6-K
RIO TINTO LTD (RTNTF)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of November 2025
| Commission file number: 001-10533 | Commission file number: 001-34121 |
|---|---|
| Rio Tinto plc | Rio Tinto Limited |
| ABN 96 004 458 404 | |
| (Translation of registrant’s name into English) | (Translation of registrant’s name into English) |
| 6 St. James’s Square | Level 43, 120 Collins Street |
| London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom | Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Address of principal executive offices) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
EXHIBITS
99.1Media release dated 1 November 2025 entitled ‘Rio Tinto and Canada Growth Fund announce transaction to advance Canadianproduction of scandium’.
99.2Stock Exchange announcement dated 3 November 2025 entitled ‘Total Voting Rights and Issued Capital’.
99.3Media release dated 11 November 2025 entitled ‘Simandou partners celebrate start of operations'.
99.4Media release dated 13 November 2025 entitled ‘ELYSIS achieves breakthrough with commercial-size cell: a first in aluminium production using the inert anode technology’.
99.5Media release dated 14 November 2025 entitled ‘Rio Tinto signs new wind power deal for Kennecott’.
99.6Media release dated 17 November 2025 entitled ‘Rio Tinto partners with Calix to test low-emissions steel making in Western Australia, pauses BioIron’.
99.7Media release dated 18 November 2025 entitled ‘Rio Tinto to reduce production at Yarwun Alumina Refinery to extend operational life’.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
| Rio Tinto plc | Rio Tinto Limited | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (Registrant) | (Registrant) | ||
| By | /s/ Andrew Hodges | By | /s/ Tim Paine |
| Name | Andrew Hodges | Name | Tim Paine |
| Title | Company Secretary | Title | Company Secretary |
| Date | 1 December 2025 | Date | 1 December 2025 |
Document
EXHIBIT 99.1
Media Release
Rio Tinto and Canada Growth Fund announce transaction to advance Canadian production of scandium
01 November 2025
SOREL-TRACY, Québec — Rio Tinto and Canada Growth Fund Inc. (CGF) are pleased to announce a transaction to advance the Canadian production of scandium oxide in Sorel-Tracy, Québec at the facility under construction at Rio Tinto’s Critical Minerals and Metallurgical Complex. CGF will invest approximately C$25 million to support production at North America’s sole facility capable of supplying this material, expanding the facility’s nameplate capacity to nine tonnes per annum and strengthening Canada’s critical minerals supply chain.
Scandium is a rare and strategically important metal, essential for high-performance aluminium alloys, solid oxide fuel cells, and a range of new and emerging technologies. Its significance lies in its role as an enabling element, enhancing the performance of materials and technologies beyond conventional limits. Scandium’s strategic importance will continue to grow as global industries advance toward electrification, carbon neutrality, and the utilization of high-performance materials.
Today, the global market for scandium remains small with China producing most refined scandium globally. Rio Tinto’s demonstration plant, which began production in 2022, currently accounts for the entirety of North American scandium supply and is one of the few meaningful sources of supply within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Through the successful deployment of the demonstration plant, Rio Tinto is established a scalable, reliable, and sustainable source of scandium for North America.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium and Diamonds Managing Director Sophie Bergeron said: “Rio Tinto is pleased to partner with CGF and the Government of Canada to expand our Canadian production of scandium oxide, a high-performance material used for advanced manufacturing and energy generation. This project leverages an innovative process developed in Canada by our scientists, fully supplied from our domestic mining and metallurgical assets to provide a secure, North American supply of this critical mineral.”
Canada Growth Fund Investment Management President and Chief Executive Officer Yannick Beaudoin said: “With its unique investment mandate, CGF invests into innovative transaction structures that directly support projects of strategic priorities. This transaction, completed alongside an established operating partner, enables us to unlock new models for risk-sharing and value creation that advance Canada’s supply chain resilience strategy. Our commitment to the Project demonstrates how targeted investment and disciplined structuring can deliver tangible benefits for the Canadian industry and economy.”
