Third quarter operations review

RNS Number : 0000Q
Rio Tinto PLC
16 October 2019
 

 

Rio Tinto releases third quarter production results

 

16 October 2019

 

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We have delivered improved production across the majority of our products in the third quarter, with a solid result at our Pilbara mines driving increased sales of iron ore into robust markets. Our strong value over volume approach, coupled with our focus on operational performance and disciplined allocation of capital, will continue to deliver superior returns to shareholders over the short, medium and long term."

 



Q3 2019

vs Q3 2018

vs Q2 2019

9 mths 2019

vs 9mths 2018

Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis)

Mt

86.1

+5%

+1%

240.6

-4%

Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis)

Mt

87.3

+6%

+10%

243.1

-3%

Bauxite

Mt

13.8

+9%

+3%

40.0

+3%

Aluminium

kt

789

-3%

-2%

2,388

-1%

Mined copper

kt

157.8

-1%

+15%

437.6

-4%

Titanium dioxide slag

kt

321

+8%

+6%

920

+12%

IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate

Mt

3.0

+3%

+17%

8.0

+30%

 

Operational update

Pilbara iron ore shipments of 86.1 million tonnes (100% basis) in the third quarter were 5% higher than the third quarter of 2018. Pilbara iron ore production of 87.3 million tonnes (100% basis) was 6% higher than the third quarter of 2018 and 10% higher than the previous quarter, reflecting a good recovery from the operational and weather challenges experienced earlier in the year.

Third quarter bauxite production and shipments to third parties were 9% and 23% higher, respectively, than the same period of 2018. Bauxite production from non-managed Joint Ventures was lower than planned year to date.

Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 3% lower than the third quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting a preventive safety shutdown at one of the three pot-lines at ISAL in Iceland and earlier than planned pot relining at Kitimat in British Columbia, Canada.

Mined copper production of 158 thousand tonnes was 1% lower than the third quarter of 2018, but 15% higher than the second quarter, reflecting higher grades at Kennecott and improved throughput at Escondida.

At the Oyu Tolgoi underground project, the primary production shaft (shaft 2) remains on track for commissioning this month. Since July 2019, we have completed key infrastructure, including the central heating plant, the shaft 2 jaw crusher system and the surface discharge conveyor. Work continues on the mine re-design.

Titanium dioxide slag production of 321 thousand tonnes was 8% higher than the third quarter of 2018, reflecting a continued improvement in operational performance and the restart of furnaces in 2019.

Third quarter production at Iron Ore Company of Canada was 3% higher than the corresponding quarter of 2018 and 17% higher than the previous quarter, reflecting a return to normal operating conditions following the flooding incident which impacted June.

Guidance is unchanged, with the exception of bauxite production, which has been revised to around 54 million tonnes (previously 56 to 59 million tonnes), and alumina production, which has been revised to around 7.7 million tonnes (previously 8.1 to 8.4 million tonnes).

On 25 September 2019, Rio Tinto announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with China Baowu Steel Group and Tsinghua University to develop and implement new methods to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental performance across the steel value chain.

Third quarter exploration and evaluation spend was $177 million, 62% higher than the same period of 2018, primarily reflecting increased activity on advanced projects. 

 

 

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 2018 is excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data.

 

IRON ORE

 

Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)


Q3 2019

vs Q3 2018

vs Q2 2019

9 mths 2019

vs 9mths 2018

Pilbara Blend Lump

21.0

+2%

+6%

60.8

-4%

Pilbara Blend Fines

31.7

+6%

+11%

89.0

-2%

Robe Valley Lump

1.6

+12%

+37%

3.5

-22%

Robe Valley Fines

3.1

+12%

+44%

6.4

-24%

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14.7

+2%

+5%

42.2

-1%

Total Pilbara production

72.2

+4%

+10%

201.9

-4%

Total Pilbara production (100% basis)

87.3

+6%

+10%

243.1

-3%

Total Pilbara shipments (a) (100% basis)

86.1

+5%

+1%

240.6

-4%

(a)   Pilbara Blend sales include 6.7 million tonnes of alternate products in Q3 2019 and 10.7 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2019

 

Pilbara operations

Third quarter production of 87.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 72.2 million tonnes) was 6% higher than the same quarter of 2018 and 10% higher than the previous quarter. This reflects a solid performance in the mines, with actions progressing as planned. Our increased focus on waste material movement and pit development will continue over 2019 and 2020 to improve mine performance and pit sequencing. Our cost guidance (below) reflects these additional mining activities.

 

A planned rail maintenance shut was executed late in the third quarter, starting on 25 September and completed on 6 October. Our cost and shipments guidance take into account the impact of this activity.

