Rio Tinto Regulatory News (RIO)

Rio Tinto releases second quarter production results

18 July 2017

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "This was a solid quarter for production, including record output at our bauxite operations. Iron ore production was in line with last year, although iron ore shipments were impacted by an acceleration in our rail maintenance programme following poor weather in the first quarter. We believe our focus on capital discipline, maximising cash flow from operations, driving productivity and portfolio shaping will continue to support the delivery of strong cash generation and shareholder returns."

All figures in this report are unaudited. 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 2016 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2017 remain in comparisons.

IRON ORE

Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

Pilbara operations

Pilbara operations produced 157.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 128.7 million tonnes) in the first half of 2017, two per cent lower than the same period of 2016 reflecting adverse weather conditions in the first quarter. Second quarter production of 79.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 65.0 million tonnes) was slightly lower than the same quarter of 2016 and three per cent higher than the first quarter due to fewer weather impacts.

First half sales of 154.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 127.2 million tonnes) were three per cent lower than the same period of 2016 due to weather impacts in the first quarter and accelerated rail maintenance activity in the second quarter. Second quarter sales of 77.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 64.0 million tonnes) were six per cent lower than the same period of last year, also reflecting the rail maintenance.

Further rail maintenance will continue throughout the remainder of 2017, albeit at a lower level than in the second quarter. The expenditure, a portion of which is capital, is included within the Group's existing guidance.

Approximately 19 per cent of sales in the quarter 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 64 per cent of sales in the quarter 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 2017 was $62.4 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis (equivalent to $67.8 per dry metric tonne). In 2016, the full year price achieved was $49.3 per wet metric tonne (equivalent to $53.6 per dry metric tonne).

Pilbara projects

At the Silvergrass project, earthworks for the plant have been completed and installation of the conveyor is underway. Full commissioning remains on target for the fourth quarter of this year.

The automation of the Pilbara train system (AutohaulTM) is continuing to progress well, with around 20 per cent of all train kilometres now completed in autonomous mode, but with drivers on-board managing the remaining safety and reliability systems. Improvements to system performance continue and the project is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2018.

2017 guidance

Rio Tinto's expected Pilbara shipments in 2017, subject to weather, are around 330 million tonnes (previously between 330 and 340 million tonnes) on a 100 per cent basis.

ALUMINIUM

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Production from Lochaber in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.

Bauxite

Bauxite production of 12.9 million tonnes was seven per cent higher than the second quarter of 2016 following record quarterly production at both Gove and Weipa. Gove production was 27 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2016 due to continued de-bottlenecking of capacity, whilst production at Weipa was three per cent higher. Production was 14 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017 following recovery from severe weather conditions at Weipa, continued de-bottlenecking of capacity at Gove and strong performances at Porto Trombetas and Sangaredi.

The production performance enabled the Group to reach a second quarter and first half shipment record, with 8.0 million tonnes shipped to third parties in the second quarter of 2017, 12 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016.

Amrun

The Amrun project is advancing to plan in both engineering and construction. Key construction activities have commenced, including piling for the jetty and wharf, whilst fabrication of the process plant and balanced machines is progressing well. The project remains on schedule for first shipment in the first half of 2019.

Alumina

Alumina production for the quarter was slightly lower than the corresponding period in 2016. A strong performance at Vaudreuil was offset by reduced production at the Yarwun and Queensland Alumina refineries due to weather conditions and timing of major maintenance.

Aluminium

Quarterly aluminium production was one per cent lower than the second quarter of last year. Strong production was achieved across most smelters, offset by the production curtailment at the Boyne Island smelter in Australia due to high power prices in Queensland in the first half of 2017.

2017 guidance

Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017 is unchanged at 48 to 50 million tonnes of bauxite, 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina and 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes of aluminium.

COPPER & DIAMONDS

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Rio Tinto Kennecott

Mined copper production in the second quarter of 2017 was 18 per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2016, due to increased mining in the East Wall ore body. Refined copper production of 20.3 thousand tonnes was 17 per cent lower than the second quarter of 2016, reflecting a planned 27-day smelter shutdown which occurred during May.

Kennecott tolls third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, however no concentrate was received in the second quarter of 2017 due to the planned smelter shutdown. Tolled copper concentrate is excluded from reported production figures.

The pushback of the south wall progressed during the quarter.

Escondida

Mined and refined copper production at Escondida continued to ramp up in the second quarter following the labour union strike that occurred in the first quarter. As a result, mined copper (down 12 per cent) and refined copper (down 26 per cent) were lower than the corresponding quarter of 2016. Operations have now returned to normal production levels. As a consequence of the strike action, the commissioning of the Los Colorados Extension has been delayed, which is expected to impact Rio Tinto's share of production in the second half of 2017.

Oyu Tolgoi

Mined copper production for the quarter was, as anticipated, significantly lower than the same period in 2016 due to lower head grades and the drawdown of stockpiles.

Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project

Contractor mobilisation has continued to ramp up, with a workforce of over 2,650 on site, 85 per cent of whom are Mongolian nationals. Construction of key underground facilities is on schedule, with commissioning in progress and underground mine development advancing. The accommodation camp, conveyor to surface decline, sinking of shaft #2 and shaft #5 continue to progress. Construction of the first draw-bell is still expected in mid-2020.

Grasberg

Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to the cash flow associated with 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.

