Last checked at 19 Apr 2016 07:00
Rio Tinto releases robust first quarter production results
19 April 2016
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "These results demonstrate our commitment to operational excellence in 2016, with notable improvements in several important areas, including a strong performance in Aluminium. However, we continue to experience volatility in commodity prices across all markets. In the face of a testing external environment, our focus remains on delivering further cost and productivity improvements, disciplined capital management and maximising free cash flow, to ensure that Rio Tinto remains strong."
Q1 2016 | vs Q1 2015 | vs Q4 2015 | ||
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis) | Mt | 80.8 | +11% | -12% |
Global iron ore production (100% basis) | Mt | 84.0 | +13% | -4% |
Bauxite | kt | 11,088 | +6% | -1% |
Aluminium | kt | 887 | +10% | +3% |
Mined copper | kt | 141.2 | -2% | +27% |
Hard coking coal | kt | 1,982 | -1% | +4% |
Semi-soft and thermal coal | kt | 5,506 | -3% | -8% |
Titanium dioxide slag | kt | 246 | -24% | +10% |
Highlights |
· Global iron ore shipments of 80.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 64.9 million tonnes) were 11 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2015 due to the completion of some brownfield developments and expanded infrastructure capacity in the Pilbara in 2015, but were lower than the prior quarter due to normal seasonal factors. · Improvements throughout the Aluminium product group: o Bauxite production of 11.1 million tonnes, improved by six per cent compared with the first quarter of 2015. o Alumina production increased by seven per cent compared with the first quarter of 2015. o Aluminium production increased by ten per cent compared with the first quarter of 2015 following the successful completion of the ramp-up at the Kitimat smelter. · Mined copper production was 27 per cent higher than the previous quarter, with higher grades at Kennecott, improved throughput and water availability at Escondida and a share of production from Grasberg. · During the quarter, the Group completed the divestment of the Bengalla coal mine and the restructure of the Coal & Allied group and announced the sale of the Mount Pleasant coal project. |
All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated. To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2015 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2016 remain in comparisons.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
Q1 2016 | vs Q1 2015 | vs Q4 2015 | |
Pilbara Blend Lump | 18.7 | +17% | -4% |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 28.4 | +15% | -6% |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.6 | +6% | +12% |
Robe Valley Fines | 2.9 | +13% | +0% |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13.4 | +6% | -2% |
IOC (pellets and concentrate) | 2.4 | +15% | -16% |
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 79.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 65.0 million tonnes) in the first quarter of 2016, 12 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015. Higher year-on-year production reflects the stronger performance following completion of the brownfield developments and infrastructure expansions in 2015. First quarter production was three per cent lower than the previous quarter.
Pilbara sales
Sales of 76.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 62.5 million tonnes) in 2015 were 11 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2015.
Sales were around three million tonnes below production in the first quarter of 2016 due to seasonal re-stocking and weather disruptions from Tropical Cyclone Stan. Inventory at port returned to optimum levels in the first quarter.
On 15 April 2016, Rio Tinto announced the extension of the Channar Mining Joint Venture with Sinosteel Corporation. This extension, together with a separate agreement for Rio Tinto to supply iron ore from the Pilbara, will enable sales of up to 70 million tonnes of iron ore to Sinosteel Corporation over the next five years.
Pilbara projects
Work continued on the Nammuldi Incremental Tonnes (NIT) project which delivers high grade, low phosphorous ore into the Pilbara Blend. The initial phase, with a five million tonne per annum capacity, commenced production in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the second phase, which will take annual mine capacity from five to ten million tonnes per annum, is due to come into production in the fourth quarter of 2016. A further investment decision on the Silvergrass project is expected in the second half of the year.
The Cape Lambert Power Station project is progressing on schedule with civil contractors mobilised. The station will provide the power required for additional infrastructure in the Pilbara. Testing and verification of AutoHaul® is continuing, with over 75,000 kilometres of mainline trials completed: however, some delays are being experienced.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Operational performance continued to improve at IOC. A new first quarter record for concentrate production of 2.1 million tonnes was achieved, which was an increase of 54 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2015, although 26 per cent lower than the fourth quarter of 2015 due to seasonal impacts.
IOC continues to optimise production of pellets and concentrate for sale based on prevailing market conditions and demand. However, pellet production declined by ten per cent to 2.0 million tonnes when compared with the first quarter of 2015, mainly due to equipment reliability.
2016/17 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected global shipments in 2016 are unchanged at around 350 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), from its operations in Australia and Canada, subject to weather conditions.
With the delay in AutoHaul®, production from the Pilbara is now expected to be between 330 and 340 million tonnes in 2017 (previously 350 million tonnes), subject to final productivity and capital expenditure plans.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q1 2016 | vs Q1 2015 | vs Q4 2015 | |
Rio Tinto Aluminium | |||
Bauxite | 11,088 | +6% | -1% |
Alumina | 2,019 | +7% | +0% |
Aluminium | 887 | +10% | +3% |
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 11.1 million tonnes during the first quarter of 2016 was a six per cent increase on the first quarter of 2015 and was in line with the previous quarter. Strong performance in ramping up the Gove mine increased production by 30 per cent to 2.2 million tonnes and record production at Sangaredi (CBG), at 1.9 million tonnes, was 16 per cent higher compared with the first quarter of 2015.
