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Rio Tinto PLC — Earnings Release 2014
Oct 15, 2014
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Earnings Release
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RNS Number : 3228U
Rio Tinto PLC
14 October 2014
Rio Tinto delivers another strong quarterly production performance
15 October 2014
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "We have delivered another strong quarter with record iron ore production and a solid performance in copper and aluminium. We have seen our first full quarter from the 290 Mt/a iron ore expansion in the Pilbara, with the additional tonnes going into our premium Pilbara Blend products. Our strategy of focussing on long-life, low-cost assets means we will continue to generate strong cash flows despite a lower price environment, resulting in materially increased and consistent cash returns to shareholders."
Highlights (Rio Tinto share unless stated otherwise)
| Q3'14 | vs Q3'13 | vs Q2'14 | 9 mths 2014 | vs 9 mths 2013 | ||
| Global iron ore shipments (100% basis) | Mt | 78.0 | +15% | +3% | 220.4 | +18% |
| Global iron ore production (100% basis) | Mt | 76.8 | +12% | +5% | 216.2 | +11% |
| Mined copper | kt | 151.8 | +1% | -8% | 474.7 | +15% |
| Bauxite | kt | 10,889 | -3% | +7% | 31,077 | -2% |
| Aluminium | kt | 848 | -1% | 1% | 2,519 | 0% |
| Hard coking coal | kt | 1,927 | -14% | -4% | 5,815 | 0% |
| Semi-soft and thermal coal | kt | 6,141 | -13% | -8% | 19,597 | -3% |
| Titanium dioxide feedstock | kt | 365 | -2% | -2% | 1,127 | -11% |
· Record quarterly and year to date iron ore shipments, production and rail volumes. Sales from the Pilbara continued to exceed production in the quarter, as the stocks that were built in anticipation of delivery of the infrastructure expansion were drawn down.
· Infrastructure for the 360 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a) expansion is 75 per cent complete, with all rail, marine and wharf works in place. The 360 Mt/a project is poised to generate significant value for shareholders.
· Rio Tinto is increasing its copper guidance for the year on the back of mined copper production being 15 per cent higher than in the first nine months of 2013, driven by improved recoveries at the Kennecott concentrator and the sustained ramp up at Oyu Tolgoi.
· Global bauxite production in the third quarter was seven per cent higher than in the second quarter, as the Gove bauxite mine continued its ramp up following curtailment of the Gove refinery in May.
· Aluminium production in the third quarter was broadly in line with last year. Production from the new AP60 plant and productivity gains across the smelter portfolio offset the loss of production from Shawinigan, which closed in November 2013, and the partial shutdown at Kitimat as the plant continues to prepare for full commissioning of the modernised smelter in the first half of 2015.
· Production of hard coking coal in the first nine months of 2014 was in line with 2013. Production of thermal and semi-soft coal was down only three per cent, despite the loss of production from the Clermont mine which was sold in the second quarter of this year, due to production of thermal coal from Hail Creek and significant productivity gains achieved across other coal mines in the business.
· Titanium dioxide production was down 11 per cent in the first nine months of the year as the business continues to match production volumes to underlying demand.
· Exploration and evaluation expenditure was $566 million in the first nine months of 2014, sustaining the savings achieved in 2013 whilst continuing to progress the highest priority projects.
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 2013 have been excluded.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
| Q3 2014 | vs Q3 2013 | vs Q2 2014 | 9 mths 2014 | vs 9 mths 2013 | |
| Pilbara Blend Lump | 15.0 | +13% | +3% | 42.8 | +11% |
| Pilbara Blend Fines | 24.7 | +29% | +9% | 67.0 | +20% |
| Robe Valley Lump | 1.6 | -2% | +7% | 4.5 | +6% |
| Robe Valley Fines | 3.2 | +5% | +7% | 9.2 | +4% |
| Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13.6 | -1% | +1% | 40.4 | +3% |
| IOC (pellets and concentrate) | 2.3 | -2% | -3% | 6.4 | -4% |
Global iron ore production of 216.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 170.3 million tonnes) and global shipments of 220.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 173.8 million tonnes) set new nine month records. Rio Tinto's share of production in the period was 11 per cent higher than in the same period of 2013.
