Last checked at 19 Jan 2016 07:00
Rio Tinto releases solid fourth quarter production results
19 January 2016
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "Against a challenging market backdrop for the industry, Rio Tinto remains focused on operating and commercial excellence to leverage the low-cost position of our Tier 1 asset base. In 2015, we delivered efficient production, meeting our targets across all of our major products, while rigorously controlling our cost base. We will continue to focus on disciplined management of costs and capital to maximise cash flow generation throughout 2016."
Q4 2015 | vs Q4 2014 | vs Q3 2015 | 2015 | 2014 | ||
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis) | Mt | 91.3 | +11% | 0% | 336.6 | +11% |
Global iron ore production (100% basis) | Mt | 87.2 | +10% | +1% | 327.6 | +11% |
Bauxite | kt | 11,211 | +4% | -1% | 43,677 | +4% |
Aluminium | kt | 864 | +4% | +4% | 3,322 | +1% |
Mined copper | kt | 111.1 | -13% | -3% | 504.4 | -16% |
Hard coking coal | kt | 1,900 | +16% | +2% | 7,859 | +11% |
Semi-soft and thermal coal | kt | 5,979 | +9% | +8% | 22,285 | 0% |
Titanium dioxide slag | kt | 223 | -30% | -8% | 1,089 | -25% |
Highlights |
· Global iron ore shipments were in line with 2015 full year guidance of around 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). The strong second half performance was achieved following completion of the brownfield developments and expanded infrastructure in the Pilbara, enabling a drawdown of inventories, as well as improvements at Iron Ore Company of Canada. · Global iron ore production in 2016 is expected to be around 350 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). · Continued strong performance in bauxite exceeded full year guidance of 43 million tonnes, with record third party shipments of 26.6 million tonnes. · Aluminium production was in line with 2014, with record annual production at nine smelters offsetting lower production from Kitimat as the modernised and expanded smelter was commissioned. · Mined copper production was in line with full year guidance of 510 thousand tonnes as de-weighting and de-watering activities at Kennecott resulted in lower production in 2015, which was partly offset by a 36 per cent increase in production at Oyu Tolgoi from higher grades and throughput. Production is expected to increase in 2016, with higher production at Kennecott and an expected share of joint venture production at Grasberg. · Rio Tinto's share of hard coking and thermal coal production was in line with 2015 guidance, while semi-soft coking coal production was seven per cent above the top end of the guidance range due to mine sequencing. · Diamonds & Minerals continues to optimise production to align with market demand, reflected in a 25 per cent reduction in titanium dioxide slag production compared to 2014, in line with guidance. |
|
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 2014 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2015 remain in comparisons.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
Q4 2015 | vs Q4 2014 | vs Q3 2015 | 2015 | 2014 | |
Pilbara Blend Lump | 19.6 | +22% | -1% | 72.8 | +24% |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 30.0 | +19% | +5% | 108.6 | +18% |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.4 | -11% | -6% | 5.9 | -3% |
Robe Valley Fines | 2.9 | -5% | -5% | 11.3 | -7% |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13.7 | -10% | -1% | 54.0 | -3% |
IOC (pellets and concentrate) | 2.9 | +28% | +3% | 10.4 | +20% |
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 309.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 252.7 million tonnes) in 2015, 10 per cent higher than in 2014. Fourth quarter production of 82.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 67.5 million tonnes) was nine per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014. Production performance was stronger in the second half of the year due to completion of the expanded infrastructure towards the end of the first half of 2015, as well as a number of productivity improvements.
Pilbara sales
Sales of 318.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 260.3 million tonnes) in 2015 were 10 per cent higher than 2014, while fourth quarter sales of 86.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 71.3 million tonnes) were 10 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014.
Sales in the quarter exceeded production by 4.2 million tonnes, primarily drawing down on inventories at the mines. This draw-down has been a key focus in 2015 with approximately nine million tonnes drawn in the year. Bulk inventories built up during the infrastructure expansion phase are now largely exhausted.
Approximately 22 per cent of sales in 2015 were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market.
Approximately 59 per cent of 2015 sales were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Achieved average pricing in 2015 was $48.4 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis.
Pilbara projects
Following completion of the Pilbara infrastructure and brownfields expansions in the first half of 2015, the focus has shifted to 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, started production in the fourth quarter of 2015. Construction has commenced on the second phase, which will take annual capacity from the NIT project up from five to ten million tonnes and is due to come into production in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Steady progress continues to be made on the testing and verification of AutoHaul®, with over 70,000 kilometres of mainline trials completed at the end of 2015.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC demonstrated a significant shift in operational performance during 2015, attributable to improved haul truck and mill availability and enhanced productivity rates for haul trucks and shovels. This resulted in a 39 per cent increase in concentrates produced to 8.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 4.9 million tonnes) and a six per cent rise in pellet production to 9.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 5.6 million tonnes).
Higher production flowed through to a 26 per cent improvement in sales to 18.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 10.6 million tonnes) in 2015. Fourth quarter production was weighted towards concentrates as a result of the shift in market conditions which favoured concentrate over pellets.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected global shipments are around 350 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), from its operations in Australia and Canada, subject to weather conditions.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q4 2015 | vs Q4 2014 | vs Q3 2015 | 2015 | 2014 | |
Rio Tinto Aluminium | |||||
Bauxite | 11,211 | +4% | -1% | 43,677 | +4% |
Alumina | 2,011 | +4% | +3% | 7,788 | +4% |
Aluminium | 864 | +4% | +4% | 3,322 | +1% |
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 43.7 million tonnes during 2015, a four per cent increase on 2014, was achieved on the back of record Weipa production and the ramp-up at Gove, which has now reached production and export capacity of 8 million tonnes per annum of dry bauxite. Third party shipments exceeded 26 million tonnes, representing the highest proportion of Rio Tinto's total share of production ever achieved.