Third party shipments of 6.8 million tonnes were six per cent higher than the first quarter of 2015.
Alumina
Alumina production in the first quarter improved by seven per cent compared with the first quarter of 2015 and was consistent with the fourth quarter of 2015. This solid performance was mainly driven by Yarwun, where first quarter production of 785 thousand tonnes was 15 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2015, setting a new quarterly record. It also reflected the ongoing focus on productivity improvements across all refineries, which continues to be the strategy for the division.
Aluminium
Aluminium production of 887 thousand tonnes represents a ten per cent increase compared with the first quarter of 2015.
Kitimat completed its ramp-up to an annualised rate of 420 thousand tonnes in March 2016.
Production across the Saguenay smelter system increased by four per cent compared with the first quarter of 2015 as a result of ongoing productivity improvements.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium remains unchanged at 45 million tonnes, 7.8 million tonnes and 3.6 million tonnes, respectively.
COPPER & COAL
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q1 2016 | vs Q1 2015 | vs Q4 2015 | |
Mined copper | |||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 34.2 | +29% | +33% |
Escondida | 79.4 | -25% | +20% |
Grasberg | 8.3 | n/a* | n/a* |
Oyu Tolgoi | 19.3 | +71% | +0% |
Refined copper | |||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 25.8 | -43% | +14% |
Escondida | 25.4 | +10% | -4% |
Coal | |||
Hard coking coal | 1,982 | -1% | +4% |
Semi-soft coking coal | 1,175 | +31% | +47% |
Thermal coal | 4,331 | -9% | -16% |
* Production from Grasberg in 2015 did not exceed the metal attributable to Freeport and, accordingly, Rio Tinto's share of joint venture production was zero.
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production increased by 33 per cent compared with the previous quarter and 29 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to higher copper grades.
The focus continues on the de-weighting and de-watering of the east wall of Bingham Canyon and the development of the south wall pushback.
Refined copper production was 14 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2015 again reflecting the higher grades. The 43 per cent decrease compared with the first quarter of 2015 was primarily a result of a drawdown of inventory in 2015, which more than offset lower mine production.
Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 90 thousand tonnes received for processing in the first quarter of 2016. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures.
Escondida
At Escondida, mined copper production was 20 per cent higher compared to the previous quarter as a result of higher throughput from the continued ramp-up of the new 152ktpd concentrator and improved water availability. The 25 per cent reduction from the same quarter in 2015 is due to lower grades.
Refined copper production for the first quarter of 2016 was ten per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2015 as a result of an increase in material stacked for leaching. This was supported by the drawdown of low grade ore-stocks and an increased area under irrigation.
Oyu Tolgoi
In the first quarter of 2016, Oyu Tolgoi achieved record levels of ore processed due to mill throughput improvements. With the mine also continuing to access higher grades, this resulted in mined copper production during the period being 71 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2015 and comparable with the previous quarter.
Work continues on gaining the required permits and licenses for the development of the underground mine. It is expected that the Rio Tinto board will consider this project for approval during the second quarter of 2016.
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of copper and gold produced above an agreed threshold that is referred to as the metal strip.
Grasberg's first quarter production in 2016 exceeded the metal strip and as a result, Rio Tinto's share for the quarter was 8.3 thousand tonnes of mined copper and 12.7 thousand ounces of gold.
Coal
Hard coking coal production was in line with the first quarter of 2015 and four per cent higher than the previous quarter.
Semi-soft coking coal production was 47 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2015 and was 31 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015, reflecting mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth.
Thermal coal production was 16 per cent lower than the previous quarter and nine per cent lower than the same quarter of 2015, due to the impact of wet weather at Hunter Valley Operations in January 2016. It also reflects the change in ownership following completion of the Coal & Allied restructure and the divestment of Bengalla.
The restructure of the Coal & Allied group came into effect on 3 February 2016. Under the restructure, Rio Tinto obtained 100 per cent ownership of Coal & Allied and Mitsubishi obtained a direct interest of 32.4 per cent in the Hunter Valley Operations. Rio Tinto's interest in Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines is now 67.6 per cent, 80 per cent and 55.57 per cent respectively. Historical production data prior to the date of the restructure reflects the previous ownership.
Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 40 per cent interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture for $616.7 million with an effective date of 1 March 2016.
On 27 January 2016, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its Mount Pleasant thermal coal assets to MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd for $224 million plus royalties. The sale is subject to certain conditions precedent being met and is expected to close in 2016.
2016 guidance
In 2016, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to remain unchanged at between 575 and 625 thousand tonnes. Refined copper production guidance is also unchanged and is expected to be between 220 and 250 thousand tonnes.
For coal, Rio Tinto's forecast share of production is unchanged and is expected to be 7 to 8 million tonnes of hard coking coal, 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal and 16 to 17 million tonnes of thermal coal. Thermal coal guidance includes a contribution from Bengalla up to 1 March 2016 and the share of production attributable to Rio Tinto prior to and following the restructure of the Coal & Allied group.