 

Third quarter sales of 86.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 71.6 million tonnes) were 5% above the third quarter of 2018 and 1% higher than the previous quarter.

 

We sold 6.7 million tonnes of alternate products in the third quarter. These are included in the above sales figures. We expect to make additional sales of these products in the fourth quarter.

 

The majority of our iron ore shipments are priced by reference to the average index price for the month of shipment. We priced approximately 16% of sales in the first nine months of 2019 by reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month, with the remainder sold either on current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market.

 

Pilbara projects

The Koodaideri iron ore mine is progressing to plan with engineering, procurement and construction activities on schedule. Preparatory works have commenced. We expect to produce first ore from Koodaideri in late 2021, consistent with previous guidance.

 

First ore from the Robe River Joint Venture sustaining production projects (West Angelas C&D and Mesa B, C and H at Robe Valley) is also anticipated in 2021, consistent with previous guidance. West Angelas received all regulatory approvals in early October 2019, and project construction has commenced. The Robe Valley projects continue to progress through the environmental and heritage approval processes. We are experiencing some delays for Mesa H environmental approvals.

 

2019 guidance

Our 2019 Pilbara shipments guidance is unchanged at between 320 and 330 million tonnes (100% basis), subject to weather.

 

Our iron ore unit cost guidance in 2019 remains at $14 - $15 per tonne.

 

 

ALUMINIUM

 

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)


Q3 2019

vs Q3 2018

vs Q2 2019

9 mths 2019

vs 9mths 2018

Rio Tinto Aluminium






Bauxite

13,796

+9%

+3%

39,967

+3%

Bauxite third party shipments

10,361

+23%

+9%

28,680

+13%

Alumina

1,826

-7%

-3%

5,713

-4%

Aluminium

789

-3%

-2%

2,388

-1%

 

Bauxite

Third quarter bauxite production was 9% higher than the same period of 2018, with increased production across all sites.

 

We shipped 10.4 million tonnes of bauxite to third parties in the third quarter, 23% higher than the same period of 2018.

 

Alumina

Third quarter alumina production was 7% below the same period of 2018. Production at Yarwun was lower due to an extended 35-day shutdown, which included a planned five-year maintenance service of the cogeneration plant. Normal production has since resumed at Yarwun. Production at the Queensland Alumina non-managed JV was impacted by maintenance activities, with the site expected to ramp back to full capacity during the fourth quarter.

 

A project using industry-leading filter press technology to move to bauxite residue dry stacking and extend the life of the Vaudreuil refinery in Quebec is being commissioned in October. The project commenced in February 2018 and will be commissioned six weeks ahead of plan and under its budget of $188 million (C$250 million).

 

Aluminium

Third quarter aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 3% lower than the same period of 2018, reflecting reduced production at ISAL in Iceland and Kitimat in British Columbia, Canada. Our Quebec and Pacific smelters continue to perform well, with third quarter and year to date production 1% higher than the same periods last year. This excludes the non-managed Becancour JV where the restart is progressing well, following a lock-out, with full ramp-up expected by mid-2020.

 

Production at ISAL was impacted by the preventive, safety driven shutdown of one of the three potlines due to process instability. This issue has been resolved and will result in an estimated 21 thousand tonnes production loss compared to last year, of which 17 thousand tonnes was in the third quarter. 

 

Third quarter production at Kitimat was 15 thousand tonnes lower than the same period last year due to earlier than planned pot-lining replacement. We are accelerating work to minimise further production impacts. The estimated impact on fourth quarter production is reflected in our guidance below, with the 2020 impact to be determined by pot relining needs.

 

The aluminium industry continues to face challenging conditions in global markets and policy uncertainty, reflected in declining prices. We are focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of our smelters, including discussions with our Pacific stakeholders on energy pricing, to ensure the sustainability and global competitiveness of our Pacific smelters.

 

Kemano

At the Kemano hydro-power facility at Kitimat, tunnel boring continues to progress with a total of 1,753 metres excavated as at 30 September 2019.

 

2019 guidance

We now expect our share of bauxite production to be around 54 million tonnes (previously 56 to 59 million tonnes), reflecting weather related events in the first quarter, downtime to address commissioning items on new mines and lower production from the Pacific refineries.

 

We now expect our share of alumina production to be around 7.7 million tonnes (previously 8.1 to 8.4 million tonnes) due primarily to maintenance activities in the Pacific refineries.

 

We expect our share of aluminium production to be at the lower end of guidance (3.2 to 3.4 million tonnes), primarily reflecting lower than planned volumes at the ISAL, Kitimat and non-managed Becancour smelters.

