Rio Tinto releases third quarter production results
17 October 2017
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "The business performed very well in the September quarter, with a strong quarterly production performance and a wave of productivity improvements embedded through our operations. In particular, we are making good progress with further improvements to our world-class Pilbara iron ore business, including the opening of the Silvergrass mine and the implementation of AutoHaul™. We continue to shape our asset portfolio and announced $2.5 billion of additional returns to shareholders from the proceeds of the Coal & Allied sale, demonstrating the robustness of our strategy and ability to invest in high-value growth whilst returning excess cash to shareholders. We have announced over $8 billion of cash returns in 2017. Our relentless focus on cash generation and disciplined capital allocation will continue to deliver superior returns for our shareholders."
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|
Q3 2017 |
vs Q3 2016 |
vs Q2 2017 |
9 mths 2017 |
vs 9 mths 2016 |
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) |
Mt |
85.8 |
+6% |
+11% |
240.2 |
+0% |
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) |
Mt |
85.0 |
+2% |
+6% |
241.9 |
-1% |
Bauxite |
kt |
12,867 |
+4% |
+0% |
37,034 |
+4% |
Aluminium |
kt |
887 |
-3% |
-0% |
2,664 |
-1% |
Mined copper |
kt |
120.6 |
-3% |
-3% |
329.5 |
-15% |
Hard coking coal |
kt |
2,244 |
+3% |
+44% |
5,382 |
-10% |
Titanium dioxide slag |
kt |
327 |
+23% |
+4% |
975 |
+30% |
IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate |
Mt |
3.2 |
+8% |
+18% |
8.4 |
+7% |
Key points |
· Pilbara iron ore shipments were 85.8 million tonnes in the third quarter (100 per cent basis), assisted by improved rail capacity and performance. This was six per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016, which was impacted by shiploader maintenance. · Quarterly bauxite production was 12.9 million tonnes for a second consecutive quarter, four per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016, driven by strong performances at Gove and Weipa. Third party shipments for the third quarter were 8.2 million tonnes. Bauxite production guidance is revised to between 50 and 51 million tonnes (previously 48 to 50 million tonnes). · Mined copper production was three per cent lower than the corresponding quarter of 2016 due to lower copper head grades at Rio Tinto Kennecott and Oyu Tolgoi. · Mined copper guidance is revised to between 460 and 480 thousand tonnes (previously 500 to 550 thousand tonnes) following the third quarter impact of the delayed ramp-up of the Escondida expansion, and fourth quarter mine sequencing changes at Rio Tinto Kennecott. · Titanium dioxide slag production increased by 23 per cent compared to the third quarter of 2016, reflecting higher market demand. · As announced on 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied to Yancoal Australia for total consideration of $2.69 billion. · On 21 September 2017, Rio Tinto announced a new $2.5 billion share buy-back, comprised of a A$700 million (approximately $560 million) off-market buy-back tender in Rio Tinto Limited shares, and an additional $1.9 billion of on-market purchases of Rio Tinto plc shares. · In early October, a serious incident at the Rio Tinto Kennecott smelter resulted in a fatality. Investigations are currently underway. |
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All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated. To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2016 is excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2017 remain in comparisons.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
|
Q3 2017 |
vs Q3 2016 |
vs Q2 2017 |
9 mths 2017 |
vs 9 mths 2016 |
Pilbara Blend Lump |
20.7 |
+4% |
+5% |
59.7 |
+4% |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
30.1 |
+2% |
+7% |
85.2 |
-2% |
Robe Valley Lump |
1.6 |
+6% |
+8% |
4.5 |
-0% |
Robe Valley Fines |
2.9 |
+6% |
+30% |
7.5 |
-11% |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
14.5 |
-2% |
+7% |
41.6 |
-3% |
Total Pilbara production |
69.7 |
|
|
198.4 |
|
Total Pilbara production (100% basis) |
85.0 |
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|
241.9 |
|
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 241.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 198.4 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2017, one per cent lower than the same period of 2016, mainly due to weather disruptions in the first half of the year. Third quarter production of 85.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 69.7 million tonnes) was two per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 and six per cent higher than the previous quarter, reflecting productivity enhancement projects across most sites.
Year-to-date sales of 240.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 197.2 million tonnes) were in line with the same period of 2016. Strong third quarter sales of 85.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 70.0 million tonnes) were assisted by improved rail capacity and performance. This was six per cent higher than the same period of last year, which was impacted by shiploader maintenance, and 11 per cent higher than the previous quarter.
Approximately 18 per cent of sales in the quarter were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market.
Approximately 65 per cent of sales in the quarter were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Pilbara projects
Silvergrass mine was officially opened on 30 August this year by the Premier of Western Australia. Commissioning of the conveyor system will commence in October and remains on target for completion in the fourth quarter of this year. Silvergrass will ramp up to capacity in 2018.
The automation of the Pilbara train system (AutoHaul™) is continuing to progress well, with the successful completion of the first autonomous train, without on-board supervision, on the mainline between Tom Price and Paraburdoo (~100km). More than 50 per cent of all train kilometres are now completed in autonomous mode with drivers on-board for supervision. Operational improvements from AutoHaul™ are already being realised including reduced variability and increased speed across the network, helping to reduce average cycle times. The project is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2018.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected Pilbara shipments in 2017, subject to weather, remain unchanged at around 330 million tonnes on a 100 per cent basis.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
|
Q3 2017 |
vs Q3 2016 |
vs Q2 2017 |
9 mths 2017 |
vs 9 mths 2016 |
Rio Tinto Aluminium |
|
|
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Bauxite |
12,867 |
+4% |
+0% |
37,034 |
+4% |
Alumina |
1,984 |
+0% |
-2% |
6,055 |
-1% |
Aluminium |
887 |
-3% |
-0% |
2,664 |
-1% |
Production from Lochaber in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 12.9 million tonnes was four per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 following strong quarterly production performances at both Gove and Weipa. Gove production was 11 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2016 due to a planned production ramp-up associated with continued de-bottlenecking of capacity, whilst production at Weipa was up three per cent.
