Last checked at 16 Oct 2015 07:00
Rio Tinto releases strong third quarter production results
16 October 2015
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "We continue to deliver efficient production, rigorous cost control and sound allocation of capital. This approach is ensuring that our tier one assets generate substantial free cash flow even during a challenging economic environment. Our expanded Pilbara infrastructure is in place, and the Iron Ore Product Group is successfully commissioning and testing the system, reflected in the increased iron ore shipments to our customers during the period. Our cash generated from operations will enable us to deliver strong returns to shareholders through the cycle and our balance sheet will be further strengthened by recent divestment activity."
Q3 2015 | vs Q3 2014 | vs Q2 2015 | 9 mths 2015 | vs 9 mths 2014 | ||
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis) | Mt | 91.3 | +17% | +12% | 245.3 | +11% |
Global iron ore production (100% basis) | Mt | 86.1 | +12% | +8% | 240.4 | +11% |
Bauxite | kt | 11,287 | +4% | +6% | 32,466 | +4% |
Aluminium | kt | 830 | +1% | +1% | 2,457 | 0% |
Mined copper | kt | 115 | -24% | -14% | 393 | -17% |
Hard coking coal | kt | 1,856 | +5% | -12% | 5,959 | +10% |
Semi-soft and thermal coal | kt | 5,546 | -8% | +9% | 16,306 | -3% |
Titanium dioxide slag | kt | 243 | -34% | -19% | 866 | -23% |
Highlights |
· The key elements of the Pilbara infrastructure expansion are now complete, with the ramp-up of iron ore mined capacity continuing to generate maximum value from the integrated system. · Global iron ore production increased compared to last year through productivity gains and the ramp-up of operations, with shipments on track to meet full year guidance. o Third quarter production of iron ore was 12 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014 and was eight per cent above the second quarter of 2015. · Sustained strong performance in bauxite with third party shipments reaching close to 20 million tonnes to date this year following record production at Weipa. · Mined copper on schedule to meet full year guidance, with Oyu Tolgoi benefiting from higher grades and Kennecott continuing its focus on the east wall de-weighting and de-watering. · The group further refined its portfolio with the agreed sale on 30 September 2015 of its interest in the Bengalla thermal coal Joint Venture for $606 million. |
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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)
Q3 2015 | vs Q3 2014 | vs Q2 2015 | 9 mths 2015 | vs 9 mths 2014 | |
Pilbara Blend Lump | 19.7 | +31% | +13% | 53.2 | +24% |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 28.5 | +15% | +12% | 78.6 | +17% |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.5 | -7% | -2% | 4.5 | 0% |
Robe Valley Fines | 3.0 | -7% | +5% | 8.4 | -8% |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13.8 | +2% | -1% | 40.4 | 0% |
IOC (pellets and concentrate) | 2.8 | +21% | +6% | 7.5 | +17% |
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 227.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 185.1 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2015, 11 per cent higher than the same period of 2014. Third quarter production of 81.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 66.5 million tonnes) was 12 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014. These new milestones were achieved through the continued ramp-up of the Nammuldi operations, as well as a number of productivity improvements, which resulted in incremental gains across most sites. Favourable weather conditions meant that there was minimal disruption compared with the first and second quarters of 2015.
Pilbara sales
Sales of 232.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 189.0 million tonnes) in the first nine months were 11 per cent higher than the same period of 2014, while third quarter sales of 85.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 70.7 million tonnes) were 16 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 and inventories built up during the infrastructure expansion phase are expected to be largely utilised by early 2016.
The additional tonnes produced in the quarter were incorporated into the Pilbara Blend, which provides customers with reliable, long-term supply of consistent quality. The Yandicoogina and Robe Valley products remained in high demand from major steel mills in Asia.
Approximately 22 per cent of sales in the first nine months of 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.
Pilbara projects
The key elements of the Pilbara infrastructure expansion were completed in the second quarter of 2015, with the ramp-up of brownfield mined capacity continuing to generate maximum value from the integrated system. Around 40 Mt/a of very low-cost brownfield expansions were completed in the first half of 2015, principally at the West Angelas, Nammuldi and Brockman mines, at an average capital intensity of around $9 per tonne.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
During the first nine months of 2015, IOC demonstrated a significant shift in operational performance, attributable to improved haul truck and mill availability and enhanced productivity rates for haul trucks and shovels. This resulted in a 21 per cent increase in concentrates produced to 5.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 3.2 million tonnes) and a 14 per cent rise in pellet production to 7.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 4.3 million tonnes).
Higher production flowed through to a 24 per cent improvement in sales to 13.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 7.7 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2015. Third quarter sales were particularly strong, with concentrate sales of 3.2 million tonnes and pellet shipments of 2.6 million tonnes.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected 2015 global shipments are unchanged at around 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), from its operations in Australia and Canada.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q3 2015 | vs Q3 2014 | vs Q2 2015 | 9 mths 2015 | vs 9 mths 2014 | |
Rio Tinto Aluminium | |||||
Bauxite | 11,287 | +4% | +6% | 32,466 | +4% |
Alumina | 1,957 | +4% | +2% | 5,777 | +5% |
Aluminium | 830 | +1% | +1% | 2,457 | 0% |
Bauxite
The strong performance in bauxite was sustained into the third quarter, driven by record quarterly and nine month production at Weipa, which gave rise to a nine month record for the Group.
