Rio Tinto releases solid first quarter production performance
21 April 2015
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "We continue to drive efficiency in all aspects of our business, which is reflected in our solid production performance during the first quarter. By making best use of our high quality assets, low cost base and operating and commercial capability our aim is to protect our margins in the face of declining prices and maximise returns for shareholders throughout the cycle."
|
|
Q1'15 |
vs Q1'14 |
vs Q4'14 |
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis) |
Mt |
72.5 |
+9% |
-12% |
Global iron ore production (100% basis) |
Mt |
74.7 |
+12% |
-6% |
Bauxite |
kt |
10,484 |
+4% |
-3% |
Aluminium |
kt |
809 |
- |
-2% |
Mined copper |
kt |
144.1 |
-9% |
+12% |
Hard coking coal |
kt |
2,002 |
+10% |
+22% |
Semi-soft and thermal coal |
kt |
5,660 |
+4% |
+3% |
Titanium dioxide slag |
kt |
322 |
-17% |
+2% |
Highlights |
· Global iron ore shipments of 72.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 57.3 million tonnes) were nine per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2014. Production of 74.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 59.4 million tonnes) was a 12 per cent increase year on year. |
· Record first quarter bauxite production was four per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014, primarily due to a strong performance at Weipa. |
· Aluminium production in the first quarter was in line with the same period of 2014, despite the partial shutdown at Kitimat, which continues to prepare for first hot metal at the modernised smelter by mid-2015. |
· Mined copper production was 12 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by higher throughput at Kennecott and Escondida. Lower grades at Kennecott were the primary driver of the nine per cent decline compared with the first quarter of 2014. · During the quarter, the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto formally celebrated the major milestone of Oyu Tolgoi shipping one million tonnes of concentrate. · Higher first quarter coal production was primarily driven by improved production rates at Kestrel South following the longwall ramp-up, increased semi-soft production at Mount Thorley and Warkworth and higher thermal production at Hail Creek. · Titanium dioxide production was 17 per cent lower than in the first quarter of 2014 as production continued to be optimised to align with market demand. |
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)
|
Q1 2015 |
vs Q1 2014 |
vs Q4 2014 |
Pilbara Blend Lump |
16.1 |
+21% |
0% |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
24.6 |
+25% |
-2% |
Robe Valley Lump |
1.5 |
+5% |
-7% |
Robe Valley Fines |
2.5 |
-13% |
-16% |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
12.6 |
-6% |
-16% |
IOC (pellets and concentrate) |
2.1 |
+20% |
-6% |
Pilbara operations
First quarter production of 71.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 57.3 million tonnes) was 12 per cent higher than the same period in 2014 following commissioning of the Nammuldi wet plant and the ramp up of Hope Downs 4. First quarter production was six per cent lower than the fourth quarter of last year due to the impact of wet weather throughout the quarter.
Pilbara sales
Quarterly sales of 69.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 55.4 million tonnes) were eight per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2014 but 12 per cent lower than in the fourth quarter of last year. This was a result of weather impacts from Tropical Cyclone Olwyn and a train derailment which temporarily blocked the inload train circuit at Dampier.
Pilbara expansion
Expansion infrastructure is nearing completion and remains on track for delivery by the end of the first half of 2015. As previously announced, all major rail, marine and wharf works are now in place.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
First quarter concentrate and pellet production was 28 per cent and 15 per cent higher respectively, than the first quarter of last year, driven by increased asset reliability and improved performance. Operational improvements achieved in the first quarter of 2015 significantly offset the impact of winter compared to last year, resulting in first quarter concentrate and pellet production only five and seven per cent lower, respectively, than the fourth quarter of 2014.
The improvement in production boosted first quarter sales, with pellet shipments up 33 per cent compared to the same period of 2014 and four per cent higher than the fourth quarter of last year. Concentrate sales were up 12 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2014, with the moisture reduction project improving the amount of concentrate available for sale by preventing the product freezing.
2015 guidance
As previously announced, Rio Tinto expects 2015 global shipments approaching 350 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) from its operations in Australia and Canada. As part of the ongoing efficiency programme inventory draw-down will be used throughout the year to maximise cash flows. Shipments and production are each subject to weather conditions.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
|
Q1 2015 |
vs Q1 2014 |
vs Q4 2014 |
Rio Tinto Aluminium |
|
|
|
Bauxite |
10,484 |
+4% |
-3% |
Alumina |
1,896 |
+2% |
-2% |
Aluminium |
809 |
0% |
-2% |
Bauxite
Bauxite production set a new first quarter record and was four per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014, primarily due to a strong performance at Weipa which continued to ramp up. Production from the Gove mine has now reached a run-rate of seven million tonnes per annum and is gearing up to reach an eight million tonne per annum run-rate by the fourth quarter of 2015, as infrastructure constraints continue to be addressed.
Alumina
Excluding the Gove refinery, alumina production was up by two per cent compared with the first quarter of 2014, reflecting stronger production at Queensland Alumina.
The curtailment of the Gove refinery was completed in May 2014. It remains on care and maintenance.