The production performance enabled the Group to achieve quarterly shipments of 8.2 million tonnes of bauxite to third parties in the third quarter, two per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016.
Amrun
The Amrun project is advancing to plan with key construction activities continuing, including installation of the first three wharf modules and fabrication and transportation to site of the process plant beneficiation modules. The project remains on schedule for first shipment in the first half of 2019.
Alumina
Alumina production for the quarter was in line with the third quarter of 2016. A strong performance at the Yarwun refinery was offset by reduced production at the Queensland Alumina refinery due to the timing of major maintenance.
Aluminium
Quarterly aluminium production was three per cent lower than the third quarter of last year. Strong operational performances were achieved across most sites, reflecting process improvements that have been embedded throughout the business. This was offset by production curtailment at the Boyne smelter due to higher power prices in Queensland and by lower production at the non-managed Sohar smelter due to a power interruption incident on 4 August that led to the cessation of operations. The gradual re-start of operations commenced on 15 September.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017 is revised to between 50 and 51 million tonnes of bauxite (previously 48 to 50 million tonnes), but otherwise remains unchanged at 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina and 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes of aluminium.
COPPER & DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
|
Q3 2017 |
vs Q3 2016 |
vs Q2 2017 |
9 mths 2017 |
vs 9 mths 2016 |
Mined copper |
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Kennecott |
25.8 |
-29% |
-41% |
114.0 |
+6% |
Escondida |
82.5 |
+14% |
+21% |
177.9 |
-23% |
Grasberg |
0.0 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
N/A |
Oyu Tolgoi |
12.4 |
-21% |
-1% |
37.6 |
-28% |
|
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|
|
Refined copper |
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Kennecott |
53.6 |
+37% |
+164% |
103.7 |
+16% |
Escondida |
21.6 |
+2% |
+15% |
48.6 |
-33% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diamonds ('000 carats) |
|
|
|
|
|
Argyle |
4,757 |
+36% |
+48% |
10,988 |
+6% |
Diavik |
1,177 |
+27% |
+5% |
3,432 |
+14% |
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production in the third quarter of 2017 was 29 per cent lower than the corresponding period of 2016, as operations entered an anticipated area of lower grade. Refined copper production of 53.6 thousand tonnes was significantly higher than the third quarter of 2016, due to the consumption of concentrate which was built up during the planned 27 day smelter shutdown which occurred during May.
To optimise smelter utilisation, Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party concentrate, with 115.6 thousand tonnes received for processing in the first nine months of 2017. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures.
The pushback of the south wall progressed during the quarter. It will extend the life of mine beyond 2019 and remains on track for completion in 2020.
Refinement of the mine plan will result in lower than expected copper grades in the fourth quarter, leading to a reduction in estimates for mined copper. The higher grade material is expected to be accessed in 2018.
In early October, a serious incident at the Rio Tinto Kennecott smelter resulted in a fatality. A full investigation will be completed before production and shipments resume.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida was 14 per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016, reflecting the full utilisation of the OPG1 concentrator. The return of operations to normal production levels following the labour union strike resulted in mined and refined copper being up 21 per cent and 15 per cent respectively compared to the previous quarter. As a consequence of the strike action in the first quarter of 2017, the commissioning of the Los Colorados Extension was delayed, which has impacted Rio Tinto's share of production in the third quarter.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for the quarter was, as anticipated, significantly lower than the same period in 2016 due to lower head grades and the drawdown of stockpiles. This is despite the operation achieving a 16 per cent increase in mill throughput compared to the third quarter of 2016.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
New contractors continue to mobilise and the project workforce is now almost 3,000 on site, 89 per cent of whom are Mongolian nationals. Key project activities, including the sinking of shaft #2 and shaft #5, underground mine development and the conveyor to surface decline continue to progress. The first two buildings of the accommodation camp will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. Construction of the first draw bell is still expected in mid-2020.
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to the cash flow associated with 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
On 12 January 2017, the Government of Indonesia issued new mining regulations to address exports of unrefined metals, including copper concentrates, and other matters related to the mining sector. These regulations impact PT Freeport Indonesia's ('PT-FI') operating rights, including its right to continue to export concentrate without restriction, and, as a result, have a significant impact on Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017. Rio Tinto's full participation beyond 2021 is likely to be delayed due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement between Rio Tinto and PT-FI.
In April 2017, Freeport reached agreement with the Indonesian government to resume concentrate exports (which had been suspended) for a six month period expiring in October 2017. A further three month permit extension to January 2018 was granted by the government in October 2017. During this period, Freeport will continue to negotiate the new operating licenses and investment stability agreement. Discussions are continuing between Freeport and the Indonesian government to reach a mutually satisfactory longer-term agreement.
Rio Tinto is reporting its metal share for the third quarter as zero.
Diamonds
At Argyle, quarterly carat production was 36 per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 due to the processing of higher grade alluvial tailings.
At Diavik, carats recovered in the third quarter of 2017 were 27 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2016 due to higher recovered grades. Development of the A21 pipe remains on schedule.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of mined copper production for 2017 is revised to between 460 and 480 thousand tonnes (previously 500 to 550 thousand tonnes) after assessing the impact of the delayed ramp-up of the Los Colorados Extension project at Escondida and the impact of mine sequencing changes at Rio Tinto Kennecott. Refined copper production guidance remains unchanged at 185 to 225 thousand tonnes, subject to the impact of the investigation at the Rio Tinto Kennecott smelter.
Diamond production guidance for 2017 has been revised to between 19 and 22 million carats (previously 19 to 24 million carats).