PSP Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Deborah K. Orida said: “We are delighted to bring PSP Investments’ rigorous investment process, depth of expertise and arm’s length governance model to the execution of CGF’s mandate. With today’s announcement, CGF continues to provide
Media Release
innovative solutions that enable the development of important projects, improving Canada’s investment climate, and contributing to PSP’s foresight on the evolution of the critical minerals supply chain.”
Rio Tinto has pioneered a breakthrough process to extract and produce high-purity scandium directly from the waste streams of titanium dioxide production at its Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium — Québec operations, eliminating the need for additional mining and minimizing environmental impact. Recognized as a critical mineral by Canada, the United States, Australia, and other jurisdictions, scandium is globally dispersed yet typically occurs in very small concentrations, intricately bound with other minerals and metals, rendering its extraction and refinement both technically challenging and cost prohibitive.
It is the most effective known microalloying element for strengthening aluminium, imparting enhanced flexibility, heat and corrosion resistance, and reduced weight, attributes that confer strategic advantages for defense platforms and lightweight vehicle manufacturing. Its unique properties also elevate the performance of solid oxide fuel cells, which are increasingly deployed as alternative power solutions for buildings, medical facilities, and data centers.
Transaction Highlights
•CGF’s investment of approximately C$25 million will be made through an equity-like financial royalty structure.
•In connection with this investment, the Government of Canada (GoC) has agreed to enter into two commercial agreements with the Project and Rio Tinto:
1.An offtake agreement with Rio Tinto whereby the GoC commits to purchase a volume of scandium;
2.A marketing and storage agreement, under which Rio Tinto will assist with marketing and storing the scandium on behalf of the GoC.
Media Release
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
| Relations, Canada<br><br><br><br>Simon Letendre<br><br>M +1 514 796 4973 | |
|---|---|
| Rio Tinto plc<br><br><br><br>6 St James’s Square<br><br>London SW1Y 4AD<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br>T +44 20 7781 2000<br><br><br><br>Registered in England<br><br>No. 719885 | Rio Tinto Limited<br><br><br><br>Level 43, 120 Collins Street<br><br>Melbourne 3000<br><br>Australia<br><br>T +61 3 9283 3333<br><br><br><br>Registered in Australia<br><br>ABN 96 004 458 404 |
| --- | --- |
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Document
EXHIBIT 99.2
Notice to LSE
Total Voting Rights and Issued Capital
3 November 2025
In accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 5.6.1R, Rio Tinto plc notifies the market that as of 31 October 2025:
1.Rio Tinto plc’s issued share capital comprised 1,256,010,170 Ordinary shares of 10p each, each with one vote.
2.1,727,902 Ordinary shares of 10p each are held in treasury. These shares are not taken into consideration in relation to the payment of dividends and voting at shareholder meetings.
Accordingly the total number of voting rights in Rio Tinto plc is 1,254,282,268. This figure may be used by shareholders (and others with notification obligations) as the denominator for the calculation by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, Rio Tinto plc under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
Note:
As at the date of this announcement:
(a)Rio Tinto plc has also issued one Special Voting Share of 10p and one DLC Dividend Share of 10p in connection with its dual listed companies (‘DLC’) merger with Rio Tinto Limited which was designed to place the shareholders of both companies in substantially the same position as if they held shares in a single enterprise owning all of the assets of both companies;
(b)the Special Voting Share facilitates joint voting by shareholders of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited on joint electorate resolutions; and
(c)there are 371,216,214 publicly held Rio Tinto Limited shares in issue which do not form part of the share capital of Rio Tinto plc.
