Last checked at 19 Jul 2016 07:00
Rio Tinto releases second quarter production results
19 July 2016
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "Rio Tinto has delivered another robust quarter of operational performance. We continue to focus on value and maximising cash flow from our assets, through both commercial and operational excellence while maintaining capital discipline. This will ensure that Rio Tinto is well-positioned to generate compelling and consistent returns for our shareholders."
Q2 2016 | vs Q2 2015 | vs Q1 2016 | H1 2016 | vs H1 2015 | ||
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) | Mt | 82.2 | +6% | +7% | 158.9 | +8% |
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) | Mt | 80.9 | +8% | +1% | 160.8 | +10% |
Bauxite | kt | 12,073 | +13% | +9% | 23,160 | +9% |
Aluminium | kt | 911 | +11% | +3% | 1,797 | +10% |
Mined copper | kt | 141.0 | +5% | 0% | 282.3 | +1% |
Hard coking coal | kt | 1,798 | -14% | -9% | 3,780 | -8% |
Semi-soft and thermal coal | kt | 5,216 | +2% | -5% | 10,722 | 0% |
Titanium dioxide slag | kt | 236 | -22% | -4% | 481 | -23% |
Highlights |
· Second quarter Pilbara iron ore sales achieved a run-rate of close to 330 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) in line with annual guidance. Sales exceeded production in the quarter, partially unwinding the inventory build in the first quarter. |
· Bauxite production was nine per cent higher than the first half of 2015. This enabled a five per cent increase in third party sales over the first half of 2015. |
· First half aluminium production was ten per cent higher than the same period in 2015, with the modernised and expanded Kitimat smelter delivering its first full quarter at nameplate capacity. |
· Mined copper was in line with the first half of 2015 as strong performances at both Rio Tinto Kennecott and Oyu Tolgoi, as well as a contribution from Grasberg, offset a weaker performance from Escondida. |
· On 6 May 2016, Rio Tinto and its partners, the Government of Mongolia and Turquoise Hill Resources, announced the next stage in the development of Oyu Tolgoi. Following the approval of the underground project, over $4 billion of project financing has been drawn down. |
· On 21 June 2016, Rio Tinto announced changes to its organisational structure. The Group continues to be organised into four product groups: Aluminium, Copper & Diamonds, Energy & Minerals (including Iron Ore Company of Canada) and Iron Ore, complemented by a newly-shaped Growth & Innovation group, which will focus on future assets and technical support. |
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)
Q2 2016 | vs Q2 2015 | vs Q1 2016 | H1 2016 | vs H1 2015 | |
Pilbara Blend Lump | 18.6 | +7% | -1% | 37.4 | +11% |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 28.8 | +13% | +2% | 57.2 | +14% |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.4 | -7% | -8% | 3.0 | 0% |
Robe Valley Fines | 2.8 | -3% | -3% | 5.7 | +5% |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14.6 | +5% | +9% | 28.1 | +6% |
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 160.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 131.3 million tonnes) in the first half of 2016, ten per cent higher than the same period of 2015. Second quarter production of 80.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 66.3 million tonnes) was eight per cent higher than the second quarter of 2015 and was one per cent above the first quarter of 2016. This performance reflects minimal weather impacts as well as the successful implementation of operational improvements and the ramp up of expanded and new mines across the Pilbara.
Pilbara sales
First half sales of 158.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 129.8 million tonnes) were eight per cent higher than the same period of 2015 with a strong rail performance and no major weather events in contrast to last year. Quarterly sales of 82.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 67.3 million tonnes) were six per cent higher than the second quarter last year and seven per cent higher quarter-on-quarter.
Approximately 21 per cent of sales in the first half were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average index price, lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market.
Approximately 61 per cent of first half 2016 sales were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Achieved average pricing in the first half of 2016 was $44.5 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis (equivalent to $48.4 per dry metric tonne).
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. An investment decision on the Silvergrass project is expected in the second half of the year.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected Pilbara iron ore shipments in 2016 are around 330 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), subject to weather conditions. As announced in the first quarter, the delay in AutoHaul® means production from the Pilbara is expected to be between 330 and 340 million tonnes in 2017, subject to final productivity and capital expenditure plans.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q2 2016 | vs Q2 2015 | vs Q1 2016 | H1 2016 | vs H1 2015 | |
Rio Tinto Aluminium | |||||
Bauxite | 12,073 | +13% | +9% | 23,160 | +9% |
Alumina | 2,046 | +6% | +1% | 4,065 | +6% |
Aluminium | 911 | +11% | +3% | 1,797 | +10% |
Bauxite
Bauxite production was nine per cent higher than the first half of 2015. This was primarily due to Weipa (up three per cent), Gove (up 23 per cent) and Sangaredi in Guinea (up 22 per cent). These performances delivered second quarter production 13 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015.
Third party sales of 13.9 million tonnes were five per cent higher than the first half of 2015.
Amrun
Since its approval in November 2015, the Amrun Project is advancing in both engineering and construction. Site establishment is progressing to plan with the initial stage of the construction accommodation village complete. Construction of the river terminals is well advanced and clearing for the 40 kilometre access road has been completed.
