Rio Tinto, Codelco Create Tech Alliance

Rio Tinto and Codelco have formed a mining technology development alliance, Río de Cobre, to jointly pursue next-generation copper mining and processing technology development. The objective of the alliance is to deliver safer, more energy-efficient, and lowercost production from both current and next-generation surface and deep underground mines while operating with a lower overall environmental impact. The alliance will be governed by an independent chair and vice chair.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Tom Albanese said, “Combining the Rio Tinto ‘Mine of the Future’ effort with the industry-renowned copper technology expertise of Codelco positions both of our companies to best confront the challenges posed by the increasing demand for copper.”

Codelco Chief Executive Jose Pablo Arellano said, “As leader of the copper mining industry, Codelco is pleased in signing the Río de Cobre alliance with Rio Tinto. This initiative will make possible technological collaboration to meet the challenges in underground mining. Our companies have the experience and expertise to innovate in order to face these challenges in a competitive manner.”.

As featured in Womp 2009 Vol 10 - www.womp-int.com