Rio Tinto Teams Up With Amazon: Fueling the AI Boom With Low-Carbon Copper for Data Centers

Core Insights - The strategic collaboration between Rio Tinto and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is significant and could lead to transformative changes in Rio Tinto, artificial intelligence, and the data center industry [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Collaboration - AWS has become Rio Tinto's first customer for copper produced using the innovative "Nuton" technology, which has been in development for 20 years [4]. - The agreement is a two-year contract that allows AWS to acquire copper through a low-carbon-emitting bioleaching process at the Johnson Camp copper mine, aligning with its carbon-emissions goals [4]. Group 2: Technology and Innovation - The Nuton technology utilizes a proprietary bioleaching process to recover copper from previously mined stockpiles, showcasing industry innovation [4][6]. - Rio Tinto will employ muon detection technology to 3D map stockpiles, ensuring effective bioleaching by targeting the right areas [6][7]. Group 3: Market Implications - The demand for copper is expected to surge, with S&P Global projecting a 50% increase by 2040 due to AI and defense needs, indicating a potential shortfall in supply [2]. - The collaboration positions Rio Tinto as an attractive investment option for those bullish on copper, alongside traditional pure-play copper companies [3].