Rio Tinto and Amazon Web Services have entered a strategic collaboration that connects advanced mining innovation with cloud-driven efficiency. As part of this partnership, AWS becomes the first customer to source low-carbon copper produced using Rio Tinto’s Nuton bioleaching technology at the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona. The initiative reflects a growing alignment between digital infrastructure expansion and sustainable material sourcing in the United States.
Nuton technology introduces a biological approach to copper extraction by leveraging naturally occurring microorganisms to recover metal from primary sulfide ores. Unlike conventional mining methods that rely heavily on energy-intensive smelting and concentration, this process significantly reduces carbon emissions and water usage. AWS contributes by providing cloud-based analytics and data optimization, helping refine and scale the Nuton system for broader industrial application.
The low-carbon copper will be used across critical components of AWS data centers, including electrical wiring, cooling systems, motors, and circuit infrastructure. As demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence continues to surge, the need for reliable and sustainable copper supplies has become increasingly strategic. This collaboration helps address supply chain resilience while supporting the rapid growth of next-generation digital services.
Beyond material supply, the partnership highlights a broader shift toward cross-industry cooperation in sustainability efforts. AWS views the agreement as part of its long-term commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its operations and value chain by 2040. For Rio Tinto, the collaboration demonstrates how digital technologies and greener extraction methods can redefine the future of mining, delivering essential resources with a lower environmental footprint.
Source: Rio Tinto Press Release