Fourth quarter bauxite production was four per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2014.
Alumina
Alumina production for 2015 increased four per cent compared with 2014 (excluding production from the Gove refinery which was curtailed in May 2014), reflecting continued consistent performance across Rio Tinto's refineries.
Aluminium
Aluminium production was in line with 2014. Record annual production at nine smelters offset lower production from Kitimat as the modernised and expanded smelter was commissioned. Kitimat's ramp-up towards nameplate capacity of 420 thousand tonnes is well underway and is expected to be achieved in early 2016.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium is 45 million tonnes, 7.8 million tonnes and 3.6 million tonnes, respectively.
COPPER & COAL
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q4 2015 | vs Q4 2014 | vs Q3 2015 | 2015 | 2014 | |
Mined copper | |||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 25.7 | +25% | +16% | 92.0 | -55% |
Escondida | 66.2 | -26% | -10% | 344.7 | +1% |
Grasberg | 0.0 | n/a | n/a | 0.0 | n/a |
Oyu Tolgoi | 19.2 | +14% | +2% | 67.8 | +36% |
Refined copper | |||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 22.6 | +24% | +58% | 115.2 | -44% |
Escondida | 26.6 | +18% | +24% | 97.9 | +8% |
Coal | |||||
Hard coking coal | 1,900 | +16% | +2% | 7,859 | +11% |
Semi-soft coking coal | 797 | +9% | -14% | 3,647 | +14% |
Thermal coal | 5,182 | +9% | +12% | 18,638 | -2% |
Kennecott Utah Copper
In line with guidance, mined copper production in 2015 was substantially lower than 2014 due to the continuing focus on de-weighting and de-watering the east wall of Bingham Canyon. The 25 per cent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2014 reflects mine production having been aligned to smelter requirements during the scheduled smelter shutdown in 2014. Fourth quarter production benefited from higher ore grades compared to the previous quarter of 2015.
The lower mine production in 2015 was partly mitigated by an inventory drawdown, resulting in refined copper production of 115.2 thousand tonnes. The strong refined copper production in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter was a result of increased volume and grades from Kennecott material. Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 414 thousand tonnes received for processing in 2015. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida for the fourth quarter was 26 per cent lower than the same quarter in 2014 due to lower grades. Production in 2015 was comparable to 2014, as higher throughput and recoveries from leaching more than offset lower grades.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for 2015 was 36 per cent higher than 2014, attributable to higher grades and throughput.
On 14 December 2015, the development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine in Mongolia took an important step forward with the signing of a US$4.4 billion project financing agreement. Next steps include securing all necessary permits for development of the underground mine, and approval of the project by the various boards.
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. Production in 2015 did not exceed the metal attributable to Freeport and, accordingly, Rio Tinto's share of joint venture production was zero. Freeport is due to announce its fourth quarter results on 26 January 2016.
Provisional pricing
At 31 December 2015, the Group had an estimated 189 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 219 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the first half of 2016. This compares with 331 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2014, provisionally priced at 288 cents per pound.
Coal
Hard coking coal production was 11 per cent higher than 2014 following improved production rates at Kestrel. Fourth quarter tonnage was 16 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014 due to the longwall changeover at Kestrel in 2014.
Semi-soft coking coal production was 14 per cent higher than 2014, and nine per cent higher in the fourth quarter than in the same quarter of 2014, reflecting mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations.
Thermal coal production was broadly in line with 2014. Fourth quarter production was nine per cent higher than in the same quarter of 2014, due to increased production at Hail Creek.
2016 guidance
In 2016, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to increase to between 575 and 625 thousand tonnes, with higher production at Kennecott, and including an expected share of joint venture production at Grasberg. Refined copper production is expected to be between 220 and 250 thousand tonnes.
For coal, Rio Tinto's share of production 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 the expected date of divestment during the first quarter of 2016.
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q4 2015 | vs Q4 2014 | vs Q3 2015 | 2015 | 2014 | |
Diamonds ('000 carats) | |||||
Argyle | 3,368 | +86% | -4% | 13,472 | +47% |
Diavik | 899 | -3% | +18% | 3,843 | -11% |
Minerals ('000 tonnes) | |||||
Borates - B2O3 content | 107 | -13% | -7% | 476 | -6% |
Titanium dioxide slag | 223 | -30% | -8% | 1,089 | -25% |
Salt ('000 tonnes) | 1,647 | -11% | +29% | 5,539 | -18% |
Uranium ('000 lbs) | |||||
Energy Resources of Australia | 1,008 | +11% | +46% | 3,023 | +72% |
Rössing | 691 | +12% | +82% | 1,884 | -19% |
Diamonds
At Argyle, the ramp-up of production from the underground mine delivered a 47 per cent increase in carats produced compared to 2014. Due to process plant pauses to manage inventory levels, production in the fourth quarter was slightly below the previous quarter.
