Rio Tinto third quarter production results

RNS Number : 1195E
Rio Tinto PLC
16 October 2018
 

 

Third quarter operations review

 

Rio Tinto releases third quarter production results

 

16 October 2018

 

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We have delivered consistent operational performance in the third quarter, highlighted by strong production from the Group's copper assets. We made strong strategic progress with the full exit from coal, the announcement of the additional $3.2 billion of share buy-backs, and the signing of a binding conditional agreement to exit Grasberg for $3.5 billion. We continue to pursue all opportunities to improve productivity and drive enhanced cash flow generation. This, combined with the disciplined allocation of capital, will ensure we continue to deliver superior returns to our shareholders in the short, medium and long-term."

 

 

 

Q3 2018

vs Q3 2017

vs Q2 2018

9 mths

2018

vs 9 mths

2017

Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis)

Mt

81.9

-5%

-7%

250.7

+4%

Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis)

Mt

82.5

-3%

-3%

251.2

+4%

Bauxite

kt

12,700

-1%

-4%

38,631

+4%

Aluminium

kt

880

-1%

+3%

2,584

-3%

Mined copper

kt

159.7

+32%

+2%

455.8

+38%

Titanium dioxide slag

kt

297

-9%

+28%

822

-16%

IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate

Mt

2.9

-9%

+231%

6.1

-27%

 

Key points

On 15 August 2018, a truck operator was fatally injured at the Paraburdoo Iron Ore mine. An investigation is in progress.

On 9 July 2018, a serious incident occurred at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) mining operation, resulting in the fatality of a security contractor. The incident remains the subject of a police investigation.

Pilbara iron ore shipments of 81.9 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in the third quarter were five per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017, due to planned maintenance cycles and safety pauses across all operations following the fatality.

Bauxite production of 12.7 million tonnes was one per cent lower than the corresponding quarter of 2017, with strong production at Weipa offset by lower production at the non-managed Sangaredi and Porto Trombetas (MRN) mines. Third party shipments increased by two per cent to 8.4 million tonnes, reflecting firm demand.

Aluminium production of 0.9 million tonnes was one per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017 due primarily to ongoing labour disruptions at the non-managed Becancour smelter in Canada. Full year guidance has been revised to between 3.4 and 3.5 million tonnes (previously 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes).

Mined copper production of 159.7 thousand tonnes was 32 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017, primarily reflecting increased production from Rio Tinto Kennecott due to higher grades.

Titanium dioxide slag production was nine per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017, but 28 per cent higher than the previous quarter as production at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and RBM ramped up following disruptions in the second quarter.

Production at Iron Ore Company of Canada was nine per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017, however significantly higher than the previous quarter as operations ramped up to normal production rates following a labour dispute in the previous quarter.

The major growth projects continue to progress. First bauxite shipment from Amrun is now expected in the fourth quarter of 2018 with full ramp-up in 2019. Following an annual re-forecast of the Oyu Tolgoi underground development schedule and costs, capital costs remain in line with the overall $5.3 billion budget and construction of the first draw bell is still expected in mid-2020. The preliminary re-forecast assessment indicates ground conditions and shaft sinking challenges that are ultimately expected to result in a revised ramp-up schedule to sustainable first production.

On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its remaining coal assets for $3.95 billion. This, along with the sale of the Winchester South development project in the first half of 2018, resulted in gross disposal proceeds of $4.15 billion.

On 20 September 2018, Rio Tinto subsequently announced the return to shareholders of the $3.2 billion post-tax coal disposal proceeds via an off-market buy-back tender in Rio Tinto Limited shares totalling $1.9 billion, and further on-market purchases of Rio Tinto plc shares of approximately $1.3 billion.

On 28 September 2018, Rio Tinto announced that it had signed a binding agreement to sell its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum), Indonesia's state mining company, for $3.5 billion. The transaction is subject to a number of conditions precedent being satisfied, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, with completion expected in the first half of 2019.

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 2017 is excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2018 remain in comparisons.

 

IRON ORE

 

Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

 

Q3 2018

vs Q3 2017

vs Q2 2018

9 mths

2018

vs 9 mths

2017

Pilbara Blend Lump

20.6

-1%

-6%

63.2

+6%

Pilbara Blend Fines

29.9

-1%

-4%

90.9

+7%

Robe Valley Lump

1.5

-6%

+3%

4.5

+0%

Robe Valley Fines

2.7

-5%

+5%

8.4

+13%

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14.4

-0%

+1%

42.6

+3%

Total Pilbara production

69.1

 

 

209.7

 

Total Pilbara production (100% basis)

82.5

 

 

251.2

 

 

Pilbara operations

On 15 August 2018, a truck operator was fatally injured at the Paraburdoo Iron Ore mine. An investigation is in progress.

 

Pilbara operations produced 251.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 209.7 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2018, four per cent higher than the same period of 2017 due to favourable weather conditions in the first half, a continued improvement in mine and rail capacity as Silvergrass ramps up and ongoing productivity improvements across the integrated system.

 

Third quarter production of 82.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 69.1 million tonnes) was three per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017, due to planned maintenance cycles and safety pauses across all operations following the fatality at Paraburdoo operations.