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
|
Q3 2017 |
vs Q3 2016 |
vs Q2 2017 |
9 mths 2017 |
vs 9 mths 2016 |
Coal |
|
|
|
|
|
Hard coking coal |
2,244 |
+3% |
+44% |
5,382 |
-10% |
Semi-soft coking coal (a) |
445 |
-58% |
-28% |
2,020 |
-36% |
Thermal coal (a) |
3,791 |
-13% |
-23% |
12,967 |
+4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
IOC |
3.2 |
+8% |
+18% |
8.4 |
+7% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minerals ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Borates - B2O3 content |
140 |
+6% |
+5% |
396 |
+4% |
Salt |
1,227 |
-1% |
-17% |
3,555 |
-6% |
Titanium dioxide slag |
327 |
+23% |
+4% |
975 |
+30% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uranium ('000 lbs) |
|
|
|
|
|
Energy Resources of Australia |
962 |
-4% |
+42% |
2,539 |
-4% |
Rössing |
757 |
+20% |
-12% |
2,290 |
+14% |
Production from Bengalla in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.
(a) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. Production from these mines is reported here until 1 September 2017.
Coal
Hard coking coal production in the quarter was three per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 and significantly higher than the previous quarter as operations normalised at Hail Creek following the impact of Cyclone Debbie earlier in the year.
As announced on 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied to Yancoal Australia for total consideration of $2.69 billion, which included Coal & Allied's interests in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines. The sale resulted in semi-soft coking coal and thermal coal production being lower than the previous quarter by 28 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. The sale, coupled with mine production sequencing changes at Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth, led to a 58 per cent reduction in semi-soft coking coal production compared to the third quarter of 2016.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC pellet production of 2.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.7 million tonnes) was eight per cent higher than the same quarter of 2016 and 24 per cent higher than the previous quarter, with pellet demand continuing to be strong and product mix being optimised to meet customer demand. Concentrate production for sale of 2.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.4 million tonnes) was nine per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 and 12 per cent higher than the previous quarter, reflecting improved asset reliability along with higher recovery.
Borates
Borates production in the third quarter was six per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2016, with production aligned to market demand.
Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production in the third quarter was 23 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in 2016, reflecting improved market demand. One of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) remains idle, along with one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals. RTFT expects to operate eight furnaces for the remainder of the year, compared with seven in 2016.
Salt
Salt production in the third quarter was marginally lower than the same period in 2016.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing stockpiles. Third quarter production in 2017 was four per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2016.
Production at Rössing was 20 per cent higher than the third quarter in 2016 due to higher grades and mill throughput.
2017 guidance
Following the divestment of Coal & Allied, guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2017 production is revised to 13 to 14 million tonnes of thermal coal (previously 17 to 18 million tonnes) and 2.0 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal (previously 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes). Otherwise, guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2017 production is unchanged at 7.2 to 7.8 million tonnes of hard coking coal, 11.4 to 12.4 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent production, 1.2 to 1.3 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, and 6.5 to 7.5 million pounds of uranium.
CORPORATE
On 21 September 2017, Rio Tinto announced a new $2.5 billion share buy-back, returning the proceeds of the sale of Coal & Allied to its shareholders. The buy-back is to be executed through a combination of an off-market buy-back tender, targeting approximately A$700 million (approximately $560 million) of Rio Tinto Limited shares, with the balance of approximately $1.9 billion of additional funds being allocated to Rio Tinto's existing on-market purchase of Rio Tinto plc shares. The off-market buy-back of Rio Tinto Limited shares is expected to be undertaken in the fourth quarter of 2017, with the on-market buy-back of Rio Tinto plc shares expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
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 2017 was $297 million, compared with $379 million in the first nine months of 2016. Approximately 49 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 30 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, 11 per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the third quarter of 2017.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 15 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi and Weipa.
A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:
Product Group |
Evaluation projects |
Advanced projects |
Greenfield programmes |
Aluminium |
Cape York, Australia |
Amargosa, Brazil |
Australia, Laos |
Copper & Diamonds |
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper: La Granja, Peru Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Nickel: Tamarack, US Diamonds: Fort a la Corne, Canada |
Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia Nickel: Australia, Canada Diamonds: Canada |
Energy & Minerals |
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea Uranium: Roughrider, Canada |
Potash: KP405, Canada |
Uranium: Canada Heavy mineral sands: Tanzania |
Iron Ore |
Pilbara, Australia |
Pilbara, Australia |
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Forward-looking statements
This announcement may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's production forecast or guidance, financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products and reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. The words "intend", "aim", "project", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "believes", "expects", "may", "should", "will", "target", "set to", "assumes" or similar expressions, commonly identify such forward looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual production, performance or results of Rio Tinto to be materially different from any future production, performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements could be influenced by such risk factors as identified in Rio Tinto's most recent Annual Report and Accounts in Australia and the United Kingdom and the most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form 6-Ks furnished to, or filed with, the SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Rio Tinto's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.