Pilbara operations
Production in the first nine months of 205.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 163.9 million tonnes) was 12 per cent higher than the same period in 2013 and set a new nine month record, driven by a combination of rail, haul truck and processing plant productivity improvements and achieving the 290 Mt/a run rate in May, two months ahead of schedule. Almost 90 per cent of the additional tonnes produced in the year to date has gone directly into our Pilbara Blend, the market leading iron ore product.
The third quarter marked the first full quarter of production at a 290 Mt/a run rate, delivering a 13 per cent increase in production in the quarter to 72.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 58.2 million tonnes) when compared to the same period last year.
Pilbara sales
Record sales of 209.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 167.6 million tonnes) in the first nine months were 20 per cent higher than the same period of 2013. Sales in the period exceeded production by
4.5 million tonnes due to the drawdown of stockpiled iron ore inventory built at Pilbara mine sites in previous years to facilitate a ramp up of the expanded port and rail facilities to 290 Mt/a.
The growth of our Pilbara iron ore business has enabled us to deliver additional Pilbara Blend iron ore volumes to Asian steel markets, providing our customers with reliable, long-term supply of stable quality. Our Yandicoogina and Robe Valley products remained in high demand from major steel mills in Asia.
Third quarter sales set a new quarterly record of 73.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 59.1 million tonnes), 15 per cent higher than the same period of 2013.
Pilbara expansion
Infrastructure for the 360 Mt/a expansion is 75 per cent complete, with all rail, marine and wharf works now in place. The infrastructure expansion is expected to be complete by the end of the first half 2015.
In November 2013, Rio Tinto set out its breakthrough pathway to optimise the growth of mine capacity towards 360 Mt/a, which freed up more than $3 billion of capital previously earmarked for the expansion.
The 360 Mt/a project is poised to generate significant value for shareholders and production from the Pilbara is expected to be 330 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in 2015.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Production for the first nine months was four per cent lower than the same period of 2013 due to the unusually cold winter experienced in the first quarter of 2014. While production in the third quarter was two per cent lower than the same period of 2013, sales were 14 per cent higher and shipments exceeded production in the quarter by nine per cent as previously frozen material became available for sale.
2014 shipping and production guidance
Rio Tinto expects 2014 global shipments of approximately 300 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). 2014 global production guidance is unchanged at 295 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), subject to weather constraints. Around five million tonnes of iron ore inventory is expected to be drawn down from the Pilbara mines during the year.
COPPER
Rio Tinto share of production
| Q3 2014 | vs Q3 2013 | vs Q2 2014 | 9 mths 2014 | vs 9 mths 2013 | |
| Kennecott Utah Copper | |||||
| Mined copper (000 tonnes) | 52.8 | -11% | -15% | 183.8 | +25% |
| Refined copper (000 tonnes) | 62.7 | +35% | -11% | 185.9 | +37% |
| Molybdenum (000 tonnes) | 5.6 | +349% | +126% | 8.9 | +129% |
| Mined gold (000 oz) | 86.7 | +56% | +13% | 227.0 | +70% |
| Refined gold (000 oz) | 79.3 | +97% | +33% | 201.1 | +39% |
| Escondida | |||||
| Mined copper (000 tonnes) | 84.2 | +3% | -6% | 252.4 | 0% |
| Refined copper (000 tonnes) | 20.8 | -5% | -15% | 68.0 | -1% |
| Grasberg | |||||
| Mined copper (000 tonnes) | 2.5 | N/A | +68% | 5.6 | N/A |
| Mined gold (000 oz) | 0.8 | N/A | +188% | 1.5 | N/A |
| Oyu Tolgoi | |||||
| Mined copper (000 tonnes) | 12.3 | +20% | +1% | 32.9 | +125% |
| Mined gold (000 oz) | 44.2 | +111% | +17% | 104.1 | +272% |
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper and gold in the first nine months improved significantly on the same period in 2013, reflecting the recovery from the pit wall slide experienced in April 2013, improved overall grades and improved recoveries at the newly expanded concentrator completed in the third quarter of 2013. Copper production in the third quarter, however, was 11 per cent lower than the same period last year due to lower grades at the mine, which was partially offset by higher throughput. This throughput, coupled with improved gold grades, has resulted in increased mined gold.
While copper cathode production for the third quarter was down by 11 per cent due to the 65-day scheduled smelter shutdown which started in early September, overall copper cathode production was 37 per cent higher in the first nine months of the year compared to 2013.
Molybdenum production improved significantly quarter on quarter due to higher grades, improved recoveries and increased throughput.
