Rio Tinto says it's a green mining giant. Investigation shows environmental gaps from Quebec to the Amazon

In some cases, Rio Tinto has released hazardous chemicals at its site in Quebec without the provincial government's knowledge. This behavior contradicts the multinational company's brand as an environmentally friendly business.

Documents obtained through an access request by Radio Canada's Enquête program show that more than 100 environmental violations have been assigned to Rio Tinto's Quebec divisions over the past 15 years.

The company has also paid $2.1 million in fines during the same period, making it the third largest environmental offender in the province.

The company has been sued eight times for delaying or waiting to report problems to the Quebec Ministry of the Environment. The documents include codes for working with the government and not providing mandatory documents when required.

These mistakes occurred at Rio Tinto's massive Jonquière complex and other sites near the city of Saguenay. Complexe Jonquière is an industrial site that employs 1,500 people. It includes two factories and other refining, chemical and research facilities.

Rio Tinto's environmental blunders come as the company collects tens of millions of dollars in public money.

The Enquête also explored the company's dismal environmental record through a whistleblower who works at the Jonquière complex and withheld his identity to protect his identity for fear of professional reprisals.

In addition to investigating Rio Tinto's environmental practices in Quebec, the enquête also traveled to the heart of the Amazon jungle in Brazil – to a mine in which Rio Tinto has a 22 percent stake. This is where it gets some of its bauxite from.

Local residents on site raise their concerns about mining impacts on the environment and long-term health of those living nearby.

Whistleblowers say the company has resorted to hiding leaks and discolouring the material by using sand or dirt.

Rio Tinto declined requests for an interview and denied the allegations.

They say programs that could have accelerated Rio's carbon emissions were never implemented or were realized much later than promised.

Research shows that despite Rio's claims that it is a company with significant environmental challenges around the world.

These challenges include water and soil, greenhouse gases, and emissions of destruction.

Rio Tinto's community and shareholders must pressure the company to do serious work on these challenges.

The company should be more transparent and actively collaborate with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions for its activities.

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