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q1 2016 | vs Q1 2015 | vs Q4 2015 | |
Diamonds ('000 carats) | |||
Argyle | 3,391 | +5% | +1% |
Diavik | 1,131 | +26% | +26% |
Minerals ('000 tonnes) | |||
Borates - B2O3 content | 127 | -2% | +19% |
Titanium dioxide slag | 246 | -24% | +10% |
Salt ('000 tonnes) | 1,438 | +1% | -13% |
Uranium ('000 lbs) | |||
Energy Resources of Australia | 894 | +21% | -11% |
Rössing | 687 | +152% | -1% |
Diamonds
At Argyle, production was five per cent higher than the first quarter of 2015 due to increased underground volumes.
At Diavik, carats recovered were 26 per cent higher in the first quarter of 2016 compared with the first quarter of 2015 due to higher mining rates, availability of stockpiled ore and higher grades recovered. Production was also 26 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2015 following the processing pause late in 2015.
Minerals
Borates production in the first quarter was 19 per cent greater than the previous quarter due to alignment of production to stronger demand in the US and China. Chinese demand was driven by improvements in residential construction and in overall business sentiment.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 24 per cent lower than the first quarter of 2015 but 10 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2015 as RTIT continues to optimise production in line with demand. Two of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals are currently idled, reflecting lower demand for high grade feedstocks.
Salt
Salt production in the first quarter was 13 per cent lower than the previous quarter, due to weaker demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process existing stockpiles. First quarter 2016 saw a 21 per cent increase in production over the same quarter of 2015. Production was 11 per cent lower than the previous quarter as grade was lower, although in line with the Group's expectations.
Production at Rössing was 152 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015 following recovery from a fire in February 2015.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of titanium dioxide slag, boric oxide equivalent production, uranium and diamond production in 2016 is unchanged at one million tonnes, 0.5 million tonnes, five to six million pounds and 21 million carats, respectively.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first quarter of 2016 was $128 million compared with $126 million in the same quarter of 2015. Approximately five per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Iron Ore, three per cent by Aluminium, 24 per cent by Copper & Coal, 40 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and the remainder by central exploration.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the first quarter of 2016.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration spend in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Namibia, Peru, Russia, the United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi, Kennecott and Weipa.
A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:
Product Group | Evaluation projects | Advanced projects | Greenfield programmes |
Aluminium | Cape York, Australia | Amargosa orbit, Brazil | Australia, Brazil, Laos |
Copper & Coal | Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper: La Granja, Peru Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia Coal: Mt Pleasant and Hail Creek, Australia | Nickel: Tamarack, US Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley, Australia
| Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Peru, Russia, US, Zambia Nickel: Canada |
Diamonds & Minerals | Diamonds: Bunder, India Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea Uranium: Roughrider, Canada | Potash: KP405, Canada | Diamonds: Canada, India Heavy mineral sands: Gabon Uranium: Australia, Canada, US |
Iron Ore | Pilbara, Australia | Pilbara, Australia |
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Rio Tinto production summary | ||||||||||
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||||
Quarter | Full Year | % Change | ||||||||
2015Q1 | 2015Q4 | 2016Q1 | 2015 | Q1 16 vsQ1 15 | Q1 16 vsQ4 15 | |||||
Principal Commodities | ||||||||||
Alumina | ('000 t) | 1,896 | 2,011 | 2,019 | 7,788 | 7% | 0% | |||
Aluminium | ('000 t) | 809 | 864 | 887 | 3,322 | 10% | 3% | |||
Bauxite | ('000 t) | 10,484 | 11,211 | 11,088 | 43,677 | 6% | -1% | |||
Borates | ('000 t) | 129 | 107 | 127 | 476 | -2% | 19% | |||
Coal - hard coking | ('000 t) | 2,002 | 1,900 | 1,982 | 7,859 | -1% | 4% | |||
Coal - semi-soft coking | ('000 t) | 898 | 797 | 1,175 | 3,647 | 31% | 47% | |||
Coal - thermal | ('000 t) | 4,762 | 5,182 | 4,331 | 18,638 | -9% | -16% | |||
Copper - mined | ('000 t) | 144.1 | 111.1 | 141.2 | 504.4 | -2% | 27% | |||
Copper - refined | ('000 t) | 68.2 | 49.2 | 51.3 | 213.0 | -25% | 4% | |||
Diamonds | ('000 cts) | 4,115 | 4,266 | 4,522 | 17,316 | 10% | 6% | |||
Iron ore | ('000 t) | 59,412 | 70,427 | 67,371 | 263,048 | 13% | -4% | |||
Titanium dioxide slag | ('000 t) | 322 | 223 | 246 | 1,089 | -24% | 10% | |||
Uranium | ('000 lbs) | 1,010 | 1,699 | 1,581 | 4,907 | 57% | -7% | |||
Other Metals & Minerals | ||||||||||
Gold - mined | ('000 oz) | 79.8 | 100.3 | 96.4 | 376.4 | 21% | -4% | |||
Gold - refined | ('000 oz) | 62.2 | 31.0 | 29.8 | 179.0 | -52% | -4% | |||