At Diavik, carats recovered were 11 per cent lower than in 2014 due to processing plant pauses in the fourth quarter and the absence of stockpiled ore which was processed in the first half of 2014. Carats recovered in the fourth quarter were three per cent lower than the same period of 2014 due to lower processing volumes largely offset by higher recovered grades.
Minerals
Borates production in 2015 was six per cent lower than in 2014, driven primarily by lower market demand.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 25 per cent lower in 2015 than in 2014 as RTIT continues to optimise production in light of weaker demand. Two of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) and one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) are currently idled, reflecting lower demand for high grade feedstocks.
Salt
Salt production in 2015 was 18 per cent lower than in 2014 as a result of weaker demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process existing stockpiles. 2015 saw a 72 per cent increase in production over 2014 reflecting the complete shutdown of processing facilities in the first half of 2014 following the failure of a leach tank in December 2013.
Production at Rössing was 19 per cent lower than 2014, largely as a result of lower grades and recoveries.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of titanium dioxide slag, boric oxide equivalent production, uranium and diamond production in 2016 is 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 2015 was $576 million (of which $184 million was spent in the fourth quarter), compared with $765 million in 2014. Approximately six per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Iron Ore, two per cent by Aluminium, 38 per cent by Copper & Coal, 23 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and the remainder by central exploration.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in 2015.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of our exploration spend in the period 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 period is as follows:
Product Group | Evaluation projects | Advanced projects | Greenfield programmes |
Aluminium | Amrun and 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 | Botswana |
Contacts
media.enquiries@riotinto.com
www.riotinto.com
Follow @riotinto on Twitter
Media Relations, EMEA/AmericasIlltud Harri T +44 20 7781 1152 M +44 7920 503 600
David Outhwaite T +44 20 7781 1623 M +44 7787 597 493
David LuffT + 44 20 7781 1177M + 44 7780 226 422
Investor Relations, EMEA/AmericasJohn Smelt T +44 20 7781 1654 M +44 7879 642 675
David Ovington T +44 20 7781 2051 M +44 7920 010 978
Grant Donald T +44 20 7781 1262 M +44 7920 587 805 | Media Relations, Australia/AsiaBen Mitchell T +61 3 9283 3620 M +61 419 850 212
Bruce Tobin T +61 3 9283 3612 M +61 419 103 454
Matt Klar T + 61 7 3625 4244M + 61 457 525 578
Investor Relations, Australia/AsiaNatalie Worley T +61 3 9283 3063 M +61 409 210 462
Rachel Storrs T +61 3 9283 3628 M +61 417 401 018
|
Rio Tinto plc6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000Registered in England No. 719885 | Rio Tinto Limited120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia
T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 |
Rio Tinto production summary | |||||||||||
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||||||
Quarter | Full Year | % Change | |||||||||
2014Q4 | 2015Q3 | 2015Q4 | 2014 | 2015 | Q4 15 vsQ4 14 | Q4 15 vsQ3 15 | 2015 vs2014 | ||||
Principal Commodities | |||||||||||
Alumina | ('000 t) | 1,931 | 1,957 | 2,011 | 8,134 | 7,788 | 4% | 3% | -4% | ||
Aluminium | ('000 t) | 827 | 830 | 864 | 3,279 | 3,322 | 4% | 4% | 1% | ||
Bauxite | ('000 t) | 10,794 | 11,287 | 11,211 | 41,871 | 43,677 | 4% | -1% | 4% | ||
Borates | ('000 t) | 123 | 115 | 107 | 508 | 476 | -13% | -7% | -6% | ||
Coal - hard coking | ('000 t) | 1,639 | 1,856 | 1,900 | 7,054 | 7,859 | 16% | 2% | 11% | ||
Coal - semi-soft coking | ('000 t) | 728 | 928 | 797 | 3,213 | 3,647 | 9% | -14% | 14% | ||
Coal - thermal | ('000 t) | 4,759 | 4,618 | 5,182 | 19,080 | 18,638 | 9% | 12% | -2% | ||
Copper - mined | ('000 t) | 128.3 | 114.9 | 111.1 | 603.1 | 504.4 | -13% | -3% | -16% | ||
Copper - refined | ('000 t) | 40.7 | 35.8 | 49.2 | 294.6 | 213.0 | 21% | 38% | -28% | ||
Diamonds | ('000 cts) | 2,841 | 4,275 | 4,266 | 13,872 | 17,392 | 50% | 0% | 25% | ||
Iron ore | ('000 t) | 63,239 | 69,316 | 70,427 | 233,557 | 263,048 | 11% | 2% | 13% | ||
Titanium dioxide slag | ('000 t) | 316 | 243 | 223 | 1,443 | 1,089 | -30% | -8% | -25% | ||
Uranium | ('000 lbs) | 1,523 | 1,068 | 1,699 | 4,089 | 4,907 | 12% | 59% | 20% | ||
Other Metals & Minerals | |||||||||||
Gold - mined | ('000 oz) | 131.0 | 79.3 | 100.3 | 486.8 | 376.4 | -23% | 27% | -23% | ||
Gold - refined | ('000 oz) | 51.1 | 34.1 | 31.0 | 252.2 | 179.0 | -39% | -9% | -29% | ||
Molybdenum | ('000 t) | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 11.5 | 7.6 | -78% | -68% | -34% | ||
Salt | ('000 t) | 1,852 | 1,281 | 1,647 | 6,793 | 5,539 | -11% | 29% | -18% | ||
Silver - mined | ('000 oz) | 740 | 846 | 707 | 4,699 | 3,311 | -4% | -16% | -30% | ||