 

Year to date sales of 250.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 208.1 million tonnes) were four per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2017, with third quarter sales of 81.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 68.0 million tonnes) five per cent lower than the same period of last year.

 

Approximately 17 per cent of sales in the quarter were priced by 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 33 per cent of sales in the quarter were made free on board (FOB), with the remainder sold including freight.

 

Pilbara projects

The automation of the Pilbara train system (AutoHaulTM) is in ramp-up, with a steady increase in the number of trains in autonomous mode over the third quarter. Autonomous mode operations have increased to an average of 34 trains per day, equating to 290,000 kilometres (or 45 per cent of daily kilometres) completed in this mode. Full implementation of AutoHaulTM is expected by the end of 2018.

 

The Koodaideri feasibility study remains on track for completion in 2018. Early works funding of $146 million was approved on 1 August 2018 ahead of a final investment decision expected by the end of the year.

 

The approval of the West Angelas Deposits C and D project, and the Robe Valley sustaining project was announced by Rio Tinto and its joint venture partners on 1 October 2018 for $1.55 billion (Rio Tinto's 53 per cent share $820 million). Construction is forecast to commence in 2019, subject to final environmental and government approvals.

 

2018 guidance

Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in 2018 are expected to be at the upper end of the existing guidance range (330 to 340 million tonnes, 100 per cent basis).

 

 

ALUMINIUM

 

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

 

Q3 2018

vs Q3 2017

vs Q2 2018

9 mths

2018

vs 9 mths

2017

Rio Tinto Aluminium

 

 

 

 

 

Bauxite

12,700

-1%

-4%

38,631

+4%

Alumina

1,972

-1%

-1%

5,960

-2%

Aluminium

880

-1%

+3%

2,584

-3%

 

Bauxite

Bauxite production of 12.7 million tonnes was one per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017, with strong production at Weipa offset by lower production at the non-managed Sangaredi and Porto Trombetas (MRN) mines. Production at Sangaredi was 24 per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017 due to tie-in works required to complete expansion works, whilst production was partly curtailed at MRN as a result of the declaration of force majeure at Norsk Hydro's Alunorte alumina refinery.

 

8.4 million tonnes of bauxite were shipped to third parties in the third quarter of 2018, two per cent higher than the third quarter of 2017, reflecting firm demand.

 

Amrun

The Amrun project is ahead of schedule, with first shipment now expected in the fourth quarter of 2018 and full ramp-up in 2019. Pre-commissioning has commenced on critical infrastructure such as the reclaimer and beneficiation plant, and the shiploader was successfully transported to site and installed on the wharf facility.

 

Alumina

Alumina production for the quarter was one per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2017.

 

Aluminium

Quarterly aluminium production was one per cent lower than the corresponding period of 2017, due to an ongoing lock-out at the non-managed Becancour smelter, which began on 11 January 2018. Excluding this impact, aluminium production for the third quarter was two per cent higher than the same period of 2017, reflecting continued productivity creep.

 

On 14 September 2018, Rio Tinto was informed by Hydro that it had withdrawn its offer to acquire the ISAL smelter in Iceland, its 53.3 per cent share in the Aluchemie anode plant in the Netherlands and its 50 per cent share in the Aluminium fluoride plant in Sweden. The sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter in France for $500 million is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2018, subject to satisfactory completion of consultations with key stakeholders and applicable regulatory clearances.

 

Market disruptions

Although Rio Tinto is broadly balanced in alumina, it is exposed to long-term legacy alumina sales contracts, which are LME linked. The negative impact on EBITDA of these legacy contracts, due to the significant escalation in the alumina index price as a result of industry supply disruptions, was $178 million in the first half of 2018 and a further $130 million in the third quarter.

 

The wind-down period for sanctions implemented by the United States Treasury Department on various Russian individuals and companies has been extended until 12 November 2018. Rio Tinto continues to monitor this situation closely and no force majeure declarations have been made to date.

 

2018 guidance

As announced on 11 October 2018, raw material cost headwinds (caustic soda, petroleum coke, green coke and tar pitch) are expected to have a $400 million negative impact on EBITDA in full year 2018 compared with 2017. In addition, higher thermal coal prices are expected to have a $100 million negative impact in 2018 for the Pacific Aluminium smelters.

 

Rio Tinto's expected share of bauxite production in 2018 has been revised to the upper end of the previous guidance range at between 50 and 51 million tonnes (previously 49 to 51 million tonnes).

 

Aluminium guidance is revised to between 3.4 and 3.5 million tonnes (previously 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes), to reflect the impact of the ongoing lock-out at the non-managed Becancour smelter. This excludes any potential adjustment from the completion of the sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter.

 

Alumina production guidance remains unchanged at 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes.