 

 

COPPER & DIAMONDS

 

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)


Q3 2019

vs Q3 2018

vs Q2 2019

9 mths 2019

vs 9mths 2018

Mined copper






Rio Tinto Kennecott

57.8

-2%

+40%

151.4

+4%

Escondida

90.5

+4%

+9%

248.1

-8%

Oyu Tolgoi

9.5

-28%

-27%

38.0

-4%







Refined copper






Rio Tinto Kennecott

40.3

-26%

-36%

133.2

+2%

Escondida

16.8

+1%

-12%

54.5

-7%







Diamonds ('000 carats)






Argyle

3,558

-7%

+8%

9,636

-11%

Diavik

994

-7%

-16%

3,191

-3%

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

Third quarter mined copper production was 2% lower than the same period of 2018, but 40% higher than the previous quarter, as mining activity moved to an area of higher grades following the low grades experienced in the second quarter.

 

Refined copper production was lower than comparable prior periods, reflecting reduced copper concentrate availability from the previous quarter, a planned smelter shut-down in July and additional unplanned maintenance which reduced furnace online time.

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 11.9 thousand tonnes of concentrate received for processing in the third quarter of 2019, compared with 6.3 thousand tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. Purchased and tolled copper concentrate are excluded from reported production figures.

 

Higher molybdenum grades were sustained in the third quarter, with production of 2.1 thousand tonnes, compared with 1.4 thousand tonnes in the same quarter in 2018.

 

Escondida

Third quarter mined copper production at Escondida was 4% higher than the same period of 2018, mainly due to higher concentrator throughput and an increase in recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching.

 

Oyu Tolgoi

Mined copper production from the open pit in the third quarter of 2019 was 28% lower than the same period in 2018 and 27% lower than the prior quarter as mining activity moved to lower grade areas of the pit, as planned.

 

Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project

Commissioning milestones for the primary production shaft (shaft 2) remain on target for completion in October. Rope-up of the service and production hoists was completed as planned, and testing of the braking system has also been completed.

 

Since July 2019, we have also completed key infrastructure, including the central heating plant, the shaft 2 jaw crusher system and the surface discharge conveyor.

 

As previously announced on 16 July 2019, enhanced geotechnical information and data modelling suggests there may be some stability risks with the Feasibility Study 2016 mine design and so a number of mine design options are under consideration.  Work is focusing on evaluating design options, including the impact of relocation or removal of some of the planned underground infrastructure, such as the mid-access drives and the ore handling system and options for panel sequencing.

 

Work on the final design of the first panel of mining, Panel 0, is still anticipated to continue until early 2020 and the Definitive Estimate, which will include the final estimate of cost and schedule for the remaining underground project, is still expected to be delivered in the second half of 2020.

 

Resolution Copper

On 9 August 2019, Rio Tinto announced that the Resolution Copper project in the US had achieved a major permitting milestone with the release of an independently prepared Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the project. The rigorous review, conducted by the US Forest Service over a six year period, included broad public engagement.  

 

Diamonds

At Argyle, carat production in the third quarter of 2019 was 7% lower than the same period in 2018 due to lower recovered grade, partially offset by stronger mining and processing rates.

 

At Diavik, carats recovered in the third quarter were 7% lower than the third quarter of 2018 due to lower ore availability from both the underground and the A21 open pit.

 

2019 guidance

Our 2019 guidance (Rio Tinto share) is unchanged, with mined copper production of between 550 and 600 thousand tonnes, subject to grade availability, refined copper production of between 220 and 250 thousand tonnes and diamond production of between 15 and 17 million carats.

 

 

ENERGY & MINERALS

 

Rio Tinto share of production


Q3 2019

vs Q3 2018

vs Q2 2019

9 mths 2019

vs 9mths 2018

Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes)






IOC

3.0

+3%

+17%

8.0

+30%







Minerals ('000 tonnes)






Borates - B2O3 content

138

+1%

+0%

391

-1%

Titanium dioxide slag

321

+8%

+6%

920

+12%







Uranium ('000 lbs)






Energy Resources of Australia

585

-29%

-6%

1,998

-4%

Rössing

170

-83%

-85%

2,114

-24%

 

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

Third quarter production available for sale at IOC was 3% higher than the corresponding period of 2018. It was 17% higher than the prior quarter, when production was impacted by a flooding incident in June.

 

Borates

Both the sodium borate and non-sodium borate refineries operated below capacity during the third quarter, aligned with market conditions. We will base any decision to increase refinery utilisation rates on maximising value over volume.

 

Iron and Titanium

Titanium dioxide feedstock production in the third quarter was 8% higher than the same period of 2018, reflecting improved operational performance and the restart of furnaces.

 

Eight of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) are currently in operation, with three of four furnaces currently in operation at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). This compares with six out of nine furnaces in operation at RTFT and three out of four at RBM in the third quarter of 2018. We will base our decision to re-start the remaining idled furnaces on maximising value over volume.