Molybdenum | ('000 t) | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 7.6 | -96% | -79% | |||
Salt | ('000 t) | 1,418 | 1,647 | 1,438 | 5,539 | 1% | -13% | |||
Silver - mined | ('000 oz) | 954 | 707 | 938 | 3,311 | -2% | 33% | |||
Silver - refined | ('000 oz) | 698 | 348 | 348 | 1,843 | -50% | 0% | |||
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures. | ||||||||||
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
ALUMINA | |||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) | 100% | 360 | 359 | 369 | 361 | 377 | 1,449 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant | 100% | 27 | 30 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 110 |
Queensland Alumina | 80% | 739 | 741 | 765 | 752 | 742 | 2,997 |
São Luis (Alumar) | 10% | 86 | 94 | 93 | 94 | 90 | 367 |
Yarwun | 100% | 683 | 700 | 703 | 778 | 785 | 2,864 |
Rio Tinto total alumina production | 1,896 | 1,925 | 1,957 | 2,011 | 2,019 | 7,788 | |
ALUMINIUM | |||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Australia - Bell Bay | 100% | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 45 | 191 |
Australia - Boyne Island | 59% | 84 | 86 | 87 | 86 | 86 | 344 |
Australia - Tomago | 52% | 73 | 75 | 76 | 75 | 75 | 299 |
Canada - six wholly owned | 100% | 306 | 305 | 316 | 346 | 375 | 1,273 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) | 40% | 59 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 242 |
Canada - Bécancour | 25% | 26 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 109 |
France - Dunkerque | 100% | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 69 | 275 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) | 100% | 51 | 51 | 48 | 50 | 50 | 201 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point | 79% | 65 | 66 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 265 |
Oman - Sohar | 20% | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 75 |
UK - Lochaber | 100% | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 47 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production | 809 | 818 | 830 | 864 | 887 | 3,322 | |
BAUXITE | |||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||
Gove | 100% | 1,710 | 1,863 | 1,966 | 1,959 | 2,214 | 7,497 |
Porto Trombetas | 12% | 438 | 447 | 522 | 532 | 457 | 1,939 |
Sangaredi | (b) | 1,632 | 1,444 | 1,681 | 1,820 | 1,892 | 6,577 |
Weipa | 100% | 6,704 | 6,941 | 7,119 | 6,899 | 6,524 | 27,663 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production | 10,484 | 10,695 | 11,287 | 11,211 | 11,088 | 43,677 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
BORATES | |||||||
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) | |||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100% | 129 | 124 | 115 | 107 | 127 | 476 |
COAL - hard coking | |||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 1,189 | 1,349 | 1,427 | 1,134 | 1,224 | 5,099 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 813 | 752 | 429 | 766 | 758 | 2,760 |
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production | 2,002 | 2,101 | 1,856 | 1,900 | 1,982 | 7,859 | |
COAL - semi-soft coking | |||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Hunter Valley (c) | 68% | 460 | 780 | 585 | 548 | 677 | 2,373 |
Mount Thorley (c) | 80% | 311 | 168 | 254 | 163 | 363 | 895 |
Warkworth (c) | 56% | 128 | 76 | 90 | 87 | 135 | 380 |
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production | 898 | 1,024 | 928 | 797 | 1,175 | 3,647 | |
COAL - thermal | |||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Bengalla (d) | 0% | 749 | 568 | 652 | 693 | 527 | 2,662 |
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 725 | 601 | 634 | 702 | 895 | 2,661 |
Hunter Valley (c) | 68% | 2,184 | 1,579 | 1,925 | 2,351 | 1,364 | 8,039 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 94 | 143 | 87 | 185 | 139 | 509 |
Mount Thorley (c) | 80% | 353 | 517 | 547 | 385 | 549 | 1,802 |
Warkworth (c) | 56% | 658 | 667 | 774 | 866 | 859 | 2,965 |
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production | 4,762 | 4,075 | 4,618 | 5,182 | 4,331 | 18,638 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER | |||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 26.6 | 17.4 | 22.2 | 25.7 | 34.2 | 92.0 |
Escondida | 30% | 106.2 | 98.4 | 73.8 | 66.2 | 79.4 | 344.7 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 8.3 | 0.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 11.3 | 18.5 | 18.8 | 19.2 | 19.3 | 67.8 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 144.1 | 134.3 | 114.9 | 111.1 | 141.2 | 504.4 | |
Refined production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Escondida | 30% | 23.2 | 26.6 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 25.4 | 97.9 |
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100% | 45.0 | 33.2 | 14.3 | 22.6 | 25.8 | 115.2 |
Rio Tinto total refined production | 68.2 | 59.9 | 35.8 | 49.2 | 51.3 | 213.0 | |
DIAMONDS | |||||||
Production ('000 carats) | |||||||
Argyle | 100% | 3,217 | 3,374 | 3,514 | 3,368 | 3,391 | 13,472 |
Diavik | 60% | 899 | 1,285 | 761 | 899 | 1,131 | 3,843 |
Rio Tinto total diamond production | 4,115 | 4,659 | 4,275 | 4,266 | 4,522 | 17,316 | |
GOLD | |||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) | |||||||
Barneys Canyon | 100% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 44.7 | 29.5 | 31.0 | 25.6 | 26.2 | 130.8 |