 

 

COPPER & DIAMONDS

 

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

 

Q3 2018

vs Q3 2017

vs Q2 2018

9 mths

 2018

vs 9 mths

2017

Mined copper

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

59.1

+129%

+16%

145.7

+28%

Escondida

87.4

+6%

-5%

270.7

+52%

Grasberg

0.0

N/A

N/A

0.0

N/A

Oyu Tolgoi

13.2

+7%

+0%

39.4

+5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Refined copper

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

54.2

+1%

+33%

130.2

+25%

Escondida

16.6

-23%

-21%

58.5

+20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diamonds ('000 carats)

 

 

 

 

 

Argyle

3,830

-19%

+10%

10,857

-1%

Diavik

1,066

-9%

-7%

3,280

-4%

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

Mined copper production in the third quarter of 2018 was significantly higher than the third quarter of 2017 as mining activity continued in a higher grade area of the pit, coupled with productivity improvements and increased plant throughput. The production profile is expected to experience increased variation in grade as operations mine in lower levels of the pit, together with waste stripping related to the south wall pushback expansion. Anticipated south wall pushback grade increases beginning in late 2020 are expected to offset this impact over the longer term.

 

Refined copper was one per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2017, and 33 per cent above the second quarter of 2018 as better mine grades improved concentrate quality and smelting throughput.

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 6.3 thousand tonnes of concentrate received for processing in the third quarter of 2018. Purchased and tolled copper concentrate are excluded from reported production figures.

 

The pushback of the south wall progressed during the quarter. It will extend the life of mine and remains on track for completion in 2020.

 

Escondida

Third quarter mined copper production at Escondida was six per cent higher than the same period of 2017, reflecting the ramp-up of Escondida production to nameplate capacity following commissioning of the Los Colorados concentrator, which occurred in the second half of 2017.

 

Oyu Tolgoi

Mined copper production from the open pit in the third quarter of 2018 was seven per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2017, with higher grades partly offset by lower plant throughput due to the processing of harder ore.

 

Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project

The project workforce reached 8,800 at the end of September, with an 89 per cent participation rate of Mongolian nationals. A ground breaking ceremony was held at site to mark the commencement of shaft three and shaft four earthworks. Work continues on shaft two equipping and on the conveyor to surface decline.

 

Following an annual re-forecast of the underground development schedule and costs, capital costs remain in line with the overall $5.3 billion budget and construction of the first draw bell is still expected in mid-2020. The preliminary re-forecast assessment indicates ground conditions and shaft sinking challenges that are ultimately expected to result in a revised ramp-up schedule to sustainable first production.

 

In February 2018, the Southern Region Power Sector Co-operation Agreement under which Oyu Tolgoi was committed to working with the Government of Mongolia on a Tavan Tolgoi Independent Power Provider project was cancelled. As a result the Government of Mongolia expects Oyu Tolgoi to deliver a domestic power source for the operation within four years (by February 2022).

 

Oyu Tolgoi is progressing studies and preparations for suitable power solutions and continues to discuss the provision of domestic power with the Government of Mongolia.

 

On 15 October 2018, a loader caught fire while operating in the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. All employees working underground at the time were evacuated safely.

 

Grasberg

On 28 September 2018, Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement to sell its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum), Indonesia's state mining company, for $3.5 billion. Separately, Inalum signed a binding agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) in relation to the future ownership and operation of the Grasberg mine.

 

The transaction and the Inalum/FCX transaction (which are inter-conditional) are each subject to a number of conditions precedent being satisfied, including the receipt of regulatory approvals. Subject to these conditions being met, completion of both transactions is expected to occur in the first half of 2019.

The proceeds of the sale are to be paid in cash to Rio Tinto at closing, with the funds to be used for general corporate purposes.

 

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

 

Diamonds

At Argyle, carat production was 19 per cent lower than the third quarter of 2017, when production was enhanced by the processing of higher grade alluvial tailings.

 

At Diavik, carats recovered in the third quarter of 2018 were nine per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2017 due to lower grades. The A21 project successfully mined first ore in March 2018 and is expected to reach commercial production during the fourth quarter of 2018. This fourth diamond pipe was officially opened on 20 August 2018.

 

2018 guidance

Rio Tinto's expected share of mined copper production for 2018 is expected to be at the upper end of the previously published range of between 510 and 610 thousand tonnes. Refined copper production is expected to be between 225 to 265 thousand tonnes.

 

Diamond production guidance for 2018 is between 17 and 20 million carats.

 

 

ENERGY & MINERALS

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Q3 2018

vs Q3 2017

vs Q2 2018

9 mths

 2018

vs 9 mths

2017

Coal ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

Hard coking coal

712

-68%

-67%

3,988

-26%

Thermal coal (a)

397

-63%

-61%

2,527

-18%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

IOC

2.9

-9%

+231%

6.1

-27%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minerals ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

Borates - B2O3 content

137

-2%

+4%

394

-1%

Salt

1,481

+21%

-11%

4,657

+31%

Titanium dioxide slag

297

-9%

+28%

822

-16%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium ('000 lbs)

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Resources of Australia

820

-15%

+36%

2,090

-18%

Rössing

994

+31%

+7%

2,771

+21%

(a) Production from Coal & Allied of 9.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share) prior to divestment on 1 September 2017 has been excluded from the comparisons above.

 

Coal

Production of coal attributable to Rio Tinto ceased following the completion of the sale of Rio Tinto's interests in Kestrel and Hail Creek on 1 August 2018. The sale of these assets, along with the Valeria coal and Winchester South development projects resulted in gross disposal proceeds of $4.15 billion.