LEI: 213800YOEO5OQ72G2R82
Classification: 2.5 Total number of voting rights and capital disclosed under article 15 of the Transparency Directive
Notice to LSE 2 / 2
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
| Media Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Matthew Klar<br><br>M +44 7796 630 637<br><br><br><br>David Outhwaite<br><br>M +44 7787 597 493 | Media Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Matt Chambers<br><br>M +61 433 525 739<br><br><br><br>Rachel Pupazzoni<br><br>M +61 438 875 469<br><br><br><br>Bruce Tobin<br><br>M +61 419 103 454 | Media Relations,<br><br>Canada<br><br><br><br>Simon Letendre<br><br>M +1 514 796 4973<br><br><br><br>Malika Cherry<br><br>M +1 418 592 7293<br><br><br><br>Vanessa Damha<br><br>M +1 514 715 2152<br><br><br><br><br><br>Media Relations,<br><br>US & Latin America<br><br><br><br>Jesse Riseborough<br><br>M +1 202 394 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Rachel Arellano<br>M: +44 7584 609 644<br><br><br><br>David Ovington<br><br>M +44 7920 010 978<br><br><br><br>Laura Brooks<br><br>M +44 7826 942 797<br><br><br><br>Weiwei Hu<br><br>M +44 7825 907 230 | Investor Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Tom Gallop<br><br>M +61 439 353 948<br><br><br><br>Phoebe Lee<br><br>M +61 413 557 780 | |
| Rio Tinto plc<br><br><br><br>6 St James’s Square<br><br>London SW1Y 4AD<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br>T +44 20 7781 2000<br><br><br><br>Registered in England<br><br>No. 719885 | Rio Tinto Limited<br><br><br><br>Level 43, 120 Collins Street<br><br>Melbourne 3000<br><br>Australia<br><br>T +61 3 9283 3333<br><br><br><br>Registered in Australia<br><br>ABN 96 004 458 404 |
This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto’s Group Company Secretary.
riotinto.com
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EXHIBIT 99.3
Media Release
Simandou partners celebrate start of operations
11 November 2025
CONAKRY, Guinea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The President of the Republic of Guinea today joined project partners WCS1, Baowu, Chinalco and Rio Tinto in a ceremony at the port in Forécariah prefecture to mark the start of operations at Simandou, Africa’s largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure project.
The project is delivering more than 600 kilometres of new multi-use trans-Guinean rail together with barge and Transhipment Vessel port facilities. Following commissioning and ramp up, this infrastructure will support the export of a combined total of up to 120 million tonnes per year of mined iron ore by SimFer2 and WCS from their respective Simandou mining concessions in the southeast of the country.
Testing and commissioning of the mine, rail and barge port system infrastructure is underway, with both WCS and SimFer having commenced the transport of iron ore from mine gate to the port via the trans-Guinean rail line.
The project is being co-developed by the Government of the Republic of Guinea, SimFer and WCS. Once commissioned, all co-developed infrastructure and rolling stock will be transferred to and operated by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), in which Simfer and WCS each hold a 42.5% equity stake, with the Government of Guinea holding the remaining 15%.
Djiba Diakité, Minister and Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic and Chairman of the Simandou 2040 Strategic Committee said: "Simandou is more than a mining project: it is the driving force behind a national transformation. This collective success reflects the vision of the Head of State and the determination of an entire nation to build a future of shared prosperity. This inauguration marks a foundational milestone for Guinea, which now stands as a key player in sustainable development and economic sovereignty in West Africa.”
Winning Consortium Chairman Sun Xiushun said: “This milestone reflects years of hard work and strong partnership. Winning Consortium is proud to have delivered on our commitment and to stand with our partners in bringing Simandou into operation.”
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “This outstanding achievement has been made possible through the dedicated hard work of thousands of our colleagues, and the complementary strengths and expertise of Rio Tinto, our SimFer partners, the Government of Guinea and Winning Consortium Simandou.
“Today we are unlocking an exceptional new source of high-grade iron ore that is in demand from customers for low-carbon steel making, enhancing our world-class portfolio of iron ore mines in the Pilbara and Canada.”
