Case Studies

Asia Technology Center

As part of the Rio Tinto Group, Rio Tinto Minerals’ Asia Technology Center (ATC) is pursuing innovation to address the world’s demand for energy, food and urbanization. The ATC is designed to support customers and develop new products and technologies in the world’s premier growth region. The ATC has technical capacities in Singapore, China and India.

The ATC is a standalone laboratory, designed to grow, and connected to our sister company on site and remotely to our Research & Development commercial centers throughout the world. The facility is designed for LEED silver certification for energy efficiency and low environmental impact. Laboratory construction commenced in March 2012, completed in November 2012, and had no lost time injuries in 126,000 man hours of work.

ATC Laboratory Facts

• Has footprint of 950m2

• Designed for LEED silver certification for energy efficiency and low environmental impact

• Constructed and delivered with no lost time injuries in 126,000 man hours of work

• Equipped for developing new products and applications involving borates and, in the future, lithium carbonate and other minerals

• Most building products were sourced from Chinese suppliers, many from our own customers

• Designed for safety and collaborative and creative work environment

RTM Nules Supports Health, Culture and Education in Local Community

Rio Tinto Minerals in Nules, Spain, collaborated with the local community, including the town of Nules and Castellon University, and supported activities that promoted health, culture and education. RTM also provided scientific assistance for the ceramic market in the area.

RTM Nules sponsored sports clubs such as futsal (a variation of football that is primarily played indoors), handball and football, as well as circuit races that were held at the beach, and in the city and mountains.

The company also supports local health, cultural and educational events with community stakeholders. This includes celebrating “Fallas,” a traditional popular festival held in March, with senior citizens. RTM also participates in events held by the Spanish Association Against Cancer, including melanoma testing and briefings to prevent urological diseases. In addition, RTM Nules employees devote volunteer hours to help the Nules Delegation of the Spanish Red Cross.

The company held a total of ten sustainability-focused activities during the year.