Weipa benefited from increased plant throughput while Gove continued to ramp up its export capability, running at just under an eight million tonne run-rate in the third quarter of 2015.
Third quarter and year to date bauxite production was four per cent higher than the corresponding periods of 2014 and enabled the group to ship close to 20 million tonnes to third parties in the first nine months of 2015, a 19 per cent improvement on the same period of 2014.
Alumina
Alumina production for the first nine months of 2015 was up by five per cent compared with the same period of 2014 (excluding production from the Gove refinery which was curtailed in May 2014), reflecting improved productivity at Queensland Alumina and Yarwun.
Aluminium
Year to date and third quarter aluminium production was marginally higher than the same periods of 2014. Record quarterly production at eight of the smelters more than offset lower production from Kitimat as it commissioned the modernised smelter. Kitimat has started to ramp up towards nameplate capacity of 420 thousand tonnes (a 48 per cent increase over previous nameplate capacity), which is expected to be achieved in early 2016.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production of bauxite and aluminium are unchanged at 43 million tonnes and 3.3 million tonnes, respectively. The expected share of alumina production has been revised to 7.8 million tonnes (previously 8.0 million tonnes).
COPPER & COAL
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q3 2015 | vs Q3 2014 | vs Q2 2015 | 9 mths 2015 | vs 9 mths 2014 | |
Mined copper | |||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 22.2 | -58% | +28% | 66.3 | -64% |
Escondida | 73.8 | -12% | -25% | 278.5 | +10% |
Grasberg | 0.0 | n/a | n/a | 0.0 | n/a |
Oyu Tolgoi | 18.8 | +53% | +1% | 48.6 | +48% |
Refined copper | |||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 14.3 | -77% | -57% | 92.5 | -50% |
Escondida | 21.5 | +3% | -19% | 71.3 | +5% |
Coal | |||||
Hard coking coal | 1,856 | +5% | -12% | 5,959 | +10% |
Semi-soft coking coal | 928 | +44% | -9% | 2,850 | +15% |
Thermal coal | 4,618 | -14% | +13% | 13,456 | -6% |
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper production for the first nine months was substantially lower than the same period of 2014 due to the continuing focus on de-weighting and de-watering the east wall of Bingham Canyon. The 28 per cent improvement on the second quarter was primarily attributable to higher head grades.
Lower mine production was partly mitigated by an inventory drawdown, resulting in refined production in the first nine months of 2015 being 50 per cent lower than in the same period of 2014. To optimise smelter utilisation, Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate, with 288 thousand tonnes received for processing in the first nine months of 2015. Tolled copper concentrate, smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in the first nine months of 2015 was ten per cent higher than the same period of 2014, primarily due to higher grades and throughput. Third quarter production was 25 per cent lower than the second quarter due to lower grades and the planned shutdown of the Laguna Seca concentrator for maintenance activities. In conjunction with lower grades, production may also be impacted by water availability in the last quarter of 2015.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for the first nine months of 2015 was 48 per cent higher than the same period of 2014, attributable to higher grades and improved throughput.
On 18 May 2015, the Government of Mongolia, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd and Rio Tinto signed the Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Development and Financing Plan which provides a pathway forward in addressing shareholder matters to restart underground development. Next steps include approval of the updated underground feasibility study and project financing, as well as securing all necessary permits for operating the underground mine.
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. Rio Tinto does not expect 2015 production to exceed the metal attributable to Freeport and, accordingly, expects its share of joint venture production to be zero during the year. Freeport is due to announce its third quarter results on 22 October 2015.
Coal
Hard coking coal production in the first nine months was ten per cent higher than the same period of 2014 following improved production rates at Kestrel. Third quarter tonnage was 12 per cent lower than the second quarter due to a scheduled longwall changeover at Kestrel.
Thermal coal production, which was six per cent lower than in the corresponding nine months of 2014, was impacted by wet weather in the Hunter Valley earlier in the year. This was partly offset by increased tonnage at Hail Creek.
Semi-soft coking coal production was 15 per cent higher than in the corresponding nine months of 2014 reflecting mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations.
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 to New Hope Corporation Limited for $606 million. The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016.
2015 guidance
In 2015, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to be around 510 thousand tonnes (previously between 500 and 535 thousand tonnes), and refined copper production to be around 215 thousand tonnes (previously between 190 and 220 thousand tonnes).
For coal, Rio Tinto's share of production is unchanged and is expected to be 18 to 19 million tonnes of thermal coal, 3.0 to 3.4 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal and 7.1 to 8.1 million tonnes of hard coking coal.
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q3 2015 | vs Q3 2014 | vs Q2 2015 | 9 mths 2015 | vs 9 mths 2014 | |
Diamonds ('000 carats) | |||||
Argyle | 3,514 | +43% | +4% | 10,105 | +37% |
Diavik | 761 | -24% | -41% | 2,945 | -14% |
Minerals ('000 tonnes) | |||||
Borates - B2O3 content
| 115 | -9% | -7% | 369 | -4% |
Titanium dioxide slag | 243 | -34% | -19% | 866 | -23% |
Salt ('000 tonnes) | 1,281 | -18% | +7% | 3,892 | -21% |
Uranium ('000 lbs) | |||||
Energy Resources of Australia | 689 | -19% | +17% | 2,015 | +136% |
Rössing | 379 | -38% | -30% | 1,194 | -30% |
Diamonds
At Argyle, the ramp-up of production from the underground mine remained the key operational focus. As a result, carats produced were 43 per cent higher in the third quarter and 37 per cent higher year to date compared with the corresponding periods of 2014.