Media Release
Chinalco President Wang Shilei said: “The start of operations of the Simandou project is an important achievement guided by the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries. It reflects the joint efforts and pragmatic cooperation between China and Guinea, contributing to Guinea’s industrialisation and modernisation process. Chinalco is committed to working together with all partners to fully implement the outcomes of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, advance the high-quality development of the Simandou iron ore project, take concrete actions to deliver on the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the continued deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Guinea.”
Chairman of China Baowu Group, Hu Wangming said: “The start of operations of the Simandou project marks a significant milestone in the history of the global mining industry. Throughout the development process, all parties have maintained a broad perspective and a long-term vision, adhering to the principles of market orientation, rule of law, and internationalisation, ensuring the project’s advancement with high standards and high quality. The stable supply of Simandou’s premium iron ore resources will provide a solid foundation of low carbon raw materials for the development of China’s steel industry and the global steel sector. We firmly believe that this exemplary cooperation will inject lasting momentum into the economic and social development of Guinea, the host country of the project.”
1 WCS is a consortium between Winning International Group and Weiqiao Aluminium (part of the China Hongqiao Group) (collectively 51%) and Baowu Resources (49%).
2 The Simfer joint venture comprises Simfer S.A., the holder of Simandou South Blocks 3 & 4, which is owned by the Government of Guinea (15%) and Simfer Jersey Limited (85%). In turn, Simfer Jersey Limited is a joint venture between the Rio Tinto Group (53%) and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (47%) – a Chinalco-led joint venture of leading Chinese SOEs (Chinalco (75%), Baowu (20%), China Rail Construction Corporation (2.5%) and China Harbour Engineering Company (2.5%).
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251111830386/en/
Media Release
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
| Rio Tinto Media Relations<br><br><br><br>United Kingdom<br><br>David Outhwaite<br><br>M +44 7787 597 493<br><br><br><br>Guinea<br><br>Abdourahamane Diallo<br><br>M +224 (611) 001 396 |
|---|
riotinto.com
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EXHIBIT 99.4
Media Release
ELYSIS achieves breakthrough with commercial-size cell: a first in aluminium production using the inert anode technology
13 November 2025
MONTRÉAL, Canada — ELYSIS is proud to announce the successful start-up of its 450 kiloampere (kA) designed inert anode cell at the end of an existing potline at the Rio Tinto smelter in Alma, Québec, a defining moment in the transition toward large-scale, low-carbon aluminium production.
This achievement marks the first implementation of inert anode technology at this commercial-size scale. After years of sustained research, development, and rigorous testing, ELYSIS has reached a breakthrough: high-amperage aluminium production with no direct carbon emissions from the smelting process. The ELYSIS® technology also has the potential to improve worker safety, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
Thanks to the expertise of the ELYSIS team, its partners at Alcoa Corporation and Rio Tinto, and the continued support of the governments of Canada and Québec, ELYSIS has entered a new phase of industrial innovation. Comprehensive and rigorous testing will continue on the large-scale cell, which was designed for industrial demonstration purposes, to gather critical data to support future commercial deployment.
This global first at this commercial size and this amperage reinforces Canada’s position as a leader in sustainable aluminium and reflects ELYSIS’ unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and climate leadership.
Quotes
ELYSIS President and Chief Executive Officer François Perras said: “This historic milestone results from years of relentless innovation and teamwork of all ELYSIS employees and collaborators. While R&D is rarely linear, our combined efforts have turned vision into reality. Today, we’re not just powering a new cell, we’re powering the future of aluminium.”
Rio Tinto Aluminium & Lithium Chief Executive Jérôme Pécresse said: “Today marks a major step for ELYSIS in its journey to commercialize its groundbreaking aluminium smelting technology without direct carbon emissions. Through our involvement in the joint venture, Rio Tinto is reinforcing its commitment to inert anode smelting. The construction of the first demonstration plant using this new technology at our Arvida smelter in Canada underscores its importance as a core pillar of our long-term decarbonization strategy.”
