Elias Scafidas

MD, International Operations Rio Tinto

Elias Scafidas is Managing Director of International Operations at Rio Tinto, overseeing all iron ore businesses outside Australia. With nearly 30 years of global experience, including 20 years at Rio Tinto, he brings deep expertise in operations, strategy, and commercial development. He recently led Rio Tinto Battery Materials, managing projects across the United States, Argentina, Chile, Serbia, France, Canada, and Australia. Under his leadership, the business became one of the world’s largest integrated lithium producers, driving the US$2.5 billion Rincón project, the US$6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, and strategic partnerships in Chile. He also headed U.S. Borax, a leading producer of refined borates. From 2018 to 2023, Elias served as CFO of Rio Tinto Copper, overseeing finance and strategy for a portfolio generating US$8 billion in annual revenue. He led the US$3.2 billion acquisition of Turquoise Hill and strengthened partnerships with the Mongolian government. A member of Rio Tinto’s leadership team for over a decade, Elias has held senior roles in strategy, development, and major projects such as Simandou (US$20 billion). Before joining Rio Tinto, he spent nearly a decade at PwC in finance and audit.