At Diavik, third quarter carats recovered were lower than the same quarter of 2014 and the second quarter of 2015 due to lower processing volumes and lower recovered grades from the A418 and A154N pipes.
Minerals
Borates production in the first nine months of 2015 was four per cent lower than in the same period of 2014 driven primarily by lower market demand.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 23 per cent lower in the first nine months of 2015 than in the same period of 2014. RTIT has taken the following actions to optimise production, align it with market demand and deliver further free cash flow:
· two of the nine furnaces have been idled at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) in Quebec since April 2015.
· one of the four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals has been idled since mid-September 2015 to align the smelter rebuild schedule with market conditions.
· the normal winter shutdown at the Havre Saint Pierre hard rock ilmenite mine in Quebec has been extended, with operations suspended from late October 2015 until March 2016.
Salt
Salt production in the first nine months of 2015 was lower than the same period of 2014 as a result of weaker demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process existing stockpiles. Third quarter production was 17 per cent higher than the second quarter due to higher mill head grade, improved recoveries and increased throughput.
Year to date production at Rössing was 30 per cent lower than the same period of 2014, largely as a result of lower grades and recoveries.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto is maintaining its expected share of titanium dioxide slag production in 2015 at 1.0 to 1.1 million tonnes, as announced on 7 September 2015, while its expected share of boric acid equivalent production is unchanged at 0.5 million tonnes. Rio Tinto now expects its share of diamond production to be 18 million carats (previously 20 million carats), reflecting the decision to pause final product processing in the fourth quarter at Argyle in light of current market conditions.
Rio Tinto's share of uranium production is unchanged and is expected to be approximately five million pounds.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine months of 2015 was $392 million (of which $149 million was spent in the third quarter), compared with $566 million in the same period of 2014. Approximately 37 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Copper & Coal, six per cent by Iron Ore, 21 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and 36 per cent by central exploration.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the quarter.
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 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, Weipa and Kennecott.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group | Evaluation projects | Advanced projects | Greenfield programmes |
Aluminium | South of Embley 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; 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
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Rio Tinto production summary | |||||||||||
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||||||
Quarter | 9 Months | % Change | |||||||||
2014Q3 | 2015Q2 | 2015Q3 | 20149 MTHS | 20159 MTHS | Q3 15 vsQ3 14 | Q3 15 vsQ2 15 | 9 MTHS 15 vs9 MTHS 14 | ||||
Principal Commodities | |||||||||||
Alumina | ('000 t) | 1,877 | 1,925 | 1,957 | 6,203 | 5,777 | 4% | 2% | -7% | ||
Aluminium | ('000 t) | 825 | 818 | 830 | 2,452 | 2,457 | 1% | 1% | 0% | ||
Bauxite | ('000 t) | 10,889 | 10,695 | 11,287 | 31,077 | 32,466 | 4% | 6% | 4% | ||
Borates | ('000 t) | 127 | 124 | 115 | 385 | 369 | -9% | -7% | -4% | ||
Coal - hard coking | ('000 t) | 1,773 | 2,101 | 1,856 | 5,416 | 5,959 | 5% | -12% | 10% | ||
Coal - semi-soft coking | ('000 t) | 645 | 1,024 | 928 | 2,484 | 2,850 | 44% | -9% | 15% | ||
Coal - thermal | ('000 t) | 5,355 | 4,075 | 4,618 | 14,322 | 13,456 | -14% | 13% | -6% | ||
Copper - mined | ('000 t) | 151.8 | 134.3 | 114.9 | 474.7 | 393.3 | -24% | -14% | -17% | ||
Copper - refined | ('000 t) | 83.5 | 59.9 | 35.8 | 253.8 | 163.8 | -57% | -40% | -35% | ||
Diamonds | ('000 cts) | 3,549 | 4,696 | 4,275 | 11,031 | 13,126 | 20% | -9% | 19% | ||
Iron ore | ('000 t) | 60,450 | 63,892 | 69,316 | 170,318 | 192,620 | 15% | 8% | 13% | ||
Titanium dioxide slag | ('000 t) | 365 | 301 | 243 | 1,127 | 866 | -34% | -19% | -23% | ||
Uranium | ('000 lbs) | 1,467 | 1,131 | 1,068 | 2,567 | 3,209 | -27% | -6% | 25% | ||
Other Metals & Minerals | |||||||||||
Gold - mined | ('000 oz) | 138.4 | 116.9 | 79.3 | 355.8 | 276.0 | -43% | -32% | -22% | ||
Gold - refined | ('000 oz) | 79.3 | 51.6 | 34.1 | 201.1 | 148.0 | -57% | -34% | -26% | ||
Molybdenum | ('000 t) | 5.6 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 8.9 | 7.0 | -68% | -32% | -21% | ||
Salt | ('000 t) | 1,567 | 1,193 | 1,281 | 4,942 | 3,892 | -18% | 7% | -21% | ||