Alumina
Alumina production was up by six per cent compared with the first half of 2015, with a strong second quarter from Yarwun (18 per cent higher than the same quarter in 2015) as design and process improvement initiatives were progressively implemented.
Aluminium
First half aluminium production of 1.8 million tonnes was ten per cent higher than the same period in 2015, with the modernised and expanded Kitimat smelter delivering its first full quarter at nameplate capacity.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production remains unchanged at 45 million tonnes of bauxite, 7.8 million tonnes of alumina and 3.6 million tonnes of aluminium.
COPPER & DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q2 2016 | vs Q2 2015 | vs Q1 2016 | H1 2016 | vs H1 2015 | |
Mined copper ('000 tonnes) | |||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 37.2 | +114% | +9% | 71.4 | +62% |
Escondida | 77.7 | -21% | -2% | 157.1 | -23% |
Grasberg | 8.8 | N/A | +6% | 17.1 | N/A |
Oyu Tolgoi | 17.3 | -7% | -10% | 36.6 | +23% |
Refined copper ('000 tonnes) | |||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 24.6 | -26% | -5% | 50.4 | -36% |
Escondida | 25.6 | -4% | +1% | 51.0 | +2% |
Diamonds ('000 carats) | |||||
Argyle | 3,489 | +3% | +3% | 6,880 | +4% |
Diavik | 948 | -26% | -16% | 2,078 | -5% |
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production for the first half was significantly higher than the same period of 2015 as mining progresses through areas of higher copper grades.
During the first half, the focus continued 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 in the second quarter was 26 per cent lower compared to the same quarter in 2015 and 36 per cent lower in the first half compared to the corresponding half in 2015 as a result of the drawdown in inventory that occurred in the first half of last year.
Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 199 thousand tonnes received for processing in the first half of 2016. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in the first half was 23 per cent lower than the same period of 2015, primarily due to lower copper grades. Lower grades were partially offset by the higher throughput from the new concentrator (OGP1, a 152ktpd concentrator), which has been commissioned and continues to ramp up to nameplate capacity.
In June 2016, the owners of Escondida approved upgrades to the Los Colorados concentrator to extend its life along with related infrastructure. This project enables Escondida to run three concentrators in the near-term.
Oyu Tolgoi
First half mined copper production was 23 per cent higher than in the first half of 2015 due to higher grades and throughput. Quarter-on-quarter, copper production was ten per cent lower, principally attributable to lower grades.
Mined gold production for the first half was 71.4 thousand ounces, with production expected to be lower in the second half of 2016 with reduced mining of the phase two gold core.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
On 6 May 2016, Rio Tinto and its partners, the Government of Mongolia and Turquoise Hill Resources, announced the next stage in the development of Oyu Tolgoi. Following the approval of the underground project, over $4 billion of project financing has been drawn down. Project activities have started with the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) agreement awarded and mobilisation in progress.
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. Grasberg's planned production in 2016 is expected to exceed the metal strip and as a result, Rio Tinto's share for the half was 17.1 thousand tonnes of mined copper and 29.4 thousand ounces of mined gold.
Provisional pricing
At 30 June 2016, the Group had an estimated 189 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at US 214 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the second half of 2016. This compared with 252 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2015, provisionally priced at US 217 cents per pound.
Diamonds
Carats produced at Argyle were four per cent higher in the first half compared to the corresponding period in 2015 following continued ramp-up of the underground resulting in higher ore volumes processed, which was partially offset by lower grades.
Lower carats recovered in the first half at Diavik compared to last year reflect lower grades, partially offset by higher ore availability. Second quarter carat production was 16 per cent lower than the first quarter largely due to lower recovered grades and slightly lower ore availability due to a planned maintenance shutdown in the plant during the second quarter.
2016 guidance
In 2016, Rio Tinto continues to expect its share of mined copper production to be between 575 and 625 thousand tonnes and refined copper production is also unchanged at 220 to 250 thousand tonnes. Following the reorganisation of the group to include diamonds, and in line with the practice for copper guidance, diamond production guidance for 2016 is now a range of 18 to 21 million carats (previously 21 million carats).
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q2 2016 | vs Q2 2015 | vs Q1 2016 | H1 2016 | vs H1 2015 | |
Coal ('000 tonnes) | |||||
Hard coking coal | 1,798 | -14% | -9% | 3,780 | -8% |
Semi-soft coking coal | 893 | -13% | -24% | 2,067 | +8% |
Thermal coal | 4,323 | +6% | 0% | 8,654 | -2% |
Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes) | |||||
IOC | 2.6 | -2% | +6% | 5.0 | +6% |
Minerals ('000 tonnes) | |||||
Borates - B2O3 content | 123 | -1% | -3% | 250 | -1% |
Salt | 1,117 | -6% | -22% | 2,555 | -2% |
Titanium dioxide slag | 236 | -22% | -4% | 481 | -23% |
Uranium ('000 lbs) | |||||
Energy Resources of Australia | 738 | +25% | -17% | 1,631 | +23% |
Rössing | 702 | +29% | +2% | 1,389 | +70% |
Coal
Hard coking coal production for the first half was eight per cent lower than the first half of last year and second quarter production was 14 per cent lower than the same quarter of 2015 primarily due to the timing of the longwall changeover at Kestrel.