Aluminium
First quarter aluminium production was in line with the same period of 2014, as capacity creep across the smelter portfolio, combined with restarted capacity at the Boyne smelter in Australia, offset lower production from Kitimat where preparations continue for first hot metal at the modernised smelter by mid-2015.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production remains unchanged and is expected to be 43 million tonnes of bauxite, 8 million tonnes of alumina and 3.3 million tonnes of aluminium.
COPPER & COAL
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
|
Q1 2015 |
vs Q1 2014 |
vs Q4 2014 |
Mined copper |
|
|
|
Kennecott Utah Copper |
26.6 |
-61% |
+30% |
Escondida |
106.2 |
+35% |
+20% |
Grasberg |
0.0 |
N/A |
N/A |
Oyu Tolgoi |
11.3 |
+33% |
-33% |
|
|
|
|
Refined copper |
|
|
|
Kennecott Utah Copper |
45.0 |
-15% |
+146% |
Escondida |
23.2 |
+2% |
+3% |
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
|
Hard coking coal |
2,002 |
+10% |
+22% |
Semi-soft coking coal |
898 |
-4% |
+23% |
Thermal coal |
4,762 |
+5% |
0% |
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper production for the first quarter of 2015 was significantly lower than the same period in 2014, due to the anticipated impact of lower grades and the current focus on de-weighting and de-watering the east wall of Bingham Canyon. Quarter on quarter, mined copper increased by 30 per cent as production had been reduced in the fourth quarter during the scheduled smelter maintenance shutdown in 2014.
First quarter refined production was 15 per cent lower than in the same period of 2014 as a result of lower mined production. The significant increase in refined copper production quarter on quarter is attributable to the smelter maintenance shutdown in the fourth quarter of last year. In the first quarter, Kennecott commenced the tolling of third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation. Copper from third party concentrate is excluded from production numbers.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida rebounded 35 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2014 primarily due to higher grades. This, combined with higher throughput and the absence of process water restrictions, contributed to a 20 per cent increase in tonnage compared with the previous quarter.
Oyu Tolgoi / Turquoise Hill Resources
First quarter mined copper production was 33 per cent lower than the previous quarter, due to lower grades and a scheduled major maintenance shutdown.
First quarter customer collections of concentrate from the Chinese bonded warehouse were also lower than the previous quarter, affected by the Chinese and Mongolian new-year holidays during which border and customs authorities were closed for extended periods. Additionally, collections were higher in the fourth quarter as inventories of finished goods built up earlier in 2014 were run down.
During the quarter, the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto formally celebrated the major milestone of Oyu Tolgoi shipping one million tonnes of copper concentrate.
In accordance with the mine plan, the open pit is expected to move to areas of higher-grade material for the remainder of 2015. Accordingly, production levels will be higher in the second half of 2015.
Grasberg
Rio Tinto does not expect 2015 production to exceed the metal attributable to Freeport-McMoRan Inc (Freeport) and, accordingly, expects its share of joint venture production to be zero during the year. Freeport is due to announce its first quarter results on 23 April 2015.
Coal
Hard coking coal production was ten per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014 as a result of improved production rates at Kestrel South as the longwall ramps up and was 22 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2014 which included a longwall panel changeover.
Semi-soft coking coal production was 23 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2014 reflecting mine production sequencing. Thermal coal production was five per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014 primarily due to increased tonnage at Hail Creek where production from a processing plant by-product stream was prioritised in order to deliver increased margins in current market conditions.
2015 guidance
In 2015, as previously announced, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to be between 500 and 535 thousand tonnes and refined copper production to be between 190 and 220 thousand tonnes.
Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 18 to 19 million tonnes of thermal coal, 3 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
|
Q1 2015 |
vs Q1 2014 |
vs Q4 2014 |
Diamonds (000 carats) |
|
|
|
Argyle |
3,217 |
+31% |
+77% |
Diavik |
899 |
-20% |
-3% |
Murowa |
40 |
-42% |
-61% |
|
|
|
|
Minerals (000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
Borates - B2O3 content |
129 |
+3% |
+6% |
Titanium dioxide slag |
322 |
-17% |
+2% |
|
|
|
|
Salt (000 tonnes) |
1,418 |
-11% |
-23% |
|
|
|
|
Uranium (000 lbs) |
|
|
|
Energy Resources of Australia |
737 |
N/A |
-18% |
Rössing |
272 |
-58% |
-56% |
Diamonds
At Argyle, carats recovered during the first quarter were 31 per cent higher than in the same quarter of 2014 as the ramp up of underground production continued. The 77 per cent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2014 reflects the maintenance shutdown which took place in the fourth quarter of 2014 to implement improved design modifications to both underground crushers which are now performing well.
Lower carats recovered in the first quarter at Diavik compared to last year reflect lower ore availability as mining progressed through an area of higher dilution as well as crusher plant upgrades which were completed in the quarter. This also accounts for the three per cent reduction in the quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.
Carats recovered at Murowa were significantly lower than the comparator periods due to a planned plant shutdown to reconfigure the processing plant and a decision to reduce production rates pending confirmation (subsequently received) that a new 15 per cent export tax did not apply to Murowa.