Silver - refined | ('000 oz) | 636 | 296 | 348 | 2,811 | 1,843 | -45% | 18% | -34% | ||
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 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
ALUMINA | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) | 100% | 373 | 360 | 359 | 369 | 361 | 1,444 | 1,449 |
Queensland Alumina | 80% | 748 | 739 | 741 | 765 | 752 | 2,854 | 2,997 |
São Luis (Alumar) | 10% | 95 | 86 | 94 | 93 | 94 | 364 | 367 |
Yarwun | 100% | 687 | 683 | 700 | 703 | 778 | 2,688 | 2,864 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant | 100% | 27 | 27 | 30 | 27 | 26 | 108 | 110 |
Aluminium Product Group total | 1,931 | 1,896 | 1,925 | 1,957 | 2,011 | 7,458 | 7,788 | |
Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a) | 100% | - | - | - | - | - | 676 | - |
Rio Tinto total alumina production | 1,931 | 1,896 | 1,925 | 1,957 | 2,011 | 8,134 | 7,788 | |
ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia - Bell Bay | 100% | 48 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 188 | 191 |
Australia - Boyne Island | 59% | 86 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 86 | 328 | 344 |
Australia - Tomago | 52% | 74 | 73 | 75 | 76 | 75 | 289 | 299 |
Canada - six wholly owned | 100% | 317 | 306 | 305 | 316 | 346 | 1,279 | 1,273 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) | 40% | 59 | 59 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 233 | 242 |
Canada - Bécancour | 25% | 28 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 112 | 109 |
France - Dunkerque | 100% | 68 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 270 | 275 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) | 100% | 52 | 51 | 51 | 48 | 50 | 206 | 201 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point | 79% | 65 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 67 | 260 | 265 |
Oman - Sohar | 20% | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 73 | 75 |
UK - Lochaber | 100% | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 42 | 47 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production | 827 | 809 | 818 | 830 | 864 | 3,279 | 3,322 | |
BAUXITE | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Gove | 100% | 1,574 | 1,710 | 1,863 | 1,966 | 1,959 | 6,528 | 7,497 |
Porto Trombetas | 12% | 556 | 438 | 447 | 522 | 532 | 1,965 | 1,939 |
Sangaredi | (c) | 1,721 | 1,632 | 1,444 | 1,681 | 1,820 | 7,111 | 6,577 |
Weipa | 100% | 6,944 | 6,704 | 6,941 | 7,119 | 6,899 | 26,266 | 27,663 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production | 10,794 | 10,484 | 10,695 | 11,287 | 11,211 | 41,871 | 43,677 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
BORATES | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100% | 123 | 129 | 124 | 115 | 107 | 508 | 476 |
COAL - hard coking | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 1,520 | 1,189 | 1,349 | 1,427 | 1,134 | 5,324 | 5,099 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 119 | 813 | 752 | 429 | 766 | 1,730 | 2,760 |
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production | 1,639 | 2,002 | 2,101 | 1,856 | 1,900 | 7,054 | 7,859 | |
COAL - semi-soft coking | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hunter Valley | 80% | 440 | 460 | 780 | 585 | 548 | 1,548 | 2,373 |
Mount Thorley | 64% | 213 | 311 | 168 | 254 | 163 | 1,250 | 895 |
Warkworth | 44% | 76 | 128 | 76 | 90 | 87 | 415 | 380 |
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production | 728 | 898 | 1,024 | 928 | 797 | 3,213 | 3,647 | |
COAL - thermal | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Bengalla (d) | 32% | 660 | 749 | 568 | 652 | 693 | 2,739 | 2,662 |
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 524 | 725 | 601 | 634 | 702 | 1,890 | 2,661 |
Hunter Valley | 80% | 2,275 | 2,184 | 1,579 | 1,925 | 2,351 | 9,539 | 8,039 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 249 | 94 | 143 | 87 | 185 | 451 | 509 |
Mount Thorley | 64% | 128 | 353 | 517 | 547 | 385 | 1,434 | 1,802 |
Warkworth | 44% | 923 | 658 | 667 | 774 | 866 | 3,027 | 2,965 |
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production | 4,759 | 4,762 | 4,075 | 4,618 | 5,182 | 19,080 | 18,638 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 20.5 | 26.6 | 17.4 | 22.2 | 25.7 | 204.3 | 92.0 |
Escondida | 30% | 88.9 | 106.2 | 98.4 | 73.8 | 66.2 | 341.3 | 344.7 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 2.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 7.7 | 0.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 16.9 | 11.3 | 18.5 | 18.8 | 19.2 | 49.8 | 67.8 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 128.3 | 144.1 | 134.3 | 114.9 | 111.1 | 603.1 | 504.4 | |
Refined production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Escondida | 30% | 22.5 | 23.2 | 26.6 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 90.5 | 97.9 |
Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 18.3 | 45.0 | 33.2 | 14.3 | 22.6 | 204.1 | 115.2 |
Rio Tinto total refined production | 40.7 | 68.2 | 59.9 | 35.8 | 49.2 | 294.6 | 213.0 | |
DIAMONDS | ||||||||
Production ('000 carats) | ||||||||
Argyle | 100% | 1,813 | 3,217 | 3,374 | 3,514 | 3,368 | 9,188 | 13,472 |
Diavik | 60% | 927 | 899 | 1,285 | 761 | 899 | 4,340 | 3,843 |