Semi-soft coking coal production reflects the Coal & Allied restructure in early 20161 and mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth, resulting in eight per cent higher production for the first half of 2016 than the first half of 2015. Second quarter production was 13 per cent lower than the same quarter of 2015, reflecting mine sequencing at the Hunter Valley Operations favouring thermal coal production in the period.
Thermal coal production for the first half was broadly in line with the same period last year, while second quarter volumes were six per cent higher than the second quarter of 2015 (23 per cent higher adjusted for the Bengalla divestment) due to minimal wet weather, current mine sequencing and increased thermal coal tonnage from Hail Creek.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC achieved first half of production of 8.5 million tonnes of concentrate and pellets (Rio Tinto share 5.0 million tonnes), a six per cent increase over the first half of 2015. This improvement was driven by increased asset reliability and performance. Second quarter concentrate and pellet production was 4.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 2.6 million tonnes), in line with last year but a six per cent increase over the prior quarter.
____________
The improvement in production boosted first half sales by 17 per cent over last year's levels, to 8.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 5.0 million tonnes). Second quarter sales were particularly strong, with concentrate sales of 2.1 million tonnes, up 13 per cent compared to the second quarter of 2015, and pellet shipments of 2.4 million tonnes, five per cent higher than the comparable period in 2015.
Minerals
Borates production in both the first half and second quarter of 2016 was in line with the corresponding periods in 2015.
Salt
First half salt production was broadly in line with the comparative period in 2015.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production in the half was 23 per cent lower than in the first half of 2015. Volumes in the quarter were 22 per cent lower than the second quarter of 2015. RTIT continues to optimise production in line with demand, with two of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals currently idled.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process existing stockpiles with higher mill throughput and mill recoveries driving higher production in the first half of 2016 compared to last year. Quarter-on-quarter, uranium production was 17 per cent lower as a result of a planned mill maintenance shutdown.
First half production at Rössing was higher than the first half of 2015. This was largely as a result of a weaker first half in 2015 following a fire in the final product recovery plant in February 2015. Second quarter production was 29 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015 for the same reason.
2016 guidance
In 2016, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 17 to 18 million tonnes of thermal coal (previously 16 to 17 million tonnes), 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal, seven to eight million tonnes of hard coking coal, 12 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates (equivalent to 20 million tonnes on a 100 per cent basis), one million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent and five to six million pounds of uranium.
CORPORATE
Rio Tinto successfully completed two bond buy-back programmes launched in April and June, reducing gross debt by $1.5 billion and $3 billion (nominal values) respectively. The early redemption costs will decrease first half earnings by approximately $125 million.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first half was $267 million (of which $139 million was spent in the second quarter), compared with $243 million in the same period of 2015.
Approximately 38 per cent of this expenditure was incurred on Energy & Minerals, 28 per cent by central exploration, 25 per cent by Copper & Diamonds and the balance on Aluminium and Iron Ore.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the quarter.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a portfolio of projects with activity in 17 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 & Diamonds | Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper: La Granja, Peru Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia Diamonds: Bunder, India | Nickel: Tamarack, US
| Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, US, Zambia Nickel: Canada Diamonds: Canada, India |
Energy & Minerals | Coal: Mt Pleasant and Hail Creek, Australia Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea Uranium: Roughrider, Canada | Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley, Australia Potash: KP405, Canada | Uranium: Australia, Canada |
Iron Ore | Pilbara, Australia | Pilbara, Australia |
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Rio Tinto production summary | |||||||||||
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||||||
Quarter | Half Year | % Change | |||||||||
2015Q2 | 2016Q1 | 2016Q2 | 2015H1 | 2016H1 | Q2 16 vsQ2 15 | Q2 16 vsQ1 16 | H1 16 vsH1 15 | ||||
Principal Commodities | |||||||||||
Alumina | ('000 t) | 1,925 | 2,019 | 2,046 | 3,821 | 4,065 | 6% | 1% | 6% | ||
Aluminium | ('000 t) | 818 | 887 | 911 | 1,627 | 1,797 | 11% | 3% | 10% | ||
Bauxite | ('000 t) | 10,695 | 11,088 | 12,073 | 21,179 | 23,160 | 13% | 9% | 9% | ||
