Case Study: Rio Tinto achieves $3M in savings by improving information transfer with Oracle Aconex

Rio Tinto saves $3M by improving information transfer across shifts on Holden Mine

Rio Tinto’s Holden Mine Remediation Project is a large, CERCLA‑regulated cleanup in an extremely remote, high‑snow location with virtually no wireless coverage. The program involved a 350‑member team across 50 organizations, staggered two‑week rotation schedules, complex workflows and strict environmental compliance, creating a critical need for fast, auditable access to historical project documentation and seamless information transfer across shifts.

Rio Tinto implemented Aconex Project Controls and Collaboration with mobile iPad apps to bridge Wi‑Fi gaps, centralize documents and automate workflows. The platform provided instant access, a permanent audit trail and rapid onboarding (about 30 minutes), cutting overlap time during rotations by nearly 65 and saving US$3M, plus additional savings of US$480K (remote lead access), US$450K (faster handovers) and US$900K (reduced document‑controller headcount)—more than US$4.8M in total over four years.

Rio Tinto

Luis Hidalgo

Project Construction Manager