Rio Tinto ISAL comes in support of Iceland’s Grindavík community

Rio Tinto, the world's second-largest metals and mining corporation, has donated $1.5 million to the Icelandic Red Cross to aid the Grindavík community and its people, which has endured months of volcanic activity. The ISAL aluminium smelter team has shown remarkable care and solidarity, coming forward when it matters most.

Grindavík Mayor Fannar Jónasson stated, "We would like to thank Rio Tinto for this initiative and this generous donation. The ISAL team has shown us great care and solidarity, stepping up to the plate when we need it most. We do not control the course of natural forces, but this kind of support helps us deal with their consequences and the pressing issues facing our community at present."

About the volcanic eruption

Since December, relentless eruptions have had a devastating impact on Grindavík's community. They have left 3,800 individuals homeless and disrupted essential services such as water and electricity supply. The repercussions have been both social and economic, affecting not only Grindavík but also its neighbouring areas.

In the upcoming weeks, the Icelandic Red Cross will unveil a comprehensive project funded by Rio Tinto's contribution. This initiative aims to provide assistance to those affected and bolster the community's resilience. Collaborating closely with the Municipality of Grindavík and other stakeholders, the project will address the immediate needs of impacted individuals while fostering long-term sustainability and recovery.

Rio Tinto Iceland General Manager Rannveig Rist commented, “For 55 years, Rio Tinto has been an important member of Iceland’s closely knit community. We deeply empathize with those affected by the catastrophic eruptions in the Reykjanes peninsula, including some of our own employees. This is the largest donation Rio Tinto has made in Iceland and we are very proud to partner with the Icelandic Red Cross and the Municipality of Grindavík to bring relief to the community in this time of need.”

ISAL aluminium

However, according to the reports, the ISAL aluminium smelter, situated in Straumsvík, approximately 30 km from Grindavík, has remained unaffected by the recent volcanic eruptions. Since its establishment in 1969, ISAL has been a cornerstone of the Icelandic economy and the Reykjanes Peninsula community.

The smelter employs 380 individuals and boasts a remarkable production output of 209,000 tonnes of high-quality aluminium billets annually. Notably, ISAL stands out for its commitment to environmental stewardship, operating with one of the lowest carbon footprints globally. This achievement is made possible through its exclusive reliance on clean, renewable hydroelectric power supplied by Iceland's national energy provider, Landsvirkjun.

Icelandic Red Cross General Manager Kristín S. Hjálmtýsdóttir mentioned, “This donation will enable the Red Cross to make a real difference for the people of Grindavík. A contribution of this magnitude to the Red Cross from a private company is unprecedented for projects in Iceland. It is an example of corporate social responsibility and how important it can be for society. The Red Cross and the Municipality of Grindavík have stood side by side through these difficult times and will continue to do so. There are indications that volcanic activity will continue to shape the lives of people in the Reykjanes peninsula into the future. This donation will help us better support the community and strengthen its resilience through this difficult period as it adapts to a new reality.”