Finance
Rio Tinto to supply copper to Amazon for AI data centers
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 15, 2026
Rio Tinto to supply copper to Amazon for AI data centers
Rio Tinto's Copper Supply Agreement with Amazon
Jan 15 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto said on Thursday it would supply copper that it leaches from an Arizona mine to Amazon.com for use in the tech giant's artificial intelligence data centers.
The Importance of Copper in AI Technology
The move underscores the rampant push by the AI industry for access to supplies of copper and other critical minerals that are used to build wiring, cables, circuit boards and other electronic parts.
Nuton Leaching Technology Explained
AI sector growth is expected to boost global copper demand 50% by 2040, although analysts have warned supplies could fall far short, sparking a rush to ensure access.
Market Trends and Copper Prices
Under the two-year agreement, companies that build parts for Amazon Web Services will use copper produced by Rio's Nuton leaching program from a mine owned by Gunnison Copper.
The companies did not disclose financial terms or production volumes. Rio did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The Nuton technology uses bacteria that naturally produces heat when applied to certain types of rock, helping to extract copper.
Rio has been studying leaching for more than 30 years. It named the leaching program "Nuton" after the 17th-century British scientist Isaac Newton, who first developed the theory of gravity.
Freeport-McMoRan, the largest U.S. copper producer, has been using leach technology for years. It leached roughly 300 million pounds of copper last year and expects to leach 800 million pounds annually by 2030.
Copper prices have climbed above $13,000 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange — a 40% increase in the past year — as expectations of surging demand from AI-powered data centres collide with tight global supplies.
Valued for its high electrical conductivity, copper is essential for power grids, electric vehicles and infrastructure critical to the energy transition.
(Reporting by Yagnoseni Das in Bengaluru and Ernest Scheyder in Houston; Editing by Alan Barona)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Tinto to supply copper to Amazon for AI data centers
1What is copper?
Copper is a highly conductive metal used in electrical wiring, electronics, and various industrial applications. It is essential for power grids and is increasingly important in technology sectors like artificial intelligence.
2What is leaching technology?
Leaching technology is a process used to extract metals from ores using chemical solutions. It is often employed in mining to recover valuable minerals like copper from low-grade ores.
3What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn. AI is used in various applications, including data processing and automation.
4What are critical minerals?
Critical minerals are essential raw materials necessary for the production of high-tech products, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