 

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

Following a labour dispute in the second quarter of 2018, IOC achieved a safe and successful re-start and ramp-up of operations to normal production rates by the end of June 2018. Third quarter pellet production was 3.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.7 million tonnes) and concentrate production for sale was 1.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.1 million tonnes). Total third quarter production was nine per cent lower than the corresponding quarter in 2017, due to maintenance and the commissioning of a productivity improvement project on the spiral plant, which temporarily restricted throughput.

 

Resulting sales achieved for the quarter were 5.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 3.2 million tonnes) of concentrate and pellets.

 

Borates

Borates production was comparable to the previous quarter and the third quarter of 2017, with production aligned to customer demand.

 

Iron and Titanium (RTIT)

Titanium dioxide slag production for the quarter was nine per cent lower compared to the third quarter of 2017.

 

During the quarter, slag production at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) continued to be impacted by ongoing labour disputes between contractors and their employees. On 9 July 2018, a serious incident occurred at RBM's mining operation, resulting in the fatality of a security contractor. The incident remains the subject of a police investigation. With Rio Tinto's highest priority being the safety of its people, operations at RBM were temporarily suspended, and a safe, optimised re-start was achieved. The force majeure on deliveries from RBM has now been lifted.

 

Following a deflagration of a furnace at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Sorel-Tracy (RTFT) on 23 July 2018, three of nine furnaces at RTFT are idle, two of which are being rebuilt. One of four furnaces at RBM remains idle. The focus remains on maximising the productivity of the furnaces currently in operation, and a decision to re-start idle furnaces will be based on maximising value over volume.

 

Salt

Salt production in the third quarter of 2018 was 21 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2017 to align to demand.

 

Uranium

Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing low grade stockpiles. Third quarter production was 15 per cent lower than the same period of 2017 due to declining grades and completion of laterite processing.

 

Production at Rössing in the third quarter of 2018 was 31 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017 due to higher mill grades.

 

2018 guidance

Coal production for 2018 is 4.0 million tonnes of hard coking coal and 2.5 million tonnes of thermal coal, reflecting the completion of the asset disposals.

 

At IOC, guidance for 2018 production remains at 9.0 to 10.0 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates.

 

Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of titanium dioxide slag production in 2018 remains at 1.1 to 1.2 million tonnes. 

 

Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of boric oxide equivalent production in 2018 is unchanged at 0.5 million tonnes and guidance for uranium production in 2018 is unchanged at 6.2 to 7.2 million pounds.

 

 

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION

 

Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine months of 2018 was $341 million, compared with $297 million in the first nine months of 2017. Approximately 46 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 37 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, eight per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium.

 

There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the first half of 2018.

 

Exploration highlights

Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 16 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Canada, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, Uganda, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, RTFT, Oyu Tolgoi and Weipa.

 

A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:

 

Product Groups

Studies stage

Advanced exploration

projects

Greenfield/ Brownfield

programmes

Aluminium

Cape York, Australia

Amargosa, Brazil

Sanxai, Laos

Cape York, Australia

Copper & Diamonds

Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US

Copper: La Granja, Peru

Nickel: Tamarack, US

Diamonds: FalCon (1), Canada

Copper: Australia, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia

Nickel: Canada, Uganda

Diamonds: Canada

Energy & Minerals

Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia

Potash: KP405, Canada

Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa

Uranium: Roughrider, Canada

Heavy mineral sands: Canada, Tanzania

 

Iron Ore

Pilbara, Australia

Pilbara, Australia

 

(1) Formerly Forte a la Corne

 

 

Forward-looking statements

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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United Kingdom

 

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Rio Tinto production summary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter

 

9 Months

 

% Change

 

 

2017

Q3

2018

Q2

2018

Q3

 

2017

9 MTHS

2018

9 MTHS

 

Q3 18

vs

Q3 17

Q3 18

vs

Q2 18

9 MTHS 18

vs

9 MTHS 17

Principal Commodities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

('000 t)

1,984

1,999

1,972

 

6,055

5,960

 

-1%

-1%

-2%

Aluminium

('000 t)

887

858

880

 

2,664

2,584

 

-1%

3%

-3%

Bauxite

('000 t)

12,867

13,279

12,700

 

37,034

38,631

 

-1%

-4%

4%

Borates

('000 t)

140

132

137

 

396

394

 

-2%

4%

-1%

Coal - hard coking

('000 t)

2,244

2,174

712

 

5,382

3,988

 

-68%

-67%

-26%

Coal - thermal

('000 t)

1,076

1,011

397

 

3,099

2,527

 

-63%

-61%

-18%

Copper - mined

('000 t)

120.6

156.8

159.7

 

329.5

455.8

 

32%

2%

38%

Copper - refined

('000 t)

75.2

61.7

70.8

 

152.3

188.6

 

-6%

15%

24%

Diamonds

('000 cts)

5,933

4,626

4,896

 

14,420

14,137

 

-17%

6%

-2%

Iron Ore

('000 t)

72,903

72,336

72,010

 

206,828

215,782

 

-1%

0%

4%

Titanium dioxide slag

('000 t)

