Suppliers

We work in partnership with our suppliers to manage a complex global supply chain in ways that benefit our customers, our business and our communities.

Our values of care, curiosity and courage, as well as policies like The way we work and our Supplier Code of Conduct, help define how we work with our suppliers.

Our preference is to buy local products and engage local services. In 2021, we spent $19.4 billion with more than 37,000 suppliers in more than 120 locations. In areas where the skills, goods and standards we need are not available, we invest in developing that capacity, and in turn, to establish and support local economic development.

Everywhere we work, we respect and support all internationally recognised human rights, in line with the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We believe that respect for human rights begins with everyday actions, and we want to work with partners who meet or exceed our minimum standards and performance expectations, share our values, and understand our commitments. This commitment is reflected in the pre-screening process of our suppliers.

Please note that we may need to update our policies and statements from time to time.

Working with us

We expect companies and individuals that work with us to share our values: care, curiosity and courage.

Suppliers may be required to participate in our pre-screening process, which requires companies and individuals to provide sufficient evidence to meet or exceed minimum standards of health, safety, the environment, human rights, quality management and financial capacity, as well as ethical and anti-corruption practices. If and as needed, we can work with prospective suppliers to help them achieve the required standards.

Upon successful award of a contract, suppliers may also be required to provide additional information for our contractor management system, if applicable, including but not limited to health and safety practices, insurance coverage, and company and personnel qualifications.

Health, safety and the environment 

Health and safety is our number one priority and we expect the same commitment from our partners. We value suppliers who:

• Have the ability to work closely and in partnership with local and Indigenous businesses and local communities
• Manage and communicate product health and safety risks
• Have a strong commitment to health and safety management and the elimination of workplace injuries and illness
• Have processes in place to assure compliance with safety policies
• Reduce our collective environmental footprint through their practices, products and services

Supplier Code of Conduct

Our Supplier Code of Conduct sets out our expectations of suppliers and their subsidiaries and subcontractors with respect to key issues ranging from health and safety, compliance, human rights, environment and reporting. We may choose not to work with suppliers who do not meet our expectations. If you have questions regarding our Supplier Code of Conduct, or about our expectations of our suppliers and business partners, please email us.

myVoice, whistleblower programme

If you become aware, or have reason to suspect, that misconduct or improper circumstances or behaviours connected to Rio Tinto are contemplated, occurring, or may have occurred, you are strongly encouraged to raise your concerns in a timely manner.

You can turn to the myVoice whistleblower programme. myVoice lets you report serious concerns anonymously or confidentially, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in multiple languages.

When you voice your concern, this will give Rio Tinto the opportunity to address instances of potential misconduct that may cause harm to people, reputation or success of the company. You also help Rio Tinto to continue nurturing a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment.

REPORT A CONCERN THROUGH OUR MYVOICE WEBSITE >