Global mining and metals company Rio Tinto has partnered with aluminum producer Hydro to advance carbon capture technologies aimed at reducing emissions in aluminum smelters. The two companies will collaborate to assess and develop carbon capture solutions. These solutions can be integrated into the aluminum electrolysis process.

Investing in Sustainable Solutions for the Aluminum Industry

Under the partnership, Rio Tinto and Hydro will jointly fund approximately $45 million over five years. This will support research and development (R&D) efforts. These efforts will include laboratory tests with external suppliers and on-site pilot projects. The goal is to identify commercially viable carbon capture technologies that can be applied to aluminum smelting.

The research will take place primarily at Rio Tinto’s facilities in Europe and Hydro’s facilities in Norway. Both companies are committed to reducing their carbon footprints independently. They are also collaborating on this critical initiative. The smelting process itself is responsible for significant carbon emissions, with anode consumption contributing to about 75% of a smelter’s direct CO2 emissions.

Both Rio Tinto and Hydro have explored various carbon capture technologies for several years. This is part of their broader decarbonization efforts. Hydro’s HalZero technology and Rio Tinto’s involvement in the Elysis joint venture with Alcoa are some of the initiatives. They aim to develop carbon-free aluminum smelting methods.

Addressing Climate Challenges and Advancing Net-Zero Goals

The partners emphasize the need for both direct air capture and point-source carbon capture technologies to address the high CO2 concentrations found in aluminum smelter flue gas. Nonetheless, these technologies are still in the early stages of development. They require significant investment to scale them for commercial use.

Both companies are working towards their goal of achieving net-zero emissions in aluminum production by 2050. Rio Tinto’s CEO, Jakob Stausholm, reiterated the company’s commitment to net-zero emissions. He stated that a portfolio of solutions is necessary to reach the climate objectives. Similarly, Hydro’s CEO, Eivind Kallevik, highlighted the importance of carbon capture in Hydro’s roadmap to decarbonize aluminum production.