Community

Local suppliers

We benefit from the land surrounding the communities we work with. So we want to make sure those communities benefit from our presence there as well.

By partnering with local and Indigenous suppliers, we aim to support these businesses and boost local economies.

Where possible, we aim to add local businesses to our supply chain. We want to make it easier for local suppliers to compete for contracts and, in turn, maximise local economic benefits. This includes helping strengthen the capability of local industry, so businesses can be more competitive in the procurement process.

Our Buy Local initiative helps businesses near our operations bid for work with us, by:

  • promoting upcoming work opportunities and enabling suppliers to register interest
  • providing a dedicated team to support local suppliers through our procurement processes
  • supporting capability building programs that strengthen and grow local businesses
  • offering adjusted payment terms for Indigenous and small businesses.

Autohaul driverless trains, Pilbara, Western Australia

Buy Local Australia

In Australia, our diverse supply chain makes operating mines and refineries across regional and remote locations possible
IOC landscape

Buy Local North America

We have a long history in North America, and we are committed to playing our part in supporting local, Indigenous and diverse businesses and contributing long-term socioeconomic benefits to many United States and Canadian communities
Aerial shot of two cable cars moving in South America

Buy Local South America

In South America, we're active across several countries, contributing to the region’s development through mining and partnerships.
Aerial view of Forth Dauphin

Buy Local Africa

Our presence inn Africa is well established and we work in 9 countries, from North Guinea to South Africa. We are dedicated to collaborating with local communities and businesses.
Several cast metal ingots are stacked on top of each other inside an industrial plant. The shiny silver surfaces catch the light, highlighting their rough texture and molded edges. The background is out of focus, showing dark machinery and green industrial structures, with yellow safety barriers partially visible in the foreground.

Buy Local New Zealand

In New Zealand, Rio Tinto New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) supports the Southland community through its operations, producing some of the world’s lowest-carbon aluminium using renewable hydroelectricity.
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Small suppliers payment terms

We offer preferred payment terms for small suppliers in Australia, Canada, and the United States. 

Think you qualify for the small business payment term? Contact vendorfeedback@riotinto.com

 

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