According to a report in China Daily on February 6, 2026
Anglo-Australian mining giant leverages China’s engineering and high-tech equipment to strengthen global supply chain and advance greener, smarter mining.
Rio Tinto spent a record $4.3 billion on Chinese suppliers in 2025, signaling a strategic pivot from China as a market to China as a critical partner in its global mining operations. The move underscores the role of Chinese manufacturing and innovation in powering major projects across Australia, Mongolia, Guinea, and beyond.
The mining giant procured 230-ton mining trucks, high-horsepower graders, battery-swap electric haulers, and specialized railway components from Chinese suppliers to support projects including the Simandou iron ore mine in Guinea, Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia, and Pilbara operations in Australia.
“China is our largest customer and also a vital supply base for us. The capabilities of Chinese suppliers in terms of rapid response and fast-paced innovation are unique on a global scale,” said Jamie Sanders, head of global procurement at Rio Tinto.
Industry experts note that the collaboration model has evolved from a traditional buyer-supplier relationship into co-creating value across international projects, with Chinese partners contributing to equipment, infrastructure, and high-tech solutions.
Recent partnerships include:
China Railway 18th Bureau Group and China Harbour Engineering supporting infrastructure at Simandou.
XCMG Group supplying 230-ton trucks and heavy graders for Rio Tinto’s global mining hubs.
State Power Investment Corp providing battery-swap electric haul trucks for Oyu Tolgoi.
“By merging Rio Tinto’s century of mining experience with China’s drive for innovation, the two are building a faster, greener, and more connected global mining industry,” Zhao Xiangbin, chief strategist at Beijing Gold and Forex Fortune Investment Management, said.
The surge in Chinese procurement highlights China’s strategic role in the global supply chain for critical mining infrastructure and advanced equipment, reinforcing its position as both a leading market and a key source of technological and manufacturing capabilities for multinational corporations.
Looking ahead, Rio Tinto plans to deepen cooperation with regional Chinese partners, aiming to further integrate Chinese technology and engineering into its global operations while advancing low-emission and high-efficiency mining solutions.