Minerals
Borates production was three per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2014 in response to higher sales demand and the commissioning of the new modified direct dissolving of kernite (MDDK) process plant in the second half of 2014.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 17 per cent lower than in the first quarter of 2014 as production continued to be optimised to align with market demand. Weaker demand has resulted in a decision to take another furnace offline at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) in Quebec from April, meaning two of RTFT's nine furnaces are now idled.
Salt
First quarter salt production was lower than both comparator periods as a result of weaker demand and a decision not to build working capital in the form of inventory.
Uranium
At Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) lower grades from processing existing stockpiles resulted in lower production in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 despite increased throughput and improved recoveries.
First quarter production at Rössing was lower largely as a result of lower grades in both the first and fourth quarters of 2014 due to normal mine sequencing. This was exacerbated by a fire in the final product recovery plant which impacted approximately one week of overall production.
2015 guidance
In 2015, Rio Tinto's share of production is now expected to be 1.3 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent and 20 million carats of diamonds.
Rio Tinto's share of uranium production is unchanged and is expected to be between 5 and 6 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 quarter was $126 million compared with $155 million in the same quarter of 2014.
Approximately 39 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Copper & Coal, six per cent by Iron Ore, 21 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and the balance by central exploration.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the quarter.
Exploration activity
Copper
In the United States, field mapping, sampling and drilling continued across copper projects in Utah, Arizona and Montana. In South America, field reconnaissance, soil sampling and geophysical surveying occurred across projects in Chile and Peru. In Zambia, field reconnaissance work continued as well as preparation for the upcoming field season. In Kazakhstan, preparation for the field season commenced.
Nickel
In the United States, field mapping and drilling continued targeting nickel sulphides.
Bauxite
In Brazil, field mapping and drilling continued across several targets. In Laos, auger drilling across the project continues. In Cape York, preparation for the upcoming field season commenced.
Coal
In Australia, geological interpretation continues in addition to preparation for the upcoming field season.
Uranium
In the United States, the planned drilling programme was completed.
Diamonds
In India, the planned drilling programme was completed. In Canada, data review and sampling of targets continued.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group |
Greenfield programmes |
Advanced projects |
Evaluation projects |
Aluminium |
Australia, Brazil, Laos |
Amargosa orbit, Brazil |
South of Embley and Cape York, Australia; Amargosa, Brazil |
Copper & Coal |
Copper: Australia, US, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Zambia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China Nickel: Canada |
Nickel: Tamarack, US Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley Australia |
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper: La Granja, Peru Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia Coal: Mt Pleasant, Hail Creek, Australia |
Diamonds & Minerals |
Diamonds: India, Canada Heavy mineral sands: Gabon Uranium: Canada, US, Australia |
|
Diamonds: Diavik, Canada; Bunder, India Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Heavy mineral sands: Zulti South, South Africa; Mutamba, Mozambique Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea Potash: KP405, Canada Uranium: Ranger 3 Deeps, Australia; Roughrider, Canada; Rössing Z20, Namibia |
Iron Ore |
Botswana |
Pilbara, Australia |
Pilbara, Australia |
Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including: Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay, Oyu Tolgoi, Weipa and Kennecott.
Contacts
[email protected]
www.riotinto.com
Follow @riotinto on Twitter
Media Relations, EMEA/AmericasIlltud Harri T +44 20 7781 1152 M +44 7920 503 600 David Outhwaite T +44 20 7781 1623 M +44 7787 597 493 David Luff
T + 44 20 7781 1177
M + 44 7780 226 422 Investor Relations, EMEA/AmericasJohn Smelt T +44 20 7781 1654 M +44 7879 642 675 David Ovington T +44 20 7781 2051 M +44 7920 010 978 Grant Donald T +44 20 7781 1262 M +44 7920 587 805 |
Media Relations, Australia/AsiaBen Mitchell T +61 3 9283 3620 M +61 419 850 212 Bruce Tobin T +61 3 9283 3612 M +61 419 103 454 Matt Klar T + 61 7 3625 4244
M + 61 457 525 578 Investor Relations, Australia/AsiaNatalie Worley T +61 3 9283 3063 M +61 409 210 462 Rachel Storrs T +61 3 9283 3628 M +61 417 401 018 Galina Rogova T +86 21 6103 3550 M +86 152 2118 3942 |
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto plc2 Eastbourne Terrace London W2 6LG United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England No. 719885 |
Rio Tinto Limited120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 |
Rio Tinto production summary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter |
|
Full Year |
|
% Change |
|
|
2014
Q1 |
2014
Q4 |
2015
Q1 |
|
2014 |
|
Q1 15
vs
Q1 14 |
Q1 15
vs
Q4 14 |
Principal Commodities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumina |
('000 t) |
2,392 |
1,931 |
1,896 |
|
8,134 |
|
-21% |
-2% |
Aluminium |
('000 t) |
809 |
827 |
809 |
|
3,279 |
|
0% |
-2% |
Bauxite |
('000 t) |
10,044 |
10,794 |
10,484 |
|
41,871 |
|
4% |
-3% |
Borates |
('000 t) |
126 |
123 |