Escondida
Despite lower grades, increased mill throughput resulted in copper production up three per cent on the same period last year.
Oyu Tolgoi / Turquoise Hill Resources
Production for the first nine months of the year was 98.2 thousand tonnes of copper and 310.6 thousand ounces of gold in concentrates (Rio Tinto share 32.9 thousand tonnes and 104.1 thousand ounces, respectively). Production rose in the third quarter due to higher copper and gold grades offsetting lower throughput.
Customer collections of concentrate from the Chinese bonded warehouse continued to exceed production, with the sale of 53.6 thousand tonnes of copper and 143.7 thousand ounces of gold in concentrates (100 per cent basis) recognised in the third quarter. Warehouse inventories are expected to approach appropriate levels by the end of this year.
Grasberg
Based on the latest available forecast from Freeport-McMoran, a small proportion of copper and gold production in the quarter has been attributed to Rio Tinto. Freeport-McMoran is expected to announce its third quarter results on 28 October 2014.
2014 production guidance
Rio Tinto is increasing its copper guidance for the year. It now expects its share of mined copper production to be approximately 615,000 tonnes (previously 585,000) and refined copper production to be 300,000 tonnes (previously 260,000).
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
| Q3 2014 | vs Q3 2013 | vs Q2 2014 | 9 mths 2014 | vs 9 mths 2013 | |
| Rio Tinto Aluminium | |||||
| Bauxite | 10,889 | -3% | +7% | 31,077 | -2% |
| Alumina | 1,877 | +6% | +5% | 5,527 | +8% |
| Aluminium | 848 | -1% | +1% | 2,519 | 0% |
| Other operations | |||||
| Gove alumina refinery | 0 | -100% | -100% | 676 | -58% |
In May 2014, Rio Tinto completed the curtailment of alumina production at Gove. The refinery is now on care and maintenance and continues to be reported separately from Rio Tinto Aluminium.
Bauxite
Global bauxite production in the third quarter was seven per cent higher than in the second quarter as the Gove bauxite mine continued its ramp up following curtailment of the Gove refinery in May. Bauxite production and exports at Gove continued to ramp up towards 8 Mt/a which is expected to be achieved by the end of 2015 following upgrades to export infrastructure. Bauxite production in the nine months to September was lower than 2013 reflecting changes at the Gove bauxite mine as it adjusted to the staged curtailment of the Gove alumina refinery during the first half of 2014.
Alumina
Excluding the Gove alumina refinery, production in the first nine months was up by eight per cent compared to the same period in 2013 reflecting stronger production across all refineries in the period, specifically Yarwun and Queensland Alumina, which were both impacted by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in the first half of 2013.
Aluminium
Aluminium production in the third quarter was broadly in line with last year. Production from the new AP60 plant and productivity gains across the smelter portfolio offset the loss of production from Shawinigan, which closed in November 2013, and the partial shutdown at Kitimat as the plant continues to prepare for full commissioning of the modernised smelter in the first half of 2015.
In September 2014, a second potline was closed at the Kitimat smelter as part of the transition to the commissioning of the new and expanded facility. This second closure follows the closure of the first potline in June 2014. The remaining capacity is expected to close in the first half of 2015 as the Kitimat smelter is commissioned.
On 3 July 2014, Rio Tinto Aluminium signed an agreement to sell its 50 per cent shareholding in the SØRAL aluminium smelter in Norway to its joint venture partner at the plant, Hydro Aluminium ASA. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.
On 8 October 2014, Rio Tinto Aluminium announced its intention to dispose of its 46.67% share in the Alucam smelter in Cameroon by the end of 2014.
2014 production guidance
Rio Tinto's share of bauxite and aluminium production for 2014 is unchanged and is expected to be 41 million tonnes and 3.4 million tonnes, respectively. Alumina production guidance is reduced to 7.4 million tonnes (previously 7.6 million tonnes), excluding alumina production in the year from the Gove alumina refinery.