Contacts
[email protected]
www.riotinto.com
Follow @riotinto on Twitter
Media RelationsIlltud 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 Nick Parkinson T +44 20 7781 1552 M +44 7810 657 556 |
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 |
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Rio Tinto plc6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England No. 719885 |
Rio Tinto LimitedLevel 7, 360 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 |
Rio Tinto production summary |
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Rio Tinto share of production |
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Quarter |
|
9 Months |
|
% Change |
|
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2016
Q3 |
2017
Q2 |
2017
Q3 |
|
2016
9 MTHS |
2017
9 MTHS |
|
Q3 17
vs
Q3 16 |
Q3 17
vs
Q2 17 |
9 MTHS 17
vs
9 MTHS 16 |
Principal Commodities |
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Alumina |
('000 t) |
1,981 |
2,024 |
1,984 |
|
6,088 |
6,055 |
|
0% |
-2% |
-1% |
Aluminium |
('000 t) |
911 |
888 |
887 |
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2,685 |
2,664 |
|
-3% |
0% |
-1% |
Bauxite |
('000 t) |
12,422 |
12,865 |
12,867 |
|
35,583 |
37,034 |
|
4% |
0% |
4% |
Borates |
('000 t) |
132 |
133 |
140 |
|
382 |
396 |
|
6% |
5% |
4% |
Coal - hard coking |
('000 t) |
2,175 |
1,555 |
2,244 |
|
5,954 |
5,382 |
|
3% |
44% |
-10% |
Coal - semi-soft coking |
('000 t) |
1,066 |
616 |
445 |
|
3,133 |
2,020 |
|
-58% |
-28% |
-36% |
Coal - thermal |
('000 t) |
4,346 |
4,954 |
3,791 |
|
12,473 |
12,967 |
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-13% |
-23% |
4% |
Copper - mined |
('000 t) |
124.4 |
124.7 |
120.6 |
|
389.6 |
329.5 |
|
-3% |
-3% |
-15% |
Copper - refined |
('000 t) |
60.2 |
39.1 |
75.2 |
|
161.7 |
152.3 |
|
25% |
92% |
-6% |
Diamonds |
('000 cts) |
4,420 |
4,335 |
5,933 |
|
13,379 |
14,420 |
|
34% |
37% |
8% |
Iron Ore |
('000 t) |
71,431 |
67,699 |
72,903 |
|
207,688 |
206,828 |
|
2% |
8% |
0% |
Titanium dioxide slag |
('000 t) |
267 |
316 |
327 |
|
748 |
975 |
|
23% |
4% |
30% |
Uranium |
('000 lbs) |
1,633 |
1,538 |
1,718 |
|
4,653 |
4,829 |
|
5% |
12% |
4% |
Other Metals & Minerals |
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Gold - mined |
('000 oz) |
62.3 |
72.5 |
59.1 |
|
208.4 |
197.5 |
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-5% |
-18% |
-5% |
Gold - refined |
('000 oz) |
29.7 |
43.0 |
54.1 |
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94.9 |
148.3 |
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82% |
26% |
56% |
Molybdenum |
('000 t) |
0.8 |
0.8 |
1.4 |
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1.1 |
3.0 |
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78% |
85% |
181% |
Salt |
('000 t) |
1,240 |
1,476 |
1,227 |
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3,794 |
3,555 |
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-1% |
-17% |
-6% |
Silver - mined |
('000 oz) |
1,011 |
1,118 |
959 |
|
2,971 |
3,022 |
|
-5% |
-14% |
2% |
Silver - refined |
('000 oz) |
415 |
729 |
731 |
|
1,350 |
1,861 |
|
76% |
0% |
38% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) |
100% |
355 |
367 |
367 |
365 |
351 |
1,085 |
1,083 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant |
100% |
29 |
31 |
31 |
32 |
30 |
84 |
93 |
Queensland Alumina |
80% |
758 |
789 |
739 |
756 |
720 |
2,289 |
2,216 |
São Luis (Alumar) |
10% |
92 |
96 |
89 |
93 |
94 |
275 |
276 |
Yarwun |
100% |
747 |
821 |
819 |
778 |
790 |
2,355 |
2,387 |
Rio Tinto total alumina production |
|
1,981 |
2,104 |
2,047 |
2,024 |
1,984 |
6,088 |
6,055 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINIUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia - Bell Bay |
100% |
46 |
47 |
45 |
47 |
48 |
135 |
140 |
Australia - Boyne Island |
59% |
87 |
87 |
80 |
73 |
74 |
259 |
228 |
Australia - Tomago |
52% |
77 |
77 |
75 |
76 |
77 |
227 |
228 |
Canada - six wholly owned |
100% |
404 |
405 |
394 |
397 |
401 |
1,177 |
1,192 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) |
40% |
61 |
61 |
60 |
60 |
60 |
182 |
179 |
Canada - Bécancour |
25% |
29 |
28 |
28 |
26 |
28 |
84 |
83 |
France - Dunkerque |
100% |
71 |
71 |
70 |
71 |
71 |
208 |
212 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) |
100% |
51 |
52 |
52 |
53 |
53 |
153 |
158 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point |
79% |
68 |
68 |
66 |
67 |
67 |
201 |
200 |
Oman - Sohar |
20% |
19 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
7 |
58 |
45 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production |
|
911 |
915 |
889 |
888 |
887 |
2,685 |
2,664 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BAUXITE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gove |
100% |
2,521 |
2,169 |
2,388 |
2,780 |
2,809 |
6,921 |
7,977 |
Porto Trombetas |
12% |
533 |
516 |
357 |
489 |
492 |
1,460 |
1,338 |
Sangaredi |
(b) |
1,726 |
1,735 |
1,665 |
1,791 |
1,670 |
5,475 |
5,125 |
Weipa |
100% |
7,642 |
7,700 |
6,893 |
7,805 |
7,895 |
21,726 |
22,594 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production |
12,422 |
12,120 |
11,303 |
12,865 |
12,867 |
35,583 |
37,034 |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BORATES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Borates - borates |
100% |
132 |
121 |
123 |
133 |
140 |
382 |
396 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL - hard coking |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hail Creek Coal (c) |
82% |
1,248 |
1,205 |
930 |
822 |
1,276 |
3,674 |
3,028 |
Kestrel Coal (c) |
80% |
926 |
981 |
653 |
733 |
968 |
2,280 |
2,354 |
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production |
2,175 |
2,187 |
1,583 |
1,555 |
2,244 |
5,954 |
5,382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL - semi-soft coking |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hunter Valley (d) |
0% |
842 |
581 |
541 |
192 |
301 |
1,959 |
1,034 |
Mount Thorley (d) |
0% |
150 |
283 |
269 |
311 |
119 |
844 |
700 |
Warkworth (d) |
0% |
75 |
106 |
149 |
112 |
25 |
331 |
286 |
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production |
1,066 |
969 |
959 |
616 |
445 |
3,133 |
2,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL - thermal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hail Creek Coal (c) |
82% |
787 |
746 |
874 |
881 |
851 |
2,343 |
2,605 |
Hunter Valley (d) |
0% |
1,596 |
1,724 |
1,927 |
2,393 |
1,428 |
5,058 |
5,747 |
Kestrel Coal (c) |
80% |
225 |
217 |
127 |
141 |
226 |
460 |
494 |
Mount Thorley (d) |
0% |
606 |
828 |
450 |
597 |
562 |
1,407 |
1,609 |
Warkworth (d) |
0% |
1,131 |
739 |
845 |
943 |
725 |
3,205 |
2,512 |
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production |
|
4,346 |
4,254 |
4,222 |
4,954 |
3,791 |
12,473 |
