Palabora Mining Company (Palabora) is a listed South African company in which Rio Tinto owns a 49 per cent interest. Palabora operates a large copper mine, smelter and refinery managed by Rio Tinto in the Northern Province of South Africa employing approximately 2,000 people.

Palabora produces about 80,000 tonnes of refined copper per year, supplying most of South Africa's copper needs and exporting the balance. The refinery produces continuous cast rod for the domestic market and cathodes for export. Useful by-product metals and minerals include zirconium chemicals, uranium oxide, magnetite and nickel sulphate as well as small quantities of gold, silver and platinum. Palabora has developed a US$410 million underground mine with full production commencing in 2003.

Approximately 1.6 million tonnes of copper are expected to be produced over its 20 year life. Palabora also owns a nearby vermiculite deposit which is mined and processed for sale worldwide. Vermiculite is a versatile industrial mineral with hundreds of uses.