Media Release
Alcoa Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer William F. (Bill) Oplinger said: “Alcoa founded the aluminium industry and is proud to be part of the development of the next phase of technological advancement. ELYSIS® technology has the potential to fundamentally change the future of our industry, and with the successful implementation at a commercial-size scale, we are one step closer to bringing the technology to market.”
About ELYSIS
ELYSIS is a technology company that emerged from a ground-breaking partnership between two global industry leaders, Alcoa and Rio Tinto. ELYSIS’ goal is to revolutionize the way aluminium is produced worldwide. Our process eliminates all direct greenhouse gases from aluminium smelting, producing oxygen instead. Learn more at www.ELYSIS.com.
Media Release
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
| Media Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Matthew Klar<br><br>M +44 7796 630 637<br><br><br><br>David Outhwaite<br><br>M +44 7787 597 493 | Media Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Matt Chambers<br><br>M +61 433 525 739<br><br><br><br>Rachel Pupazzoni<br><br>M +61 438 875 469<br><br><br><br>Bruce Tobin<br><br>M +61 419 103 454 | Media Relations,<br><br>Canada<br><br><br><br>Simon Letendre<br><br>M +1 514 796 4973<br><br><br><br>Malika Cherry<br><br>M +1 418 592 7293<br><br><br><br>Vanessa Damha<br><br>M +1 514 715 2152<br><br><br><br><br><br>Media Relations,<br><br>US & Latin America<br><br><br><br>Jesse Riseborough<br><br>M +1 202 394 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Rachel Arellano<br>M: +44 7584 609 644<br><br><br><br>David Ovington<br><br>M +44 7920 010 978<br><br><br><br>Laura Brooks<br><br>M +44 7826 942 797<br><br><br><br>Weiwei Hu<br><br>M +44 7825 907 230 | Investor Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Tom Gallop<br><br>M +61 439 353 948<br><br><br><br>Phoebe Lee <br>M +61 413 557 780 | |
| Rio Tinto plc<br><br><br><br>6 St James’s Square<br><br>London SW1Y 4AD<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br>T +44 20 7781 2000<br><br><br><br>Registered in England<br><br>No. 719885 | Rio Tinto Limited<br><br><br><br>Level 43, 120 Collins Street<br><br>Melbourne 3000<br><br>Australia<br><br>T +61 3 9283 3333<br><br><br><br>Registered in Australia<br><br>ABN 96 004 458 404 |
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EXHIBIT 99.5
Media Release
Rio Tinto signs new wind power deal for Kennecott
14 November 2025
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto’s Kennecott operation has progressed its decarbonisation objectives by signing a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with TerraGen for renewable energy from a newly completed wind farm in Texas.
Under the agreement, Rio Tinto will purchase 78.5 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy generated by TerraGen’s 238.5 MW Monte Cristo I Windpower project. Commercial operations were commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on site today.
Rio Tinto Kennecott Managing Director Nate Foster said: “This agreement strengthens Rio Tinto’s renewable energy portfolio in the United States and supports the continued growth of greenfield renewable energy generation capacity in the U.S. grid.
“It’s the latest in a series of renewable energy projects for Kennecott, following the installation of a 5MW solar plant in 2023, and a second 25MW solar plant nearing completion. We continue to look for ways to power our operations while also lowering our emissions to help achieve Rio Tinto's long-term decarbonisation goals."