Murowa (g) | 0% | 101 | 40 | 37 | - | - | 344 | 77 |
Rio Tinto total diamond production | 2,841 | 4,155 | 4,696 | 4,275 | 4,266 | 13,872 | 17,392 | |
GOLD | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b) | ||||||||
Barneys Canyon | 100% | - | - | - | - | - | 0.4 | - |
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 33.2 | 44.7 | 29.5 | 31.0 | 25.6 | 259.8 | 130.8 |
Escondida | 30% | 3.8 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 27.0 | 26.6 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0.7 | - | - | - | - | 2.3 | - |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 93.2 | 28.7 | 79.8 | 41.1 | 69.4 | 197.3 | 219.0 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 131.0 | 79.8 | 116.9 | 79.3 | 100.3 | 486.8 | 376.4 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 51.1 | 62.2 | 51.6 | 34.1 | 31.0 | 252.2 | 179.0 |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
IRON ORE | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Hamersley mines | (h) | 45,239 | 42,177 | 45,807 | 50,113 | 51,324 | 163,163 | 189,421 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60% | 1,501 | 1,287 | 1,675 | 1,811 | 1,564 | 6,548 | 6,337 |
Hope Downs | 50% | 5,839 | 5,679 | 5,259 | 5,589 | 5,845 | 21,358 | 22,373 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59% | 2,247 | 2,109 | 2,616 | 2,784 | 2,878 | 8,676 | 10,388 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53% | 4,599 | 4,020 | 4,402 | 4,520 | 4,273 | 18,304 | 17,216 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53% | 3,815 | 4,139 | 4,133 | 4,497 | 4,544 | 15,510 | 17,313 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 63,239 | 59,412 | 63,892 | 69,316 | 70,427 | 233,557 | 263,048 | |
Breakdown of Production: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 16,103 | 16,057 | 17,490 | 19,697 | 19,571 | 58,881 | 72,815 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 25,185 | 24,607 | 25,466 | 28,497 | 30,036 | 92,191 | 108,606 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,591 | 1,482 | 1,541 | 1,505 | 1,410 | 6,138 | 5,937 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 3,008 | 2,538 | 2,861 | 3,015 | 2,863 | 12,165 | 11,278 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 15,105 | 12,618 | 13,918 | 13,818 | 13,669 | 55,507 | 54,022 | |
IOC Concentrate | 845 | 804 | 1,245 | 1,197 | 1,683 | 3,539 | 4,929 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,402 | 1,305 | 1,372 | 1,587 | 1,196 | 5,137 | 5,459 | |
Breakdown of Sales: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 13,778 | 13,231 | 14,620 | 17,178 | 18,001 | 51,210 | 63,030 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 30,627 | 26,004 | 30,200 | 34,922 | 34,098 | 105,643 | 125,224 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,435 | 1,257 | 1,320 | 1,405 | 1,334 | 5,505 | 5,317 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 3,453 | 2,568 | 2,797 | 3,246 | 3,256 | 12,888 | 11,867 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,628 | 12,336 | 14,004 | 13,934 | 14,569 | 56,270 | 54,843 | |
IOC Concentrate | 732 | 417 | 1,112 | 1,850 | 1,560 | 3,565 | 4,939 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,410 | 1,462 | 1,344 | 1,553 | 1,280 | 4,818 | 5,639 | |
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) | 66,063 | 57,276 | 65,397 | 74,088 | 74,097 | 239,900 | 270,858 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
MOLYBDENUM | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 11.5 | 7.6 |
SALT | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Dampier Salt | 68% | 1,852 | 1,418 | 1,193 | 1,281 | 1,647 | 6,793 | 5,539 |
SILVER | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 356 | 486 | 310 | 362 | 300 | 2,935 | 1,458 |
Escondida | 30% | 288 | 407 | 394 | 354 | 289 | 1,465 | 1,443 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 96 | 62 | 100 | 130 | 119 | 299 | 410 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 740 | 954 | 804 | 846 | 707 | 4,699 | 3,311 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 636 | 698 | 501 | 296 | 348 | 2,811 | 1,843 |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (i) | 100% | 316 | 322 | 301 | 243 | 223 | 1,443 | 1,089 |
URANIUM | ||||||||
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) | ||||||||
Energy Resources of Australia (j) | 68% | 904 | 737 | 589 | 689 | 1,008 | 1,757 | 3,023 |
Rössing | 69% | 618 | 272 | 543 | 379 | 691 | 2,333 | 1,884 |
Rio Tinto total uranium production | 1,523 | 1,010 | 1,131 | 1,068 | 1,699 | 4,089 | 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) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
(b) 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.
(c) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(d) On 30 September 2015, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture.
(e) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), 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) 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.
(h) 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.
(i) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(j) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 December 2015.
