BlueSmeltingTM Explainer & Briefing Paper
Project Type
graphic design and animation
Client
rio tinto
In 2024, I produced an animated explainer video and a briefing paper in English and French featuring Rio Tinto’s groundbreaking technology, BlueSmeltingTM. This process has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions during ore processing. BlueSmelting is one of many initiatives undertaken by Rio Tinto as part of its broader strategy to decarbonise operations and achieve its climate goals, which include a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
The video and briefing paper aim to enhance the company’s social licence to operate by using social media to clearly explain the technical concept to a diverse global audience, including prospective staff, current staff, investors, and the general public.
I worked with the client to create a storyboard showing a step-by-step process in designing and building a 2D animation that explains BlueSmeltingTM. It included the client-supplied script with detailed information on camera movements and animations within the scenes, and any additional graphics required to complete the story. This served as a blueprint to animating four final videos in two different sizes: Two in English and two in French with voiceovers, captions and Rio Tinto music.
results
- 341 views of the English version and 114 views of the French version on YouTube over the past 3 months.
Statistics current as at 1 May 2025.
BlueSmelting explainer video
Storyboard
Final videos
BlueSmelting briefing papers
Rio Tinto is actively engaging with investors and civil society organisations to share its approach to climate advocacy and support the decarbonisation of its operations.
As part of its commitment to transparency, the company is releasing a series of briefing papers that highlight its major emission sources, the steps being taken to reduce emissions at specific sites, and how supportive policy settings can help meet its Scope 1 and 2 reduction targets – aligned with the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
One of these papers explores efforts underway in Canada to improve how titanium dioxide is processed, and introduces a promising potential solution: BlueSmeltingTM.