12,967 |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
36.2 |
45.1 |
44.3 |
44.0 |
25.8 |
107.6 |
114.0 |
Escondida |
30% |
72.6 |
73.4 |
27.2 |
68.3 |
82.5 |
229.7 |
177.9 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) |
40% |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) |
34% |
15.6 |
15.2 |
12.8 |
12.5 |
12.4 |
52.2 |
37.6 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
|
124.4 |
133.8 |
84.2 |
124.7 |
120.6 |
389.6 |
329.5 |
Refined production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Escondida |
30% |
21.2 |
21.5 |
8.2 |
18.8 |
21.6 |
72.2 |
48.6 |
Rio Tinto Kennecott |
100% |
39.1 |
67.0 |
29.8 |
20.3 |
53.6 |
89.5 |
103.7 |
Rio Tinto total refined production |
60.2 |
88.4 |
38.0 |
39.1 |
75.2 |
161.7 |
152.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIAMONDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 carats) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Argyle |
100% |
3,493 |
3,584 |
3,016 |
3,216 |
4,757 |
10,374 |
10,988 |
Diavik |
60% |
927 |
989 |
1,136 |
1,119 |
1,177 |
3,005 |
3,432 |
Rio Tinto total diamond production |
|
4,420 |
4,574 |
4,152 |
4,335 |
5,933 |
13,379 |
14,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GOLD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
41.5 |
57.2 |
54.1 |
54.3 |
33.6 |
95.9 |
142.1 |
Escondida |
30% |
8.3 |
11.3 |
3.4 |
10.2 |
15.2 |
28.5 |
28.8 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) |
40% |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) |
34% |
12.5 |
16.6 |
8.3 |
8.0 |
10.4 |
84.0 |
26.7 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
|
62.3 |
85.1 |
65.8 |
72.5 |
59.1 |
208.4 |
197.5 |
Refined production ('000 ounces) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Kennecott |
100% |
29.7 |
40.6 |
51.1 |
43.0 |
54.1 |
94.9 |
148.3 |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IRON ORE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hamersley mines |
(g) |
52,302 |
54,848 |
48,664 |
48,674 |
52,921 |
151,054 |
150,259 |
Hamersley - Channar |
60% |
1,764 |
1,119 |
1,635 |
1,903 |
1,596 |
4,719 |
5,134 |
Hope Downs |
50% |
5,888 |
5,794 |
5,218 |
6,287 |
5,978 |
17,711 |
17,483 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada |
59% |
2,925 |
2,743 |
2,579 |
2,683 |
3,171 |
7,918 |
8,433 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) |
53% |
4,208 |
4,493 |
3,809 |
3,676 |
4,461 |
12,879 |
11,946 |
Robe River - West Angelas |
53% |
4,344 |
4,636 |
4,322 |
4,475 |
4,776 |
13,407 |
13,573 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
|
71,431 |
73,633 |
66,226 |
67,699 |
72,903 |
207,688 |
206,828 |
Breakdown of Production: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
19,957 |
20,443 |
19,207 |
19,780 |
20,700 |
57,317 |
59,687 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
29,591 |
30,795 |
27,026 |
28,049 |
30,113 |
86,765 |
85,187 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
1,484 |
1,625 |
1,453 |
1,459 |
1,570 |
4,497 |
4,482 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
2,725 |
2,868 |
2,357 |
2,217 |
2,891 |
8,382 |
7,465 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
14,750 |
15,159 |
13,605 |
13,512 |
14,458 |
42,809 |
41,575 |
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
|
68,506 |
70,890 |
63,647 |
65,016 |
69,732 |
199,770 |
198,395 |
IOC Concentrate |
|
1,334 |
1,124 |
1,109 |
1,299 |
1,450 |
3,783 |
3,858 |
IOC Pellets |
|
1,591 |
1,618 |
1,470 |
1,384 |
1,722 |
4,135 |
4,576 |
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,925 |
2,743 |
2,579 |
2,683 |
3,171 |
7,918 |
8,433 |
Breakdown of Sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
17,014 |
18,071 |
16,033 |
18,218 |
18,044 |
49,858 |
52,295 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
30,132 |
34,842 |
30,497 |
28,779 |
32,421 |
91,679 |
91,697 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
1,346 |
1,502 |
1,176 |
1,262 |
1,391 |
3,894 |
3,829 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
3,069 |
3,053 |
2,373 |
2,370 |
3,174 |
8,889 |
7,917 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
15,008 |
14,969 |
13,120 |
13,371 |
14,963 |
42,094 |
41,454 |
Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
66,569 |
72,437 |
63,199 |
64,000 |
69,993 |
196,414 |
197,191 |
IOC Concentrate |
|
1,281 |
1,148 |
1,193 |
939 |
1,362 |
3,751 |
3,494 |
IOC Pellets |
|
1,516 |
1,764 |
1,415 |
1,489 |
1,590 |
4,098 |
4,493 |
IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,797 |
2,912 |
2,608 |
2,428 |
2,952 |
7,849 |
7,987 |
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) |
69,366 |
75,350 |
65,806 |
66,428 |
72,944 |
204,263 |
205,179 |
Rio Tinto share of production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MOLYBDENUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
0.8 |
1.8 |
0.9 |
0.8 |
1.4 |
1.1 |
3.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SALT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dampier Salt |
68% |
1,240 |
1,386 |
852 |
1,476 |
1,227 |
3,794 |
3,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SILVER |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon |
100% |
522 |
751 |
711 |
669 |
357 |
1,193 |
1,737 |
Escondida |
30% |
369 |
397 |
163 |
370 |
521 |
1,394 |
1,054 |
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) |
40% |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (f) |
34% |
121 |
91 |
72 |
79 |
80 |
385 |
231 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
|
1,011 |
1,239 |
946 |
1,118 |
959 |
2,971 |
3,022 |
Refined production ('000 ounces) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Kennecott |
100% |
415 |
465 |
402 |
729 |
731 |
1,350 |
1,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (h) |
100% |
267 |
300 |
332 |
316 |
327 |
748 |
975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
URANIUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (i) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy Resources of Australia |
68% |
1,004 |
908 |
900 |
678 |
962 |
2,635 |
2,539 |
Rössing |
69% |
628 |
781 |
673 |
860 |
757 |
2,017 |
2,290 |
Rio Tinto total uranium production |
1,633 |
1,690 |
1,573 |
1,538 |
1,718 |
4,653 |
4,829 |
Production data notes: |
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
|
(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(d) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production from these assets is included to this date. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
|
(e) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. |
(f) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. |
(g) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. |
(h) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). |
(i) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U3O8. |