Borates | ('000 t) | 124 | 127 | 123 | 253 | 250 | -1% | -3% | -1% | ||
Coal - hard coking | ('000 t) | 2,101 | 1,982 | 1,798 | 4,103 | 3,780 | -14% | -9% | -8% | ||
Coal - semi-soft coking | ('000 t) | 1,024 | 1,175 | 893 | 1,922 | 2,067 | -13% | -24% | 8% | ||
Coal - thermal | ('000 t) | 4,075 | 4,331 | 4,323 | 8,837 | 8,654 | 6% | 0% | -2% | ||
Copper - mined | ('000 t) | 134.3 | 141.2 | 141.0 | 278.4 | 282.3 | 5% | 0% | 1% | ||
Copper - refined | ('000 t) | 59.9 | 51.3 | 50.2 | 128.0 | 101.4 | -16% | -2% | -21% | ||
Diamonds | ('000 cts) | 4,659 | 4,522 | 4,436 | 8,774 | 8,959 | -5% | -2% | 2% | ||
Iron ore | ('000 t) | 63,892 | 67,371 | 68,886 | 123,304 | 136,257 | 8% | 2% | 11% | ||
Titanium dioxide slag | ('000 t) | 301 | 246 | 236 | 624 | 481 | -22% | -4% | -23% | ||
Uranium | ('000 lbs) | 1,131 | 1,581 | 1,439 | 2,141 | 3,020 | 27% | -9% | 41% | ||
Other Metals & Minerals | |||||||||||
Gold - mined | ('000 oz) | 116.9 | 96.4 | 79.1 | 196.7 | 175.5 | -32% | -18% | -11% | ||
Gold - refined | ('000 oz) | 51.6 | 29.8 | 35.3 | 113.8 | 65.1 | -32% | 18% | -43% | ||
Molybdenum | ('000 t) | 2.6 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 5.3 | 0.3 | -93% | 50% | -94% | ||
Salt | ('000 t) | 1,193 | 1,438 | 1,117 | 2,611 | 2,555 | -6% | -22% | -2% | ||
Silver - mined | ('000 oz) | 804 | 938 | 1,022 | 1,758 | 1,960 | 27% | 9% | 12% | ||
Silver - refined | ('000 oz) | 501 | 348 | 587 | 1,198 | 935 | 17% | 68% | -22% | ||
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 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
ALUMINA | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) | 100% | 359 | 369 | 361 | 377 | 353 | 719 | 730 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant | 100% | 30 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 29 | 57 | 54 |
Queensland Alumina | 80% | 741 | 765 | 752 | 742 | 748 | 1,480 | 1,490 |
São Luis (Alumar) | 10% | 94 | 93 | 94 | 90 | 93 | 180 | 183 |
Yarwun | 100% | 700 | 703 | 778 | 785 | 823 | 1,384 | 1,608 |
Rio Tinto total alumina production | 1,925 | 1,957 | 2,011 | 2,019 | 2,046 | 3,821 | 4,065 | |
ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia - Bell Bay | 100% | 47 | 48 | 49 | 45 | 45 | 94 | 89 |
Australia - Boyne Island | 59% | 86 | 87 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 170 | 172 |
Australia - Tomago | 52% | 75 | 76 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 148 | 150 |
Canada - six wholly owned | 100% | 305 | 316 | 346 | 375 | 398 | 611 | 773 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) | 40% | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 120 | 122 |
Canada - Bécancour | 25% | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 55 | 55 |
France - Dunkerque | 100% | 68 | 69 | 70 | 69 | 69 | 136 | 138 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) | 100% | 51 | 48 | 50 | 50 | 52 | 103 | 101 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point | 79% | 66 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 131 | 133 |
Oman - Sohar | 20% | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 37 | 39 |
UK - Lochaber | 100% | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 23 | 24 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production | 818 | 830 | 864 | 887 | 911 | 1,627 | 1,797 | |
BAUXITE | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) | ||||||||
Gove | 100% | 1,863 | 1,966 | 1,959 | 2,214 | 2,186 | 3,572 | 4,400 |
Porto Trombetas | 12% | 447 | 522 | 532 | 457 | 470 | 885 | 927 |
Sangaredi | (b) | 1,444 | 1,681 | 1,820 | 1,892 | 1,857 | 3,076 | 3,749 |
Weipa | 100% | 6,941 | 7,119 | 6,899 | 6,524 | 7,560 | 13,646 | 14,084 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production | 10,695 | 11,287 | 11,211 | 11,088 | 12,073 | 21,179 | 23,160 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
BORATES | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100% | 124 | 115 | 107 | 127 | 123 | 253 | 250 |
COAL - hard coking | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 1,349 | 1,427 | 1,134 | 1,224 | 1,202 | 2,538 | 2,425 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 752 | 429 | 766 | 758 | 596 | 1,565 | 1,354 |
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production | 2,101 | 1,856 | 1,900 | 1,982 | 1,798 | 4,103 | 3,780 | |
COAL - semi-soft coking | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hunter Valley (c) | 68% | 780 | 585 | 548 | 677 | 440 | 1,240 | 1,117 |
Mount Thorley (c) | 80% | 168 | 254 | 163 | 363 | 331 | 479 | 694 |
Warkworth (c) | 56% | 76 | 90 | 87 | 135 | 121 | 204 | 256 |
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production | 1,024 | 928 | 797 | 1,175 | 893 | 1,922 | 2,067 | |
COAL - thermal | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Bengalla (d) | 0% | 568 | 652 | 693 | 527 | - | 1,317 | 527 |
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 601 | 634 | 702 | 895 | 661 | 1,326 | 1,555 |
Hunter Valley (c) | 68% | 1,579 | 1,925 | 2,351 | 1,364 | 2,098 | 3,763 | 3,462 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 143 | 87 | 185 | 139 | 96 | 237 | 235 |
Mount Thorley (c) | 80% | 517 | 547 | 385 | 549 | 252 | 870 | 801 |
Warkworth (c) | 56% | 667 | 774 | 866 | 859 | 1,216 | 1,325 | 2,074 |
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production | 4,075 | 4,618 | 5,182 | 4,331 | 4,323 | 8,837 | 8,654 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
COPPER | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 17.4 | 22.2 | 25.7 | 34.2 | 37.2 | 44.0 | 71.4 |