129 |
|
508 |
|
3% |
6% |
Coal - hard coking |
('000 t) |
1,814 |
1,639 |
2,002 |
|
7,054 |
|
10% |
22% |
Coal - semi-soft coking |
('000 t) |
936 |
728 |
898 |
|
3,213 |
|
-4% |
23% |
Coal - thermal |
('000 t) |
4,520 |
4,759 |
4,762 |
|
19,080 |
|
5% |
0% |
Copper - mined |
('000 t) |
158.2 |
128.3 |
144.1 |
|
603.1 |
|
-9% |
12% |
Copper - refined |
('000 t) |
75.8 |
40.7 |
68.2 |
|
294.6 |
|
-10% |
67% |
Diamonds |
('000 cts) |
3,650 |
2,841 |
4,155 |
|
13,872 |
|
14% |
46% |
Iron ore |
('000 t) |
52,339 |
63,239 |
59,412 |
|
233,557 |
|
14% |
-6% |
Titanium dioxide feedstock |
('000 t) |
389 |
316 |
322 |
|
1,443 |
|
-17% |
2% |
Uranium |
('000 lbs) |
644 |
1,523 |
1,010 |
|
4,089 |
|
57% |
-34% |
Other Metals & Minerals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold - mined |
('000 oz) |
94.2 |
131.0 |
79.8 |
|
486.8 |
|
-15% |
-39% |
Gold - refined |
('000 oz) |
62.0 |
51.1 |
62.2 |
|
252.2 |
|
0% |
22% |
Molybdenum |
('000 t) |
0.9 |
2.6 |
2.7 |
|
11.5 |
|
186% |
5% |
Salt |
('000 t) |
1,586 |
1,852 |
1,418 |
|
6,793 |
|
-11% |
-23% |
Silver - mined |
('000 oz) |
1,197 |
740 |
954 |
|
4,699 |
|
-20% |
29% |
Silver - refined |
('000 oz) |
598 |
636 |
698 |
|
2,811 |
|
17% |
10% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 full year figures. |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminium Product Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) |
100% |
360 |
352 |
358 |
373 |
360 |
1,444 |
Queensland Alumina |
80% |
697 |
668 |
741 |
748 |
739 |
2,854 |
São Luis (Alumar) |
10% |
88 |
87 |
94 |
95 |
86 |
364 |
Yarwun |
100% |
683 |
661 |
656 |
687 |
683 |
2,688 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant |
100% |
26 |
27 |
28 |
27 |
27 |
108 |
Aluminium Product Group total |
|
1,856 |
1,795 |
1,877 |
1,931 |
1,896 |
7,458 |
Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a) |
100% |
537 |
139 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
676 |
Rio Tinto total alumina production |
|
2,392 |
1,934 |
1,877 |
1,931 |
1,896 |
8,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINIUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia - Bell Bay |
100% |
46 |
47 |
48 |
48 |
46 |
188 |
Australia - Boyne Island |
59% |
76 |
81 |
85 |
86 |
84 |
328 |
Australia - Tomago |
52% |
70 |
71 |
73 |
74 |
73 |
289 |
Canada - six wholly owned |
100% |
322 |
320 |
320 |
317 |
306 |
1,279 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) |
40% |
58 |
58 |
58 |
59 |
59 |
233 |
Canada - Bécancour |
25% |
28 |
28 |
28 |
28 |
26 |
112 |
France - Dunquerque |
100% |
67 |
67 |
68 |
68 |
67 |
270 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) |
100% |
50 |
52 |
51 |
52 |
51 |
206 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point |
79% |
64 |
65 |
65 |
65 |
65 |
260 |
Oman - Sohar |
20% |
18 |
18 |
18 |
19 |
19 |
73 |
UK - Lochaber |
100% |
10 |
10 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
42 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production |
|
809 |
817 |
825 |
827 |
809 |
3,279 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BAUXITE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gove |
100% |
1,804 |
1,426 |
1,725 |
1,574 |
1,710 |
6,528 |
Porto Trombetas |
12% |
438 |
470 |
501 |
556 |
438 |
1,965 |
Sangaredi |
(c) |
1,686 |
1,885 |
1,819 |
1,721 |
1,632 |
7,111 |
Weipa |
100% |
6,116 |
6,363 |
6,844 |
6,944 |
6,704 |
26,266 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production |
|
10,044 |
10,144 |
10,889 |
10,794 |
10,484 |
41,871 |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BORATES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates |
100% |
126 |
133 |
127 |
123 |
129 |
508 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL - hard coking |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hail Creek Coal |
82% |
1,190 |
1,338 |
1,277 |
1,520 |
1,189 |
5,324 |
Kestrel Coal |
80% |
625 |
490 |
497 |
119 |
813 |
1,730 |
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production |
|
1,814 |
1,828 |
1,773 |
1,639 |
2,002 |
7,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL - semi-soft coking |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hunter Valley |
80% |
431 |
385 |
292 |
440 |
460 |
1,548 |
Mount Thorley |
64% |
355 |
365 |
317 |
213 |
311 |
1,250 |
Warkworth |
44% |
151 |
153 |
36 |
76 |
128 |
415 |
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production |
|
936 |
903 |
645 |
728 |
898 |
3,213 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL - thermal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bengalla |
32% |
758 |
654 |
667 |
660 |
749 |
2,739 |
Hail Creek Coal |
82% |
320 |
344 |
702 |
524 |
725 |
1,890 |
Hunter Valley |
80% |
2,350 |
2,183 |
2,732 |
2,275 |
2,184 |
9,539 |
Kestrel Coal |
80% |
70 |
87 |
45 |
249 |
94 |
451 |
Mount Thorley |
64% |
382 |
425 |
499 |
128 |
353 |
1,434 |
Warkworth |
44% |
641 |
753 |
711 |
923 |
658 |
3,027 |
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production |
|
4,520 |
4,447 |
5,355 |
4,759 |
4,762 |
19,080 |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
69.2 |
61.9 |
52.8 |
20.5 |
26.6 |
204.3 |
Escondida |
30% |
78.8 |
89.4 |
84.2 |
88.9 |
106.2 |
341.3 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (d) |
40% |
1.7 |
1.5 |
2.5 |
2.1 |
0.0 |
7.7 |
Oyu Tolgoi (e) |
34% |
8.5 |
12.1 |
12.3 |
16.9 |
11.3 |
49.8 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
|
158.2 |
164.8 |
151.8 |
128.3 |
144.1 |
603.1 |
Refined production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Escondida |
30% |
22.7 |
24.5 |
20.8 |
22.5 |
23.2 |
90.5 |
Kennecott Utah Copper |
100% |
53.1 |
70.1 |
62.7 |
18.3 |
45.0 |
204.1 |
Rio Tinto total refined production |
|
75.8 |
94.6 |
83.5 |
40.7 |
68.2 |
294.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIAMONDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 carats) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Argyle |
100% |
2,461 |
2,459 |
2,455 |
