Rio Tinto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) on November 26th at the 2nd China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo.

This new partnership marks a new step forward for Rio Tinto in addressing the challenges of global sustainability by fully utilizing the innovation and talent strengths of China's academic institutions.

Under the MOU, Rio Tinto and USTC will work together to advance a number of initiatives in the areas of carbon reduction and industrial waste treatment, including the establishment of low carbon innovation awards, technology exchange sessions to explore the potential of the technologies, joint research and development projects, and the organization of summer camps for young talents.

Through this collaboration, Rio Tinto is further strengthening its practices in the area of sustainability, driving technological advances and developing outstanding talent that can contribute to a low-carbon future.

Dan Walker, Rio Tinto's Chief Innovation Officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) to explore innovative solutions in the areas of carbon emissions reduction and industrial waste treatment, and to help drive talent development. Rio Tinto is constantly striving to provide the world with the materials it needs in a better way, and this partnership not only reinforces our commitment to sustainability, but will further empower the development of the next generation of future industry leaders.”

Yang Renshu, President of the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), said, “Rio Tinto is a leader in the mining industry and an active practitioner in the development of mineral resources and the promotion of green and low-carbon development. The University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), as China's first higher education institution in the iron and steel industry, has contributed many scientific research achievements and trained a large number of professionals for the development of China's iron and steel industry over the past 70 years since its establishment. We look forward to joining hands with Rio Tinto to promote the innovative development and green low-carbon transformation of the steel industry, and to contribute more to global sustainable development.”

Rio Tinto has made low-carbon transformation a centerpiece of its business strategy, and China has been an important partner in developing the technologies it needs for a sustainable future. As early as 2012, Rio Tinto partnered with Tsinghua University to establish the Tsinghua-Rio Tinto Joint Research Center for Resources, Energy and Sustainability, with the aim of providing the industry with cutting-edge research results and policy advice.