Rio Tinto's interest in the Benga and Clermont mines and the Alucam and SØRAL smelters were sold in 2014. No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table. |
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
ALUMINA | ||||||||
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group | ||||||||
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland | 80.0% | 935 | 924 | 927 | 956 | 940 | 3,568 | 3,747 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland | 100.0% | 687 | 683 | 700 | 703 | 778 | 2,688 | 2,864 |
Brazil | ||||||||
São Luis (Alumar) refinery | 10.0% | 953 | 862 | 940 | 928 | 937 | 3,639 | 3,667 |
Canada | ||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) | 100.0% | 373 | 360 | 359 | 369 | 361 | 1,444 | 1,449 |
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina. | ||||||||
Smelter Grade Alumina - Other Aluminium |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a) | 100.0% | - | - | - | - | - | 676 | - |
(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014. | ||||||||
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group | ||||||||
Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Canada | ||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec | 100.0% | 27 | 27 | 30 | 27 | 26 | 108 | 110 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
Primary Aluminium | ||||||||
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania | 100.0% | 48 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 188 | 191 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland | 59.4% | 145 | 142 | 145 | 146 | 146 | 553 | 579 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales | 51.6% | 144 | 141 | 145 | 147 | 146 | 561 | 579 |
Cameroon |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Alucam (Edéa) smelter (a) | 0.0% | 22 | - | - | - | - | 93 | - |
Canada | ||||||||
Alma smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 116 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 455 | 466 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec | 40.0% | 147 | 147 | 152 | 153 | 153 | 583 | 606 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 44 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 44 | 173 | 173 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 59 | 59 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec | 25.1% | 114 | 105 | 113 | 108 | 111 | 446 | 437 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 55 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 222 | 221 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia | 100.0% | 24 | 20 | 15 | 23 | 51 | 125 | 110 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 62 | 60 | 61 | 61 | 62 | 244 | 244 |
France | ||||||||
Dunkerque smelter | 100.0% | 68 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 270 | 275 |
Iceland | ||||||||
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter | 100.0% | 52 | 51 | 51 | 48 | 50 | 206 | 201 |
New Zealand | ||||||||
Tiwai Point smelter | 79.4% | 82 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 327 | 333 |
Norway |
|
|
|
|
| |||
SØRAL (Husnes) smelter (b) | 0.0% | 8 | - | - | - | - | 76 | - |
Oman | ||||||||
Sohar smelter | 20.0% | 93 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 96 | 364 | 377 |
United Kingdom | ||||||||
Lochaber smelter | 100.0% | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 42 | 47 |
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 46.7% interest in the Alucam (Edéa) smelter with an effective date of 31 December 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.(b) Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the SØRAL (Husnes) smelter with an effective date of 31 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
BAUXITE | ||||||||
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Gove mine - Northern Territory | 100.0% | 1,574 | 1,710 | 1,863 | 1,966 | 1,959 | 6,528 | 7,497 |
Weipa mine - Queensland | 100.0% | 6,944 | 6,704 | 6,941 | 7,119 | 6,899 | 26,266 | 27,663 |
Brazil | ||||||||
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine | 12.0% | 4,633 | 3,651 | 3,723 | 4,351 | 4,437 | 16,376 | 16,162 |
Guinea | ||||||||
Sangaredi mine (a) | 23.0% | 3,823 | 3,627 | 3,209 | 3,735 | 4,044 | 15,803 | 14,615 |
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments | ||||||||
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 10,851 | 10,487 | 10,926 | 11,159 | 10,890 | 41,417 | 43,462 | |
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 6,502 | 6,372 | 6,848 | 6,773 | 6,576 | 23,257 | 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 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
BORATES | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100.0% | |||||||
US | ||||||||
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) | 123 | 129 | 124 | 115 | 107 | 508 | 476 | |
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. | ||||||||
COAL | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia | ||||||||
Bengalla mine (a) | 32.0% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,061 | 2,341 | 1,776 | 2,036 | 2,166 | 8,558 | 8,319 | |
Clermont Coal mine (b) | 0.0% |
| ||||||
Queensland |
| |||||||
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 4,832 | - | |
Hail Creek Coal mine | 82.0% | |||||||
Queensland | ||||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,853 | 1,450 | 1,645 | 1,740 | 1,383 | 6,492 | 6,218 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 639 | 884 | 733 | 773 | 856 | 2,304 | 3,245 | |
Hunter Valley Operations | 80.0% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 550 | 574 | 976 | 731 | 685 | 1,935 | 2,966 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,844 | 2,730 | 1,974 | 2,406 | 2,939 | 11,924 | 10,048 | |
Kestrel Coal mine | 80.0% | |||||||
Queensland | ||||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 149 | 1,017 | 940 | 536 | 957 | 2,163 | 3,450 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 311 | 118 | 178 | 109 | 231 | 564 | 637 | |
Mount Thorley Operations | 64.0% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 333 | 485 | 263 | 396 | 254 | 1,952 | 1,398 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 200 | 551 | 809 | 854 | 602 | 2,241 | 2,815 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