Escondida | 30% | 6.4 | 7.7 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 9.4 | 26.6 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 12.7 | 0.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 28.7 | 79.8 | 41.1 | 69.4 | 48.1 | 219.0 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 79.8 | 116.9 | 79.3 | 100.3 | 96.4 | 376.4 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | |||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100% | 62.2 | 51.6 | 34.1 | 31.0 | 29.8 | 179.0 |
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
IRON ORE | |||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||
Hamersley mines | (g) | 42,177 | 45,807 | 50,113 | 51,324 | 48,468 | 189,421 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60% | 1,287 | 1,675 | 1,811 | 1,564 | 1,523 | 6,337 |
Hope Downs | 50% | 5,679 | 5,259 | 5,589 | 5,845 | 5,900 | 22,373 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59% | 2,109 | 2,616 | 2,784 | 2,878 | 2,419 | 10,388 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53% | 4,020 | 4,402 | 4,520 | 4,273 | 4,450 | 17,216 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53% | 4,139 | 4,133 | 4,497 | 4,544 | 4,611 | 17,313 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 59,412 | 63,892 | 69,316 | 70,427 | 67,371 | 263,048 | |
Breakdown of Production: | |||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 16,057 | 17,490 | 19,697 | 19,571 | 18,732 | 72,815 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 24,607 | 25,466 | 28,497 | 30,036 | 28,351 | 108,606 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,482 | 1,541 | 1,505 | 1,410 | 1,573 | 5,937 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 2,538 | 2,861 | 3,015 | 2,863 | 2,876 | 11,278 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 12,618 | 13,918 | 13,818 | 13,669 | 13,420 | 54,022 | |
IOC Concentrate | 804 | 1,245 | 1,197 | 1,683 | 1,242 | 4,929 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,305 | 1,372 | 1,587 | 1,196 | 1,178 | 5,459 | |
Breakdown of Sales: | |||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 13,231 | 14,620 | 17,178 | 18,001 | 15,291 | 63,030 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 26,004 | 30,200 | 34,922 | 34,098 | 30,522 | 125,224 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,257 | 1,320 | 1,405 | 1,334 | 1,272 | 5,317 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 2,568 | 2,797 | 3,246 | 3,256 | 2,893 | 11,867 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 12,336 | 14,004 | 13,934 | 14,569 | 12,533 | 54,843 | |
IOC Concentrate | 417 | 1,112 | 1,850 | 1,560 | 1,210 | 4,939 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,462 | 1,344 | 1,553 | 1,280 | 1,168 | 5,639 | |
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) | 57,276 | 65,397 | 74,088 | 74,097 | 64,889 | 270,858 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
MOLYBDENUM | |||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 2.7 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 7.6 |
SALT | |||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Dampier Salt | 68% | 1,418 | 1,193 | 1,281 | 1,647 | 1,438 | 5,539 |
SILVER | |||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) | |||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 486 | 310 | 362 | 300 | 342 | 1,458 |
Escondida | 30% | 407 | 394 | 354 | 289 | 463 | 1,443 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 62 | 100 | 130 | 119 | 132 | 410 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 954 | 804 | 846 | 707 | 938 | 3,311 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | |||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100% | 698 | 501 | 296 | 348 | 348 | 1,843 |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | |||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (h) | 100% | 322 | 301 | 243 | 223 | 246 | 1,089 |
URANIUM | |||||||
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (i) | |||||||
Energy Resources of Australia | 68% | 737 | 589 | 689 | 1,008 | 894 | 3,023 |
Rössing | 69% | 272 | 543 | 379 | 691 | 687 | 1,884 |
Rio Tinto total uranium production | 1,010 | 1,131 | 1,068 | 1,699 | 1,581 | 4,907 | |
Production data notes:
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures.
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(c) As a result of a restructure of the Coal & Allied group, which completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto obtained 100% ownership of Coal & Allied and Mitsubishi obtained a direct interest of 32.4% in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture, which owns the Hunter Valley Operations mine. Updated ownership reflects these changes. Rio Tinto's updated interest in Hunter Valley Operations, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines are 67.6%, 80% and 55.57% respectively. Historical production data prior to the date of the restructure reflects the previous ownership in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines of 80%, 64% and 44.46%, respectively.
(d) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 2016.
(e) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
(f) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
(g) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(h) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(i) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U3O8.
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 March 2016.
