Rio Tinto banks on nation's energy shift

China's ambitious shift toward green energy is set to fuel significant demand for commodities like copper, aluminum and lithium, creating substantial opportunities for multinational mining giants such as Rio Tinto, its top executive said on Monday.

Speaking in Beijing, Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto, underscored China's indispensable role as the world's major manufacturing powerhouse and a cornerstone market for the Anglo-Australian miner.

"China, the manufacturing hub of the world, is fundamental for us and accounts for a commanding 57 percent of our total revenue, solidifying its position as our largest customer," said Stausholm.