Rio Tinto is now offering independently certified, responsibly produced aluminium from its smelters in Australia and New Zealand that predominantly use hydro-powered electricity.

Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has granted its Performance Standard and Chain of Custody certifications to Rio Tinto’s Amrun and Weipa bauxite mines, Yarwun alumina refinery, and the Bell Bay and NZAS aluminium smelters.

This strengthens Rio Tinto’s ability to offer ASI Aluminium throughout its global supply chain, building on the certifications in place for its Canadian operations.

ASI certification means customers can be assured that the aluminium they purchase has been produced to the highest environmental, social and governance standards, ranging from greenhouse gas emissions to human rights.

Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said “This certification expands Rio Tinto’s offering of independently certified, responsibly produced aluminium to customers around the world. It continues our leadership on responsible aluminium production from mine to metal, so that our customers can meet the growing demand from consumers for sustainably sourced materials.”

ASI chief executive officer Fiona Solomon said “Having a responsible supply chain means not just low carbon emissions in production, but also meeting the highest standards from material stewardship to human rights. We applaud Rio Tinto’s ongoing commitment to encouraging the uptake of ASI’s standards across the aluminium and manufacturing supply chain.”