Silver - mined | ('000 oz) | 1,390 | 804 | 846 | 3,959 | 2,604 | -39% | 5% | -34% | ||
Silver - refined | ('000 oz) | 759 | 501 | 296 | 2,175 | 1,495 | -61% | -41% | -31% | ||
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 | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
ALUMINA | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) | 100% | 358 | 373 | 360 | 359 | 369 | 1,070 | 1,089 |
Queensland Alumina | 80% | 741 | 748 | 739 | 741 | 765 | 2,106 | 2,245 |
São Luis (Alumar) | 10% | 94 | 95 | 86 | 94 | 93 | 269 | 273 |
Yarwun | 100% | 656 | 687 | 683 | 700 | 703 | 2,001 | 2,087 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant | 100% | 28 | 27 | 27 | 30 | 27 | 81 | 84 |
Aluminium Product Group total | 1,877 | 1,931 | 1,896 | 1,925 | 1,957 | 5,527 | 5,777 | |
Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a) | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 676 | 0 |
Rio Tinto total alumina production | 1,877 | 1,931 | 1,896 | 1,925 | 1,957 | 6,203 | 5,777 | |
ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia - Bell Bay | 100% | 48 | 48 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 141 | 142 |
Australia - Boyne Island | 59% | 85 | 86 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 242 | 257 |
Australia - Tomago | 52% | 73 | 74 | 73 | 75 | 76 | 215 | 224 |
Canada - six wholly owned | 100% | 320 | 317 | 306 | 305 | 316 | 962 | 927 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) | 40% | 58 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 61 | 174 | 181 |
Canada - Bécancour | 25% | 28 | 28 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 83 | 82 |
France - Dunkerque | 100% | 68 | 68 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 202 | 205 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) | 100% | 51 | 52 | 51 | 51 | 48 | 153 | 151 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point | 79% | 65 | 65 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 194 | 197 |
Oman - Sohar | 20% | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 54 | 56 |
UK - Lochaber | 100% | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 31 | 35 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production | 825 | 827 | 809 | 818 | 830 | 2,452 | 2,457 | |
BAUXITE | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Gove | 100% | 1,725 | 1,574 | 1,710 | 1,863 | 1,966 | 4,954 | 5,538 |
Porto Trombetas | 12% | 501 | 556 | 438 | 447 | 522 | 1,409 | 1,407 |
Sangaredi | (c) | 1,819 | 1,721 | 1,632 | 1,444 | 1,681 | 5,391 | 4,757 |
Weipa | 100% | 6,844 | 6,944 | 6,704 | 6,941 | 7,119 | 19,322 | 20,764 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production | 10,889 | 10,794 | 10,484 | 10,695 | 11,287 | 31,077 | 32,466 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
BORATES | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100% | 127 | 123 | 129 | 124 | 115 | 385 | 369 |
COAL - hard coking | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 1,277 | 1,520 | 1,189 | 1,349 | 1,427 | 3,804 | 3,965 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 497 | 119 | 813 | 752 | 429 | 1,611 | 1,994 |
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production | 1,773 | 1,639 | 2,002 | 2,101 | 1,856 | 5,416 | 5,959 | |
COAL - semi-soft coking | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hunter Valley | 80% | 292 | 440 | 460 | 780 | 585 | 1,108 | 1,825 |
Mount Thorley | 64% | 317 | 213 | 311 | 168 | 254 | 1,037 | 732 |
Warkworth | 44% | 36 | 76 | 128 | 76 | 90 | 340 | 293 |
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production | 645 | 728 | 898 | 1,024 | 928 | 2,484 | 2,850 | |
COAL - thermal | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Bengalla (d) | 32% | 667 | 660 | 749 | 568 | 652 | 2,079 | 1,969 |
Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 702 | 524 | 725 | 601 | 634 | 1,366 | 1,959 |
Hunter Valley | 80% | 2,732 | 2,275 | 2,184 | 1,579 | 1,925 | 7,264 | 5,687 |
Kestrel Coal | 80% | 45 | 249 | 94 | 143 | 87 | 202 | 324 |
Mount Thorley | 64% | 499 | 128 | 353 | 517 | 547 | 1,306 | 1,417 |
Warkworth | 44% | 711 | 923 | 658 | 667 | 774 | 2,105 | 2,099 |
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production | 5,355 | 4,759 | 4,762 | 4,075 | 4,618 | 14,322 | 13,456 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
COPPER | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 52.8 | 20.5 | 26.6 | 17.4 | 22.2 | 183.8 | 66.3 |
Escondida | 30% | 84.2 | 88.9 | 106.2 | 98.4 | 73.8 | 252.4 | 278.5 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 2.5 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5.6 | 0.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 12.3 | 16.9 | 11.3 | 18.5 | 18.8 | 32.9 | 48.6 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 151.8 | 128.3 | 144.1 | 134.3 | 114.9 | 474.7 | 393.3 | |
Refined production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Escondida | 30% | 20.8 | 22.5 | 23.2 | 26.6 | 21.5 | 68.0 | 71.3 |
Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 62.7 | 18.3 | 45.0 | 33.2 | 14.3 | 185.9 | 92.5 |
Rio Tinto total refined production | 83.5 | 40.7 | 68.2 | 59.9 | 35.8 | 253.8 | 163.8 | |
DIAMONDS | ||||||||
Production ('000 carats) | ||||||||
Argyle | 100% | 2,455 | 1,813 | 3,217 | 3,374 | 3,514 | 7,375 | 10,105 |
Diavik | 60% | 1,004 | 927 | 899 | 1,285 | 761 | 3,413 | 2,945 |
Murowa (g) | 0% | 90 | 101 | 40 | 37 | - | 243 | 77 |
Rio Tinto total diamond production | 3,549 | 2,841 | 4,155 | 4,696 | 4,275 | 11,031 | 13,126 | |
GOLD | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b) | ||||||||
Barneys Canyon | 100% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 86.7 | 33.2 | 44.7 | 29.5 | 31.0 | 226.6 | 105.2 |
Escondida | 30% | 6.6 | 3.8 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 7.1 | 23.2 | 21.2 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 44.2 | 93.2 | 28.7 | 79.8 | 41.1 | 104.1 | 149.6 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 138.4 | 131.0 | 79.8 | 116.9 | 79.3 | 355.8 | 276.0 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 79.3 | 51.1 | 62.2 | 51.6 | 34.1 | 201.1 | 148.0 |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
IRON ORE | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Hamersley mines | (h) | 41,837 | 45,239 | 42,177 | 45,807 | 50,113 | 117,924 | 138,097 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60% | 1,763 | 1,501 | 1,287 | 1,675 | 1,811 | 5,047 | 4,773 |
Hope Downs | 50% | 5,646 | 5,839 | 5,679 | 5,259 | 5,589 | 15,519 | 16,528 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59% | 2,299 | 2,247 | 2,109 | 2,616 | 2,784 | 6,429 | 7,510 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53% | 4,846 | 4,599 | 4,020 | 4,402 | 4,520 | 13,705 | 12,943 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53% | 4,058 | 3,815 | 4,139 | 4,133 | 4,497 | 11,695 | 12,769 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 60,450 | 63,239 | 59,412 | 63,892 | 69,316 | 170,318 | 192,620 | |
Breakdown of Production: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 14,986 | 16,103 | 16,057 | 17,490 | 19,697 | 42,778 | 53,244 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 24,721 | 25,185 | 24,607 | 25,466 | 28,497 | 67,005 | 78,570 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,617 | 1,591 | 1,482 | 1,541 | 1,505 | 4,548 | 4,528 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 3,229 | 3,008 | 2,538 | 2,861 | 3,015 | 9,157 | 8,415 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13,597 | 15,105 | 12,618 | 13,918 | 13,818 | 40,402 | 40,353 | |
IOC Concentrate | 936 | 845 | 804 | 1,245 | 1,197 | 2,694 | 3,247 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,364 | 1,402 | 1,305 | 1,372 | 1,587 | 3,735 | 4,264 | |
Breakdown of Sales: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 13,730 | 13,778 | 13,231 | 14,620 | 17,178 | 37,432 | 45,029 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 26,496 | 30,627 | 26,004 | 30,200 | 34,922 | 75,017 | 91,126 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 1,405 | 1,435 | 1,257 | 1,320 | 1,405 | 4,070 | 3,983 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 3,246 | 3,453 | 2,568 | 2,797 | 3,246 | 9,435 | 8,610 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,198 | 14,628 | 12,336 | 14,004 | 13,934 | 41,642 | 40,274 | |
IOC Concentrate | 1,343 | 732 | 417 | 1,112 | 1,850 | 2,833 | 3,379 | |
IOC Pellets | 1,172 | 1,410 | 1,462 | 1,344 | 1,553 | 3,407 | 4,359 | |
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) | 61,590 | 66,063 | 57,276 | 65,397 | 74,088 | 173,837 | 196,760 | |
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
MOLYBDENUM | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 5.6 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 8.9 | 7.0 |
SALT | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Dampier Salt | 68% | 1,567 | 1,852 | 1,418 | 1,193 | 1,281 | 4,942 | 3,892 |
SILVER | ||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b) | ||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100% | 970 | 356 | 486 | 310 | 362 | 2,578 | 1,158 |
Escondida | 30% | 348 | 288 | 407 | 394 | 354 | 1,177 | 1,155 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) | 34% | 72 | 96 | 62 | 100 | 130 | 204 | 291 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 1,390 | 740 | 954 | 804 | 846 | 3,959 | 2,604 | |
Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 759 | 636 | 698 | 501 | 296 | 2,175 | 1,495 |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | ||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (i) | 100% | 365 | 316 | 322 | 301 | 243 | 1,127 | 866 |
URANIUM | ||||||||
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) | ||||||||
Energy Resources of Australia (j) | 68% | 853 | 904 | 737 | 589 | 689 | 853 | 2,015 |
Rössing | 69% | 615 | 618 | 272 | 543 | 379 | 1,714 | 1,194 |
Rio Tinto total uranium production | 1,467 | 1,523 | 1,010 | 1,131 | 1,068 | 2,567 | 3,209 | |
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.