Rio Tinto's interest in the Murowa mine was sold in 2015. No data for this operation are included in the Share of Production table. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
ALUMINA | |||||||
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group | |||||||
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Australia | |||||||
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland | 80.0% | 924 | 927 | 956 | 940 | 927 | 3,747 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland | 100.0% | 683 | 700 | 703 | 778 | 785 | 2,864 |
Brazil | |||||||
São Luis (Alumar) refinery | 10.0% | 862 | 940 | 928 | 937 | 903 | 3,667 |
Canada | |||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) | 100.0% | 360 | 359 | 369 | 361 | 377 | 1,449 |
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina. | |||||||
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group | |||||||
Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Canada | |||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec | 100.0% | 27 | 30 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 110 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
ALUMINIUM | |||||||
Primary Aluminium | |||||||
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Australia | |||||||
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania | 100.0% | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 45 | 191 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland | 59.4% | 142 | 145 | 146 | 146 | 145 | 579 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales | 51.6% | 141 | 145 | 147 | 146 | 145 | 579 |
Canada | |||||||
Alma smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 117 | 466 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec | 40.0% | 147 | 152 | 153 | 153 | 152 | 606 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 43 | 43 | 43 | 44 | 43 | 173 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 59 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec | 25.1% | 105 | 113 | 108 | 111 | 113 | 437 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 56 | 221 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia | 100.0% | 20 | 15 | 23 | 51 | 83 | 110 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 60 | 61 | 61 | 62 | 61 | 244 |
France | |||||||
Dunkerque smelter | 100.0% | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 69 | 275 |
Iceland | |||||||
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter | 100.0% | 51 | 51 | 48 | 50 | 50 | 201 |
New Zealand | |||||||
Tiwai Point smelter | 79.4% | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 84 | 333 |
Oman | |||||||
Sohar smelter | 20.0% | 93 | 94 | 94 | 96 | 97 | 377 |
United Kingdom | |||||||
Lochaber smelter | 100.0% | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 47 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
BAUXITE | |||||||
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Australia | |||||||
Gove mine - Northern Territory | 100.0% | 1,710 | 1,863 | 1,966 | 1,959 | 2,214 | 7,497 |
Weipa mine - Queensland | 100.0% | 6,704 | 6,941 | 7,119 | 6,899 | 6,524 | 27,663 |
Brazil | |||||||
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine | 12.0% | 3,651 | 3,723 | 4,351 | 4,437 | 3,805 | 16,162 |
Guinea | |||||||
Sangaredi mine (a) | 23.0% | 3,627 | 3,209 | 3,735 | 4,044 | 4,205 | 14,615 |
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments | |||||||
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 10,487 | 10,926 | 11,159 | 10,890 | 11,153 | 43,462 | |
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 6,372 | 6,848 | 6,773 | 6,576 | 6,768 | 26,569 | |
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production. | |||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
BORATES | |||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100.0% | ||||||
US | |||||||
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) | 129 | 124 | 115 | 107 | 127 | 476 | |
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. | |||||||
COAL | |||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia | |||||||
Bengalla mine (a) | 0.0% | ||||||
New South Wales | |||||||
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,341 | 1,776 | 2,036 | 2,166 | 1,476 | 8,319 | |
Hail Creek Coal mine | 82.0% | ||||||
Queensland | |||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,450 | 1,645 | 1,740 | 1,383 | 1,492 | 6,218 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 884 | 733 | 773 | 856 | 1,091 | 3,245 | |
Hunter Valley Operations (b) | 67.6% | ||||||
New South Wales | |||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 574 | 976 | 731 | 685 | 964 | 2,966 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,730 | 1,974 | 2,406 | 2,939 | 1,911 | 10,048 | |
Kestrel Coal mine | 80.0% | ||||||
Queensland | |||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,017 | 940 | 536 | 957 | 948 | 3,450 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 118 | 178 | 109 | 231 | 173 | 637 | |
Mount Thorley Operations (b) | 80.0% | ||||||
New South Wales | |||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 485 | 263 | 396 | 254 | 466 | 1,398 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 551 | 809 | 854 | 602 | 742 | 2,815 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
COAL (continued) | |||||||
Warkworth mine (b) | 55.6% | ||||||
New South Wales | |||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 287 | 170 | 201 | 194 | 267 | 853 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,478 | 1,499 | 1,740 | 1,945 | 1,672 | 6,663 | |
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 2,467 | 2,585 | 2,277 | 2,340 | 2,440 | 9,668 | |
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 1,347 | 1,408 | 1,329 | 1,133 | 1,697 | 5,217 | |
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 8,101 | 6,968 | 7,918 | 8,739 | 7,065 | 31,727 | |
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) | 11,915 | 10,961 | 11,524 | 12,212 | 11,202 | 46,612 | |
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 11,926 | 11,016 | 11,455 | 12,261 | 11,047 | 46,658 | |
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c) | |||||||
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 1,925 | 2,405 | 1,722 | 2,018 | 2,099 | 8,070 | |