ENERGY
Coal
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
| Q3 2014 | vs Q3 2013 | vs Q2 2014 | 9 mths 2014 | vs 9 mths 2013 | |
| Rio Tinto Coal Australia | |||||
| Hard coking coal | 1,773 | -15% | -3% | 5,416 | 0% |
| Semi-soft coking coal | 645 | -14% | -29% | 2,484 | -15% |
| Thermal coal | 5,355 | -14% | -4% | 16,743 | -1% |
| Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique | |||||
| Hard coking coal | 153 | -5% | -18% | 399 | -4% |
| Thermal coal | 141 | +15% | -20% | 370 | +2% |
Production of hard coking coal in the first nine months of 2014 was in line with 2013. Production was down by 15 per cent in the third quarter compared to the same quarter of last year due to Hail Creek prioritising the production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream to deliver increased margins in the current price environment, and Kestrel ramping up the new South longwall following completion of mining at Kestrel North in the first quarter of 2014. Kestrel completed mining the first South block in October and commenced moving the longwall to the next panel.
Semi-soft coking coal production was 15 per cent lower than the first nine months of last year reflecting changes made to the production mix to maximise revenue through optimising thermal coal production.
In the third quarter, Australian thermal coal production was only 0.8 million tonnes (14 per cent) lower than last year, despite the loss of 1.8 million tonnes of attributable production from the Clermont mine. The incremental one million tonnes came from the by-product stream at Hail Creek and significant productivity gains in the Hunter Valley.
On 8 October 2014, Rio Tinto confirmed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique to International Coal Ventures Private Limited had completed following the fulfilment of all conditions and receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals.
Uranium
Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs)
| Q3 2014 | vs Q3 2013 | vs Q2 2014 | 9 mths 2014 | vs 9 mths 2013 | |
| Energy Resources of Australia | 853 | -7% | N/A | 853 | -77% |
| Rössing | 615 | -35% | +35% | 1,714 | -41% |
Progression to full mill throughput at Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) was achieved in the third quarter, following the recommencement of processing operations in June 2014.
Third quarter production at Rössing was 35 per cent lower than in the same period of 2013. This was largely the result of operational changes made in response to current market conditions.
2014 production guidance
Rio Tinto is increasing its expected share of thermal coal production to 18.0 million tonnes (previously 17.5 million tonnes), excluding 2.5 million tonnes of production from the Clermont mine prior to divestment. This change is largely as a result of prioritising thermal coal production at Hail Creek and therefore the corresponding guidance for Australian hard coking coal production is now expected to be 7.0 million tonnes (previously 7.4 million tonnes). Semi-soft production guidance remains unchanged at 3.0 million tonnes.
Given production in the first nine months of 2014, Rio Tinto's share of uranium production across Rössing and ERA in 2014 is expected to be closer to the lower end of the guidance range of 4.3 to 5.1 million pounds.
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
| Q3 2014 | vs Q3 2013 | vs Q2 2014 | 9 mths 2014 | vs 9 mths 2013 | |
| Diamonds (000 carats) | |||||
| Argyle | 2,455 | -20% | 0% | 7,375 | -10% |
| Diavik | 1,004 | 0% | -22% | 3,413 | +10% |
| Murowa | 90 | +29% | +8% | 243 | +12% |
| Minerals (000 tonnes) | |||||
| Borates - B2O3 content | 127 | 0% | -5% | 385 | +3% |
| Titanium dioxide feedstock | 365 | -2% | -2% | 1,127 | -11% |
| Salt (000 tonnes) | 1,567 | -1% | -12% | 4,942 | +2% |
Diamonds
At Argyle, carats recovered during the first nine months were ten per cent lower than in 2013 reflecting the move from open pit to underground mining and the processing of lower grade tailings in the first quarter of 2014 as underground production ramped up. The second crusher was successfully commissioned during the third quarter which saw higher throughput offsetting lower grades to keep carat production in line with the previous quarter.
Diavik had strong operational performance in the first nine months of the year with a ten per cent increase in carats produced compared to the corresponding period of 2013. This was due to improvements in mining rates, with all three pipes in full production, as well as processing plant improvements implemented over the past six months. Production in the third quarter was down compared to the previous quarter as a result of lower grades and throughput after the majority of stockpiled ore was processed in the first half.
Carats recovered at Murowa in the first nine months were 12 per cent higher than in 2013 and 29 per cent higher than in the third quarter of 2013 due to improved throughput and grades.
Minerals
Borates production in the first nine months was three per cent higher than the same period in 2013. This was in response to higher sales demand and the commissioning of the new modified direct dissolving of kernite (MDDK) process plant, which continued during the third quarter. Production in the quarter was in line with the same quarter in 2013.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide feedstock production was 11 per cent lower than the nine months to September 2013 reflecting soft market demand. Production continues to be optimised to align with market demand. Third quarter production in 2014 was two per cent lower than the same quarter of 2013 as production was reduced to match shipments.