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(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 (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) 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 30 September 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 | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
ALUMINA | ||||||||
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group | ||||||||
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland | 80.0% | 926 | 935 | 924 | 927 | 956 | 2,632 | 2,806 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland | 100.0% | 656 | 687 | 683 | 700 | 703 | 2,001 | 2,087 |
Brazil | ||||||||
São Luis (Alumar) refinery | 10.0% | 938 | 953 | 862 | 940 | 928 | 2,686 | 2,730 |
Canada | ||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) | 100.0% | 358 | 373 | 360 | 359 | 369 | 1,070 | 1,089 |
(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 |
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Alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
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Australia |
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Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a) | 100.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 676 | 0 |
(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% | 28 | 27 | 27 | 30 | 27 | 81 | 84 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
Primary Aluminium | ||||||||
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania | 100.0% | 48 | 48 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 141 | 142 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland | 59.4% | 143 | 145 | 142 | 145 | 146 | 408 | 433 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales | 51.6% | 142 | 144 | 141 | 145 | 147 | 417 | 434 |
Cameroon |
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Alucam (Edéa) smelter (a) | 0.0% | 24 | 22 | - | - | - | 70 | - |
Canada | ||||||||
Alma smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 116 | 116 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 339 | 348 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec | 40.0% | 146 | 147 | 147 | 152 | 153 | 436 | 453 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 44 | 44 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 129 | 129 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 44 | 44 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec | 25.1% | 110 | 114 | 105 | 113 | 108 | 332 | 326 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 55 | 55 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 166 | 165 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia | 100.0% | 28 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 23 | 101 | 58 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 62 | 62 | 60 | 61 | 61 | 182 | 183 |
France | ||||||||
Dunkerque smelter | 100.0% | 68 | 68 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 202 | 205 |
Iceland | ||||||||
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter | 100.0% | 51 | 52 | 51 | 51 | 48 | 153 | 151 |
New Zealand | ||||||||
Tiwai Point smelter | 79.4% | 82 | 82 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 245 | 249 |
Norway |
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SØRAL (Husnes) smelter (b) | 0.0% | 23 | 8 | - | - | - | 69 | - |
Oman | ||||||||
Sohar smelter | 20.0% | 92 | 93 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 271 | 281 |
United Kingdom | ||||||||
Lochaber smelter | 100.0% | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 31 | 35 |
(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 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
BAUXITE | ||||||||
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Australia | ||||||||
Gove mine - Northern Territory | 100.0% | 1,725 | 1,574 | 1,710 | 1,863 | 1,966 | 4,954 | 5,538 |
Weipa mine - Queensland | 100.0% | 6,844 | 6,944 | 6,704 | 6,941 | 7,119 | 19,322 | 20,764 |
Brazil | ||||||||
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine | 12.0% | 4,177 | 4,633 | 3,651 | 3,723 | 4,351 | 11,743 | 11,726 |
Guinea | ||||||||
Sangaredi mine (a) | 23.0% | 4,043 | 3,823 | 3,627 | 3,209 | 3,735 | 11,979 | 10,571 |
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments | ||||||||
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 10,671 | 10,851 | 10,487 | 10,926 | 11,159 | 30,566 | 32,572 | |
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 6,523 | 6,502 | 6,372 | 6,848 | 6,773 | 16,755 | 19,993 | |
(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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
BORATES | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100.0% | |||||||
US | ||||||||
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) | 127 | 123 | 129 | 124 | 115 | 385 | 369 | |
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. | ||||||||
COAL | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Coal Australia | ||||||||
Bengalla mine (a) | 32.0% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,083 | 2,061 | 2,341 | 1,776 | 2,036 | 6,497 | 6,153 | |
Clermont Coal mine (b) | 0.0% |
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Queensland |
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| ||||||
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 4,832 | - | |
Hail Creek Coal mine | 82.0% | |||||||
Queensland | ||||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,557 | 1,853 | 1,450 | 1,645 | 1,740 | 4,639 | 4,835 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 856 | 639 | 884 | 733 | 773 | 1,665 | 2,390 | |
Hunter Valley Operations | 80.0% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 365 | 550 | 574 | 976 | 731 | 1,385 | 2,281 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 3,415 | 2,844 | 2,730 | 1,974 | 2,406 | 9,080 | 7,109 | |
Kestrel Coal mine | 80.0% | |||||||
Queensland | ||||||||
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 621 | 149 | 1,017 | 940 | 536 | 2,014 | 2,493 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 56 | 311 | 118 | 178 | 109 | 253 | 405 | |
Mount Thorley Operations | 64.0% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 496 | 333 | 485 | 263 | 396 | 1,620 | 1,144 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 780 | 200 | 551 | 809 | 854 | 2,041 | 2,214 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