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 929 | 963 | 932 | 784 | 1,122 | 3,609 | |
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 4,781 | 3,913 | 4,689 | 5,037 | 4,287 | 18,420 | |
(a) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 2016.(b) As a result of a restructure of the Coal & Allied group, which completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto obtained 100% ownership of Coal & Allied and Mitsubishi obtained a direct interest of 32.4% in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture, which owns the Hunter Valley Operations mine. Updated ownership reflects these changes. Rio Tinto's updated interest in Hunter Valley Operations, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines are 67.6%, 80% and 55.57% respectively. Historical production prior to the date of the restructure, reflects previous ownership in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines of 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal. | |||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD | |||||||
Escondida | 30.0% | ||||||
Chile | |||||||
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) | 21,382 | 22,909 | 22,820 | 18,076 | 21,188 | 85,186 | |
Average copper grade (%) | 1.49 | 1.32 | 1.00 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 1.21 | |
Mill production (metals in concentrates): | |||||||
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) | 270.6 | 249.6 | 169.7 | 138.6 | 175.8 | 828.5 | |
Contained gold ('000 ounces) | 21 | 26 | 24 | 18 | 31 | 89 | |
Contained silver ('000 ounces) | 1,355 | 1,314 | 1,181 | 962 | 1,544 | 4,812 | |
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) | 83.5 | 78.5 | 76.5 | 81.8 | 88.8 | 320.3 | |
Refined production from leach plants: | |||||||
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) | 77.3 | 88.8 | 71.5 | 88.7 | 84.8 | 326.3 | |
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad. | |||||||
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold | |||||||
Grasberg mine (a) | 0.0% (b) | ||||||
Papua, Indonesia | |||||||
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 14,123 | 16,095 | 14,855 | 14,248 | 16,794 | 59,322 | |
Average mill head grades: | |||||||
Copper (%) | 0.57 | 0.67 | 0.68 | 0.75 | 0.75 | 0.67 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.68 | 0.86 | 0.71 | 0.92 | 0.51 | 0.79 | |
Silver (g/t) | 2.13 | 2.44 | 2.50 | 2.92 | 1.92 | 2.50 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | |||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 72.2 | 96.5 | 90.1 | 94.5 | 109.0 | 353.3 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 262 | 371 | 282 | 355 | 214 | 1,270 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 558 | 759 | 723 | 778 | 590 | 2,818 | |
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) | |||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 70.4 | 88.8 | 89.9 | 88.7 | 106.5 | 337.8 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 260 | 346 | 286 | 332 | 222 | 1,224 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 435 | 558 | 574 | 567 | 484 | 2,134 | |
(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 1Q 2016 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 1Q 2016 until the release of its 2016 first quarter results on 26 April 2016.(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.(c) Net of smelter deductions. | |||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | |||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | |||||||
Barneys Canyon mine (a) | 100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utah, US |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Gold produced ('000 ounces) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Bingham Canyon mine | 100.0% | ||||||
Utah, US | |||||||
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 9,819 | 8,208 | 8,581 | 8,224 | 7,386 | 34,831 | |
Average ore grade: | |||||||
Copper (%) | 0.31 | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.35 | 0.51 | 0.30 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.21 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.15 | 0.19 | 0.18 | |
Silver (g/t) | 2.22 | 1.99 | 2.07 | 1.45 | 1.85 | 1.95 | |
Molybdenum (%) | 0.041 | 0.046 | 0.035 | 0.023 | 0.015 | 0.037 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 133 | 84 | 116 | 136 | 153 | 470 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 19.9 | 20.6 | 18.9 | 18.8 | 22.4 | 19.5 | |
Production of metals in copper concentrates: | |||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) | 26.6 | 17.4 | 22.2 | 25.7 | 34.2 | 92.0 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) | 45 | 29 | 31 | 26 | 26 | 131 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) | 486 | 310 | 362 | 300 | 342 | 1,458 | |
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): | 5.2 | 5.0 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 14.9 | |
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 2.7 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 7.6 | |
(a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads.(b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates. | |||||||
Kennecott smelter & refinery | 100.0% | ||||||
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) | 148 | 99 | 113 | 143 | 158 | 503 | |
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) | 35.1 | 19.1 | 17.1 | 24.7 | 32.0 | 96.0 | |
Production of refined metal: | |||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) | 45.0 | 33.2 | 14.3 | 22.6 | 25.8 | 115.2 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) | 62.2 | 51.6 | 34.1 | 31.0 | 29.8 | 179.0 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) | 698 | 501 | 296 | 348 | 348 | 1,843 | |
(a) New metal excluding recycled material.(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products. | |||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | |||||||
Turquoise Hill Resources | |||||||
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) | 33.5% | ||||||
Mongolia | |||||||
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) | 7,512 | 9,025 | 8,632 | 9,369 | 9,662 | 34,537 | |
Average mill head grades: | |||||||