Rio Tinto has committed to reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. Around 78% of the electricity Rio Tinto uses globally comes from renewable sources, and the company is making investment and supply decisions to increase this to around 90% by 2030.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113801295/en/
Media Release
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
| Media Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Matthew Klar<br><br>M +44 7796 630 637<br><br><br><br>David Outhwaite<br><br>M +44 7787 597 493 | Media Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Matt Chambers<br><br>M +61 433 525 739<br><br><br><br>Alyesha Anderson<br>M +61 434 868 118<br><br><br><br>Rachel Pupazzoni<br><br>M +61 438 875 469<br><br><br><br>Bruce Tobin<br><br>M +61 419 103 454 | Media Relations,<br><br>Canada<br><br><br><br>Simon Letendre<br><br>M +1 514 796 4973<br><br><br><br>Malika Cherry<br><br>M +1 418 592 7293<br><br><br><br>Vanessa Damha<br><br>M +1 514 715 2152<br><br><br><br><br><br>Media Relations,<br><br>US & Latin America<br><br><br><br>Jesse Riseborough<br><br>M +1 202 394 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Rachel Arellano<br>M: +44 7584 609 644<br><br><br><br>David Ovington<br><br>M +44 7920 010 978<br><br><br><br>Laura Brooks<br><br>M +44 7826 942 797<br><br><br><br>Weiwei Hu<br><br>M +44 7825 907 230 | Investor Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Tom Gallop<br><br>M +61 439 353 948<br><br><br><br>Phoebe Lee <br>M +61 413 557 780 | |
| Rio Tinto plc<br><br><br><br>6 St James’s Square<br><br>London SW1Y 4AD<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br>T +44 20 7781 2000<br><br><br><br>Registered in England<br><br>No. 719885 | Rio Tinto Limited<br><br><br><br>Level 43, 120 Collins Street<br><br>Melbourne 3000<br><br>Australia<br><br>T +61 3 9283 3333<br><br><br><br>Registered in Australia<br><br>ABN 96 004 458 404 |
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EXHIBIT 99.6
Media Release
Rio Tinto partners with Calix to test low-emissions steel making in Western Australia, pauses BioIron
17 November 2025
PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Australian environmental technology company Calix to support construction of Calix’s Zero Emissions Steel Technology (Zesty™) demonstration plant in Western Australia, which could enable Pilbara iron ores to be used in lower-emissions steel making.
If approved, the demonstration plant will be built at a site in Kwinana, south of Perth, that had been earmarked for Rio Tinto’s previously announced BioIron™ Research and Development Facility and associated pilot plant.
Rio Tinto has determined that the current furnace design for BioIron requires additional development to minimise technical risks and optimise its performance.
It remains committed to the long-term potential of BioIron technology, and research and development continues in partnership with the University of Nottingham and sustainable technology company, Metso.
Rio Tinto will invest more than A$35 million, subject to project milestones and comprised of in-kind and financial contributions, to assist Calix with the Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Plant, which also has Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) support.
The Zesty process is compatible with lower grade iron ore and uses electric heating and hydrogen reduction to produce reduced-emissions iron.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz said: “The world needs low-emissions steel if it is going to decarbonise, and we continue to look at a range of ways Pilbara iron ores can help to do this as new technologies emerge.
“We’re pleased to partner with Calix, an Australian technology company, to help progress the Zesty technology to be able to use Pilbara iron ores for lower-emissions steel making.
“In parallel, we’ll keep progressing BioIron with our partners, the University of Nottingham and Metso, to further its potential. Both projects are part of our work to reduce emissions and support the future of iron ore in Australia and the communities that depend on it.”
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said: "Locally made green iron is a key part of my vision to become a renewable energy powerhouse and make more things here.
“Coupled with my government's recent announcement that government will take an "if not, why not" approach to green steel procurement on major government projects, the Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Plant will support our efforts to diversify WA's economy so that it can remain the strongest in the nation.
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"I welcome this agreement between Calix and Rio Tinto, which will play an important role in growing this exciting new industry in WA.”
The Kwinana location provides access to established utilities, ports and other infrastructure. It is also near the NeoSmelt1 facility for potential downstream processing of Direct Reduced Iron produced by the Zesty plant. Rio Tinto is one of five companies developing the NeoSmelt project, which earlier this year secured ARENA funding.
Calix also has a A$44.9m ARENA grant, subject to conditions, for the Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Plant, as previously announced by the company.