327

232

297

 

975

822

 

-9%

28%

-16%

Uranium

('000 lbs)

1,718

1,531

1,814

 

4,829

4,860

 

6%

19%

1%

Other Metals & Minerals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold - mined

('000 oz)

59.1

82.8

101.4

 

197.5

253.7

 

72%

22%

28%

Gold - refined

('000 oz)

54.1

48.4

50.3

 

148.3

139.5

 

-7%

4%

-6%

Molybdenum

('000 t)

1.4

0.7

1.4

 

3.0

3.5

 

-4%

90%

16%

Salt

('000 t)

1,227

1,662

1,481

 

3,555

4,657

 

21%

-11%

31%

Silver - mined

('000 oz)

959

1,448

1,384

 

3,022

4,070

 

44%

-4%

35%

Silver - refined

('000 oz)

731

461

730

 

1,861

2,058

 

0%

58%

11%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonquière (Vaudreuil)

100%

351

365

362

365

363

1,083

1,090

Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant

100%

30

29

31

32

31

93

95

Queensland Alumina

80%

720

773

717

752

748

2,216

2,216

São Luis (Alumar)

10%

94

93

87

87

85

276

259

Yarwun

100%

790

816

793

763

744

2,387

2,300

Rio Tinto total alumina production

 

1,984

2,077

1,990

1,999

1,972

6,055

5,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINIUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia - Bell Bay

100%

48

47

47

47

48

140

141

Australia - Boyne Island

59%

74

74

72

74

75

228

221

Australia - Tomago

52%

77

77

75

76

78

228

228

Canada - six wholly owned

100%

401

405

398

402

407

1,192

1,208

Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles)

40%

60

60

58

58

59

179

175

Canada - Bécancour

25%

28

27

10

9

8

83

26

France - Dunkerque (a)

100%

71

72

51

52

66

212

170

Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)

100%

53

54

52

53

53

158

158

New Zealand - Tiwai Point

79%

67

67

66

67

68

200

200

Oman - Sohar

20%

7

5

17

19

20

45

56

Rio Tinto total aluminium production

 

887

887

846

858

880

2,664

2,584

(a) On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAUXITE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gove

100%

2,809

3,224

3,124

3,274

2,893

7,977

9,290

Porto Trombetas

12%

492

426

353

393

342

1,338

1,087

Sangaredi

   (b)

1,670

1,809

1,745

1,657

1,261

5,125

4,664

Weipa

100%

7,895

8,304

7,431

7,955

8,204

22,594

23,590

Rio Tinto total bauxite production

12,867

13,762

12,653

13,279

12,700

37,034

38,631

(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.

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3

2017

Q4

2017

Q1

2018

Q2

2018

Q3

2018

9 MTHS

2017

9 MTHS

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BORATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Borates - borates

100%

140

120

124

132

137

396

394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL - hard coking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hail Creek Coal (a) (c)

0%

1,276

1,275

758

1,131

325

3,028

2,214

Kestrel Coal (b) (c)

0%

968

1,048

344

1,043

387

2,354

1,774

Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

2,244

2,322

1,102

2,174

712

5,382

3,988

(a) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 82% interest in the Hail Creek mine. Production is reported up to the date of completion.

(b) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 80% interest in the Kestrel mine. Production is reported up to the date of completion.

(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL - thermal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hail Creek Coal (a) (c)

0%

851

785

1,060

835

368

2,605

2,264

Kestrel Coal (b) (c)

0%

226

180

59

176

28

494

263

Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

1,076

966

1,119

1,011

397

3,099

2,527

(a) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 82% interest in the Hail Creek mine. Production is reported up to the date of completion.

(b) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 80% interest in the Kestrel mine. Production is reported up to the date of completion.

(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3

2017

Q4

2017

Q1

2018

Q2

2018

Q3

2018

9 MTHS

2017

9 MTHS

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

25.8

34.8

35.4

51.2

59.1

114.0

145.7

Escondida

30%

82.5

92.9

90.9

92.4

87.4

177.9

270.7

Grasberg - Joint Venture (b)

40%

0.0

5.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Oyu Tolgoi (c)

34%

12.4

15.2

13.0

13.2

13.2

37.6

39.4

Rio Tinto total mine production

 

120.6

148.6

139.3

156.8

159.7

329.5

455.8

Refined production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Escondida

30%

21.6

22.8

20.8

21.0

16.6

48.6

58.5

Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

53.6

22.1

35.3

40.7

54.2

103.7

130.2

Rio Tinto total refined production

75.2

44.9

56.1

61.7

70.8

152.3

188.6

(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) 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. On 28 September 2018, Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement to sell its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum).

(c) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIAMONDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 carats)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argyle

100%

4,757

6,146

3,551

3,476

3,830

10,988

10,857

Diavik

60%

1,177

1,060

1,065

1,150

1,066

3,432

3,280

Rio Tinto total diamond production

 

5,933

7,207

4,616

4,626

4,896

14,420

14,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

33.6

35.9

37.4

45.6

56.6

142.1

139.6

Escondida

30%

15.2

15.1

18.0

20.5

19.1

28.8

57.6

Grasberg - Joint Venture (b)

40%

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Oyu Tolgoi (c)

34%

10.4

11.7

14.0

16.8

25.8

26.7

56.6

Rio Tinto total mine production

 

59.1

62.6

69.4

82.8

101.4

197.5

253.7

Refined production ('000 ounces)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

54.1

55.4

40.8

48.4

50.3

148.3

139.5

(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) 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. On 28 September 2018, Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement to sell its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum).