|
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 September 2017. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto's interest in the Lochaber aluminium smelter and Bengalla mine were sold in 2016. No data for these operations are included in the Share of production table. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland |
80.0% |
947 |
987 |
924 |
946 |
900 |
2,861 |
2,769 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland |
100.0% |
747 |
821 |
819 |
778 |
790 |
2,355 |
2,387 |
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
São Luis (Alumar) refinery |
10.0% |
916 |
957 |
895 |
931 |
937 |
2,750 |
2,763 |
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) |
100.0% |
355 |
367 |
367 |
365 |
351 |
1,085 |
1,083 |
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina. |
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec |
100.0% |
29 |
31 |
31 |
32 |
30 |
84 |
93 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALUMINIUM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primary Aluminium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania |
100.0% |
46 |
47 |
45 |
47 |
48 |
135 |
140 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland |
59.4% |
147 |
147 |
135 |
124 |
125 |
436 |
384 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales |
51.6% |
149 |
149 |
145 |
147 |
149 |
441 |
441 |
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alma smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
117 |
117 |
114 |
112 |
115 |
350 |
341 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec |
40.0% |
152 |
153 |
149 |
149 |
150 |
456 |
448 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
43 |
43 |
41 |
43 |
43 |
129 |
127 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
15 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
14 |
45 |
44 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec |
25.1% |
114 |
110 |
112 |
106 |
113 |
335 |
331 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
58 |
58 |
57 |
57 |
58 |
170 |
172 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia |
100.0% |
109 |
109 |
107 |
109 |
108 |
299 |
323 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec |
100.0% |
62 |
63 |
61 |
61 |
63 |
185 |
185 |
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dunkerque smelter |
100.0% |
71 |
71 |
70 |
71 |
71 |
208 |
212 |
Iceland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter |
100.0% |
51 |
52 |
52 |
53 |
53 |
153 |
158 |
New Zealand |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiwai Point smelter |
79.4% |
85 |
85 |
84 |
84 |
84 |
253 |
252 |
Oman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sohar smelter |
20.0% |
95 |
97 |
96 |
95 |
35 |
289 |
226 |
United Kingdom |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lochaber smelter (a) |
0.0% |
12 |
10 |
- |
- |
- |
36 |
- |
(a) On 16 December 2016, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100% interest in the Lochaber aluminium smelter. |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BAUXITE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gove mine - Northern Territory |
100.0% |
2,521 |
2,169 |
2,388 |
2,780 |
2,809 |
6,921 |
7,977 |
Weipa mine - Queensland |
100.0% |
7,642 |
7,700 |
6,893 |
7,805 |
7,895 |
21,726 |
22,594 |
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine |
12.0% |
4,441 |
4,296 |
2,974 |
4,071 |
4,103 |
12,166 |
11,148 |
Guinea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sangaredi mine (a) |
23.0% |
3,836 |
3,856 |
3,699 |
3,979 |
3,711 |
12,167 |
11,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) |
12,743 |
11,996 |
11,605 |
12,164 |
12,913 |
35,579 |
36,683 |
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) |
8,093 |
7,345 |
6,927 |
7,962 |
8,250 |
21,962 |
23,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(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 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BORATES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Borates - borates |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
132 |
121 |
123 |
133 |
140 |
382 |
396 |
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Coal Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bengalla mine (a) |
0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1,476 |
- |
Hail Creek Coal mine |
82.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Queensland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,522 |
1,470 |
1,134 |
1,002 |
1,556 |
4,480 |
3,692 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
960 |
910 |
1,065 |
1,074 |
1,037 |
2,857 |
3,177 |
Hunter Valley Operations (b) |
0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,245 |
859 |
800 |
284 |
445 |
2,861 |
1,529 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,361 |
2,550 |
2,851 |
3,539 |
2,112 |
7,375 |
8,502 |
Kestrel Coal mine |
80.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Queensland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,158 |
1,227 |
816 |
916 |
1,210 |
2,850 |
2,943 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
281 |
271 |
159 |
177 |
282 |
574 |
617 |
Mount Thorley Operations (b) |
0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
187 |
353 |
337 |
389 |
149 |
1,067 |
876 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
758 |
1,035 |
562 |
746 |
703 |
1,815 |
2,011 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COAL (continued) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warkworth mine (b) |
0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New South Wales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
135 |
190 |
268 |
202 |
44 |
620 |
514 |
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,035 |
1,330 |
1,520 |
1,696 |
1,305 |
5,895 |
4,521 |
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) |
2,680 |
2,697 |
1,950 |
1,918 |
2,766 |
7,331 |
6,635 |
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) |
1,567 |
1,402 |
1,405 |
875 |
639 |
4,547 |
2,919 |
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) |
6,395 |
6,096 |
6,156 |
7,232 |
5,439 |
19,993 |
18,827 |
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) |
|
10,642 |
10,196 |
9,512 |
10,026 |
8,844 |
31,871 |
28,382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
10,129 |
10,241 |
8,792 |
9,871 |
9,298 |
31,532 |
27,962 |
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) |
2,332 |
2,395 |
1,524 |
1,717 |
2,511 |
6,309 |
5,753 |
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) |
904 |
1,043 |
765 |
759 |
485 |
3,101 |
2,010 |
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) |
3,958 |
3,979 |
3,946 |
4,539 |
3,804 |
12,504 |
12,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 2016.
