Rio Tinto and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Join Forces to Supply Low-Carbon Copper for U.S. Data Centers

Rio Tinto and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a supply agreement for low-carbon copper to be used in U.S. data centers, with the agreement slated to begin in 2026. This agreement signifies a growing trend of technology companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint through strategic sourcing of materials. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the partnership between a major mining company and a leading cloud services provider underscores the increasing importance of sustainable practices within the data center industry. The deal's focus on low-carbon copper suggests a commitment to environmentally responsible resource extraction and processing. This agreement is notable for its focus on sustainability and the collaboration between a major player in the mining industry and a tech giant. The supply of low-carbon copper directly addresses the environmental concerns associated with data center operations, particularly their energy consumption and material sourcing. The deal's announcement well in advance of the supply commencement date suggests a long-term strategic partnership and careful planning for the integration of sustainable materials into AWS's infrastructure. This agreement could potentially set a precedent for similar partnerships within the data center sector, encouraging other companies to prioritize low-carbon materials in their supply chains.