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Simon Trott

Chief Executive, Rio Tinto

Search every verified Simon Trott interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Simon Trott, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto, discussed the company's financial results and its positioning for future demand in a July 2026 interview with ABC News. He reported a 75% increase in free cash flow and a $3.4 billion dividend, attributing this to rising demand for commodities such as aluminum, copper, lithium, and iron ore. Trott stated that 57% of the company's EBITDA came from aluminum, copper, and lithium, marking a shift toward greater diversification. He projected that investment in data centres would reach $1 trillion and noted that 70% of the raw materials used in data centres come from products Rio Tinto produces. He also commented on China, saying that while growth rates have slowed, it remains a significant market, and he declined to give a specific view on Australia's safeguard mechanism, saying the company would engage with the government on policy reviews. In a March 2026 interview at the China Development Forum, Trott discussed the company's approach to global operations amid geopolitical tensions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a "social license" to operate in various jurisdictions, stating that host governments and communities must see benefits from mining activity on their lands. He also spoke about the need for prioritization in the company's strategy, focusing on areas where Rio Tinto has a competitive advantage. Trott described the current period as "a fantastic time to be a mining company," citing the resource-intensive nature of innovations discussed at the forum and the growing global focus on supply chains and access to resources.

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