Escondida | 30% | 98.4 | 73.8 | 66.2 | 79.4 | 77.7 | 204.6 | 157.1 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 0.0 | 17.1 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 18.5 | 18.8 | 19.2 | 19.3 | 17.3 | 29.8 | 36.6 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 134.3 | 114.9 | 111.1 | 141.2 | 141.0 | 278.4 | 282.3 | |
Refined production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Escondida | 30% | 26.6 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 25.4 | 25.6 | 49.8 | 51.0 |
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100% | 33.2 | 14.3 | 22.6 | 25.8 | 24.6 | 78.2 | 50.4 |
Rio Tinto total refined production | 59.9 | 35.8 | 49.2 | 51.3 | 50.2 | 128.0 | 101.4 | |
DIAMONDS | ||||||||
Production ('000 carats) | ||||||||
Argyle | 100% | 3,374 | 3,514 | 3,368 | 3,391 | 3,489 | 6,591 | 6,880 |
Diavik | 60% | 1,285 | 761 | 899 | 1,131 | 948 | 2,183 | 2,078 |
Rio Tinto total diamond production | 4,659 | 4,275 | 4,266 | 4,522 | 4,436 | 8,774 | 8,959 | |
GOLD | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 29.5 | 31.0 | 25.6 | 26.2 | 28.3 | 74.2 | 54.5 |
Escondida | 30% | 7.7 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 9.4 | 10.8 | 14.0 | 20.2 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 12.7 | 16.7 | 0.0 | 29.4 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 79.8 | 41.1 | 69.4 | 48.1 | 23.3 | 108.5 | 71.4 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 116.9 | 79.3 | 100.3 | 96.4 | 79.1 | 196.7 | 175.5 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100% | 51.6 | 34.1 | 31.0 | 29.8 | 35.3 | 113.8 | 65.1 |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
IRON ORE | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) | ||||||||
Hamersley mines | (g) | 45,807 | 50,113 | 51,324 | 48,468 | 50,284 | 87,984 | 98,753 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60% | 1,675 | 1,811 | 1,564 | 1,523 | 1,432 | 2,962 | 2,955 |
Hope Downs | 50% | 5,259 | 5,589 | 5,845 | 5,900 | 5,924 | 10,938 | 11,823 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59% | 2,616 | 2,784 | 2,878 | 2,419 | 2,573 | 4,726 | 4,993 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53% | 4,402 | 4,520 | 4,273 | 4,450 | 4,221 | 8,422 | 8,671 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53% | 4,133 | 4,497 | 4,544 | 4,611 | 4,452 | 8,272 | 9,063 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 63,892 | 69,316 | 70,427 | 67,371 | 68,886 | 123,304 | 136,257 | |
Breakdown of Production: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 17,490 | 19,697 | 19,571 | 18,732 | 18,628 | 33,547 | 37,360 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 25,466 | 28,497 | 30,036 | 28,351 | 28,823 | 50,073 | 57,174 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,541 | 1,505 | 1,410 | 1,573 | 1,440 | 3,023 | 3,013 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 2,861 | 3,015 | 2,863 | 2,876 | 2,781 | 5,400 | 5,657 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13,918 | 13,818 | 13,669 | 13,420 | 14,640 | 26,536 | 28,059 | |
IOC Concentrate | 1,245 | 1,197 | 1,683 | 1,242 | 1,207 | 2,049 | 2,449 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,372 | 1,587 | 1,196 | 1,178 | 1,366 | 2,677 | 2,544 | |
Breakdown of Sales: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 14,620 | 17,178 | 18,001 | 15,291 | 17,552 | 27,851 | 32,844 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 30,200 | 34,922 | 34,098 | 30,522 | 31,025 | 56,204 | 61,547 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,320 | 1,405 | 1,334 | 1,272 | 1,276 | 2,578 | 2,548 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 2,797 | 3,246 | 3,256 | 2,893 | 2,927 | 5,365 | 5,820 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,004 | 13,934 | 14,569 | 12,533 | 14,553 | 26,340 | 27,086 | |
IOC Concentrate | 1,112 | 1,850 | 1,560 | 1,210 | 1,261 | 1,530 | 2,470 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,344 | 1,553 | 1,280 | 1,168 | 1,413 | 2,806 | 2,582 | |
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) | 65,397 | 74,088 | 74,097 | 64,889 | 70,007 | 122,672 | 134,897 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
MOLYBDENUM | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 5.3 | 0.3 |
SALT | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Dampier Salt | 68% | 1,193 | 1,281 | 1,647 | 1,438 | 1,117 | 2,611 | 2,555 |
SILVER | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 310 | 362 | 300 | 342 | 329 | 796 | 671 |
Escondida | 30% | 394 | 354 | 289 | 463 | 562 | 801 | 1,026 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 100 | 130 | 119 | 132 | 131 | 161 | 264 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 804 | 846 | 707 | 938 | 1,022 | 1,758 | 1,960 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100% | 501 | 296 | 348 | 348 | 587 | 1,198 | 935 |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (h) | 100% | 301 | 243 | 223 | 246 | 236 | 624 | 481 |
URANIUM | ||||||||
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (i) | ||||||||
Energy Resources of Australia | 68% | 589 | 689 | 1,008 | 894 | 738 | 1,326 | 1,631 |
Rössing | 69% | 543 | 379 | 691 | 687 | 702 | 815 | 1,389 |
Rio Tinto total uranium production | 1,131 | 1,068 | 1,699 | 1,581 | 1,439 | 2,141 | 3,020 | |
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 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. | ||||||||
(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 30 June 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 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
