Rio Tinto inks MoU with Ford Motor for low carbon aluminium supply

A non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) is being signed between Ford Motor Company and Rio Tinto to jointly develop more sustainable and secure supply chains for batteries and low-carbon materials used in Ford vehicles.

As part of the multi-material partnership, Ford, one of the world's largest automakers, will receive lithium, low-carbon aluminium, and copper. Rio Tinto is an international mining and metals company committed to helping customers decarbonize their value chains.

The agreement undertakes Ford to explore becoming the foundation customer for Rio Tinto's Rincon lithium project in Argentina. Presently Rio Tinto is progressing through detailed planning to bring Rincon into production and will work with Ford toward a significant lithium off-take agreement to support its production of electric vehicles.

However, the companies will join their forces to strengthen the supply of low carbon aluminium for utilization in Ford vehicles, including metal produced using the zero carbon ELYSIS™ smelting technology and from Rio Tinto's hydro-powered operations in Canada, helping Ford meet its commitment to the First Mover's Coalition.

Furthermore, Ford and Rio Tinto will develop supply chains from Rio Tinto's North American operations for other essential commodities for the energy transition, such as low-carbon copper.

Ford utilizes Rio Tinto as a primary aluminium raw material source for its iconic F-150, the world's first all-aluminium pick-up truck. The Ford F-150 uses high-strength aluminium alloys to improve performance and reduce weight, which allows it to tow heavier loads, accelerate more quickly, and reduce stopping distances. In the coming years, the companies will explore what's possible in the energy transition with models such as Ford's next-generation full-size electric truck.

Hau Thai-Tang, the Chief Industrial Platform officer at Ford Motor Company, said: "This is a powerful example of how Ford's proven scale and industry expertise can be leveraged to accelerate the shift to EVs. We're applying years of shared knowledge and a strong relationship to support the production of models customers already know and love – and potentially to help create a new generation of EVs for millions of customers."

Alf Barrios, the Chief Commercial Officer at Rio Tinto, said: "We are excited to work with Ford to support the transition to net zero by supplying a range of materials it needs for electric and lower-carbon vehicles and advance our commitment to work with customers to decarbonize our value chains.:

"Rio Tinto is uniquely positioned to work with companies like Ford to develop more sustainable, traceable and secure supply chains. We are investing in growing materials needed for the energy transition, technology, and partnerships to decarbonize our business and value chains. We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our long-term relationship with Ford to support its sustainability goals."