COAL (continued) | ||||||||
Warkworth mine | 44.5% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 170 | 287 | 170 | 201 | 194 | 933 | 853 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,073 | 1,478 | 1,499 | 1,740 | 1,945 | 6,803 | 6,663 | |
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 2,002 | 2,467 | 2,585 | 2,277 | 2,340 | 8,655 | 9,668 | |
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 1,052 | 1,347 | 1,408 | 1,329 | 1,133 | 4,821 | 5,217 | |
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 8,129 | 8,101 | 6,968 | 7,918 | 8,739 | 37,227 | 31,727 | |
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) | 11,183 | 11,915 | 10,961 | 11,524 | 12,212 | 50,703 | 46,612 | |
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 12,395 | 11,926 | 11,016 | 11,455 | 12,261 | 51,386 | 46,658 | |
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c) | ||||||||
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 1,978 | 1,925 | 2,405 | 1,722 | 2,018 | 7,683 | 8,070 | |
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 812 | 929 | 963 | 932 | 784 | 3,225 | 3,609 | |
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 5,183 | 4,781 | 3,913 | 4,689 | 5,037 | 21,429 | 18,420 | |
(a) On 30 September 2015, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture.(b) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.(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 Coal Mozambique | ||||||||
Benga mine (a) | 0.0% | |||||||
Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 26 | - | - | - | - | 641 | - | |
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 23 | - | - | - | - | 593 | - | |
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique and its 65% interest in the Benga mine with an effective date of 7 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD | ||||||||
Escondida | 30.0% | |||||||
Chile | ||||||||
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) | 18,354 | 21,382 | 22,909 | 22,820 | 18,076 | 81,494 | 85,186 | |
Average copper grade (%) | 1.45 | 1.49 | 1.32 | 1.00 | 0.99 | 1.27 | 1.21 | |
Mill production (metals in concentrates): | ||||||||
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) | 215.7 | 270.6 | 249.6 | 169.7 | 138.6 | 852.4 | 828.5 | |
Contained gold ('000 ounces) | 13 | 21 | 26 | 24 | 18 | 90 | 89 | |
Contained silver ('000 ounces) | 958 | 1,355 | 1,314 | 1,181 | 962 | 4,883 | 4,812 | |
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) | 80.5 | 83.5 | 78.5 | 76.5 | 81.8 | 285.2 | 320.3 | |
Refined production from leach plants: | ||||||||
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) | 75.0 | 77.3 | 88.8 | 71.5 | 88.7 | 301.5 | 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) | 11,512 | 14,123 | 16,095 | 14,855 | 15,429 | 43,985 | 60,503 | |
Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.79 | 0.57 | 0.67 | 0.68 | 0.75 | 0.79 | 0.67 | |
Gold (g/t) | 1.14 | 0.68 | 0.86 | 0.71 | 0.82 | 0.99 | 0.77 | |
Silver (g/t) | 3.37 | 2.13 | 2.44 | 2.50 | 2.11 | 3.45 | 2.30 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 82.3 | 72.2 | 96.5 | 90.1 | 102.2 | 306.3 | 361.0 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 366 | 262 | 371 | 282 | 328 | 1,167 | 1,243 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 771 | 558 | 759 | 723 | 609 | 2,740 | 2,649 | |
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 83.9 | 70.4 | 88.8 | 89.9 | 96.9 | 308.7 | 346.0 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 366 | 260 | 346 | 286 | 312 | 1,170 | 1,203 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 623 | 435 | 558 | 574 | 463 | 2,213 | 2,030 | |
(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 4Q 2015 results show the forecast from Freeport's most recent five-year plan, because Freeport will not release its actual 100% operating data for 4Q 2015 until the release of its 2015 fourth-quarter results on 26 January 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 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | ||||||||
Barneys Canyon mine (a) | 100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Utah, US |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Gold produced ('000 ounces) | - | - | - | - | - | 0.4 | - | |
Bingham Canyon mine | 100.0% | |||||||
Utah, US | ||||||||
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 6,404 | 9,819 | 8,208 | 8,581 | 8,224 | 40,984 | 34,831 | |
Average ore grade: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.37 | 0.31 | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.35 | 0.56 | 0.30 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.26 | 0.21 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.15 | 0.30 | 0.18 | |
Silver (g/t) | 2.22 | 2.22 | 1.99 | 2.07 | 1.45 | 2.83 | 1.95 | |
Molybdenum (%) | 0.060 | 0.041 | 0.046 | 0.035 | 0.023 | 0.050 | 0.037 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 82 | 133 | 84 | 116 | 136 | 799 | 470 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 24.8 | 19.9 | 20.6 | 18.9 | 18.8 | 25.5 | 19.5 | |
Production of metals in copper concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) | 20.5 | 26.6 | 17.4 | 22.2 | 25.7 | 204.3 | 92.0 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) | 33 | 45 | 29 | 31 | 26 | 260 | 131 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) | 356 | 486 | 310 | 362 | 300 | 2,935 | 1,458 | |
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): | 4.9 | 5.2 | 5.0 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 21.9 | 14.9 | |
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 11.5 | 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) | 122 | 148 | 99 | 113 | 143 | 908 | 503 | |
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) | 24.9 | 35.1 | 19.1 | 17.1 | 24.7 | 204.2 | 96.0 | |
Production of refined metal: | ||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) | 18.3 | 45.0 | 33.2 | 14.3 | 22.6 | 204.1 | 115.2 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) | 51.1 | 62.2 | 51.6 | 34.1 | 31.0 | 252.2 | 179.0 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) | 636 | 698 | 501 | 296 | 348 | 2,811 | 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 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
Turquoise Hill Resources | ||||||||