ALUMINA | ||||||||
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group | ||||||||
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland | 80.0% | 927 | 956 | 940 | 927 | 935 | 1,850 | 1,862 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland | 100.0% | 700 | 703 | 778 | 785 | 823 | 1,384 | 1,608 |
Brazil | ||||||||
São Luis (Alumar) refinery | 10.0% | 940 | 928 | 937 | 903 | 931 | 1,802 | 1,834 |
Canada | ||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) | 100.0% | 359 | 369 | 361 | 377 | 353 | 719 | 730 |
(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% | 30 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 29 | 57 | 54 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
Primary Aluminium | ||||||||
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania | 100.0% | 47 | 48 | 49 | 45 | 45 | 94 | 89 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland | 59.4% | 145 | 146 | 146 | 145 | 145 | 287 | 290 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales | 51.6% | 145 | 147 | 146 | 145 | 147 | 286 | 292 |
Canada | ||||||||
Alma smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 116 | 117 | 118 | 117 | 116 | 231 | 233 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec | 40.0% | 152 | 153 | 153 | 152 | 152 | 299 | 304 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 43 | 43 | 44 | 43 | 43 | 86 | 86 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 29 | 30 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec | 25.1% | 113 | 108 | 111 | 113 | 108 | 218 | 221 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 55 | 56 | 57 | 56 | 56 | 109 | 112 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia | 100.0% | 15 | 23 | 51 | 83 | 107 | 35 | 190 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 61 | 61 | 62 | 61 | 61 | 121 | 122 |
France | ||||||||
Dunkerque smelter | 100.0% | 68 | 69 | 70 | 69 | 69 | 136 | 138 |
Iceland | ||||||||
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter | 100.0% | 51 | 48 | 50 | 50 | 52 | 103 | 101 |
New Zealand | ||||||||
Tiwai Point smelter | 79.4% | 83 | 84 | 85 | 84 | 84 | 165 | 168 |
Oman | ||||||||
Sohar smelter | 20.0% | 94 | 94 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 187 | 194 |
United Kingdom | ||||||||
Lochaber smelter | 100.0% | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 23 | 24 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
BAUXITE | ||||||||
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Gove mine - Northern Territory | 100.0% | 1,863 | 1,966 | 1,959 | 2,214 | 2,186 | 3,572 | 4,400 |
Weipa mine - Queensland | 100.0% | 6,941 | 7,119 | 6,899 | 6,524 | 7,560 | 13,646 | 14,084 |
Brazil | ||||||||
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine | 12.0% | 3,723 | 4,351 | 4,437 | 3,805 | 3,920 | 7,375 | 7,725 |
Guinea | ||||||||
Sangaredi mine (a) | 23.0% | 3,209 | 3,735 | 4,044 | 4,205 | 4,126 | 6,835 | 8,331 |
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments | ||||||||
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 10,926 | 11,159 | 10,890 | 11,153 | 11,683 | 21,413 | 22,836 | |
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 6,848 | 6,773 | 6,576 | 6,768 | 7,101 | 13,220 | 13,870 | |
(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 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
BORATES | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100.0% | |||||||
US | ||||||||
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) | 124 | 115 | 107 | 127 | 123 | 253 | 250 | |
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. | ||||||||
COAL | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia | ||||||||
Bengalla mine (a) | 0.0% |
| ||||||
New South Wales |
| |||||||
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,776 | 2,036 | 2,166 | 1,476 | - | 4,116 | 1,476 | |
Hail Creek Coal mine | 82.0% | |||||||
Queensland | ||||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,645 | 1,740 | 1,383 | 1,492 | 1,466 | 3,095 | 2,958 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 733 | 773 | 856 | 1,091 | 806 | 1,617 | 1,897 | |
Hunter Valley Operations (b) | 67.6% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 976 | 731 | 685 | 964 | 651 | 1,550 | 1,616 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,974 | 2,406 | 2,939 | 1,911 | 3,104 | 4,703 | 5,014 | |
Kestrel Coal mine | 80.0% | |||||||
Queensland | ||||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 940 | 536 | 957 | 948 | 745 | 1,956 | 1,693 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 178 | 109 | 231 | 173 | 120 | 296 | 293 | |
Mount Thorley Operations (b) | 80.0% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 263 | 396 | 254 | 466 | 414 | 748 | 880 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 809 | 854 | 602 | 742 | 315 | 1,359 | 1,057 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
COAL (continued) | ||||||||
Warkworth mine (b) | 55.6% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 170 | 201 | 194 | 267 | 218 | 457 | 485 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,499 | 1,740 | 1,945 | 1,672 | 2,188 | 2,977 | 3,860 | |
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 2,585 | 2,277 | 2,340 | 2,440 | 2,210 | 5,051 | 4,650 | |
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 1,408 | 1,329 | 1,133 | 1,697 | 1,284 | 2,755 | 2,981 | |
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 6,968 | 7,918 | 8,739 | 7,065 | 6,533 | 15,069 | 13,598 | |
