Rio Tinto invested AUD$16.1 billion in australian suppliers

As part of this expenditure, over US$727 million was spent on 168 Indigenous businesses across Australia, marking a 29 percent increase from the previous year.

Rio Tinto increased its spending with suppliers and local businesses in Australia to over AUD$16.1 billion in 2023, as part of the company's ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where it operates.

This represented a 5% increase from the previous year and was spent across more than 5,800 businesses, including Australian-owned and operated companies and locally managed branches of global enterprises.

The spending helped support tens of thousands of Australian jobs and generated significant economic contribution to communities nationwide.

As part of this expenditure, over AUD$727 million was spent on 168 Indigenous businesses across Australia, marking a 29 percent increase from the previous year.

There was also a 25.5% increase in spending with local businesses nationwide, totaling AUD$1.2 billion.

"For Rio Tinto to have a long-term future, we need the communities where we operate to be successful and prosperous," stated Rio Tinto's CEO in Australia, Kellie Parker.

She added, "We strive to hire locally and source locally in Australia, especially from Indigenous, small, and regional businesses. It's about providing opportunities to help these enterprises thrive and, in doing so, create new jobs and training opportunities for many Australians, thus supporting the country's economy."