 

Zulti South project

Construction of the $463 million Zulti South project at RBM in South Africa, which was forecast to commence in June, has been delayed due to ongoing negotiations with local communities.

 

Uranium

Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing stockpiles. Third quarter production was 29% lower than the same period of 2018, reflecting lower grades.

 

Production from Rössing Uranium is reported up to the date of completion of divestment on 16 July 2019.

 

2019 guidance

Our 2019 guidance (Rio Tinto share) is unchanged, with iron ore pellets and concentrate production of between 10.7 and 11.3 million tonnes, titanium dioxide slag production of between 1.2 and 1.4 million tonnes and boric oxide equivalent production of 0.5 million tonnes.

 

 

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 2019 was $464 million, compared with $341 million in the first nine months of 2018, with increased spend at Resolution Copper and on central exploration Order of Magnitude studies in Australia and North America. Approximately 53% of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 35% by Copper & Diamonds, 7% 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 2019.

 

Exploration highlights

Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18 countries across some seven commodities. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper in Australia, Canada, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, Peru, Serbia, United States, Zambia and diamonds projects in Canada. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron in Australia, Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, Diavik in Canada, as well as Resolution and Boron in the US. A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:

Commodities

Studies Stage

Advanced

projects

Greenfield/ Brownfield

programmes

Aluminium

Cape York, Australia

Amargosa, Brazil

Sanxai, Laos

Cape York, Australia

Copper & Diamonds

Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US

 

Copper: Winu, Australia, La Granja, Peru

Nickel: Tamarack, US

Diamonds: Falcon, Canada

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

Copper Brownfield: Resolution, US

Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia

Nickel Greenfield: Canada, Finland, Uganda

Diamonds Greenfield: Canada

Diamonds Brownfield: Diavik, Canada

Energy & Minerals

Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia

Potash: KP405, Canada

Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique

Uranium: Roughrider, Canada

 

Heavy mineral sands: Tanzania

Industrial Minerals: Serbia

Iron Ore

Pilbara, Australia

Pilbara, Australia

Brownfield: Pilbara, Australia

 

 

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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Rio Tinto production summary













Rio Tinto share of production















Quarter


9 Months


% Change



2018
Q3

2019
Q2

2019
Q3


2018
9 MTHS

2019
9 MTHS


Q3 19
vs
Q3 18

Q3 19
vs
Q2 19

9 MTHS 19
vs
9 MTHS 18

Principal Commodities











Alumina

('000 t)

1,972

1,878

1,826


5,960

5,713


-7%

-3%

-4%

Aluminium

('000 t)

814

803

789


2,414

2,388


-3%

-2%

-1%

Bauxite

('000 t)

12,700

13,407

13,796


38,631

39,967


9%

3%

3%

Borates

('000 t)

137

138

138


394

391


1%

0%

-1%

Copper - mined

('000 t)

159.7

137.1

157.8


455.8

437.6


-1%

15%

-4%

Copper - refined

('000 t)

70.8

82.3

57.1


188.6

187.7


-19%

-31%

0%

Diamonds

('000 cts)

4,896

4,481

4,551


14,137

12,828


-7%

2%

-9%

Iron Ore

('000 t)

72,010

68,141

75,117


215,782

209,839


4%

10%

-3%

Titanium dioxide slag

('000 t)

297

303

321


822

920


8%

6%

12%

Uranium

('000 lbs)

1,814

1,762

755


4,860

4,111


-58%

-57%

-15%

Other Metals & Minerals











Gold - mined

('000 oz)

101.4

111.6

87.8


253.7

314.8


-13%

-21%

24%

Gold - refined

('000 oz)

50.3

52.9

60.8


139.5

155.4


21%

15%

11%

Molybdenum

('000 t)

1.4

2.6

2.1


3.5

6.6


56%

-18%

86%

Salt

('000 t)

1,481

1,269

1,392


4,657

3,972


-6%

10%

-15%

Silver - mined

('000 oz)

1,384

1,403

1,320


4,070

4,203


-5%

-6%

3%

Silver - refined

('000 oz)

730

734

664


2,058

2,014


-9%

-10%

-2%













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
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










ALUMINA









Production ('000 tonnes)









Jonquière (Vaudreuil)

100%

363

354

373

336

360

1,090

1,069

Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant

100%

31

29

25

31

28

95

85

Queensland Alumina

80%

748

742

711

668

669

2,216

2,047

São Luis (Alumar)

10%

85

92

86

86

99

259

271

Yarwun

100%

744

803

813

757

671

2,300

2,241

Rio Tinto total alumina production


1,972

2,020

2,008

1,878

1,826

5,960

5,713










ALUMINIUM









Production ('000 tonnes)