Calix Chief Executive Officer Phil Hodgson said: “The Joint Development Agreement with Rio Tinto is a major milestone in the commercialisation of Zesty. It provides cash and hands-on support, including industry leading resources, expertise and market reach to progress the Zesty Demonstration project.
“This strong support from Rio Tinto provides further validation of the potential for deployment of the Zesty technology to the world’s largest minerals and metals market, its potential to help decarbonise a critical industry responsible for ~8% of global CO2 emissions, and the opportunity to help future-proof Australia’s largest source of export income. We look forward to working with Rio Tinto, further industry partners and other key stakeholders, and ARENA on this important Australian project.”
Under the terms of the JDA, Rio Tinto will support the Zesty project to reach a Final Investment Decision (FID) through technical support, engineering services and advocacy.
Subject to FID and successful project construction, Rio Tinto will supply up to 10,000 tonnes of a range of Pilbara iron ores for use in plant commissioning and the initial testing phase of the project, as well as introductions to potential customers for downstream use of the Zesty product.
The partnership enables Rio Tinto to exercise a non-exclusive global and perpetual licence agreement for the potential commercial use of the Zesty technology, sub-licence the technology to its affiliates and customers, and act as a non-exclusive global marketing agent for the Zesty technology.
Additional information
About Calix and Zesty
Calix Limited is an Australian technology company focused on industrial decarbonisation and sustainability.
Calix’s Zesty technology uses a combination of electric heating and hydrogen reduction to produce green iron and ultimately, green steel. Zesty aims to provide lowest cost pathways to green iron and steel through minimal hydrogen consumption, flexible electric heating compatible with intermittent renewable energy sources, elimination of ore pelletisation, and enabling the use of fines and lower-grade iron ores. Zesty pilot-scale trials in collaboration with the Heavy-Industry Low-carbon Transitions Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) and industry partners have proven the ability of the technology to produce green iron from a range of iron ore types and grades2.
The Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Plant is designed to produce up to 30,000 tonnes per annum of hydrogen direct reduced iron (H2-DRI) or hot briquetted iron (HBI) from a range of iron ore sources. The Demonstration Plant intends to provide an industry-wide facility for the non-exclusive toll
Media Release
processing of iron ores into H2-DRI or HBI, with the aims of supporting the ongoing viability of Australian iron ore in a low emissions steel value chain and the development of a green iron industry in Australia. The Project is supported by a grant of up to $44.9m from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, subject to matched funding being secured.
The Zesty Demonstration Project has entered its detailed design engineering phase to help inform a FID, expected in 2026.
About BioIron
BioIron was invented by Rio Tinto’s steel decarbonisation team after a decade of extensive research. Electricity consumption in the BioIron process is about one-third of the electricity required by other steelmaking processes that rely on renewable hydrogen.
BioIron uses raw biomass such as agricultural by-products like wheat straw, barley straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice stalks, and canola straw, instead of coal as the reducing agent.
Footnotes
1 No affiliation with NeoSmelt is implied.
2 Calix ASX Announcement Zesty Deep dive presentation 31 July 2025.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114113099/en/
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| Investor Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Rachel Arellano<br>M: +44 7584 609 644<br><br><br><br>David Ovington<br><br>M +44 7920 010 978<br><br><br><br>Laura Brooks<br><br>M +44 7826 942 797<br><br><br><br>Weiwei Hu<br><br>M +44 7825 907 230 | Investor Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Tom Gallop<br><br>M +61 439 353 948<br><br><br><br>Eddie Gan-Och <br>M +976 95 091 237 | |
| Rio Tinto plc<br><br><br><br>6 St James’s Square<br><br>London SW1Y 4AD<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br>T +44 20 7781 2000<br><br><br><br>Registered in England<br><br>No. 719885 | Rio Tinto Limited<br><br><br><br>Level 43, 120 Collins Street<br><br>Melbourne 3000<br><br>Australia<br><br>T +61 3 9283 3333<br><br><br><br>Registered in Australia<br><br>ABN 96 004 458 404 |
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EXHIBIT 99.7
Media Release
Rio Tinto to reduce production at Yarwun Alumina Refinery to extend operational life
18 November 2025
Rio Tinto will reduce production at the Yarwun Alumina Refinery in Gladstone by 40 per cent from October 2026, to extend the operation’s life until 2035 and allow time to explore further life-extension and modernisation options.
