Blue financing $150m agreement in Thailand 

Sustainable aquaculture in Thailand has received a financial boost thanks to a landmark $150m blue financing agreement signed between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Thai Union Group Public Company Ltd. This is the first time the ADB has provided a loan to the private sector of Thailand’s agribusiness industry. The aim is to improve the sustainability of shrimp production in the country. The fund will go towards training farmers in improved practices, research and development, trialling new techniques and certification support. The $150m is composed of $50m directly from the ADB’s capital resources and the remaining $100m syndicated as a B Loan from a consortium of international banks including the Bank of China, HSBC and MUFG Bank (Singapore). (FASI) 

Why does this matter? 

Mining activities can significantly impact marine ecosystems and aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming. Pollutants such as heavy metals and acidic runoff from mining operations can contaminate coastal waters, leading to degraded water quality that adversely affects shrimp health and productivity. For instance, Rio Tinto's Madagascar Minerals (QMM) ilmenite mine has been associated with elevated levels of uranium and lead in nearby waterways, raising concerns about potential impacts on local fisheries and aquaculture practices. 

Additionally, mining-induced sedimentation can smother benthic habitats, disrupting the ecological balance necessary for sustainable shrimp farming. In regions such aslike Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, legacy pollution from mining has led to long-term contamination of rivers and coastal areas, rendering them unsuitable for aquaculture and affecting the livelihoods of local communities. 

Given Rio Tinto's operations in coastal regions, including Madagascar and Papua New Guinea, it is's crucial to implement stringent environmental management practices to mitigate these impacts. This includes regular monitoring of water quality, effective waste management, and engagement with local communities to ensure the sustainability of both mining and aquaculture industries. 

Complementing these private sector efforts, is a £3m ($4m) research initiative led by the University of the West of Scotland and partnered by the University of Strathclyde is aiming to revolutionise shrimp farming in South East Asia. The three-year project is developing low-cost, real-time monitoring tools to help small-scale farmers detect pathogens, monitor water quality and predict environmental threats using biosensors and AI-driven climate modelling. By working closely with local farmers in Vietnam and Thailand, the team ensures the technologies are practical, affordable and gender-inclusive. The tools are designed to reduce mortality rates and boost productivity – offering a scalable blueprint for sustainable aquaculture across the region and beyond. 

For Rio Tinto, the convergence of blue finance, aquaculture innovation, and environmental accountability presents both a signal and an opportunity. As the mining sector increasingly operates alongside coastal economies and climate-sensitive industries like shrimp farming, proactive stewardship is strategic. Supporting resilient, low-impact aquaculture aligns with Rio Tinto’s broader commitment to sustainable development and water integrity.