Australia - Bell Bay

100%

48

48

45

47

48

141

141

Australia - Boyne Island

59%

75

74

73

75

75

221

222

Australia - Tomago

52%

78

77

74

76

77

228

227

Canada - six wholly owned

100%

407

408

400

400

399

1,208

1,198

Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles)

40%

59

58

58

60

61

175

179

Canada - Bécancour

25%

8

8

4

4

4

26

12

Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)

100%

53

54

52

52

36

158

141

New Zealand - Tiwai Point

79%

68

70

71

69

70

200

210

Oman - Sohar

20%

20

20

19

19

20

56

58

Rio Tinto total aluminium production


814

817

796

803

789

2,414

2,388











BAUXITE









Production ('000 tonnes) (a)









Gove

100%

2,893

3,250

3,004

2,957

2,968

9,290

8,929

Porto Trombetas

12%

342

489

285

287

385

1,087

956

Sangaredi

   (b)

1,261

1,204

1,558

1,630

1,749

4,664

4,938

Weipa

100%

8,204

6,847

7,917

8,533

8,695

23,590

25,144

Rio Tinto total bauxite production

12,700

11,790

12,763

13,407

13,796

38,631

39,967

(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
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










BORATES









Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)









Rio Tinto Borates - borates

100%

137

118

115

138

138

394

391










COPPER









Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)









Bingham Canyon

100%

59.1

58.3

52.5

41.1

57.8

145.7

151.4

Escondida

30%

87.4

79.7

74.8

82.9

90.5

270.7

248.1

Oyu Tolgoi (b)

34%

13.2

13.9

15.4

13.1

9.5

39.4

38.0

Rio Tinto total mine production


159.7

151.9

142.7

137.1

157.8

455.8

437.6

Refined production ('000 tonnes)








Escondida

30%

16.6

21.6

18.7

19.0

16.8

58.5

54.5

Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

54.2

64.6

29.6

63.3

40.3

130.2

133.2

Rio Tinto total refined production

70.8

86.1

48.3

82.3

57.1

188.6

187.7

(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 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%

3,830

3,211

2,786

3,292

3,558

10,857

9,636

Diavik

60%

1,066

1,078

1,010

1,188

994

3,280

3,191

Rio Tinto total diamond production


4,896

4,290

3,796

4,481

4,551

14,137

12,828










GOLD









Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)









Bingham Canyon

100%

56.6

57.1

53.0

65.1

64.6

139.6

182.6

Escondida

30%

19.1

22.1

22.2

22.4

14.6

57.6

59.3

Oyu Tolgoi (b)

34%

25.8

39.1

40.2

24.1

8.6

56.6

72.9

Rio Tinto total mine production


101.4

118.4

115.4

111.6

87.8

253.7

314.8

Refined production ('000 ounces)








Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

50.3

58.6

41.7

52.9

60.8

139.5

155.4

(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 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
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










IRON ORE









Production ('000 tonnes) (a)








Hamersley mines

   (b)

54,583

56,364

51,218

50,087

55,567

164,248

156,871

Hamersley - Channar

60%

604

1,337

931

1,451

947

2,967

3,330

Hope Downs

50%

5,713

5,845

5,957

6,051

6,077

16,839

18,085

Iron Ore Company of Canada

59%

2,880

2,836

2,481

2,532

2,960

6,116

7,972

Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53%

4,208

4,004

1,870

3,329

4,725

12,928

9,924

Robe River - West Angelas

53%

4,021

4,631

4,125

4,692

4,840

12,685

13,657

Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)


72,010

75,018

66,581

68,141

75,117

215,782

209,839

Breakdown of Production:









Pilbara Blend Lump


20,554

21,674

19,978

19,842

21,015

63,169

60,836

Pilbara Blend Fines


29,921

31,652

28,779

28,463

31,713

90,930

88,955

Robe Valley Lump


1,470

1,409

635

1,201

1,650

4,488

3,486

Robe Valley Fines


2,738

2,595

1,235

2,128

3,075

8,441

6,438

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


14,446

14,852

13,473

13,975

14,704

42,639

42,151

Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes)


69,129

72,182

64,101

65,610

72,156

209,666

201,867

IOC Concentrate


1,131

1,433

890

1,193

1,400

2,501

3,483

IOC Pellets


1,750

1,403

1,590

1,339

1,560

3,615

4,489

IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes)


2,880

2,836

2,481

2,532

2,960

6,116

7,972

Breakdown of Sales:









