Rio Tinto and AMG M&M to develop low-carbon aluminium project in India

By Staff Report April 18, 2025 6:37 pm IST

Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a low-carbon aluminium project in India, powered entirely by renewable energy. The project aims to produce up to 1 million tonnes per annum of primary aluminium and 2 million tonnes of alumina, using wind and solar energy and hydropumped storage.

Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M), promoted by the founders of Greenko and AM Green, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of an integrated low-carbon aluminium project in India, powered entirely by renewable energy.

The study will evaluate the feasibility of establishing a facility capable of producing up to 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of primary aluminium and 2 Mtpa of alumina. The proposed operations would rely on wind and solar energy, supported by hydropumped storage. The initial phase of the project will focus on developing a 500,000 tonnes per annum aluminium smelter at a strategically selected site in India.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive Jérôme Pécresse described the MoU as a key step in expanding the company’s low-carbon aluminium portfolio while exploring new project delivery models in emerging markets. He noted that India’s rapid economic growth and strategic importance make it an ideal location, aligning with Rio Tinto’s long-term vision for a more diverse and resilient global aluminium business.

As part of the study, AMG M&M will collaborate with Greenko to develop a firmed renewable energy solution, while Rio Tinto will assess a commercially viable alumina supply chain. The study will also compare multiple smelting technologies to identify the most efficient and cost-effective approach for the project.

Mahesh Kolli, Group President of AMG M&M and Greenko, said, “This collaboration extends their decarbonisation efforts into the materials sector. He emphasised that the project could deliver scalable, low-carbon aluminium to support global sustainability goals across key sectors such as automotive, construction, and consumer packaging.”