COAL (continued) | ||||||||
Warkworth mine | 44.5% | |||||||
New South Wales | ||||||||
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 80 | 170 | 287 | 170 | 201 | 763 | 659 | |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,598 | 2,073 | 1,478 | 1,499 | 1,740 | 4,729 | 4,717 | |
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 2,178 | 2,002 | 2,467 | 2,585 | 2,277 | 6,653 | 7,328 | |
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 942 | 1,052 | 1,347 | 1,408 | 1,329 | 3,768 | 4,084 | |
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 8,787 | 8,129 | 8,101 | 6,968 | 7,918 | 29,098 | 22,988 | |
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) | 11,906 | 11,183 | 11,915 | 10,961 | 11,524 | 39,519 | 34,400 | |
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 11,409 | 12,395 | 11,926 | 11,016 | 11,455 | 38,992 | 34,397 | |
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c) | ||||||||
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 1,563 | 1,978 | 1,925 | 2,405 | 1,722 | 5,705 | 6,052 | |
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 790 | 812 | 929 | 963 | 932 | 2,413 | 2,825 | |
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 4,972 | 5,183 | 4,781 | 3,913 | 4,689 | 16,246 | 13,383 | |
(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 produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended 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) | 236 | 26 | - | - | - | 615 | - | |
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 216 | 23 | - | - | - | 570 | - | |
(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 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD | ||||||||
Escondida | 30.0% | |||||||
Chile | ||||||||
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) | 20,652 | 18,354 | 21,382 | 22,909 | 22,820 | 63,140 | 67,111 | |
Average copper grade (%) | 1.20 | 1.45 | 1.49 | 1.32 | 1.00 | 1.22 | 1.27 | |
Mill production (metals in concentrates): | ||||||||
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) | 205.5 | 215.7 | 270.6 | 249.6 | 169.7 | 636.7 | 690.0 | |
Contained gold ('000 ounces) | 22 | 13 | 21 | 26 | 24 | 77 | 71 | |
Contained silver ('000 ounces) | 1,159 | 958 | 1,355 | 1,314 | 1,181 | 3,924 | 3,850 | |
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) | 75.3 | 80.5 | 83.5 | 78.5 | 76.5 | 204.7 | 238.5 | |
Refined production from leach plants: | ||||||||
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) | 69.3 | 75.0 | 77.3 | 88.8 | 71.5 | 226.6 | 237.6 | |
(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) | 12,488 | 11,512 | 14,123 | 16,095 | 16,399 | 32,473 | 46,617 | |
Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.88 | 0.79 | 0.57 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.78 | 0.64 | |
Gold (g/t) | 1.28 | 1.14 | 0.68 | 0.86 | 0.77 | 0.94 | 0.77 | |
Silver (g/t) | 3.90 | 3.37 | 2.13 | 2.44 | 2.21 | 3.48 | 2.27 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 97.7 | 82.3 | 72.2 | 96.5 | 95.8 | 224.0 | 264.5 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 439 | 366 | 262 | 371 | 321 | 801 | 955 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 913 | 771 | 558 | 759 | 649 | 1,970 | 1,966 | |
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 120.0 | 83.9 | 70.4 | 88.8 | 94.6 | 224.9 | 253.7 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 505 | 366 | 260 | 346 | 320 | 804 | 926 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 889 | 623 | 435 | 558 | 512 | 1,589 | 1,505 | |
(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 3Q 2015 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 3Q 2015 until the release of its 2015 third-quarter results on 22 October 2015.(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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
Kennecott Utah Copper | ||||||||
Barneys Canyon mine (a) | 100.0% |
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Utah, US |
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Gold produced ('000 ounces) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | |
Bingham Canyon mine | 100.0% | |||||||
Utah, US | ||||||||
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 12,184 | 6,404 | 9,819 | 8,208 | 8,581 | 34,579 | 26,607 | |
Average ore grade: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.49 | 0.37 | 0.31 | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.59 | 0.29 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.33 | 0.26 | 0.21 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.30 | 0.18 | |
Silver (g/t) | 3.01 | 2.22 | 2.22 | 1.99 | 2.07 | 2.95 | 2.10 | |
Molybdenum (%) | 0.069 | 0.060 | 0.041 | 0.046 | 0.035 | 0.048 | 0.041 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 193 | 82 | 133 | 84 | 116 | 717 | 334 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 27.2 | 24.8 | 19.9 | 20.6 | 18.9 | 25.6 | 19.7 | |
Production of metals in copper concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) | 52.8 | 20.5 | 26.6 | 17.4 | 22.2 | 183.8 | 66.3 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) | 87 | 33 | 45 | 29 | 31 | 227 | 105 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) | 970 | 356 | 486 | 310 | 362 | 2,578 | 1,158 | |
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): | 10.5 | 4.9 | 5.2 | 5.0 | 3.4 | 17.0 | 13.7 | |
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 5.6 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 8.9 | 7.0 | |
(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) | 205 | 122 | 148 | 99 | 113 | 787 | 360 | |
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) | 50.2 | 24.9 | 35.1 | 19.1 | 17.1 | 179.3 | 71.3 | |
Production of refined metal: | ||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) | 62.7 | 18.3 | 45.0 | 33.2 | 14.3 | 185.9 | 92.5 | |
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) | 79.3 | 51.1 | 62.2 | 51.6 | 34.1 | 201.1 | 148.0 | |
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) | 759 | 636 | 698 | 501 | 296 | 2,175 | 1,495 | |
(a) New metal excluding recycled material.(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
Turquoise Hill Resources | ||||||||
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) | 33.5% | |||||||
