Key Takeaways:
- Rio Tinto is developing Pongamia seed farms in north Queensland as part of a biofuels pilot project.
- The project aims to assess the potential of Pongamia seed oil as a feedstock for renewable diesel.
- Rio Tinto has partnered with Midway Limited to manage the planting and operations of the Pongamia farms.
- The pilot supports Rio Tinto’s goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and advancing sustainable fuel solutions.
- The project may contribute to the growth of a biofuel sector in Australia, supporting local communities and enhancing fuel security.
Rio Tinto has announced plans to establish Pongamia seed farms in Australia as part of a biofuels pilot project. The pilot will explore the viability of Pongamia seed oil as a feedstock for renewable diesel, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This initiative is part of Rio Tinto’s broader efforts to reduce its reliance on diesel and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Assessing Pongamia’s Potential for Renewable Diesel
The pilot aims to determine whether Pongamia seed oil can meet Rio Tinto’s renewable diesel requirements, while potentially contributing to the establishment of a new biofuel industry in Australia. Rio Tinto is in the final stages of acquiring 3,000 hectares of cleared land near Townsville in north Queensland to develop the farms. These farms will be used to study Pongamia growth conditions and measure seed oil yields.
As part of this project, Rio Tinto has partnered with Midway Limited, a company experienced in agricultural management, to oversee the planting and management of the Pongamia seed farms. Midway Limited will collaborate with nurseries, agricultural experts, and research organizations to ensure the success of the pilot. The company will also engage with Traditional Owners and local communities, providing opportunities for local involvement.
Aiming for Carbon Emission Reductions
Rio Tinto’s Chief Decarbonisation Officer, Jonathon McCarthy, highlighted the company’s focus on biofuels as a solution to reduce carbon emissions, stating, “Diesel accounts for around 10 percent of our emissions footprint in Australia. While we continue to pursue electrification as the long-term solution, the Pongamia seed pilot is an important parallel pathway that could reduce our reliance on diesel in the mid-term.”
McCarthy also noted that biofuels may offer a solution for sectors where electrification is not yet feasible, such as blasting and non-haul equipment. By integrating biofuels into its operations, Rio Tinto is seeking to reduce emissions while alternative technologies mature.
Supporting Local Communities and Fuel Security
Australia currently lacks a biofuel feedstock industry capable of meeting domestic demand. Rio Tinto’s pilot project could help bridge this gap, contributing to the development of a sustainable biofuels industry in the country. The company believes that this initiative could enhance regional fuel security, support local economies, and align with national emissions reduction targets.
Midway Limited Managing Director, Tony McKenna, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We are very excited to be partnering with Rio Tinto on this innovative pilot project. We are proud to be playing an important role in helping develop a sustainable domestic biofuel industry.”
Building on Previous Trials
This pilot follows a smaller-scale trial at Rio Tinto’s Gove operations in the Northern Territory, where Pongamia saplings were planted to assess their response to low soil quality, heat, and other climatic conditions. The new project builds on the learnings from these trials, expanding Rio Tinto’s research into biofuels as a potential long-term solution for its operations.