Pilbara Blend Lump


17,967

18,439

15,772

18,644

18,633

55,453

53,049

Pilbara Blend Fines


31,432

35,205

28,406

33,912

34,088

97,336

96,406

Robe Valley Lump


1,174

1,219

457

1,037

1,290

3,661

2,784

Robe Valley Fines


2,839

2,996

1,308

2,577

3,349

9,089

7,234

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


14,583

14,831

12,294

15,212

14,286

42,549

41,791

Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) (c)


67,995

72,690

58,236

71,382

71,646

208,088

201,264

IOC Concentrate


1,521

1,558

516

1,315

1,425

2,329

3,256

IOC Pellets


1,659

1,516

1,576

1,423

1,229

3,435

4,228

IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)


3,180

3,073

2,092

2,738

2,654

5,763

7,484

Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

71,175

75,763

60,328

74,119

74,300

213,851

208,748

(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.
(c) Pilbara Blend sales include 6.7 million tonnes of alternate products in Q3 2019 and 10.7 million tonnes in YTD 2019

.

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










MOLYBDENUM









Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)








Bingham Canyon

100%

1.4

2.2

1.9

2.6

2.1

3.5

6.6

(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.










SALT









Production ('000 tonnes)









Dampier Salt

68%

1,481

1,496

1,310

1,269

1,392

4,657

3,972










SILVER









Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)








Bingham Canyon

100%

708

736

741

700

768

1,784

2,210

Escondida

30%

599

771

657

622

488

2,059

1,767

Oyu Tolgoi (b)

34%

77

80

83

80

64

227

227

Rio Tinto total mine production


1,384

1,586

1,481

1,403

1,320

4,070

4,203

Refined production ('000 ounces)








Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

730

807

617

734

664

2,058

2,014

(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 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%

297

294

296

303

321

822

920

(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%

820

924

793

620

585

2,090

1,998

Rössing (b)

0%

994

979

802

1,142

170

2,771

2,114

Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,814

1,904

1,595

1,762

755

4,860

4,111

(a) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U3O8.
(b) On 16 July 2019, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire 68.62% interest in the Rossing mine in Namibia to China National Uranium Corporation Limited. Production is reported up to the date of completion.










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.

The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 September 2019.










Rio Tinto's interest in the Kestrel, Hail Creek, Dunkerque and Grasberg operations were sold in 2018. No data for these operations are included in the Share of production table.

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










ALUMINA









Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group








Alumina production ('000 tonnes)









Australia









Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland

80.0%

935

927

888

834

836

2,770

2,559

Yarwun refinery - Queensland

100.0%

744

803

813

757

671

2,300

2,241

Brazil









São Luis (Alumar) refinery

10.0%

851

918

859

864

989

2,592

2,713

Canada









Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)

100.0%

363

354

373

336

360

1,090

1,069

(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%

31

29

25

31

28

95

85

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










ALUMINIUM









Primary Aluminium









Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)








Australia









Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania

100.0%

48

48

45

47

48

141

141

Boyne Island smelter - Queensland

59.4%

126

125

122

126

125

371

374

Tomago smelter - New South Wales

51.6%

151

149

144

147

149

443

440

Canada









Alma smelter - Quebec

100.0%

117

118

115

118

119

347

352

Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec

40.0%

148

146

144

150

153

438

447

Arvida smelter - Quebec

100.0%

43

44

43

44

45

129

131

Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec

100.0%

13

13

14

15

15

39

44

Bécancour smelter - Quebec

25.1%

32

30

17

16

16

105

49

Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec

100.0%

59

59

58

58

59

174

174

Kitimat smelter - British Columbia

100.0%

110

109

106

102

96

327

304

Laterrière smelter - Quebec

100.0%

65

65

64

64

65

191

193

France









Dunkerque smelter (a)

0%

66

57

         -

         -

         -

170

                -

Iceland









ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter

100.0%

53

54

52

52

36

158

141

New Zealand









Tiwai Point smelter

79.4%

85

88

89

87

88

252

264

Oman









Sohar smelter

20.0%

98

99

97

97

98

281

292

(a) On 14 December 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter. Production is reported up to the date of completion.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










BAUXITE









Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)









Australia









Gove mine - Northern Territory

100.0%

2,893

3,250

3,004

2,957

2,968

9,290

8,929

Weipa mine - Queensland

100.0%

8,204

6,847

7,917

8,533

8,695

23,590

25,144

Brazil









Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine

12.0%

2,848

4,073

2,372

2,393

3,205

9,061

7,970

Guinea









Sangaredi mine (a)

23.0%

2,803

2,675

3,463

3,623

3,887

10,364

10,973










Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments








Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

12,427

11,622

12,725

13,122

13,912

37,914

39,758

Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

8,441

7,387

8,842

9,477

10,361

25,427

28,680










(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 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










BORATES









Rio Tinto Borates - borates

100.0%








US









Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)