Mongolia | ||||||||
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) | 7,029 | 7,505 | 7,512 | 9,025 | 8,632 | 20,367 | 25,168 | |
Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.59 | 0.74 | 0.52 | 0.69 | 0.75 | 0.55 | 0.66 | |
Gold (g/t) | 0.80 | 1.46 | 0.48 | 1.09 | 0.56 | 0.64 | 0.73 | |
Silver (g/t) | 1.64 | 1.65 | 1.16 | 1.46 | 1.90 | 1.58 | 1.52 | |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 134.1 | 186.7 | 130.9 | 215.5 | 210.3 | 377.0 | 556.7 | |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 27.3 | 26.9 | 25.7 | 25.6 | 26.6 | 26.0 | 26.0 | |
Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 36.6 | 50.3 | 33.6 | 55.3 | 56.0 | 98.2 | 144.9 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 132.0 | 278.2 | 85.6 | 238.1 | 122.6 | 310.6 | 446.4 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 216 | 286 | 184 | 297 | 388 | 608 | 869 | |
Sales of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 53.6 | 67.6 | 42.1 | 46.3 | 58.2 | 118.3 | 146.5 | |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 144 | 263 | 200 | 177 | 200 | 298 | 577 | |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 323 | 383 | 219 | 245 | 334 | 710 | 798 | |
(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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
DIAMONDS | ||||||||
Argyle Diamonds | 100.0% | |||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 876 | 688 | 1,178 | 1,199 | 1,339 | 2,311 | 3,716 | |
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) | 2,455 | 1,813 | 3,217 | 3,374 | 3,514 | 7,375 | 10,105 | |
Diavik Diamonds | 60.0% | |||||||
Northwest Territories, Canada | ||||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 560 | 512 | 476 | 565 | 478 | 1,765 | 1,519 | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 1,673 | 1,545 | 1,498 | 2,141 | 1,269 | 5,688 | 4,908 | |
Murowa Diamonds (a) | 0.0% | |||||||
Zimbabwe | ||||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 153 | 160 | 117 | 95 | - | 430 | 212 | |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 116 | 130 | 51 | 48 | - | 312 | 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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
IRON ORE | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron Ore | ||||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
Pilbara Operations | ||||||||
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Hamersley mines | (a) | 41,837 | 45,239 | 42,177 | 45,807 | 50,113 | 117,924 | 138,097 |
Hamersley - Channar | 60.0% | 2,938 | 2,502 | 2,145 | 2,792 | 3,019 | 8,411 | 7,955 |
Hope Downs | 50.0% | 11,292 | 11,677 | 11,358 | 10,518 | 11,179 | 31,038 | 33,055 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53.0% | 9,144 | 8,677 | 7,585 | 8,306 | 8,529 | 25,858 | 24,420 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53.0% | 7,657 | 7,198 | 7,810 | 7,797 | 8,485 | 22,066 | 24,092 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) | 72,868 | 75,292 | 71,075 | 75,221 | 81,325 | 205,298 | 227,621 | |
Breakdown of total production: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 19,416 | 20,298 | 20,231 | 21,990 | 24,306 | 55,135 | 66,527 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 30,711 | 31,213 | 30,641 | 31,007 | 34,672 | 83,903 | 96,320 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 3,051 | 3,002 | 2,796 | 2,907 | 2,840 | 8,580 | 8,543 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 6,093 | 5,675 | 4,789 | 5,399 | 5,690 | 17,278 | 15,878 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13,597 | 15,105 | 12,618 | 13,918 | 13,818 | 40,402 | 40,353 | |
Breakdown of total sales: | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 17,378 | 17,295 | 16,832 | 18,635 | 21,147 | 48,594 | 56,615 | |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 33,380 | 37,370 | 32,904 | 36,841 | 41,695 | 94,071 | 111,440 | |
Robe Valley Lump | 2,651 | 2,708 | 2,373 | 2,491 | 2,651 | 7,680 | 7,515 | |
Robe Valley Fines | 6,124 | 6,514 | 4,845 | 5,277 | 6,124 | 17,802 | 16,246 | |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,198 | 14,628 | 12,336 | 14,004 | 13,934 | 41,642 | 40,274 | |
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) | 73,731 | 78,515 | 69,290 | 77,248 | 85,552 | 209,790 | 232,090 | |
(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) | 1,593 | 1,439 | 1,370 | 2,120 | 2,039 | 4,588 | 5,529 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,322 | 2,388 | 2,223 | 2,336 | 2,703 | 6,360 | 7,261 | |
Sales: | ||||||||
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 2,288 | 1,246 | 711 | 1,894 | 3,150 | 4,825 | 5,755 | |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 1,996 | 2,402 | 2,490 | 2,288 | 2,644 | 5,802 | 7,423 | |
Global Iron Ore Totals | ||||||||
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) | 76,784 | 79,119 | 74,667 | 79,676 | 86,067 | 216,246 | 240,410 | |
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) | 78,014 | 82,163 | 72,491 | 81,430 | 91,346 | 220,417 | 245,268 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
Rio Tintointerest | 3Q2014 | 4Q2014 | 1Q2015 | 2Q2015 | 3Q2015 | 9 MTHS2014 | 9 MTHS2015 | |
SALT | ||||||||
Dampier Salt | 68.4% | |||||||
Western Australia | ||||||||
Salt production ('000 tonnes) | 2,293 | 2,709 | 2,074 | 1,745 | 1,874 | 7,229 | 5,694 | |
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium | 100.0% | |||||||
Canada and South Africa | ||||||||
(Rio Tinto share) (a) | ||||||||
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) | 365 | 316 | 322 | 301 | 243 | 1,127 | 866 | |
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals' production. Ilmenite mined in Madagascar is being processed in Canada. | ||||||||
URANIUM | ||||||||
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd | ||||||||
Ranger mine (a) | 68.4% | |||||||
Northern Territory, Australia | ||||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 1,247 | 1,322 | 1,078 | 861 | 1,008 | 1,247 | 2,946 | |
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. | ||||||||
Rössing Uranium Ltd | 68.6% | |||||||
Namibia | ||||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 896 | 902 | 397 | 791 | 552 | 2,500 | 1,740 | |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||