ALUMINUM: Rio Tinto first in world to get stewardship certification

[caption id="attachment_1003722747" align="aligncenter" width="487"] Rio Tinto Aluminium’s BC works. (Image: Rio Tinto)[/caption] MONTREAL – Rio Tinto Aluminium is the first company in the world to be certified under the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This is the highest international standard for environmental, social and governance practices across the aluminum lifecycle – production, use and recycling. For manufacturers and end users of aluminum the ASI certification demonstrates commitment to a sustainable supply chain. Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said, "Rio Tinto is proud to take this pioneering step as the first company to achieve ASI certification. We launched the first certified low carbon aluminium, RenewAl, in 2016 and produce some of the best quality, lowest carbon footprint aluminium in the world at our Canadian smelters.” The certification was awarded after an independent third party audit covering a range of operations from bauxite mining, to alumina refining, aluminum smelting, manufacture of value added products, transformation, and recycling. Rio Tinto said the certificate covers its Vaudreuil refinery, five aluminum smelters in Quebec, casting and spent pot lining treatment centres, and all the associated infrastructure. It also includes the Gove bauxite mine in Australia. Rio’s next step will be to audit and gain ASI certification for all of its global operations. Learn more about Rio Tinto’s commitment to the environment and sustainability at www.RioTinto.com.