Salt
Salt production year to date was two per cent higher than the same period of 2013 due to productivity improvements and better weather conditions, but 12 per cent lower in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter due to a planned maintenance shut in the third quarter 2014.
2014 production guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 1.5 million tonnes of titanium dioxide feedstocks and 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent. 2014 production guidance for diamonds is 15 million carats (previously 16 million carats) which reflects a maintenance shutdown at Argyle to implement some improved design modifications to both underground crushers.
CORPORATE
On 18 August 2014, Rio Tinto announced its intention to review all options for its 53.83 per cent stake in Bougainville Copper Limited in light of developments in Papua New Guinea, including the new mining legislation passed by the Autonomous Bougainville Government earlier that month.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first three quarters of 2014 was $566 million compared with $774 million in 2013, sustaining the savings achieved in the same period of 2013 whilst continuing to progress the highest priority projects.
In the first nine months of 2014, approximately 35 per cent was incurred by the Copper Group, five per cent by Iron Ore, 18 per cent by Energy, 16 per cent by Diamonds and Minerals, 1 per cent by Aluminium and the balance by central exploration.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the third quarter of 2014 or 2013.
Exploration highlights
Iron Ore
In the Pilbara of Western Australia drilling continued and airborne geophysical surveys were completed. In Botswana, a drilling programme was completed.
Copper
In the United States, field mapping, sampling and drilling continued across copper projects in Utah, Arizona and Montana. In South America field reconnaissance, geophysical surveying and drilling occurred across projects in Chile and Peru. In Zambia mapping continued and drilling commenced. In Uzbekistan, drilling and geophysical surveying commenced. In China the Chinalco Rio Tinto Exploration Joint Venture continued geophysical surveys and commenced drilling.
Nickel
In Canada, field mapping and drilling continued targeting nickel sulphides.
Bauxite
In Brazil, field mapping and drilling continued across several targets. In Laos, interpretation of bulk sample results commenced.
Coal
In the Bowen Basin (Queensland, Australia), field activities included mapping, ground geophysics and drilling.
Uranium
In Athabasca (Canada), drilling continued on a number of targets and interpretation and geological modelling of existing data progressed. In the United States, geophysical surveying was completed.
Diamonds
In India, data compilation and interpretation continued. In Canada, data review and sampling of targets commenced.
Heavy Mineral Sands
In Gabon, auger drilling and sampling continued over heavy mineral sands target areas.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
| Product Group | Evaluation projects |
Advanced projects |
Greenfield programmes |
| Aluminium | Bauxite: South of Embley and Cape York, Australia; Amargosa, Brazil | Bauxite: Amargosa orbit, Brazil | Bauxite: Australia, Brazil, Laos |
| Copper | Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper: La Granja, Peru Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Nickel: Tamarack, US | Copper: Australia, US, Chile, Peru, Zambia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China Nickel: Canada |
| Diamonds & Minerals | Diamonds: Diavik, Canada; Bunder, India Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Heavy mineral sands: Zulti South, South Africa; Mutamba, Mozambique Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea |
Diamonds: India, Canada Heavy mineral sands: Gabon |
|
| Energy | Coal: Mt Pleasant, Hail Creek, Australia Uranium: Ranger 3 Deeps, Australia; Roughrider, Canada |
Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley, Australia | Uranium: Canada, US, Australia |
| Iron Ore | Pilbara, Australia | Pilbara, Australia | Botswana |
Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including: Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Oyu Tolgoi, Weipa, Gove and Kennecott.
