Rio Tinto just tested renewable diesel—here’s what it means for mining

Rio Tinto has completed its first renewable diesel trial across its Pilbara iron ore operations, marking a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions in one of Australia’s largest mining regions. Conducted in collaboration with Neste and Viva Energy, the trial provided key insights into the feasibility of integrating biofuels into Rio Tinto’s ports, railways, and mining operations. The company aims to explore renewable diesel integration as part of a broader strategy to decarbonise its mining supply chain, complementing its long-term goal of electrification.

With diesel accounting for approximately 70% of Rio Tinto’s carbon emissions in Pilbara, the trial represents an important effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while assessing the viability of low-emission fuels. The results suggest that biofuels could serve as a near-term solution for emissions reduction, particularly in cases where full electrification remains technologically or economically challenging.

How Did Rio Tinto Conduct the Renewable Diesel Trial?

The trial involved 10 million litres of used cooking oil-based biofuel, supplied by Neste, which was shipped from Singapore to Rio Tinto’s Parker Point fuel terminal in Dampier. Viva Energy blended the fuel portside with traditional fossil diesel, creating a 20% renewable diesel mix. This fuel was then distributed across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara network to power locomotives, haul trucks, marine vessels, blasting operations, and various types of surface mining equipment.

Spanning four weeks between January and February 2025, the test allowed Rio Tinto to evaluate biofuel adoption on an industrial scale. The company monitored the logistical challenges of importing, blending, and distributing renewable diesel technology across its operations while also assessing the overall emissions impact. The trial successfully reduced Rio Tinto’s carbon emissions by approximately 27,000 tonnes—comparable to removing 6,300 cars from the road for an entire year.

Rio Tinto’s Managing Director of Rail, Port, and Core Services, Richard Cohen, highlighted that while electrification remains the ultimate objective for transitioning away from fossil fuels, drop-in biofuels offer a complementary, immediate strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He noted that the trial has helped Rio Tinto understand how renewable diesel integration could support its sustainability efforts as part of a diversified approach to cleaner energy.

What Role Do Biofuels Play in Mining Decarbonisation?

As one of the world’s largest mining companies, Rio Tinto has committed to reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, with an overarching target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This transition requires a combination of technological advancements, including electrification, hydrogen fuel exploration, and the use of low-emission fuels such as renewable diesel.

Biofuels, particularly drop-in biofuels, offer a practical solution because they can be used in existing diesel engines without requiring modifications to infrastructure or equipment. Unlike electrification, which often demands significant capital investment and new technology development, biofuel adoption provides an immediate pathway to emissions reduction.

Neste’s Head of Commercial APAC Renewable Products, Ee Pin Lee, noted that the trial reinforced the capability of renewable diesel technology to support industrial decarbonisation efforts. He emphasized that Neste MY Renewable Diesel, derived from used cooking oil-based biofuel, presents a scalable and viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The collaboration with Rio Tinto demonstrates how renewable fuels can be integrated across different mining operations without major disruptions.

Viva Energy’s Chief Strategy Officer, Lachlan Pfeiffer, echoed this sentiment, stating that the use of low-emission fuels like renewable diesel allows companies to reduce their carbon footprint without incurring the costs of replacing existing machinery. He highlighted that this approach aligns with Australia’s broader energy transition strategy, where mining and heavy industry remain key contributors to national emissions.

How Does Rio Tinto Plan to Expand Biofuel Use?

The successful implementation of renewable diesel integration in Pilbara builds on Rio Tinto’s earlier efforts in the United States. At its Boron and Kennecott operations, the company has already replaced 11% of its total global fossil diesel consumption with renewable diesel. The Pilbara trial demonstrates the potential to expand these efforts within Australia, provided that biofuel adoption can be scaled effectively.

To further support its transition to low-emission fuels, Rio Tinto is developing a Pongamia seed farm in North Queensland. The project aims to explore the viability of Pongamia as a biofuel feedstock, contributing to the growth of Australia’s domestic biofuels industry. If successful, this initiative could help reduce the country’s dependence on imported biofuels and provide a locally sourced alternative for industrial use.

The trial was also certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme, which ensures compliance with Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) sustainability requirements. Using a mass balance approach, the certification process guarantees that the fuel’s sustainability attributes—such as its origin from used cooking oil-based biofuel—are maintained throughout the value chain.

What Are the Next Steps for Rio Tinto’s Sustainability Goals?

While renewable diesel technology represents a critical step toward decarbonisation, Rio Tinto continues to explore multiple pathways to reduce its environmental impact. Beyond biofuel adoption, the company is actively investing in battery-electric haul trucks, hydrogen fuel cell trials, and renewable energy projects to power its operations.

As governments and industries intensify efforts to meet climate targets, the mining sector faces increasing pressure to innovate and adopt sustainable practices. Rio Tinto’s commitment to renewable diesel integration underscores a growing recognition that no single technology will drive the transition to low-carbon mining. Instead, a combination of low-emission fuels, electrification, and renewable energy will shape the industry’s future.

By demonstrating the feasibility of drop-in biofuels in large-scale mining operations, Rio Tinto’s Pilbara trial sets a precedent for how heavy industries can reduce emissions without immediate infrastructure overhauls. As the company refines its strategy, further investments in renewable diesel technology and alternative fuels will likely play a key role in shaping a more sustainable mining sector.