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) | 10,961 | 11,524 | 12,212 | 11,202 | 10,026 | 22,876 | 21,229 | |
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 11,016 | 11,455 | 12,261 | 11,047 | 10,357 | 22,942 | 21,403 | |
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c) | ||||||||
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 2,405 | 1,722 | 2,018 | 2,099 | 1,879 | 4,330 | 3,977 | |
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 963 | 932 | 784 | 1,122 | 1,075 | 1,892 | 2,197 | |
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 3,913 | 4,689 | 5,037 | 4,287 | 4,260 | 8,694 | 8,547 | |
(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 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
COPPER & GOLD | ||||||||
Escondida | 30.0% | |||||||
Chile | ||||||||
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) | 22,909 | 22,820 | 18,076 | 21,188 | 22,905 | 44,291 | 44,094 | |
Average copper grade (%) | 1.32 | 1.00 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.94 | 1.40 | 0.97 | |
Mill production (metals in concentrates): | ||||||||
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) | 249.6 | 169.7 | 138.6 | 175.8 | 181.7 | 520.2 | 357.5 | |
Contained gold ('000 ounces) | 26 | 24 | 18 | 31 | 36 | 47 | 67 | |
Contained silver ('000 ounces) | 1,314 | 1,181 | 962 | 1,544 | 1,874 | 2,669 | 3,418 | |
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) | 78.5 | 76.5 | 81.8 | 88.8 | 77.4 | 162.0 | 166.1 | |
Refined production from leach plants: | ||||||||
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) | 88.8 | 71.5 | 88.7 | 84.8 | 85.3 | 166.1 | 170.1 | |
(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) | 16,095 | 14,855 | 14,248 | 14,249 | 14,564 | 30,218 | 28,813 | |
Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.67 | 0.68 | 0.75 | 0.69 | 1.04 | 0.63 | 0.87 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.86 | 0.71 | 0.92 | 0.53 | 0.64 | 0.78 | 0.58 | |
Silver (g/t) | 2.44 | 2.50 | 2.92 | 2.23 | 2.81 | 2.30 | 2.52 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 96.5 | 90.1 | 94.5 | 85.8 | 133.6 | 168.7 | 219.4 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 371 | 282 | 355 | 196 | 238 | 633 | 434 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 759 | 723 | 778 | 613 | 761 | 1,317 | 1,373 | |
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 88.8 | 89.9 | 88.7 | 86.9 | 125.2 | 159.2 | 212.1 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 346 | 286 | 332 | 207 | 223 | 606 | 430 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 558 | 574 | 567 | 510 | 570 | 993 | 1,081 | |
(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 2Q 2016 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 2Q 2016 until the release of its 2016 second-quarter results on 26 July 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 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon mine | 100.0% | |||||||
Utah, US | ||||||||
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 8,208 | 8,581 | 8,224 | 7,386 | 7,512 | 18,026 | 14,898 | |
Average ore grade: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.35 | 0.51 | 0.55 | 0.28 | 0.53 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.15 | 0.19 | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.18 | |
Silver (g/t) | 1.99 | 2.07 | 1.45 | 1.85 | 1.70 | 2.11 | 1.78 | |
Molybdenum (%) | 0.046 | 0.035 | 0.023 | 0.015 | 0.023 | 0.044 | 0.019 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 84 | 116 | 136 | 153 | 152 | 218 | 304 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 20.6 | 18.9 | 18.8 | 22.4 | 24.5 | 20.2 | 23.4 | |
Production of metals in copper concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) | 17.4 | 22.2 | 25.7 | 34.2 | 37.2 | 44.0 | 71.4 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) | 29 | 31 | 26 | 26 | 28 | 74 | 54 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) | 310 | 362 | 300 | 342 | 329 | 796 | 671 | |
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): | 5.0 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 10.3 | 0.6 | |
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 5.3 | 0.3 | |
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates. | ||||||||
Kennecott smelter & refinery | 100.0% | |||||||
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) | 99 | 113 | 143 | 158 | 167 | 247 | 325 | |
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) | 19.1 | 17.1 | 24.7 | 32.0 | 33.1 | 54.2 | 65.0 | |
Production of refined metal: | ||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) | 33.2 | 14.3 | 22.6 | 25.8 | 24.6 | 78.2 | 50.4 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) | 51.6 | 34.1 | 31.0 | 29.8 | 35.3 | 113.8 | 65.1 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) | 501 | 296 | 348 | 348 | 587 | 1,198 | 935 | |
(a) New metal excluding recycled material.(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
Turquoise Hill Resources | ||||||||
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) | 33.5% | |||||||
Mongolia | ||||||||
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) | 9,025 | 8,632 | 9,369 | 9,662 | 9,525 | 16,536 | 19,187 | |
Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.69 | 0.75 | 0.69 | 0.70 | 0.67 | 0.61 | 0.68 | |
Gold (g/t) | 1.09 | 0.56 | 0.92 | 0.63 | 0.26 | 0.82 | 0.45 | |