With Yarwun’s tailings facility expected to reach capacity by 2031 at current production rates, this curtailment will allow another four years to explore and develop technical solutions that could further extend the refinery’s life.
Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations Managing Director Armando Torres said: “While we have extensively explored options to develop a second tailings facility for Yarwun over a number of years, the scale of investment required is substantial and not currently economically viable.
“Reducing production from October 2026 enables us to continue alumina production until 2035 and trial pathways to secure the longer-term future of Yarwun.
“We are committed to our alumina and aluminium operations in Gladstone and will work closely with employees, contractors and suppliers to manage this transition.
“It is a difficult but necessary decision that preserves future options for the site and supports continued economic contribution.”
Scaling back production will affect around 180 roles at the refinery, with redeployment planning underway across Rio Tinto sites in Gladstone as a key priority.
The decision will reduce annual alumina production by around 1.2 million tonnes. There will be no impact to customer requirements or Rio Tinto’s other operations, with bauxite mines and aluminium smelters continuing to operate at full capacity.
Yarwun remains an important operation for Rio Tinto and the company will continue to focus on innovative tailings solutions at the operation, including neutralisation and centrifuge-based dry tailings.
It will also continue to prioritise decarbonisation technologies, such as replacing coal and gas in boilers with biofuels and delivering the Hydrogen Calcination Project, a world-first initiative supported by Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) funding.
Yarwun currently employs about 725 people and produces around 3 million tonnes of alumina per year, used as a feedstock for Rio Tinto aluminium smelters and international customers.
Media Release
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
| Media Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Matthew Klar<br><br>M +44 7796 630 637<br><br><br><br>David Outhwaite<br><br>M +44 7787 597 493 | Media Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Matt Chambers<br><br>M +61 433 525 739<br><br><br><br>Alyesha Anderson<br>M +61 434 868 118<br><br><br><br>Rachel Pupazzoni<br><br>M +61 438 875 469<br><br><br><br>Bruce Tobin<br><br>M +61 419 103 454 | Media Relations,<br><br>Canada<br><br><br><br>Simon Letendre<br><br>M +1 514 796 4973<br><br><br><br>Malika Cherry<br><br>M +1 418 592 7293<br><br><br><br>Vanessa Damha<br><br>M +1 514 715 2152<br><br><br><br><br><br>Media Relations,<br><br>US & Latin America<br><br><br><br>Jesse Riseborough<br><br>M +1 202 394 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Relations,<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br><br><br>Rachel Arellano<br>M: +44 7584 609 644<br><br><br><br>David Ovington<br><br>M +44 7920 010 978<br><br><br><br>Laura Brooks<br><br>M +44 7826 942 797<br><br><br><br>Weiwei Hu<br><br>M +44 7825 907 230 | Investor Relations,<br><br>Australia<br><br><br><br>Tom Gallop<br><br>M +61 439 353 948<br><br><br><br>Eddie Gan-Och <br>M +976 95 091 237 | |
| Rio Tinto plc<br><br><br><br>6 St James’s Square<br><br>London SW1Y 4AD<br><br>United Kingdom<br><br>T +44 20 7781 2000<br><br><br><br>Registered in England<br><br>No. 719885 | Rio Tinto Limited<br><br><br><br>Level 43, 120 Collins Street<br><br>Melbourne 3000<br><br>Australia<br><br>T +61 3 9283 3333<br><br><br><br>Registered in Australia<br><br>ABN 96 004 458 404 |
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