#India #New Delhi #Rio Tinto #AMG Metals #Low-Carbon

Rio Tinto and AMG Metals Aim for Low-Carbon Aluminium in India

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable aluminium production, Rio Tinto, a major player in the mining and metals industry, has joined forces with AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M), a notable provider of energy transition solutions. Together, they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the feasibility of developing an integrated low-carbon aluminium project powered by renewable energy sources in India.

The collaboration marks a crucial step in both companies’ commitment to reducing carbon footprints while advancing their operations in emerging markets. The project aims to construct an aluminium smelter with a capacity of 1 million tonnes per year (Mtpa) along with the production of 2 Mtpa of alumina, utilizing sustainable energy from wind, solar, and pumped hydro storage.

Strategic Importance of India

Jérôme Pécresse, CEO of Rio Tinto Aluminium, emphasized the importance of this project by stating, "This study is a significant step towards increasing our global footprint of low-carbon aluminium. We are also exploring new approaches and opportunities in emerging markets. The partnership with AMG Metals allows us to assess how we can develop responsible and cost-effective aluminium production powered by renewable energy. Given its rapid economic growth and strategic position, India stands out as a prime location for this potential project, aligning with our long-term vision of a more diversified and resilient aluminium business on a worldwide scale."

As part of the study, AMG M&M will explore renewable energy solutions with Greenko, while Rio Tinto will investigate commercial solutions for alumina. Moreover, the analysis will include evaluating melting technology options to determine the most economically viable solution for the project.

Commitment to Decarbonization

Mahesh Kolli, President of AMG Metals & Materials and Greenko, noted, "Over the past few years, we have been able to provide a variety of decarbonization solutions, including electricity, molecules, chemicals, and fuels. We are excited to extend this concept into the materials space. This MoU could provide low-carbon metal at scale to drive decarbonization initiatives across global supply chains in sectors like automotive, construction, consumer products packaging, and many other segments."

The background of AMG Metals & Materials reveals it was established by Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, founders of Greenko Group, which is a leading energy transition solutions provider in India. Greenko has an operational capacity of 10 GW in renewable energy across solar, wind, and hydro sectors and is constructing 100 GWh of energy storage capacity spread across India. Furthermore, AM Green is developing low-carbon ammonia production projects at multiple sites, targeting a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per year by 2030.

Looking Ahead

As they embark on this promising venture, both Rio Tinto and AMG Metals highlight their vision for sustainable practices and technological advancements within the aluminium sector. With global demands for low-carbon materials increasing, this project not only represents a significant investment in India but also signals a broader shift towards environmentally-conscious production methods in the global commodities market.

Through collaborations like this, the combined expertise of established firms and innovative start-ups can lead to breakthroughs in sustainable practices, setting a benchmark for future projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the metals industry.

For more information, visit AMG Green.