On 12 January 2017, the Government of Indonesia issued new mining regulations to address exports of unrefined metals, including copper concentrates, and other matters related to the mining sector. These regulations impact PT Freeport Indonesia's ('PT-FI') operating rights, including its right to continue to export concentrate without restriction, and, as a result, may have a significant impact on Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017. Rio Tinto's full participation beyond 2021 is likely to be delayed due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement between Rio Tinto and PT-FI.

In April 2017, Freeport reached agreement with the Indonesian government to resume concentrate exports (which had been suspended) for a six-month period expiring in October 2017. During this period, Freeport will continue to negotiate the new operating licenses and investment stability agreement. Discussions are continuing between Freeport and the Indonesian government to reach a mutually satisfactory longer-term agreement.

Rio Tinto is reporting its metal share for the second quarter as zero.

Provisional pricing

At 30 June 2017, the Group had an estimated 205 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at US 262 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the second half of 2017. This compared with 235 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2016, provisionally priced at US 250 cents per pound.

Diamonds

At Argyle, second quarter carat production was eight per cent lower than the second quarter of 2016 due to lower ore volumes processed following wet weather and additional maintenance required in the second quarter of this year.

At Diavik, carats recovered in the second quarter of 2017 were 18 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2016 due to both higher processed volumes and higher recovered grades. Development of the A21 pipe remains on schedule.

2017 guidance

In 2017, Rio Tinto's expected share of mined copper production remains unchanged at between 500 and 550 thousand tonnes. Refined copper production guidance also remains unchanged at 185 to 225 thousand tonnes.

Diamond production guidance for 2017 remains unchanged at 19 to 24 million carats.

ENERGY & MINERALS

Rio Tinto share of production

Production from Bengalla in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.

Coal

Hard coking coal production in the quarter was 14 per cent below the second quarter of 2016 due to the impact of Cyclone Debbie on Hail Creek, where pit access was restricted by water.

Second quarter semi-soft coking coal production was 31 per cent lower than the same quarter of 2016, reflecting mine production sequencing changes at Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth following lower market demand for semi-soft coking coal.

Thermal coal production was 15 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2016, due to mine sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations as well as an increased focus on thermal coal production at Hail Creek as a result of Cyclone Debbie.

On 26 June 2017, Rio Tinto confirmed Yancoal Australia as its preferred buyer of Coal & Allied, given its level of completion certainty and a further improved offer of $2.69 billion. The transaction was approved by Rio Tinto shareholders at general meetings of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited on 27 and 29 June 2017, respectively. The assets are being treated as held for sale from 1 February 2017, from which time no depreciation or amortisation is being recorded. The transaction is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2017.

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

IOC pellet production of 2.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.4 million tonnes) in the second quarter was marginally higher than the same quarter of 2016, with pellet demand continuing to be strong and product mix being optimised to meet customer demand. Concentrate production for sale of 2.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.3 million tonnes) was eight per cent higher than the second quarter of 2016.

Borates

Borates production in the quarter was eight per cent higher than the second quarter of 2016, with production aligned to market demand.

Iron and Titanium (RTIT)

Titanium dioxide slag production in the second quarter was 34 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in 2016, reflecting higher market demand. The rebuild of a furnace at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) leaves only one of nine furnaces at RTFT idle, along with one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals. RTFT expects to operate eight furnaces for the remainder of the year, compared with seven in 2016.

Salt

Salt production in the second quarter was 32 per cent higher than the same period in 2016, with production increased to make up for the significant weather impacts in the first quarter.

Uranium

Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing stockpiles. Second quarter production in 2017 was eight per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2016.

Production at Rössing was 23 per cent higher than the second quarter in 2016 due to higher grades.

2017 guidance

Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2017 production for hard coking coal is revised to 7.2 to 7.8 million tonnes (previously 7.8 to 8.4 million tonnes) due to the impact of Cyclone Debbie. Otherwise, guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2017 production is unchanged at 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal, 17 to 18 million tonnes of thermal coal, 11.4 to 12.4 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent production, 1.2 to 1.3 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, and 6.5 to 7.5 million pounds of uranium. Coal guidance may be adjusted depending on the timing of the completion of the Coal & Allied transaction.

CORPORATE

Rio Tinto successfully completed a bond buy-back programme launched in May, reducing gross debt by $2.5 billion (nominal value). The early redemption costs will decrease first half earnings by approximately $180 million and cash flow from operating activities by approximately $260 million. These reductions will be offset by savings in future periods.

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION

Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first half of 2017 was $175 million, compared with $267 million in the first half of 2016. Approximately 50 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 29 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, 11 per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium.

There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the second quarter of 2017.

Exploration highlights

Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 15 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration spend in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Papa New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi, Kennecott and Weipa.

A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:

Forward-looking statements

This announcement may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's production forecast or guidance, financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products and reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. The words "intend", "aim", "project", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "believes", "expects", "may", "should", "will", "target", "set to", "assumes" or similar expressions, commonly identify such forward looking statements.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual production, performance or results of Rio Tinto to be materially different from any future production, performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements could be influenced by such risk factors as identified in Rio Tinto's most recent Annual Report and Accounts in Australia and the United Kingdom and the most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form 6-Ks furnished to, or filed with, the SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Rio Tinto's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.

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