Koppers inks $100M Rio Tinto contract extension

Koppers Holdings Inc. , a maker of carbon compounds and treated wood products, has inked a deal with Rio Tinto Aluminum Ltd. to supply the Australian-based operations of Rio Tinto.

The $100 million contract is a 42-month extension of an existing deal and is to run through June 2014.

Koppers will be supplying Rio Tinto smelters in Australia with liquid carbon pitch which is used as a binding agent in aluminum production.

“We are pleased to be able to continue our strong relationship with an important customer like Rio Tinto,” said Koppers president/CEO Walter Turner in a written statement. “The global aluminum industry is an important market for Koppers, and we are excited to share this growth opportunity with them. Our global presence in this market also provides us with the capability to provide carbon pitch to other Rio Tinto facilities worldwide.”