Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a world leader in mining and metals with 47,500 people working in around 35 countries across six continents. It operates with pioneering spirit, harnessing innovation to help meet society’s needs in a changing world.

Rio Tint Fer et Titane (RTFT) is part of Rio Tinto’s energy and mineral product group. RTFT has been processing ore from northern Quebec for more than 70 years. It is one of the leading producers of high-grade titanium dioxide, a product commonly used as a pigment to produce superior-quality white finishes. It also produces high purity metal powders used for 3D printing and iron and steel used in highly specialised applications such as the automotive industry and wind turbines.

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program offers a variety of consultation services, such as the Pre-Claim Consultation, that claimants can request in order to assess if an SR&ED project qualifies for tax incentives.

An illustration of the collaboration between the Canada Revenue Agency and the claimant was the pre-assessment consultation provided to RTFT’s SR&ED project to decouple the production of titanium concentrate from that of iron. This project was designed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of RTFT’s mining and smelting activities. At the early stages of the SR&ED testing, RTFT consulted with the SR&ED Program to determine the eligibility of the project.

The services and tools offered by the program allowed for RTFT to self-assess the eligibility of their work and improve predictability. The SR&ED tax incentives helped RTFT remain competitive and support the employment of professionals across Canada.