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) | 33.5% | |||||||
Mongolia | ||||||||
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) | 7,505 | 7,512 | 9,025 | 8,632 | 9,369 | 27,872 | 34,537 | |
Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.74 | 0.52 | 0.69 | 0.75 | 0.69 | 0.60 | 0.67 | |
Gold (g/t) | 1.46 | 0.48 | 1.09 | 0.56 | 0.92 | 0.86 | 0.78 | |
Silver (g/t) | 1.65 | 1.16 | 1.46 | 1.90 | 1.67 | 1.60 | 1.56 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 186.7 | 130.9 | 215.5 | 210.3 | 231.8 | 563.6 | 788.5 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 26.9 | 25.7 | 25.6 | 26.6 | 24.7 | 26.3 | 25.6 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 50.3 | 33.6 | 55.3 | 56.0 | 57.3 | 148.4 | 202.2 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 278.2 | 85.6 | 238.1 | 122.6 | 207.1 | 588.7 | 653.4 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 286 | 184 | 297 | 388 | 355 | 893 | 1,223 | |
Sales of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 67.6 | 42.1 | 46.3 | 58.2 | 54.7 | 185.8 | 201.3 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 263 | 200 | 177 | 200 | 160 | 561 | 737 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 383 | 219 | 245 | 334 | 360 | 1,093 | 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 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
DIAMONDS | ||||||||
Argyle Diamonds | 100.0% | |||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 688 | 1,178 | 1,199 | 1,339 | 1,127 | 2,999 | 4,843 | |
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) | 1,813 | 3,217 | 3,374 | 3,514 | 3,368 | 9,188 | 13,472 | |
Diavik Diamonds | 60.0% | |||||||
Northwest Territories, Canada | ||||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 512 | 476 | 565 | 478 | 465 | 2,277 | 1,984 | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 1,545 | 1,498 | 2,141 | 1,269 | 1,498 | 7,233 | 6,406 | |
Murowa Diamonds (a) | 0.0% | |||||||
Zimbabwe | ||||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 160 | 117 | 95 | - | - | 590 | 212 | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 130 | 51 | 48 | - | - | 442 | 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 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
IRON ORE | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron Ore | ||||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
Pilbara Operations | ||||||||
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hamersley mines | (a) | 45,239 | 42,177 | 45,807 | 50,113 | 51,324 | 163,163 | 189,421 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60.0% | 2,502 | 2,145 | 2,792 | 3,019 | 2,606 | 10,913 | 10,561 |
Hope Downs | 50.0% | 11,677 | 11,358 | 10,518 | 11,179 | 11,690 | 42,715 | 44,745 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53.0% | 8,677 | 7,585 | 8,306 | 8,529 | 8,062 | 34,535 | 32,482 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53.0% | 7,198 | 7,810 | 7,797 | 8,485 | 8,573 | 29,264 | 32,665 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) | 75,292 | 71,075 | 75,221 | 81,325 | 82,255 | 280,590 | 309,876 | |
Breakdown of total production: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 20,298 | 20,231 | 21,990 | 24,306 | 24,116 | 75,433 | 90,643 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 31,213 | 30,641 | 31,007 | 34,672 | 36,408 | 115,115 | 132,728 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 3,002 | 2,796 | 2,907 | 2,840 | 2,660 | 11,582 | 11,202 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 5,675 | 4,789 | 5,399 | 5,690 | 5,402 | 22,953 | 21,280 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 15,105 | 12,618 | 13,918 | 13,818 | 13,669 | 55,507 | 54,022 | |
Breakdown of total sales: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 17,295 | 16,832 | 18,635 | 21,147 | 21,960 | 65,889 | 78,574 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 37,370 | 32,904 | 36,841 | 41,695 | 41,266 | 131,441 | 152,706 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 2,708 | 2,373 | 2,491 | 2,651 | 2,516 | 10,387 | 10,031 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 6,514 | 4,845 | 5,277 | 6,124 | 6,144 | 24,317 | 22,390 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,628 | 12,336 | 14,004 | 13,934 | 14,569 | 56,270 | 54,843 | |
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) | 78,515 | 69,290 | 77,248 | 85,552 | 86,454 | 288,305 | 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) | 1,439 | 1,370 | 2,120 | 2,039 | 2,865 | 6,026 | 8,394 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,388 | 2,223 | 2,336 | 2,703 | 2,036 | 8,748 | 9,297 | |
Sales: | ||||||||
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 1,246 | 711 | 1,894 | 3,150 | 2,656 | 6,071 | 8,411 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,402 | 2,490 | 2,288 | 2,644 | 2,180 | 8,204 | 9,603 | |
Global Iron Ore Totals | ||||||||
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) | 79,119 | 74,667 | 79,676 | 86,067 | 87,157 | 295,365 | 327,567 | |
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) | 82,163 | 72,491 | 81,430 | 91,346 | 91,291 | 302,580 | 336,558 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | Full Year2014 | Full Year2015 | |
SALT | ||||||||
Dampier Salt | 68.4% | |||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
Salt production ('000 tonnes) | 2,709 | 2,074 | 1,745 | 1,874 | 2,409 | 9,938 | 8,103 | |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium | 100.0% | |||||||
Canada and South Africa | ||||||||
(Rio Tinto share) (a) | ||||||||
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) | 316 | 322 | 301 | 243 | 223 | 1,443 | 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 processed in Canada. | ||||||||
URANIUM | ||||||||
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd | ||||||||
Ranger mine (a) | 68.4% | |||||||
Northern Territory, Australia | ||||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 1,322 | 1,078 | 861 | 1,008 | 1,474 | 2,569 | 4,421 | |
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. | ||||||||
Rössing Uranium Ltd | 68.6% | |||||||
Namibia | ||||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 902 | 397 | 791 | 552 | 1,007 | 3,401 | 2,747 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||