(b) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production from these assets is included to this date. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal. |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER & GOLD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Escondida |
30.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) |
20,787 |
19,866 |
8,054 |
18,777 |
24,080 |
64,881 |
50,911 |
Average copper grade (%) |
|
0.87 |
1.02 |
1.01 |
1.07 |
1.06 |
0.94 |
1.06 |
Mill production (metals in concentrates): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) |
|
153.2 |
168.6 |
67.7 |
167.0 |
204.1 |
510.6 |
438.8 |
Contained gold ('000 ounces) |
|
28 |
38 |
11 |
34 |
51 |
95 |
96 |
Contained silver ('000 ounces) |
|
1,229 |
1,323 |
543 |
1,234 |
1,737 |
4,648 |
3,514 |
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) |
88.9 |
76.4 |
22.8 |
60.7 |
70.8 |
255.0 |
154.3 |
Refined production from leach plants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) |
|
70.5 |
71.5 |
27.2 |
62.8 |
71.9 |
240.6 |
161.9 |
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad. |
Freeport-McMoRan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grasberg mine (a) |
0.0% (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Papua, Indonesia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) |
|
16,608 |
15,630 |
7,849 |
11,242 |
16,625 |
44,998 |
35,715 |
Average mill head grades: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (%) |
|
1.02 |
1.08 |
1.15 |
1.03 |
0.92 |
0.86 |
1.00 |
Gold (g/t) |
|
0.69 |
0.97 |
1.17 |
1.16 |
0.94 |
0.57 |
1.06 |
Silver (g/t) |
|
3.45 |
3.67 |
5.26 |
4.09 |
2.23 |
2.89 |
3.48 |
Production of metals in concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
153.8 |
153.1 |
81.0 |
103.9 |
139.6 |
346.2 |
324.5 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
310 |
409 |
248 |
358 |
420 |
685 |
1,025 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
1,170 |
1,237 |
667 |
900 |
709 |
2,558 |
2,276 |
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
153.7 |
140.6 |
61.7 |
124.6 |
131.1 |
337.4 |
317.4 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
307 |
374 |
183 |
429 |
394 |
681 |
1,007 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
928 |
907 |
404 |
851 |
532 |
2,001 |
1,787 |
(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 Q3 2017 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for Q3 2017 until the release of its 2017 third-quarter results on 25 October 2017.
(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 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER & GOLD (continued) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Kennecott |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bingham Canyon mine |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utah, US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) |
|
9,698 |
8,827 |
9,508 |
10,709 |
10,092 |
24,596 |
30,309 |
Average ore grade: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (%) |
|
0.41 |
0.56 |
0.51 |
0.47 |
0.29 |
0.48 |
0.42 |
Gold (g/t) |
|
0.25 |
0.31 |
0.32 |
0.29 |
0.18 |
0.21 |
0.26 |
Silver (g/t) |
|
2.56 |
3.33 |
3.24 |
2.66 |
1.51 |
2.09 |
2.46 |
Molybdenum (%) |
|
0.031 |
0.040 |
0.025 |
0.025 |
0.032 |
0.024 |
0.028 |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) |
154 |
190 |
189 |
205 |
148 |
458 |
542 |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) |
|
23.4 |
23.8 |
23.3 |
21.5 |
17.3 |
23.4 |
21.0 |
Production of metals in copper concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
36.2 |
45.1 |
44.3 |
44.0 |
25.8 |
107.6 |
114.0 |
Gold ('000 ounces) |
|
41 |
57 |
54 |
54 |
34 |
96 |
142 |
Silver ('000 ounces) |
|
522 |
751 |
711 |
669 |
357 |
1,193 |
1,737 |
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): |
1.6 |
3.4 |
1.7 |
1.5 |
2.8 |
2.2 |
6.0 |
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
0.8 |
1.8 |
0.9 |
0.8 |
1.4 |
1.1 |
3.0 |
|
Kennecott smelter & refinery |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) |
220 |
207 |
136 |
160 |
258 |
545 |
554 |
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) |
56.1 |
42.7 |
33.7 |
32.6 |
50.6 |
121.1 |
117.0 |
Production of refined metal: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper ('000 tonnes) |
|
39.1 |
67.0 |
29.8 |
20.3 |
53.6 |
89.5 |
103.7 |
Gold ('000 ounces) (c) |
|
29.7 |
40.6 |
51.1 |
43.0 |
54.1 |
94.9 |
148.3 |
Silver ('000 ounces) (c) |
|
415 |
465 |
402 |
729 |
731 |
1,350 |
1,861 |
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products. |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPPER & GOLD (continued) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turquoise Hill Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) |
33.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mongolia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) |
|
9,146 |
9,819 |
10,087 |
9,637 |
10,615 |
28,333 |
30,339 |
Average mill head grades: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (%) |
|
0.66 |
0.61 |
0.51 |
0.51 |
0.48 |
0.67 |
0.50 |
Gold (g/t) |
|
0.21 |
0.25 |
0.15 |
0.16 |
0.18 |
0.39 |
0.16 |
Silver (g/t) |
|
1.99 |
1.50 |
1.30 |
1.38 |
1.34 |
1.95 |
1.34 |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) |
203.2 |
206.7 |
176.0 |
171.0 |
170.0 |
639.8 |
517.0 |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) |
|
22.9 |
22.0 |
21.6 |
21.8 |
21.7 |
24.4 |
21.7 |
Production of metals in concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
46.6 |
45.5 |
38.1 |
37.2 |
36.9 |
155.9 |