This report represents the Interim Management Statement for the purposes of the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
Contacts
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| Rio Tinto production summary | |||||||||||
| Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||||||
| Quarter | 9 Months | % Change | |||||||||
| 2013 Q3 |
2014 Q2 |
2014 Q3 |
2013 9 MTHS |
2014 9 MTHS |
Q3 14 vs Q3 13 |
Q3 14 vs Q2 14 |
9 MTHS 14 vs 9 MTHS 13 |
||||
| Principal Commodities | |||||||||||
| Alumina | ('000 t) | 2,293 | 1,934 | 1,877 | 6,725 | 6,203 | -18% | -3% | -8% | ||
| Aluminium | ('000 t) | 853 | 839 | 848 | 2,531 | 2,519 | -1% | 1% | 0% | ||
| Bauxite | ('000 t) | 11,250 | 10,144 | 10,889 | 31,772 | 31,077 | -3% | 7% | -2% | ||
| Borates | ('000 t) | 127 | 133 | 127 | 374 | 385 | 0% | -5% | 3% | ||
| Coal - hard coking | ('000 t) | 2,253 | 2,015 | 1,927 | 5,805 | 5,815 | -14% | -4% | 0% | ||
| Coal - semi-soft coking | ('000 t) | 750 | 903 | 645 | 2,936 | 2,484 | -14% | -29% | -15% | ||
| Coal - thermal | ('000 t) | 6,321 | 5,758 | 5,496 | 17,350 | 17,113 | -13% | -5% | -1% | ||
| Copper - mined | ('000 t) | 150.9 | 164.8 | 151.8 | 413.8 | 474.7 | 1% | -8% | 15% | ||
| Copper - refined | ('000 t) | 68.3 | 94.6 | 83.5 | 204.2 | 253.8 | 22% | -12% | 24% | ||
| Diamonds | ('000 cts) | 4,158 | 3,832 | 3,549 | 11,529 | 11,031 | -15% | -7% | -4% | ||
| Iron ore | ('000 t) | 53,377 | 57,530 | 60,449 | 153,456 | 170,319 | 13% | 5% | 11% | ||
| Titanium dioxide feedstock | ('000 t) | 373 | 372 | 365 | 1,261 | 1,127 | -2% | -2% | -11% | ||
| Uranium | ('000 lbs) | 1,868 | 455 | 1,467 | 6,612 | 2,567 | -21% | 222% | -61% | ||
| Other Metals & Minerals | |||||||||||
| Gold - mined | ('000 oz) | 83.2 | 123.2 | 138.4 | 182.2 | 355.8 | 66% | 12% | 95% | ||
| Gold - refined | ('000 oz) | 40.3 | 59.8 | 79.3 | 144.5 | 201.1 | 97% | 33% | 39% | ||
| Molybdenum | ('000 t) | 1.2 | 2.5 | 5.6 | 3.9 | 8.9 | 349% | 126% | 129% | ||
| Salt | ('000 t) | 1,586 | 1,788 | 1,567 | 4,842 | 4,942 | -1% | -12% | 2% | ||
| Silver - mined | ('000 oz) | 1,223 | 1,372 | 1,390 | 2,913 | 3,959 | 14% | 1% | 36% | ||
| Silver - refined | ('000 oz) | 395 | 818 | 759 | 1,525 | 2,175 | 92% | -7% | 43% | ||
| 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 nine month figures. |
| Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| ALUMINA | ||||||||
| Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Alcan | ||||||||
| Jonquière (Vaudreuil) | 100% | 353 | 378 | 360 | 352 | 358 | 1,061 | 1,070 |
| Queensland Alumina | 80% | 695 | 722 | 697 | 668 | 741 | 1,985 | 2,106 |
| São Luis (Alumar) | 10% | 85 | 91 | 88 | 87 | 94 | 252 | 269 |
| Yarwun | 100% | 608 | 696 | 683 | 661 | 656 | 1,751 | 2,001 |
| Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant | 100% | 25 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 80 | 81 |
| Rio Tinto Alcan total | 1,764 | 1,909 | 1,856 | 1,795 | 1,877 | 5,128 | 5,527 | |
| Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a) | 100% | 528 | 673 | 537 | 139 | 0 | 1,597 | 676 |
| Rio Tinto total alumina production | 2,293 | 2,582 | 2,392 | 1,934 | 1,877 | 6,725 | 6,203 | |
| ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
| Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Alcan | ||||||||
| Australia - Bell Bay | 100% | 47 | 47 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 140 | 141 |
| Australia - Boyne Island | 59% | 84 | 83 | 76 | 81 | 85 | 251 | 242 |
| Australia - Tomago | 52% | 71 | 72 | 70 | 71 | 73 | 209 | 215 |
