Rio Tinto and Amazon Web Services have entered into a two-year collaboration to integrate Nuton copper into AWS data centers in the United States. This metal, produced by bioleaching technology at the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona, is characterized by its low carbon footprint and water consumption, making it a sustainable alternative to conventional processes.
Low-carbon copper as a new standard for mining efficiency
Nuton, the technology developed by Rio Tintouses naturally occurring microorganisms to extract copper from primary sulfide ores. Thanks to the AWS cloud infrastructure, the process incorporates advanced simulations, acid and water use optimization, and accurate recovery predictions. This approach makes it possible to produce copper cathodes with 99.99% purity directly at the mine, eliminating intermediate steps such as smelters or refineries.
Life cycle analyses of Nuton copper reveal an emission of only 2.82 kgCO₂e per kilogram of copper, one of the lowest figures recorded in the country for this type of production. The plant operates with 100% renewable energy through Green-e Energy certificates and uses about 71 liters of water per kilogram of metal, well below the global average.
Strategic copper for critical infrastructure
Copper is essential in data centers for its use in cabling, transformers, circuit boards and cooling systems. With this partnership, Amazon strengthens its supply chain with local and sustainable materials, aligned with its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
For AWS, this agreement represents a concrete step towards the decarbonization of its infrastructure. For Rio Tinto, it is a matter of validating and scaling the Nuton technology technology in real industrial scenarios. The goal: to produce 30,000 tons of refined copper in four years and expand the model to other deposits with similar needs.
Both companies demonstrate that it is possible to integrate mining innovation, digital technology and sustainability in the development of key materials for the future of data.
Source: Rio Tinto
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