(c) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3

2017

Q4

2017

Q1

2018

Q2

2018

Q3

2018

9 MTHS

2017

9 MTHS

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRON ORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hamersley mines

   (b)

52,921

56,501

53,631

56,034

54,583

150,259

164,248

Hamersley - Channar

60%

1,596

1,345

1,136

1,227

604

5,134

2,967

Hope Downs

50%

5,978

5,987

5,342

5,783

5,713

17,483

16,839

Iron Ore Company of Canada

59%

3,171

2,733

2,364

871

2,880

8,433

6,116

Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53%

4,461

4,580

4,672

4,048

4,208

11,946

12,928

Robe River - West Angelas

53%

4,776

4,509

4,290

4,373

4,021

13,573

12,685

Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

72,903

75,656

71,436

72,336

72,010

206,828

215,782

Breakdown of Production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

20,700

21,082

20,714

21,901

20,554

59,687

63,169

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

30,113

31,172

29,769

31,239

29,921

85,187

90,930

Robe Valley Lump

 

1,570

1,646

1,587

1,431

1,470

4,482

4,488

Robe Valley Fines

 

2,891

2,934

3,086

2,617

2,738

7,465

8,441

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

14,458

16,088

13,916

14,277

14,446

41,575

42,639

Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

69,732

72,922

69,072

71,465

69,129

198,395

209,666

IOC Concentrate

 

1,450

1,163

799

572

1,131

3,858

2,501

IOC Pellets

 

1,722

1,571

1,566

299

1,750

4,576

3,615

IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

3,171

2,733

2,364

871

2,880

8,433

6,116

Breakdown of Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

18,044

18,861

18,062

19,424

17,967

52,295

55,453

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

32,421

35,575

30,746

35,158

31,432

91,697

97,336

Robe Valley Lump

 

1,391

1,388

1,223

1,264

1,174

3,829

3,661

Robe Valley Fines

 

3,174

3,287

2,996

3,255

2,839

7,917

9,089

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

14,963

15,731

13,578

14,388

14,583

41,454

42,549

Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

 

69,993

74,843

66,604

73,489

67,995

197,191

208,088

IOC Concentrate

 

1,362

1,559

746

62

1,521

3,494

2,329

IOC Pellets

 

1,590

1,615

1,574

202

1,659

4,493

3,435

IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

 

2,952

3,173

2,320

263

3,180

7,987

5,763

Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

72,944

78,016

68,925

73,752

71,175

205,179

213,851

(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) 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.

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3

2017

Q4

2017

Q1

2018

Q2

2018

Q3

2018

9 MTHS

2017

9 MTHS

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOLYBDENUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

1.4

1.9

1.5

0.7

1.4

3.0

3.5

(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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dampier Salt

68%

1,227

1,535

1,514

1,662

1,481

3,555

4,657

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SILVER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

357

418

461

615

708

1,737

1,784

Escondida

30%

521

658

702

758

599

1,054

2,059

Grasberg - Joint Venture (b)

40%

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Oyu Tolgoi (c)

34%

80

96

74

75

77

231

227

Rio Tinto total mine production

 

959

1,172

1,237

1,448

1,384

3,022

4,070

Refined production ('000 ounces)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

731

516

867

461

730

1,861

2,058

(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) 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. On 28 September 2018, Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement to sell its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum).

(c) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (a)

100%

327

341

294

232

297

975

822

(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

URANIUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Resources of Australia

68%

962

919

667

603

820

2,539

2,090

Rössing

69%

757

902

848

928

994

2,290

2,771

Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,718

1,821

1,515

1,531

1,814

4,829

4,860

(a) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U3O8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 September 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto's interest in the Coal and Allied mines were sold in 2017. No data for these operations are included in the Share of production table.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland

80.0%

900

966

896

940

935

2,769

2,770

Yarwun refinery - Queensland

100.0%

790

816

793

763

744

2,387

2,300

Brazil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

São Luis (Alumar) refinery

10.0%

937

934

871

869

851

2,763

2,592

Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)

100.0%

351

365

362

365

363

1,083

1,090

(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.

Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec

100.0%

30

29

31

32

31

93

95

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINIUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Aluminium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania

100.0%

48

47

47

47

48

140

141

Boyne Island smelter - Queensland

59.4%

125

124

122

124

126

384

371

Tomago smelter - New South Wales

51.6%

149

149

145

148

151

441

443

Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alma smelter - Quebec

100.0%

115

116

115

116

117

341

347

Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec

40.0%

150

150

144

146

148

448

438

Arvida smelter - Quebec

100.0%

43

44

43

43

43

127

129

Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec

100.0%

14

14

13

13

13

44

39

Bécancour smelter - Quebec

25.1%

113

108

39

35

32

331

105

Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec

100.0%

58

58

57

58

59

172

174

Kitimat smelter - British Columbia

100.0%

108

110

108

109

110

323

327

Laterrière smelter - Quebec

100.0%

63

64

63

64

65

185

191

France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dunkerque smelter (a)

100.0%

71

72

51

52

66

212

170

Iceland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter

100.0%

53

54

52

53

53

158

158

New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tiwai Point smelter

79.4%

84

85

83

84

85

252

252

Oman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sohar smelter

20.0%

35

27

87

97

98

226

281

(a) On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAUXITE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gove mine - Northern Territory

100.0%

2,809

3,224

3,124

3,274

2,893

7,977

9,290

Weipa mine - Queensland

100.0%

7,895

8,304

7,431

7,955

8,204

22,594

23,590

Brazil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine

12.0%

4,103

3,550

2,939

3,273

2,848

11,148

9,061

Guinea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sangaredi mine (a)

23.0%

3,711

4,020

3,878

3,683

2,803

11,390

10,364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

12,913

13,557

12,551

12,936

12,427

36,683

37,914

Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

8,250

9,164

8,248

8,738

8,441

23,140

25,427

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BORATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Borates - borates

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

140

120

124

132

137

396

394

(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hail Creek Coal mine (a)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queensland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

1,556

1,555

924

1,380

396

3,692

2,700

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

1,037

958

1,293

1,018

449

3,177

2,760

Hunter Valley Operations (b)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New South Wales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

445

         -

         -

          -

         -

1,529

           -

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

2,112

         -

         -

          -

         -

8,502

           -

Kestrel Coal mine (c)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queensland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

1,210

1,309

430

1,303

484

2,943

2,217

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

282

226

74

220

35

617

329

Mount Thorley Operations (b)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New South Wales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

149

         -

         -

          -

         -

876

           -

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

703

         -

         -

          -

         -

2,011

           -

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warkworth mine (b)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New South Wales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

44

         -

         -

          -

         -

514

           -

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

1,305

         -

         -

          -

         -

4,521

           -

Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

2,766

2,864

1,354

2,683

880

6,635

4,917

Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

639

         -

         -

          -

         -

2,919

           -

Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

5,439

1,183

1,367

1,238

485

18,827

3,089

Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

 

8,844

4,047

2,721

3,921

1,365

28,382

8,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

 

9,298

4,092

3,050

3,717

1,725

27,962

8,492

Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

2,511

2,429

1,368

2,228

650

5,753

4,246

Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (e)

485

         -

         -

          -

         -

2,010

           -

Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (e)

3,804

896

1,119

791

754

12,289

2,664

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 82% interest in the Hail Creek mine.  Production is reported up to the date of completion.

(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) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 80% interest in the Kestrel mine. Production is reported up to the date of completion.

(d) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.

(e) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER & GOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Escondida

30.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

24,080

30,260

32,203

31,732

30,513

50,911

94,449

Average copper grade (%)

 

1.06

0.98

0.96

0.96

0.94

1.06

0.95

Mill production (metals in concentrates):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

 

204.1

245.7

252.6

253.6

241.9

438.8

748.1

Contained gold ('000 ounces)

 

51

50

60

68

64

96

192

Contained silver ('000 ounces)

 

1,737

2,193

2,339

2,527

1,997

3,514

6,863

Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)

70.8

63.9

50.4

54.4

49.4

154.3

154.2

Refined production from leach plants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

 

71.9

76.1

69.4

70.1

55.4

161.9

194.9

(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)

 

15,791

16,381

15,625

17,101

17,647

34,881

50,372

Average mill head grades:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (%)

 

0.91

1.03

1.12

1.06

0.94

1.00

1.03

Gold (g/t)

 

0.98

1.28

1.63

1.77

1.59

1.08

1.67

Silver (g/t)

 

3.96

4.36

4.68

5.09

2.50

4.29

4.05

Production of metals in concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

130.1

153.2

159.9

165.7

146.6

315.0

472.1

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

417

579

693

842

769

1,023

2,304

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

1,016

1,293

1,513

1,548

839

2,583

3,900

Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

109.6

154.3

157.4

145.3

156.1

295.9

458.8

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

343

584

676

740

821

956

2,238

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

666

1,044

1,184

1,098

754

1,920

3,036

(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 2018 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for Q3 2018 until the release of its 2018 third-quarter results on 24 October 2018. On 28 September 2018, Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement to sell its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum).

