Global mining and metals company, Rio Tinto, and truck, bus, and construction equipment company Volvo Group announced today a new partnership aimed at furthering each company’s climate goals through the supply of low-carbon materials and sustainability-focused solutions.

Under the new strategic partnership, Rio Tinto will supply responsibly-sourced low-carbon products to Volvo Group, and secures the supply of secure supplies of materials including lithium, low-carbon aluminium, copper, and metallics.solutions. Rio Tinto will also pilot Volvo Group’s sustainable autonomous hauling solutions.

Jakob Stausholm, Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive, said:

“We look forward to partnering with Volvo to progress our contribution to a net-zero future, as we collaborate to deliver sustainable outcomes from the mine to the showroom floor.”

Rio Tinto stated that the agreement will allow it to progress sustainability commitments in its operations and supply chains. The company has set climate goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2025 and 50% by 2030, and to achieve net zero by 2050.

Volvo has announced a goal to achieve net zero value chain emissions by 2040, and the company recently became the first manufacturer in the world to deliver a construction machine made with fossil-free steel.  

Volvo President and Chief Executive Officer, Martin Lundstedt, said: 

“We are eager to partner with Rio Tinto, a true collaboration aiming to accelerate our ambitions towards a fossil-free, decarbonised future. By addressing the full value chain, from the use of low-carbon materials in our products, to providing our customers with sustainable autonomous hauling solutions, we can contribute to a better and more sustainable future.”