1,813 |
3,217 |
9,188 |
Diavik |
60% |
1,119 |
1,290 |
1,004 |
927 |
899 |
4,340 |
Murowa |
78% |
69 |
83 |
90 |
101 |
40 |
344 |
Rio Tinto total diamond production |
|
3,650 |
3,832 |
3,549 |
2,841 |
4,155 |
13,872 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GOLD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barneys Canyon |
100% |
0.0 |
0.4 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.4 |
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
63.3 |
76.6 |
86.7 |
33.2 |
44.7 |
259.8 |
Escondida |
30% |
8.6 |
8.0 |
6.6 |
3.8 |
6.4 |
27.0 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (d) |
40% |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.8 |
0.7 |
0.0 |
2.3 |
Oyu Tolgoi (e) |
34% |
22.0 |
37.9 |
44.2 |
93.2 |
28.7 |
197.3 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
|
94.2 |
123.2 |
138.4 |
131.0 |
79.8 |
486.8 |
Refined production ('000 ounces) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kennecott Utah Copper |
100% |
62.0 |
59.8 |
79.3 |
51.1 |
62.2 |
252.2 |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IRON ORE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hamersley mines |
(f) |
36,345 |
39,742 |
41,837 |
45,239 |
42,177 |
163,163 |
Hamersley - Channar |
60% |
1,642 |
1,642 |
1,763 |
1,501 |
1,287 |
6,548 |
Hope Downs |
50% |
4,779 |
5,094 |
5,646 |
5,839 |
5,679 |
21,358 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada |
59% |
1,764 |
2,365 |
2,299 |
2,247 |
2,109 |
8,676 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) |
53% |
4,329 |
4,530 |
4,846 |
4,599 |
4,020 |
18,304 |
Robe River - West Angelas |
53% |
3,479 |
4,158 |
4,058 |
3,815 |
4,139 |
15,510 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
|
52,339 |
57,530 |
60,450 |
63,239 |
59,412 |
233,557 |
Breakdown of Production: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
13,251 |
14,541 |
14,986 |
16,103 |
16,057 |
58,881 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
19,615 |
22,669 |
24,721 |
25,185 |
24,607 |
92,191 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
1,413 |
1,518 |
1,617 |
1,591 |
1,482 |
6,138 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
2,916 |
3,012 |
3,229 |
3,008 |
2,538 |
12,165 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
13,379 |
13,425 |
13,597 |
15,105 |
12,618 |
55,507 |
IOC Concentrate |
|
629 |
1,130 |
936 |
845 |
804 |
3,539 |
IOC Pellets |
|
1,136 |
1,235 |
1,364 |
1,402 |
1,305 |
5,137 |
Breakdown of Sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
11,636 |
12,066 |
13,730 |
13,778 |
13,231 |
51,210 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
21,925 |
26,596 |
26,496 |
30,627 |
26,004 |
105,643 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
1,200 |
1,465 |
1,405 |
1,435 |
1,257 |
5,505 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
2,878 |
3,311 |
3,246 |
3,453 |
2,568 |
12,888 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
13,732 |
13,712 |
14,198 |
14,628 |
12,336 |
56,270 |
IOC Concentrate |
|
372 |
1,118 |
1,343 |
732 |
417 |
3,565 |
IOC Pellets |
|
1,102 |
1,134 |
1,172 |
1,410 |
1,462 |
4,818 |
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
52,844 |
59,402 |
61,590 |
66,063 |
57,276 |
239,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MOLYBDENUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
0.9 |
2.5 |
5.6 |
2.6 |
2.7 |
11.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SALT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dampier Salt |
68% |
1,586 |
1,788 |
1,567 |
1,852 |
1,418 |
6,793 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SILVER |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
744 |
864 |
970 |
356 |
486 |
2,935 |
Escondida |
30% |
398 |
432 |
348 |
288 |
407 |
1,465 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (d) |
40% |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (e) |
34% |
54 |
77 |
72 |
96 |
62 |
299 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
|
1,197 |
1,372 |
1,390 |
740 |
954 |
4,699 |
Refined production ('000 ounces) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kennecott Utah Copper |
100% |
598 |
818 |
759 |
636 |
698 |
2,811 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (g) |
100% |
389 |
372 |
365 |
316 |
322 |
1,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
URANIUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy Resources of Australia (h) |
68% |
0 |
0 |
853 |
904 |
737 |
1,757 |
Rössing |
69% |
644 |
455 |
615 |
618 |
272 |
2,333 |
Rio Tinto total uranium production |
|
644 |
455 |
1,467 |
1,523 |
1,010 |
4,089 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production data notes: |
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures. |
(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014. |
(b) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets. |
(c) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production. |
(d) 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. |
(e) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. |
(f) 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. |
(g) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). |
(h) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 March 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 Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland |
80.0% |
872 |
835 |
926 |
935 |
924 |
3,568 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland |
100.0% |
683 |
661 |
656 |
687 |
683 |
2,688 |
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
São Luis (Alumar) refinery |
10.0% |
882 |
865 |
938 |
953 |
862 |
3,639 |
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) |
100.0% |
360 |
352 |
358 |
373 |
360 |
1,444 |
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
|
Smelter Grade Alumina - Other Aluminium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a) |
100.0% |
537 |
139 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
676 |