(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 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER & GOLD (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon mine

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utah, US

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

 

10,092

9,074

9,260

8,974

11,173

30,309

29,407

Average ore grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (%)

 

0.29

0.43

0.43

0.63

0.58

0.42

0.55

Gold (g/t)

 

0.18

0.21

0.23

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.25

Silver (g/t)

 

1.51

1.89

2.25

2.73

2.62

2.46

2.53

Molybdenum (%)

 

0.032

0.036

0.025

0.025

0.030

0.028

0.027

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

148

162

171

194

233

542

598

Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

 

17.3

21.5

20.7

26.4

25.3

21.0

24.3

Production of metals in copper concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

25.8

34.8

35.4

51.2

59.1

114.0

145.7

Gold ('000 ounces)

 

34

36

37

46

57

142

140

Silver ('000 ounces)

 

357

418

461

615

708

1,737

1,784

Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

2.8

3.8

2.8

1.5

2.8

6.0

7.0

Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

1.4

1.9

1.5

0.7

1.4

3.0

3.5

 

Kennecott smelter & refinery

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)

258

90

200

224

246

554

670

Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b)

50.6

12.1

42.4

44.4

58.1

117.0

144.9

Production of refined metal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper ('000 tonnes)

 

53.6

22.1

35.3

40.7

54.2

103.7

130.2

Gold ('000 ounces) (c)

 

54.1

55.4

40.8

48.4

50.3

148.3

139.5

Silver ('000 ounces) (c)

 

731

516

867

461

730

1,861

2,058

(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 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER & GOLD (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turquoise Hill Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)

33.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mongolia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

 

10,615

10,838

9,561

10,164

9,652

30,339

29,377

Average mill head grades:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (%)

 

0.48

0.53

0.51

0.48

0.51

0.50

0.50

Gold (g/t)

 

0.18

0.20

0.25

0.26

0.38

0.16

0.29

Silver (g/t)

 

1.34

1.54

1.32

1.17

1.19

1.34

1.22

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

170.0

205.5

177.3

178.8

179.8

517.0

535.9

Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

 

21.7

22.0

21.9

22.0

21.9

21.7

21.9

Production of metals in concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

36.9

45.3

38.8

39.4

39.4

112.1

117.6

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

30.9

34.8

41.8

50.0

77.0

79.5

168.8

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

239

285

221

225

230

689

676

Sales of metals in concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

36.9

35.7

34.3

46.1

36.0

113.6

116.4

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

28

27

31

51

55

84

137

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

229

205

206

250

201

656

657

(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 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIAMONDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argyle Diamonds

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

 

1,255

1,446

1,260

1,428

1,465

3,511

4,153

AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

 

4,757

6,146

3,551

3,476

3,830

10,988

10,857

Diavik Diamonds

60.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northwest Territories, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

 

578

525

556

652

670

1,664

1,879

Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

 

1,961

1,767

1,774

1,916

1,776

5,719

5,467

 

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRON ORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Iron Ore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hamersley mines

   (a)

52,921

56,501

53,631

56,034

54,583

150,259

164,248

Hamersley - Channar

60.0%

2,661

2,241

1,893

2,045

1,007

8,557

4,945

Hope Downs

50.0%

11,956

11,975

10,685

11,567

11,426

34,966

33,677

Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53.0%

8,416

8,642

8,816

7,637

7,940

22,540

24,393

Robe River - West Angelas

53.0%

9,011

8,507

8,094

8,252

7,587

25,609

23,933

Total production ('000 tonnes)

 

84,965

87,866

83,120

85,534

82,542

241,931

251,196

Breakdown of total production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

25,342

25,496

24,831

26,253

24,461

73,631

75,545

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

36,748

37,641

35,556

37,368

35,696

104,185

108,620

Robe Valley Lump

 

2,962

3,106

2,993

2,699

2,774

8,456

8,467

Robe Valley Fines

 

5,454

5,535

5,823

4,937

5,166

14,084

15,926

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

14,458

16,088

13,916

14,277

14,446

41,575

42,639

Breakdown of total sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

21,959

22,377

21,457

22,954

21,644

63,682

66,054

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

40,305

43,039

37,320

42,638

38,100

112,856

118,058

Robe Valley Lump

 

2,624

2,619

2,307

2,386

2,215

7,224

6,908

Robe Valley Fines

 

5,989

6,202

5,652

6,141

5,356

14,938

17,149

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

14,963

15,731

13,578

14,388

14,583

41,454

42,549

Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

 

85,840

89,968

80,314

88,506

81,898

240,153

250,718

(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)

 

2,469

1,980

1,360

974

1,926

6,569

4,260

Pellets ('000 tonnes)

 

2,932

2,675

2,667

510

2,979

7,792

6,156

IOC Total production ('000 tonnes)

 

5,401

4,655

4,027

1,484

4,905

14,362

10,416

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

2,319

2,655

1,271

105

2,590

5,950

3,966

Pellets ('000 tonnes)

 

2,707

2,750

2,681

343

2,825

7,652

5,849

IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes)

 

5,027

5,404

3,951

449

5,415

13,602

9,815

Global Iron Ore Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

 

90,365

92,521

87,146

87,018

87,448

256,293

261,612

Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

 

90,867

95,373

84,265

88,954

87,314

253,755

260,533

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

Q3
2018

9 MTHS
2017

9 MTHS
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dampier Salt

68.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salt production ('000 tonnes)

 

1,795

2,246

2,215

2,431

2,167

5,200

6,813

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada and South Africa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Rio Tinto share) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)

 

327

341

294

232

297

975

822

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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)

 

1,407

1,343

975

881

1,199

3,713

3,056

(a) ERA production data are drummed U3O8.

 

 

 

Rössing Uranium Ltd (a)

68.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Namibia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

 

1,103

1,314

1,236

1,352

1,449

3,337

4,038

(a) Rössing production data are drummed U3O8.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 


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