112.1 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
37.4 |
49.4 |
24.8 |
23.9 |
30.9 |
250.6 |
79.5 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
361 |
273 |
215 |
236 |
239 |
1,147 |
689 |
Sales of metals in concentrates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
45.7 |
37.6 |
39.5 |
37.3 |
36.9 |
151.3 |
113.6 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
38 |
39 |
32 |
23 |
28 |
307 |
84 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
|
341 |
239 |
205 |
222 |
229 |
1,041 |
656 |
(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 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIAMONDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Argyle Diamonds |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,349 |
1,283 |
1,144 |
1,112 |
1,255 |
3,814 |
3,511 |
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) |
|
3,493 |
3,584 |
3,016 |
3,216 |
4,757 |
10,374 |
10,988 |
Diavik Diamonds |
60.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Northwest Territories, Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) |
|
582 |
539 |
531 |
556 |
578 |
1,675 |
1,664 |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) |
|
1,545 |
1,649 |
1,894 |
1,865 |
1,961 |
5,009 |
5,719 |
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IRON ORE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Iron Ore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hamersley mines |
(a) |
52,302 |
54,848 |
48,664 |
48,674 |
52,921 |
151,054 |
150,259 |
Hamersley - Channar |
60.0% |
2,941 |
1,866 |
2,725 |
3,172 |
2,661 |
7,866 |
8,557 |
Hope Downs |
50.0% |
11,775 |
11,588 |
10,435 |
12,575 |
11,956 |
35,422 |
34,966 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) |
53.0% |
7,940 |
8,477 |
7,188 |
6,936 |
8,416 |
24,300 |
22,540 |
Robe River - West Angelas |
53.0% |
8,196 |
8,748 |
8,154 |
8,444 |
9,011 |
25,296 |
25,609 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) |
|
83,154 |
85,526 |
77,165 |
79,801 |
84,965 |
243,938 |
241,931 |
Breakdown of total production: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
24,478 |
24,902 |
23,618 |
24,671 |
25,342 |
71,014 |
73,631 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
35,986 |
36,988 |
32,755 |
34,682 |
36,748 |
105,816 |
104,185 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
2,799 |
3,066 |
2,741 |
2,753 |
2,962 |
8,485 |
8,456 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
5,141 |
5,411 |
4,446 |
4,183 |
5,454 |
15,815 |
14,084 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
14,750 |
15,159 |
13,605 |
13,512 |
14,458 |
42,809 |
41,575 |
Breakdown of total sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilbara Blend Lump |
|
20,377 |
21,943 |
20,161 |
21,561 |
21,959 |
60,440 |
63,682 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
|
37,200 |
42,225 |
36,679 |
35,871 |
40,305 |
113,206 |
112,856 |
Robe Valley Lump |
|
2,540 |
2,835 |
2,218 |
2,382 |
2,624 |
7,348 |
7,224 |
Robe Valley Fines |
|
5,790 |
5,761 |
4,476 |
4,472 |
5,989 |
16,772 |
14,938 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
|
15,008 |
14,969 |
13,120 |
13,371 |
14,963 |
42,094 |
41,454 |
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) |
|
80,916 |
87,732 |
76,655 |
77,658 |
85,840 |
239,860 |
240,153 |
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports. |
Iron Ore Company of Canada |
58.7% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saleable iron ore production: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,272 |
1,915 |
1,889 |
2,212 |
2,469 |
6,442 |
6,569 |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,710 |
2,756 |
2,504 |
2,356 |
2,932 |
7,042 |
7,792 |
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes) |
|
4,982 |
4,671 |
4,392 |
4,569 |
5,401 |
13,484 |
14,362 |
Sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,182 |
1,955 |
2,031 |
1,599 |
2,319 |
6,388 |
5,950 |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) |
|
2,582 |
3,004 |
2,409 |
2,536 |
2,707 |
6,978 |
7,652 |
IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
4,764 |
4,960 |
4,441 |
4,135 |
5,027 |
13,367 |
13,602 |
Global Iron Ore Totals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
88,136 |
90,196 |
81,558 |
84,370 |
90,365 |
257,422 |
256,293 |
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) |
|
85,679 |
92,692 |
81,096 |
81,792 |
90,867 |
253,226 |
253,755 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto
interest |
Q3
2016 |
Q4
2016 |
Q1
2017 |
Q2
2017 |
Q3
2017 |
9 MTHS
2016 |
9 MTHS
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SALT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dampier Salt |
68.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salt production ('000 tonnes) |
|
1,813 |
2,028 |
1,246 |
2,159 |
1,795 |
5,550 |
5,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada and South Africa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Rio Tinto share) (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) |
|
267 |
300 |
332 |
316 |
327 |
748 |
975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(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) |
|
1,468 |
1,328 |
1,316 |
991 |
1,407 |
3,853 |
3,713 |
(a) ERA production data are drummed U3O8. |
Rössing Uranium Ltd (a) |
68.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Namibia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) |
|
916 |
1,138 |
981 |
1,254 |
1,103 |
2,940 |
3,337 |
(a) Rössing production data are drummed U3O8. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
