Hunches1 Jan 2026 12:56
AI Overview
Unitrans (specifically its subsidiary Ubunye Mining Services) is a long-standing logistics and supply chain partner for Rio Tinto, primarily serving its Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) operations in South Africa and other African projects for over 40 years. Their relationship is particularly noted for a strong, shared emphasis on safety.
Key Aspects of the Relationship
Logistics Services: Unitrans provides essential logistics and supply chain solutions, including the use of specialized "road trains," for Rio Tinto's mining operations in Africa.
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM): The core of the partnership is at RBM, a mineral sands mine where Rio Tinto is the majority owner and operator. The two companies have collaborated for more than four decades.
Shared Safety Culture: A major feature of their relationship is the integration of Rio Tinto's safety standards and culture (based on principles of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Collaboration) into Unitrans' operations. This includes adopting advanced technologies like collision avoidance and driver-fatigue alert systems.
Award-Winning Performance: Unitrans has been widely recognized for its safety performance, winning the "Most Outstanding Contractor Partner Safety Award" at the Rio Tinto RockStars of the Year Safety Awards for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025). Their subsidiary, Ubunye Mining Services, was also named the global Rio Tinto Contractor of the Year in 2023.