137

118

115

138

138

394

391

(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)


396

         -

         -

         -

         -

2,700

                -

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


449

         -

         -

         -

         -

2,760

                -

Kestrel Coal mine (b)

0.0%








Queensland









Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)


484

         -

         -

         -

         -

2,217

                -

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


35

         -

         -

         -

         -

329

                -










Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

880

         -

         -

         -

         -

4,917

                -

Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

485

         -

         -

         -

         -

3,089

                -

Total coal production ('000 tonnes)


1,365

         -

         -

         -

         -

8,007

                -










Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)


1,725

         -

         -

         -

         -

8,492

                -

Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)









Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

650

         -

         -

         -

         -

4,246

                -

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

754

         -

         -

         -

         -

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

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










COPPER & GOLD









Escondida

30.0%








Chile









Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

30,513

30,507

32,027

32,519

33,956

94,449

98,502

Average copper grade (%)


0.94

0.87

0.82

0.86

0.86

0.95

0.85

Mill production (metals in concentrates):









Contained copper ('000 tonnes)


241.9

219.9

212.4

231.7

245.1

748.1

689.2

Contained gold ('000 ounces)


64

74

74

75

49

192

198

Contained silver ('000 ounces)


1,997

2,570

2,189

2,074

1,626

6,863

5,889

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

49.4

45.7

36.8

44.5

56.7

154.2

137.9

Refined production from leach plants:









Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)


55.4

71.9

62.4

63.5

55.9

194.9

181.8

(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)


17,535

14,049

         -

         -

         -

50,261

                -

Average mill head grades:









Copper (%)


1.00

0.73

         -

         -

         -

1.06

                -

Gold (g/t)


1.77

1.08

         -

         -

         -

1.73

                -

Silver (g/t)


4.49

2.09

         -

         -

         -

4.75

                -

Production of metals in concentrates:









Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


158.7

85.4

         -

         -

         -

484.3

                -

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


842

402

         -

         -

         -

2,377

                -

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


1,439

545

         -

         -

         -

4,500

                -

Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)








Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


170.6

82.7

         -

         -

         -

473.3

                -

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


903

399

         -

         -

         -

2,320

                -

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


1,221

426

         -

         -

         -

3,502

                -

(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 Q4 2018 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan. On 21 December 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum). Production is reported up to the date of completion. 
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion. 
(c) Net of smelter deduction

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










COPPER & GOLD (continued)









Rio Tinto Kennecott









Bingham Canyon mine

100.0%








Utah, US









Ore treated ('000 tonnes)


11,173

10,853

10,685

10,123

10,084

29,407

30,892

Average ore grade:









Copper (%)


0.58

0.59

0.55

0.46

0.64

0.55

0.55

Gold (g/t)


0.26

0.26

0.25

0.33

0.30

0.25

0.29

Silver (g/t)


2.62

2.76

2.76

2.84

2.74

2.53

2.78

Molybdenum (%)


0.030

0.032

0.032

0.039

0.039

0.027

0.037

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

233

222

207

161

207

598

575

Average concentrate grade (% Cu)


25.3

26.0

25.3

25.5

27.8

24.3

26.3

Production of metals in copper concentrates:








Copper ('000 tonnes) (a)


59.1

58.3

52.5

41.1

57.8

145.7

151.4

Gold ('000 ounces)


57

57

53

65

65

140

183

Silver ('000 ounces)


708

736

741

700

768

1,784

2,210

Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

2.8

4.5

3.8

5.0

4.3

7.0

13.0

Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


1.4

2.2

1.9

2.6

2.1

3.5

6.6


Kennecott smelter & refinery

100.0%








Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)

246

262

204

207

160

670

571

Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b)

58.1

62.4

33.3

60.3

39.3

144.9

132.9

Production of refined metal:









Copper ('000 tonnes)


54.2

64.6

29.6

63.3

40.3

130.2

133.2

Gold ('000 ounces) (c)


50.3

58.6

41.7

52.9

60.8

139.5

155.4

Silver ('000 ounces) (c)


730

807

617

734

664

2,058

2,014

(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 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










COPPER & GOLD (continued)









Turquoise Hill Resources









Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)

33.5%








Mongolia









Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)


9,652

9,361

9,255

10,394

10,040

29,377

29,689

Average mill head grades:









Copper (%)


0.51

0.55

0.57

0.46

0.37

0.50

0.46

Gold (g/t)


0.38

0.56

0.58

0.31

0.14

0.29

0.34

Silver (g/t)


1.19

1.22

1.25

1.20

1.03

1.22

1.16

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

179.8

189.0

210.1

180.6

131.3

535.9

522.1

Average concentrate grade (% Cu)