(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
|
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec |
100.0% |
26 |
27 |
28 |
27 |
27 |
108 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINIUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primary Aluminium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania |
100.0% |
46 |
47 |
48 |
48 |
46 |
188 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland |
59.4% |
129 |
136 |
143 |
145 |
142 |
553 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales |
51.6% |
136 |
139 |
142 |
144 |
141 |
561 |
Cameroon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alucam (Edéa) smelter (a) |
0.0% |
24 |
23 |
24 |
22 |
- |
93 |
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alma smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
112 |
111 |
116 |
116 |
115 |
455 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec |
40.0% |
144 |
145 |
146 |
147 |
147 |
583 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
42 |
43 |
44 |
44 |
43 |
173 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
14 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
14 |
59 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec |
25.1% |
111 |
111 |
110 |
114 |
105 |
446 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
56 |
55 |
55 |
55 |
54 |
222 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia |
100.0% |
38 |
35 |
28 |
24 |
20 |
125 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
60 |
61 |
62 |
62 |
60 |
244 |
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dunkerque smelter |
100.0% |
67 |
67 |
68 |
68 |
67 |
270 |
Iceland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter |
100.0% |
50 |
52 |
51 |
52 |
51 |
206 |
New Zealand |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiwai Point smelter |
79.4% |
81 |
82 |
82 |
82 |
82 |
327 |
Norway |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SØRAL (Husnes) smelter (b) |
0.0% |
23 |
23 |
23 |
8 |
- |
76 |
Oman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sohar smelter |
20.0% |
88 |
91 |
92 |
93 |
93 |
364 |
United Kingdom |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lochaber smelter |
100.0% |
10 |
10 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
42 |
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 46.7% interest in the Alucam (Edéa) smelter with an effective date of 31 December 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the SØRAL (Husnes) smelter with an effective date of 31 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BAUXITE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gove mine - Northern Territory |
100.0% |
1,804 |
1,426 |
1,725 |
1,574 |
1,710 |
6,528 |
Weipa mine - Queensland |
100.0% |
6,116 |
6,363 |
6,844 |
6,944 |
6,704 |
26,266 |
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine |
12.0% |
3,649 |
3,918 |
4,177 |
4,633 |
3,651 |
16,376 |
Guinea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sangaredi mine (a) |
23.0% |
3,747 |
4,189 |
4,043 |
3,823 |
3,627 |
15,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) |
|
9,829 |
10,065 |
10,671 |
10,851 |
10,487 |
41,417 |
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) |
|
4,464 |
5,768 |
6,523 |
6,502 |
6,372 |
23,257 |
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BORATES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
126 |
133 |
127 |
123 |
129 |
508 |
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bengalla mine |
32.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,369 |
2,045 |
2,083 |
2,061 |
2,341 |
8,558 |
Clermont Coal mine (a) |
0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Queensland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,567 |
2,265 |
- |
- |
- |
4,832 |
Hail Creek Coal mine |
82.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Queensland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,451 |
1,631 |
1,557 |
1,853 |
1,450 |
6,492 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
390 |
420 |
856 |
639 |
884 |
2,304 |
Hunter Valley Operations |
80.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
539 |
481 |
365 |
550 |
574 |
1,935 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,937 |
2,728 |
3,415 |
2,844 |
2,730 |
11,924 |
Kestrel Coal mine |
80.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Queensland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
781 |
613 |
621 |
149 |
1,017 |
2,163 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
88 |
109 |
56 |
311 |
118 |
564 |
Mount Thorley Operations |
64.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
554 |
570 |
496 |
333 |
485 |
1,952 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
596 |
665 |
780 |
200 |
551 |
2,241 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL (continued) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warkworth mine |
44.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
339 |
345 |
80 |
170 |
287 |
933 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,439 |
1,692 |
1,598 |
2,073 |
1,478 |
6,803 |
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,232 |
2,244 |
2,178 |
2,002 |
2,467 |
8,655 |
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,431 |
1,395 |
942 |
1,052 |
1,347 |
4,821 |
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) |
|
10,387 |
9,924 |
8,787 |
8,129 |
8,101 |
37,227 |
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) |
|
14,050 |
13,563 |
11,906 |
11,183 |
11,915 |
50,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
14,014 |
13,569 |
11,409 |
12,395 |
11,926 |
51,386 |
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,990 |
2,152 |
1,563 |
1,978 |
1,925 |
7,683 |
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) |
|
820 |
803 |
790 |
812 |
929 |
3,225 |
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) |
|
5,827 |
5,447 |
4,972 |
5,183 |
4,781 |
21,429 |
(a) 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.
