals
Bringing to market materials critical to urbanisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Look inside a mine of the future
Our most intelligent mine yet is pioneering new mining technologies
Rincon Project
A long-life, low-cost and low-carbon lithium source
Simandou Project
The world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit
Providing materials the world needs in a responsible way
Sustainability Reporting 2023
As temporary custodians of the land where we operate, we are entrusted with accessing the world’s essential materials and making them available for society’s use
Climate Change
We’re targeting net zero emissions by 2050
Tailings
We’ve launched a new interactive map of our tailings facilities
We aim to deliver superior returns to our shareholders while safeguarding the environment and meeting our obligations to wider society
Reports 2023
Download our 2023 Annual Report, Climate Change Report, Sustainability Fact Book and Taxes Paid Report
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Our podcast discussing what needs to happen to create a sustainable future for the everyday items we have come to rely on
A new way to decarbonise steel
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Tackling it all
A short documentary series with the Queensland Reds is inspiring working women everywhere
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2023 figures
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining and is South Africa’s largest mineral sands producer. RBM mines the vast mineral rich sands of the northern KwaZulu-Natal province and produces predominantly zircon, rutile, iron and slag – materials used in everything from paint to smart phones to sunscreen.
RBM is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (74%) and Blue Horizon – a consortium of investors and our Host Communities Mbonambi, Sokhulu, Mkhwanazi and Dube – which owns 24%. The remaining shares are held in an employee trust.
RBM has been a major contributor to KwaZulu-Natal for more than 45 years.
At RBM, where we mine sand dunes along the coast, we have been pioneering award-winning, progressive dune rehabilitation and have been learning and sharing lessons with the global scientific community for nearly 45 years.
After we remove the minerals from the sand, the dunes are reshaped to mimic their pre-mining topography. Topsoil retrieved from the front of the mining face (which contains the seed and organic matter of the local indigenous forest) is spread over the reshaped dunes and enriched with fast-growing annuals to begin biological processes and to protect the topsoil from wind and water erosion. When these annuals take root, helped by periodic windbreaks, they both green and stabilise the dunes.
To date, we have successfully rehabilitated more than 3,600 hectares at RBM using native plants and trees. Our rehabilitation program is gradually resulting in the re-establishment and restoration of a coastal dune forest and ecosystem. More than 35 scientific studies have been conducted by scientists around the world to learn from our work.
In April 2019, we approved the next stage in the development of RBM through the construction of the Zulti South project.
The $463 million (our share is $343 million) investment will sustain RBM’s current capacity and extend the life of the mine. RBM currently operates 4 mines in the Zulti North lease area, a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. The Zulti South mine will underpin RBM’s supply of zircon and ilmenite over the life of mine.
The Zulti South project is on full suspension. We will reassess a restart at an appropriate time.
Established in 2009, community trusts were developed to deliver broad based benefit for host communities. RBM will provide immediate funding to the Sokhulu Trusts to enable it to continue funding programs in support of education and skills training.RICHARDS BAY, South Africa -- Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) and the Sokhulu community trusts have reached an agreement to revise the existing commun
JOHANNESBURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Richard’s Bay Minerals (RBM) will be supplied with renewable solar power through an agreement with international energy company Voltalia and local Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) partners, for its operation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Under the agreement, Voltalia will begin construction of the Bolobedu Solar PV renewable energy project in 2023, at a site
RICHARDS BAY, South Africa -- Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has committed R5 million towards supporting relief efforts in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), following the devastation caused by the recent floods.Working together with the Provincial and local governments, as well as key partners in the region, RBM will contribute these funds to assist affected KZN residents receive basic necessities and to support
In the 1990s, the exploration of the sand dunes at Richards Bay uncovered not only valuable minerals but hidden treasures – archaeological remains that provide a unique opportunity to reconstruct a historical record of the area. Pottery shards found on the sites revealed different ethno-linguistic groups, as did necklaces, beads, smoking pipes and tools. Many sites had hearths or fireplaces. RBM established an archaeological program to protect the cultural heritage of the area in partnership with anthropologists, the KwaZulu-Natal Museum and the Amafa/Heritage KwaZulu-Natal the provincial heritage conservation agency for KwaZulu-Natal. The project has involved excavating and recording hundreds of archaeological sites. Exhibits and examples of artefacts are housed at the Mananga Heritage Centre in the Mbonambi community in KwaZulu-Natal – a series of traditional rondavels that is also a valuable educational resource for local schools and a living cultural monument.
RBM is committed to sustainable development, and to working in partnership with government, suppliers and our Host Communities.
The Farm RBM PO Box 401 Richards Bay 3900 South Africa
T: +27 35 901 3111
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With the exception of the use of cookies (explained below), Rio Tinto generally does not seek to collect personal data through this website. However if you choose to provide personal data to Rio Tinto through this website (for example, by sending us an email), we will process that personal data to answer your query and if relevant, to manage our business relationship with you or your company. We won't process that personal data for other purposes except where required to meet our legal obligations or otherwise as authorised by law and notified to you.
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