21.9

21.9

21.8

21.7

21.7

21.9

21.7

Production of metals in concentrates:









Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


39.4

41.5

45.8

39.2

28.4

117.6

113.4

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


77.0

116.7

120.1

71.8

25.6

168.8

217.5

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


230

238

247

239

191

676

677

Sales of metals in concentrates:









Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


36.0

40.2

38.5

46.6

32.5

116.4

117.6

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


55

111

98

116

35

137

249

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


201

216

200

245

207

657

652

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










DIAMONDS









Argyle Diamonds

100.0%








Western Australia









AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)


1,465

1,292

1,248

1,427

1,716

4,153

4,390

AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)


3,830

3,211

2,786

3,292

3,558

10,857

9,636

Diavik Diamonds

60.0%








Northwest Territories, Canada









Ore processed ('000 tonnes)


670

651

620

671

628

1,879

1,919

Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)


1,776

1,797

1,683

1,980

1,656

5,467

5,319


Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










IRON ORE









Rio Tinto Iron Ore








Western Australia








Pilbara Operations








Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)








Hamersley mines

   (a)

54,583

56,364

51,218

50,087

55,567

164,248

156,871

Hamersley - Channar

60.0%

1,007

2,228

1,552

2,419

1,579

4,945

5,549

Hope Downs

50.0%

11,426

11,691

11,913

12,101

12,155

33,677

36,169

Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53.0%

7,940

7,555

3,529

6,282

8,914

24,393

18,725

Robe River - West Angelas

53.0%

7,587

8,738

7,783

8,853

9,133

23,933

25,768

Total production ('000 tonnes)


82,542

86,576

75,995

79,741

87,347

251,196

243,083

Breakdown of total production:









Pilbara Blend Lump


24,461

26,084

24,068

24,291

25,434

75,545

73,793

Pilbara Blend Fines


35,696

38,085

34,924

35,194

38,296

108,620

108,413

Robe Valley Lump


2,774

2,659

1,198

2,266

3,113

8,467

6,578

Robe Valley Fines


5,166

4,896

2,331

4,015

5,802

15,926

12,148

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,446

14,852

13,473

13,975

14,704

42,639

42,151

Breakdown of total sales:









Pilbara Blend Lump


21,644

22,161

18,968

22,287

22,014

66,054

63,269

Pilbara Blend Fines


38,100

42,497

34,558

41,105

41,004

118,058

116,667

Robe Valley Lump


2,215

2,301

863

1,957

2,433

6,908

5,253

Robe Valley Fines


5,356

5,652

2,468

4,862

6,318

17,149

13,648

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


14,583

14,831

12,294

15,212

14,286

42,549

41,791

Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) (c)


81,898

87,442

69,150

85,423

86,055

250,718

240,628

(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) Pilbara Blend sales include 6.7 million tonnes of alternate products in Q3 2019 and 10.7 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2019.
(c) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.

Iron Ore Company of Canada

58.7%








Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada








Saleable iron ore production:









Concentrates ('000 tonnes)


1,926

2,441

1,516

2,031

2,384

4,260

5,932

Pellets ('000 tonnes)


2,979

2,389

2,709

2,280

2,657

6,156

7,646

IOC Total production ('000 tonnes)


4,905

4,830

4,225

4,311

5,041

10,416

13,577

Sales:









Concentrates ('000 tonnes)


2,590

2,653

878

2,239

2,427

3,966

5,544

Pellets ('000 tonnes)


2,825

2,581

2,684

2,424

2,093

5,849

7,201

IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes)

5,415

5,234

3,562

4,663

4,520

9,815

12,745

Global Iron Ore Totals









Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)


87,448

91,406

80,219

84,052

92,389

261,612

256,660

Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)


87,314

92,676

72,712

90,085

90,576

260,533

253,373

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Rio Tinto operational data











Rio Tinto
interest

Q3
2018

Q4
2018

Q1
2019

Q2
2019

Q3
2019

9 MTHS
2018

9 MTHS
2019










SALT









Dampier Salt

68.4%








Western Australia









Salt production ('000 tonnes)


2,167

2,188

1,917

1,856

2,036

6,813

5,810










TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG









Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium

100.0%








Canada and South Africa









(Rio Tinto share) (a)









Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)


297

294

296

303

321

822

920










(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)


1,199

1,351

1,160

906

855

3,056

2,921

(a) ERA production data are drummed U3O8.




Rössing Uranium Ltd (a) (b)

0.0%








Namibia









U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)


1,449

1,427

1,168

1,665

247

4,038

3,080

(a) Rössing production data are drummed U3O8.
(b) On 16 July 2019, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire 68.62% interest in the Rossing mine in Namibia to China National Uranium Corporation Limited. Production is reported up to the date of completion.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 


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