(b) Kestrel produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports.
(c) 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) |
|
91 |
288 |
236 |
26 |
- |
641 |
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) |
|
82 |
271 |
216 |
23 |
- |
593 |
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique and its 65% interest in the Benga mine with an effective date of 7 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER & GOLD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Escondida |
30.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) |
|
21,051 |
21,438 |
20,652 |
18,354 |
21,382 |
81,494 |
Average copper grade (%) |
|
1.12 |
1.33 |
1.20 |
1.45 |
1.49 |
1.27 |
Mill production (metals in concentrates): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) |
|
195.5 |
235.6 |
205.5 |
215.7 |
270.6 |
852.4 |
Contained gold ('000 ounces) |
|
29 |
27 |
22 |
13 |
21 |
90 |
Contained silver ('000 ounces) |
|
1,326 |
1,439 |
1,159 |
958 |
1,355 |
4,883 |
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
67.1 |
62.3 |
75.3 |
80.5 |
83.5 |
285.2 |
Refined production from leach plants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) |
|
75.8 |
81.5 |
69.3 |
75.0 |
77.3 |
301.5 |
(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) |
|
10,617 |
9,368 |
12,488 |
11,512 |
17,199 |
43,985 |
Average mill head grades: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (%) |
|
0.73 |
0.73 |
0.88 |
0.79 |
0.62 |
0.79 |
Gold (g/t) |
|
0.79 |
0.65 |
1.28 |
1.14 |
0.57 |
0.99 |
Silver (g/t) |
|
3.34 |
3.08 |
3.90 |
3.37 |
1.70 |
3.45 |
Production of metals in concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
67.5 |
58.7 |
97.7 |
82.3 |
89.9 |
306.3 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
215 |
147 |
439 |
366 |
235 |
1,167 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
558 |
499 |
913 |
771 |
518 |
2,740 |
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
50.6 |
54.3 |
120.0 |
83.9 |
84.2 |
308.7 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
163 |
136 |
505 |
366 |
229 |
1,170 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
334 |
367 |
889 |
623 |
392 |
2,213 |
(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 1Q 2015 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 1Q 2015 until the release of its 2015 first-quarter results on 23 April 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 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER & GOLD (continued) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kennecott Utah Copper |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barneys Canyon mine (a) |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utah, US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold produced ('000 ounces) |
|
0.0 |
0.4 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.4 |
Bingham Canyon mine |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utah, US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) |
|
11,916 |
10,480 |
12,184 |
6,404 |
9,819 |
40,984 |
Average ore grade: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (%) |
|
0.65 |
0.65 |
0.49 |
0.37 |
0.31 |
0.56 |
Gold (g/t) |
|
0.25 |
0.33 |
0.33 |
0.26 |
0.21 |
0.30 |
Silver (g/t) |
|
2.62 |
3.26 |
3.01 |
2.22 |
2.22 |
2.83 |
Molybdenum (%) |
|
0.029 |
0.044 |
0.069 |
0.060 |
0.041 |
0.050 |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) |
|
299 |
225 |
193 |
82 |
133 |
799 |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) |
|
23.1 |
27.5 |
27.2 |
24.8 |
19.9 |
25.5 |
Production of metals in copper concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) |
|
69.2 |
61.9 |
52.8 |
20.5 |
26.6 |
204.3 |
Gold ('000 ounces) |
|
63 |
77 |
87 |
33 |
45 |
260 |
Silver ('000 ounces) |
|
744 |
864 |
970 |
356 |
486 |
2,935 |
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): |
|
1.9 |
4.6 |
10.5 |
4.9 |
5.2 |
21.9 |
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
0.9 |
2.5 |
5.6 |
2.6 |
2.7 |
11.5 |
(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) |
|
273 |
309 |
205 |
122 |
148 |
908 |
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
57.4 |
71.7 |
50.2 |
24.9 |
35.1 |
204.2 |
Production of refined metal: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper ('000 tonnes) |
|
53.1 |
70.1 |
62.7 |
18.3 |
45.0 |
204.1 |
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) |
|
62.0 |
59.8 |
79.3 |
51.1 |
62.2 |
252.2 |
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) |
|
598 |
818 |
759 |
636 |
698 |
2,811 |
(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER & GOLD (continued) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turquoise Hill Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) |
33.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mongolia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) |
|
5,560 |
7,778 |
7,029 |
7,505 |
7,512 |
27,872 |
Average mill head grades: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (%) |
|
0.52 |
0.53 |
0.59 |
0.74 |
0.52 |
0.60 |
Gold (g/t) |
|
0.49 |
0.60 |
0.80 |
1.46 |
0.48 |
0.86 |
Silver (g/t) |
|
1.52 |
1.57 |
1.64 |
1.65 |
1.16 |
1.60 |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) |
|
102.9 |
140.0 |
134.1 |
186.7 |
130.9 |
563.6 |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) |
|
24.6 |
25.8 |
27.3 |
26.9 |
25.7 |
26.3 |
Production of metals in concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
25.3 |
36.2 |
36.6 |
50.3 |
33.6 |
148.4 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
65.6 |
113.0 |
132.0 |
278.2 |
85.6 |
588.7 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
163 |
229 |
216 |
286 |
184 |
893 |
Sales of metals in concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
13.1 |
51.6 |
53.6 |
67.6 |
42.1 |
185.8 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
28 |
126 |
144 |
263 |
200 |
561 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
78 |
309 |
323 |
383 |
219 |
1,093 |
(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources.
