Rio Tinto Group (ASX:RIO) raised its spending with Australian suppliers by 9.9% year on year to AU$17.7 billion in 2024, according to a Friday statement from the mining giant.

This involved more than 6,000 suppliers across the country. Over AU$926 million was spent with 182 indigenous businesses, an increase of 27% since 2023, Rio Tinto said.

Spending with local Australian suppliers rose nearly 15% to AU$1.3 billion.

The mining giant's shares were down nearly 3% in recent Friday trade.