British-Australian multinational mining company Rio Tinto is increasing its yearly community investment commitment in Canada by 30% through the Rio Tinto Canada Fund (RTCF), bringing total yearly funding to C$13-million to support community-led initiatives across the country.

Rio Tinto mines and produces iron-ore, titanium dioxide, diamonds and aluminum across Canada.

Established in 2008, RTCF is Rio Tinto’s national community investment platform, supporting initiatives across Canada focused on community resilience, Indigenous reconciliation and nature.

As community needs continue to evolve, the increased investment reflects Rio Tinto’s commitment to supporting solutions that create meaningful, long-term benefits, the company states.

Canada is home to some of Rio Tinto’s most important operations, partnerships and communities, and the RTCF reflects Rio Tinto’s commitment to creating positive impact in the regions where it operates.

Since its creation in 2008, RTCF has invested close to C$190-million in support of more than 600 organisations.

Rio Tinto aluminium and lithium CE Jérôme Pécresse says communities are changing, as are the challenges they face.

“Through the RTCF, we are helping advance Indigenous reconciliation, expand access to education and healthcare, support wellbeing and protect the environment for future generations.

“By increasing our yearly contribution to C$13-million and expanding the fund across Canada, we are reinforcing our commitment to building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities, and we are playing an active role as a key stakeholder in the regions where we operate,” Pécresse states.

To help address these evolving needs, the RTCF focuses on three strategic pillars that reflect priorities shared by communities across Canada: community resilience, Indigenous reconciliation and nature.

SUPPORT EXAMPLES

The fund typically supports initiatives focused on wellbeing, education, healthcare innovation, mental health, compulsive behaviours and food security, alongside partnerships such as Breakfast Club of Canada, Alloprof, Moisson Montréal and Carrier Sekani Family Services.

Rio Tinto supports eight hospital foundations in Québec and as part of its longstanding partnership with the McGill University Health Centre Foundation, RTCF recently contributed C$1-million in support of the MI4 initiative, which advances research and innovation in infection, immunity and global health challenges.

Rio Tinto also supports Indigenous-led initiatives that reflect a shared commitment to cultural preservation, education, environmental stewardship and community capacity-building.

This is reflected through partnerships with Indigenous communities, including Haisla Nation, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Stellat’en First Nation, Nadleh Whut’en and Saik’uz First Nation in British Columbia, as well as the Innu communities of Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Ekuanitshit and Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, in Québec.

For more than a decade, the RTCF has also partnered with Indspire to invest in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.

Moreover, RTCF often supports projects focused on biodiversity conservation, freshwater protection and climate resilience, including research partnerships with the University of Northern British Columbia and the Groupe de recherche sur l’écosystème du fjord du Saguenay.

Together, these partnerships reflect Rio Tinto’s commitment to supporting practical, community-led initiatives that respond to local priorities and create lasting positive impact.