Copper (%) | 0.52 | 0.69 | 0.75 | 0.69 | 0.70 | 0.67 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.48 | 1.09 | 0.56 | 0.92 | 0.63 | 0.78 | |
Silver (g/t) | 1.16 | 1.46 | 1.90 | 1.67 | 1.92 | 1.56 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 130.9 | 215.5 | 210.3 | 231.8 | 229.5 | 788.5 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 25.7 | 25.6 | 26.6 | 24.7 | 25.1 | 25.6 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | |||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 33.6 | 55.3 | 56.0 | 57.3 | 57.6 | 202.2 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 85.6 | 238.1 | 122.6 | 207.1 | 143.5 | 653.4 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 184 | 297 | 388 | 355 | 395 | 1,223 | |
Sales of metals in concentrates: | |||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 42.1 | 46.3 | 58.2 | 54.7 | 51.2 | 201.3 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 200 | 177 | 200 | 160 | 175 | 737 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 219 | 245 | 334 | 360 | 305 | 1,158 | |
(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources. | |||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
DIAMONDS | |||||||
Argyle Diamonds | 100.0% | ||||||
Western Australia | |||||||
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 1,178 | 1,199 | 1,339 | 1,127 | 1,151 | 4,843 | |
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) | 3,217 | 3,374 | 3,514 | 3,368 | 3,391 | 13,472 | |
Diavik Diamonds | 60.0% | ||||||
Northwest Territories, Canada | |||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 476 | 565 | 478 | 465 | 557 | 1,984 | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 1,498 | 2,141 | 1,269 | 1,498 | 1,885 | 6,406 | |
Murowa Diamonds (a) | 0.0% | ||||||
Zimbabwe | |||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 117 | 95 | - | - | - | 212 | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 51 | 48 | - | - | - | 99 | |
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 77.8% interest in Murowa Diamonds with an effective date of 17 June 2015. Production data are shown up to that date. | |||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
IRON ORE | |||||||
Rio Tinto Iron Ore | |||||||
Western Australia | |||||||
Pilbara Operations | |||||||
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||
Hamersley mines | (a) | 42,177 | 45,807 | 50,113 | 51,324 | 48,468 | 189,421 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60.0% | 2,145 | 2,792 | 3,019 | 2,606 | 2,539 | 10,561 |
Hope Downs | 50.0% | 11,358 | 10,518 | 11,179 | 11,690 | 11,799 | 44,745 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53.0% | 7,585 | 8,306 | 8,529 | 8,062 | 8,395 | 32,482 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53.0% | 7,810 | 7,797 | 8,485 | 8,573 | 8,700 | 32,665 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) | 71,075 | 75,221 | 81,325 | 82,255 | 79,902 | 309,876 | |
Breakdown of total production: | |||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 20,231 | 21,990 | 24,306 | 24,116 | 23,355 | 90,643 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 30,641 | 31,007 | 34,672 | 36,408 | 34,732 | 132,728 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 2,796 | 2,907 | 2,840 | 2,660 | 2,969 | 11,202 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 4,789 | 5,399 | 5,690 | 5,402 | 5,427 | 21,280 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 12,618 | 13,918 | 13,818 | 13,669 | 13,420 | 54,022 | |
Breakdown of total sales: | |||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 16,832 | 18,635 | 21,147 | 21,960 | 19,149 | 78,574 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 32,904 | 36,841 | 41,695 | 41,266 | 37,199 | 152,706 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 2,373 | 2,491 | 2,651 | 2,516 | 2,400 | 10,031 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 4,845 | 5,277 | 6,124 | 6,144 | 5,459 | 22,390 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 12,336 | 14,004 | 13,934 | 14,569 | 12,533 | 54,843 | |
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) | 69,290 | 77,248 | 85,552 | 86,454 | 76,739 | 318,544 | |
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.(b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports. | |||||||
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 58.7% | ||||||
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada | |||||||
Saleable iron ore production: | |||||||
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 1,370 | 2,120 | 2,039 | 2,865 | 2,114 | 8,394 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,223 | 2,336 | 2,703 | 2,036 | 2,006 | 9,297 | |
Sales: | |||||||
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 711 | 1,894 | 3,150 | 2,656 | 2,060 | 8,411 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,490 | 2,288 | 2,644 | 2,180 | 1,990 | 9,603 | |
Global Iron Ore Totals | |||||||
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) | 74,667 | 79,676 | 86,067 | 87,157 | 84,022 | 327,567 | |
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) | 72,491 | 81,430 | 91,346 | 91,291 | 80,789 | 336,558 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | Full Year2015 | |
SALT | |||||||
Dampier Salt | 68.4% | ||||||
Western Australia | |||||||
Salt production ('000 tonnes) | 2,074 | 1,745 | 1,874 | 2,409 | 2,103 | 8,103 | |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | |||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium | 100.0% | ||||||
Canada and South Africa | |||||||
(Rio Tinto share) (a) | |||||||
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) | 322 | 301 | 243 | 223 | 246 | 1,089 | |
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals' production. Ilmenite mined in Madagascar is being processed in Canada. | |||||||
URANIUM | |||||||
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd | |||||||
Ranger mine (a) | 68.4% | ||||||
Northern Territory, Australia | |||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 1,078 | 861 | 1,008 | 1,474 | 1,307 | 4,421 | |
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. | |||||||
Rössing Uranium Ltd | 68.6% | ||||||
Namibia | |||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 397 | 791 | 552 | 1,007 | 1,001 | 2,747 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | |||||||