Pallets of independently certified, responsibly produced aluminum ingots
will soon be shipped from Rio Tinto’s BC Works smelter. (Photo: Rio Tinto)

The company said certification reinforces its commitment to responsible mining and metals production by providing independent verification that material can be traced through a “chain of custody” spanning Rio Tinto’s Gove bauxite mine in Australia to its alumina refinery, aluminum smelters and casthouses in Quebec and British Columbia, Canada.

ASI certification means customers can be assured the aluminum purchased through Rio Tinto’s Canadian operations has been produced to the highest environmental, social and governance standards. “This certification continues Rio Tinto’s leadership on responsible production,” said Tolga Egrilmezer, Rio Tinto Aluminum vice president sales and marketing and ASI Board member. “It increases the availability of ASI certified aluminum in a range of markets, giving customers the ability to offer end consumers products made with aluminum that meets the highest sustainability standards.”

Rio Tinto has led the establishment of responsible production certification for the aluminum industry as a founding member of the ASI, working alongside customers and a broad range of stakeholders. In 2018, Rio Tinto was the first company to receive the ASI’s first Performance Standard certification — the highest internationally recognized standard for robust environmental, social and governance practices — and Chain of Custody certification, covering five aluminum smelters, the Vaudreuil refinery, casting centres, port and railway facilities in Quebec, Canada. The BC Works smelter and Kemano Power Operations received certification against the Performance Standard in January and have now been included in the Chain of Custody certification.