- Rio Tinto approved a 25MW solar plant at Kennecott, Utah, increasing total solar capacity to 30MW, reducing emissions by 6%.
- The project will create jobs and is part of efforts to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
Wed Nov 13 16:03:34 -0000 2024 UTC– Rio Tinto has approved a new 25MW solar plant at Kennecott in Utah, adding to the existing 5MW plant.
This expansion will reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and align with Rio Tinto’s commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions.
Construction of the 25MW solar plant is expected to be completed next year and create short-term employment opportunities for up to 100 laborers, as well as a small number of long-term operations and maintenance roles. Bechtel Corporation will design and manage construction of the plant.
Kennecott, which already has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any copper producer in the U.S., has reduced its carbon footprint more than 80% since 2018 through initiatives such as closing its coal-powered power plant, building a 5MW solar farm, transitioning the mining fleet to renewable diesel, and using battery electric vehicles in underground mining.