Silver (g/t) | 1.46 | 1.90 | 1.67 | 1.92 | 1.63 | 1.33 | 1.78 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 215.5 | 210.3 | 231.8 | 229.5 | 207.1 | 346.4 | 436.6 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 25.6 | 26.6 | 24.7 | 25.1 | 24.9 | 25.7 | 25.0 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 55.3 | 56.0 | 57.3 | 57.6 | 51.7 | 88.9 | 109.2 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 238.1 | 122.6 | 207.1 | 143.5 | 69.6 | 323.8 | 213.2 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 297 | 388 | 355 | 395 | 391 | 481 | 786 | |
Sales of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 46.3 | 58.2 | 54.7 | 51.2 | 54.4 | 88.4 | 105.7 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 177 | 200 | 160 | 175 | 95 | 377 | 270 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 245 | 334 | 360 | 305 | 395 | 464 | 700 | |
(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 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
DIAMONDS | ||||||||
Argyle Diamonds | 100.0% | |||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 1,199 | 1,339 | 1,127 | 1,151 | 1,314 | 2,377 | 2,465 | |
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) | 3,374 | 3,514 | 3,368 | 3,391 | 3,489 | 6,591 | 6,880 | |
Diavik Diamonds | 60.0% | |||||||
Northwest Territories, Canada | ||||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 565 | 478 | 465 | 557 | 535 | 1,041 | 1,092 | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 2,141 | 1,269 | 1,498 | 1,885 | 1,579 | 3,639 | 3,464 | |
Murowa Diamonds (a) | 0.0% | |||||||
Zimbabwe | ||||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 95 | - | - | - | - | 212 | - | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 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 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
IRON ORE | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron Ore | ||||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
Pilbara Operations | ||||||||
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hamersley mines | (a) | 45,807 | 50,113 | 51,324 | 48,468 | 50,284 | 87,984 | 98,753 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60.0% | 2,792 | 3,019 | 2,606 | 2,539 | 2,386 | 4,936 | 4,925 |
Hope Downs | 50.0% | 10,518 | 11,179 | 11,690 | 11,799 | 11,847 | 21,876 | 23,647 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53.0% | 8,306 | 8,529 | 8,062 | 8,395 | 7,964 | 15,891 | 16,360 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53.0% | 7,797 | 8,485 | 8,573 | 8,700 | 8,400 | 15,607 | 17,101 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) | 75,221 | 81,325 | 82,255 | 79,902 | 80,882 | 146,295 | 160,784 | |
Breakdown of total production: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 21,990 | 24,306 | 24,116 | 23,355 | 23,180 | 42,221 | 46,536 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 31,007 | 34,672 | 36,408 | 34,732 | 35,098 | 61,648 | 69,830 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 2,907 | 2,840 | 2,660 | 2,969 | 2,717 | 5,703 | 5,685 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 5,399 | 5,690 | 5,402 | 5,427 | 5,248 | 10,188 | 10,674 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13,918 | 13,818 | 13,669 | 13,420 | 14,640 | 26,536 | 28,059 | |
Breakdown of total sales: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 18,635 | 21,147 | 21,960 | 19,149 | 20,914 | 35,467 | 40,063 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 36,841 | 41,695 | 41,266 | 37,199 | 38,807 | 69,745 | 76,006 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 2,491 | 2,651 | 2,516 | 2,400 | 2,408 | 4,864 | 4,807 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 5,277 | 6,124 | 6,144 | 5,459 | 5,523 | 10,122 | 10,982 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,004 | 13,934 | 14,569 | 12,533 | 14,553 | 26,340 | 27,086 | |
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) | 77,248 | 85,552 | 86,454 | 76,739 | 82,205 | 146,538 | 158,944 | |
(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) | 2,120 | 2,039 | 2,865 | 2,114 | 2,056 | 3,490 | 4,170 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,336 | 2,703 | 2,036 | 2,006 | 2,326 | 4,558 | 4,332 | |
Sales: | ||||||||
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 1,894 | 3,150 | 2,656 | 2,060 | 2,147 | 2,605 | 4,207 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,288 | 2,644 | 2,180 | 1,990 | 2,407 | 4,779 | 4,396 | |
Global Iron Ore Totals | ||||||||
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) | 79,676 | 86,067 | 87,157 | 84,022 | 85,265 | 154,343 | 169,287 | |
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) | 81,430 | 91,346 | 91,291 | 80,789 | 86,759 | 153,921 | 167,547 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 4Q2015 | 1Q2016 | 2Q2016 | 1H2015 | 1H2016 | |
SALT | ||||||||
Dampier Salt | 68.4% | |||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
Salt production ('000 tonnes) | 1,745 | 1,874 | 2,409 | 2,103 | 1,634 | 3,819 | 3,737 | |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium | 100.0% | |||||||
Canada and South Africa | ||||||||
(Rio Tinto share) (a) | ||||||||
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) | 301 | 243 | 223 | 246 | 236 | 624 | 481 | |
(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) | 861 | 1,008 | 1,474 | 1,307 | 1,078 | 1,939 | 2,385 | |
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. | ||||||||
Rössing Uranium Ltd | 68.6% | |||||||
Namibia | ||||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 791 | 552 | 1,007 | 1,001 | 1,023 | 1,188 | 2,024 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||