Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced an innovative farming trial in Australia to explore the potential of Pongamia seed oil as a feedstock for renewable diesel. The initiative, launched in collaboration with local wood fibre processor Midway Ltd, aims to test the viability of Pongamia trees in producing a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel. This trial is part of Rio Tinto’s broader efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and transition towards renewable energy sources.
Pongamia, a tree native to Australia, produces seeds that can be processed into renewable diesel. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable diesel from Pongamia seeds significantly reduces carbon emissions, providing an eco-friendly alternative for industries reliant on conventional diesel. Rio Tinto’s partnership with Midway will involve developing and managing seed farms in Queensland, Australia, where Pongamia trees will be planted and harvested for this purpose.
According to Jonathon McCarthy, Rio Tinto’s chief decarbonisation officer, the company is in the final stages of acquiring 3,000 hectares of cleared land in Queensland for the pilot project. The trial will assess whether Pongamia seed oil can help meet Rio Tinto’s renewable diesel demands and support its sustainability goals.
“While we continue to pursue electrification as the long-term solution for displacing most of our diesel use, the Pongamia seed pilot is an important parallel pathway that could reduce our reliance on diesel in the mid-term,” said McCarthy. The company is actively exploring alternatives to traditional fuel, recognising the need to balance immediate carbon reduction with future technological advancements.
In addition to its focus on electrification, Rio Tinto is also investigating the potential of biofuels like Pongamia seed oil in regions where electric technology adoption may face practical limitations. This dual approach ensures that the company remains committed to its carbon reduction targets while remaining adaptable to varying environmental and technological conditions.
The launch of this farming trial reflects Rio Tinto’s broader sustainability goals and its commitment to supporting global decarbonisation efforts. The company’s initiative comes at a time when industries worldwide are seeking greener alternatives to fossil fuels. If successful, this trial could lead to large-scale production of renewable diesel from Pongamia seeds, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable energy sources across the globe.
The farming trial represents a significant step in Rio Tinto’s journey toward achieving its sustainability targets. As the company continues to develop renewable energy solutions, the potential of Pongamia seeds is to offer a viable, eco-friendly fuel source that reduces carbon emissions while supporting economic growth in Australia. By exploring the full potential of renewable diesel, Rio Tinto is positioning itself as a leader in the transition to cleaner energy, helping to shape a more sustainable future for the mining industry and beyond.