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIAMONDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Argyle Diamonds |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) |
|
724 |
712 |
876 |
688 |
1,178 |
2,999 |
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) |
|
2,461 |
2,459 |
2,455 |
1,813 |
3,217 |
9,188 |
Diavik Diamonds |
60.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Northwest Territories, Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) |
|
587 |
617 |
560 |
512 |
476 |
2,277 |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) |
|
1,865 |
2,150 |
1,673 |
1,545 |
1,498 |
7,233 |
Murowa Diamonds |
77.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zimbabwe |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) |
|
142 |
135 |
153 |
160 |
117 |
590 |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) |
|
89 |
107 |
116 |
130 |
51 |
442 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IRON ORE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Iron Ore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hamersley mines |
(a) |
36,345 |
39,742 |
41,837 |
45,239 |
42,177 |
163,163 |
Hamersley - Channar |
60.0% |
2,737 |
2,737 |
2,938 |
2,502 |
2,145 |
10,913 |
Hope Downs |
50.0% |
9,559 |
10,187 |
11,292 |
11,677 |
11,358 |
42,715 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) |
53.0% |
8,168 |
8,547 |
9,144 |
8,677 |
7,585 |
34,535 |
Robe River - West Angelas |
53.0% |
6,564 |
7,845 |
7,657 |
7,198 |
7,810 |
29,264 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) |
|
63,373 |
69,057 |
72,868 |
75,292 |
71,075 |
280,590 |
Breakdown of total production: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
17,031 |
18,688 |
19,416 |
20,298 |
20,231 |
75,433 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
24,795 |
28,397 |
30,711 |
31,213 |
30,641 |
115,115 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
2,666 |
2,863 |
3,051 |
3,002 |
2,796 |
11,582 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
5,502 |
5,684 |
6,093 |
5,675 |
4,789 |
22,953 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
13,379 |
13,425 |
13,597 |
15,105 |
12,618 |
55,507 |
Breakdown of total sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
14,971 |
16,246 |
17,378 |
17,295 |
16,832 |
65,889 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
27,821 |
32,871 |
33,380 |
37,370 |
32,904 |
131,441 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
2,264 |
2,764 |
2,651 |
2,708 |
2,373 |
10,387 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
5,431 |
6,247 |
6,124 |
6,514 |
4,845 |
24,317 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
13,732 |
13,712 |
14,198 |
14,628 |
12,336 |
56,270 |
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) |
|
64,219 |
71,841 |
73,731 |
78,515 |
69,290 |
288,305 |
(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) |
|
1,071 |
1,924 |
1,593 |
1,439 |
1,370 |
6,026 |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,934 |
2,104 |
2,322 |
2,388 |
2,223 |
8,748 |
Sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
633 |
1,904 |
2,288 |
1,246 |
711 |
6,071 |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,876 |
1,931 |
1,996 |
2,402 |
2,490 |
8,204 |
Global Iron Ore Totals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
66,377 |
73,085 |
76,784 |
79,119 |
74,667 |
295,365 |
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
66,728 |
75,675 |
78,014 |
82,163 |
72,491 |
302,580 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
1Q
2014 |
2Q
2014 |
3Q
2014 |
4Q
2014 |
1Q
2015 |
Full Year
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SALT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dampier Salt |
68.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salt production ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,320 |
2,616 |
2,293 |
2,709 |
2,074 |
9,938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada and South Africa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Rio Tinto share) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 tonnes) |
|
389 |
372 |
365 |
316 |
322 |
1,443 |
(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) |
|
0 |
0 |
1,247 |
1,322 |
1,078 |
2,569 |
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.
|
Rössing Uranium Ltd |
68.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Namibia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) |
|
939 |
664 |
896 |
902 |
397 |
3,401 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