| Cameroon - Alucam (Edéa) | 47% | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 24 | 33 |
| Canada - seven wholly owned (b) (c) | 100% | 335 | 331 | 322 | 320 | 320 | 1,002 | 962 |
| Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) | 40% | 57 | 59 | 58 | 58 | 58 | 174 | 174 |
| Canada - Bécancour | 25% | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 82 | 83 |
| France - Dunquerque | 100% | 66 | 68 | 67 | 67 | 68 | 190 | 202 |
| Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) | 100% | 49 | 49 | 50 | 52 | 51 | 148 | 153 |
| New Zealand - Tiwai Point | 79% | 64 | 66 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 191 | 194 |
| Norway - SØRAL (Husnes) (d) | 50% | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 33 | 34 |
| Oman - Sohar | 20% | 18 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 54 | 54 |
| UK - Lochaber | 100% | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 34 | 31 |
| Rio Tinto total aluminium production | 853 | 853 | 832 | 839 | 848 | 2,531 | 2,519 | |
| BAUXITE | ||||||||
| Production ('000 tonnes) (e) | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Alcan | ||||||||
| Gove | 100% | 1,983 | 2,271 | 1,804 | 1,426 | 1,725 | 5,758 | 4,954 |
| Porto Trombetas | 12% | 506 | 525 | 438 | 470 | 501 | 1,362 | 1,409 |
| Sangaredi | (f) | 1,790 | 1,848 | 1,686 | 1,885 | 1,819 | 5,099 | 5,391 |
| Weipa | 100% | 6,971 | 6,787 | 6,116 | 6,363 | 6,844 | 19,554 | 19,322 |
| Rio Tinto total bauxite production | 11,250 | 11,432 | 10,044 | 10,144 | 10,889 | 31,772 | 31,077 |
| Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| BORATES | ||||||||
| Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100% | 127 | 121 | 126 | 133 | 127 | 374 | 385 |
| COAL - hard coking | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Hail Creek Coal | 82% | 1,483 | 1,536 | 1,190 | 1,338 | 1,277 | 4,072 | 3,804 |
| Kestrel Coal | 80% | 608 | 726 | 625 | 490 | 497 | 1,316 | 1,611 |
| Total Rio Tinto Coal Australia hard coking coal | 2,091 | 2,262 | 1,814 | 1,828 | 1,773 | 5,389 | 5,416 | |
| Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique | ||||||||
| Benga (g) | 65% | 162 | 148 | 59 | 187 | 153 | 416 | 399 |
| Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production | 2,253 | 2,410 | 1,874 | 2,015 | 1,927 | 5,805 | 5,815 | |
| COAL - semi-soft coking | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Hunter Valley | 80% | 466 | 527 | 431 | 385 | 292 | 1,580 | 1,108 |
| Mount Thorley | 64% | 241 | 305 | 355 | 365 | 317 | 876 | 1,037 |
| Warkworth | 44% | 43 | 90 | 151 | 153 | 36 | 480 | 340 |
| Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production | 750 | 922 | 936 | 903 | 645 | 2,936 | 2,484 | |
| COAL - thermal | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Bengalla | 32% | 710 | 638 | 758 | 654 | 667 | 1,997 | 2,079 |
| Clermont (h) | 0% | 1,753 | 1,496 | 1,286 | 1,135 | - | 4,407 | 2,421 |
| Hail Creek Coal (i) | 82% | 21 | 136 | 320 | 344 | 702 | 21 | 1,366 |
| Hunter Valley | 80% | 2,330 | 2,026 | 2,350 | 2,183 | 2,732 | 6,775 | 7,264 |
| Kestrel Coal | 80% | 53 | 60 | 70 | 87 | 45 | 310 | 202 |
| Mount Thorley | 64% | 263 | 350 | 382 | 425 | 499 | 1,158 | 1,306 |
| Warkworth | 44% | 1,069 | 791 | 641 | 753 | 711 | 2,319 | 2,105 |
| Total Rio Tinto Coal Australia thermal coal | 6,198 | 5,497 | 5,806 | 5,581 | 5,355 | 16,988 | 16,743 | |
| Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique | ||||||||
| Benga (g) | 65% | 122 | 127 | 54 | 176 | 141 | 363 | 370 |
| Rio Tinto total thermal coal production | 6,321 | 5,624 | 5,860 | 5,758 | 5,496 | 17,350 | 17,113 |
| Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| COPPER | ||||||||
| Mine production ('000 tonnes) (e) | ||||||||
| Bingham Canyon | 100% | 59.1 | 64.5 | 69.2 | 61.9 | 52.8 | 146.5 | 183.8 |
| Escondida | 30% | 81.5 | 83.8 | 78.8 | 89.4 | 84.2 | 252.7 | 252.4 |
| Grasberg - Joint Venture (j) | 40% | 0.0 | 6.3 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 5.6 |
| Oyu Tolgoi (k) | 34% | 10.3 | 11.0 | 8.5 | 12.1 | 12.3 | 14.7 | 32.9 |
| Rio Tinto total mine production | 150.9 | 165.6 | 158.2 | 164.8 | 151.8 | 413.8 | 474.7 | |
| Refined production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Escondida | 30% | 22.0 | 23.2 | 22.7 | 24.5 | 20.8 | 68.4 | 68.0 |
| Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 46.3 | 57.7 | 53.1 | 70.1 | 62.7 | 135.9 | 185.9 |
| Rio Tinto total refined production | 68.3 | 81.0 | 75.8 | 94.6 | 83.5 | 204.2 | 253.8 | |
| DIAMONDS | ||||||||
| Production ('000 carats) | ||||||||
| Argyle | 100% | 3,085 | 3,153 | 2,461 | 2,459 | 2,455 | 8,205 | 7,375 |
| Diavik | 60% | 1,003 | 1,240 | 1,119 | 1,290 | 1,004 | 3,106 | 3,413 |
| Murowa | 78% | 70 | 105 | 69 | 83 | 90 | 217 | 243 |
| Rio Tinto total diamond production | 4,158 | 4,498 | 3,650 | 3,832 | 3,549 | 11,529 | 11,031 | |
| GOLD | ||||||||
| Mine production ('000 ounces) (e) | ||||||||
| Barneys Canyon | 100% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Bingham Canyon | 100% | 55.6 | 73.8 | 63.3 | 76.6 | 86.7 | 132.9 | 226.6 |
| Escondida | 30% | 6.6 | 7.3 | 8.6 | 8.0 | 6.6 | 21.0 | 23.2 |
| Grasberg - Joint Venture (j) | 40% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 1.5 |
| Oyu Tolgoi (k) | 34% | 20.9 | 24.7 | 22.0 | 37.9 | 44.2 | 28.0 | 104.1 |
| Rio Tinto total mine production | 83.2 | 105.7 | 94.2 | 123.2 | 138.4 | 182.2 | 355.8 | |
| Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
| Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 40.3 | 47.8 | 62.0 | 59.8 | 79.3 | 144.5 | 201.1 |
| Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| IRON ORE | ||||||||
| Production ('000 tonnes) (e) | ||||||||
| Hamersley mines | (l) | 36,278 | 38,381 | 36,345 | 39,743 | 41,836 | 104,966 | 117,924 |
| Hamersley - Channar | 60% | 1,528 | 1,615 | 1,642 | 1,642 | 1,763 | 5,013 | 5,047 |
| Hope Downs | 50% | 4,504 | 4,556 | 4,780 | 5,093 | 5,646 | 12,338 | 15,519 |
| Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59% | 2,353 | 2,321 | 1,764 | 2,365 | 2,299 | 6,703 | 6,429 |
| Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53% | 4,724 | 4,591 | 4,329 | 4,529 | 4,847 | 13,064 | 13,705 |
| Robe River - West Angelas | 53% | 3,989 | 4,046 | 3,479 | 4,158 | 4,058 | 11,372 | 11,695 |
| Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 53,377 | 55,510 | 52,339 | 57,530 | 60,449 | 153,456 | 170,319 | |
| Breakdown of Production: | ||||||||
| Pilbara Blend Lump | 13,269 | 13,665 | 13,251 | 14,541 | 14,986 | 38,483 | 42,778 | |
| Pilbara Blend Fines | 19,237 | 20,480 | 19,616 | 22,669 | 24,720 | 55,990 | 67,005 | |
| Robe Valley Lump | 1,658 | 1,631 | 1,413 | 1,517 | 1,618 | 4,297 | 4,548 | |
| Robe Valley Fines | 3,066 | 2,960 | 2,916 | 3,012 | 3,229 | 8,766 | 9,157 | |
| Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13,795 | 14,453 | 13,379 | 13,426 | 13,597 | 39,217 | 40,402 | |
| IOC Concentrate | 1,048 | 1,057 | 629 | 1,130 | 936 | 2,931 | 2,694 | |
| IOC Pellets | 1,305 | 1,264 | 1,136 | 1,235 | 1,364 | 3,772 | 3,735 | |
| Breakdown of Sales: | ||||||||
| Pilbara Blend Lump | 11,125 | 12,471 | 11,635 | 12,067 | 13,730 | 31,277 | 37,432 | |
| Pilbara Blend Fines | 19,801 | 22,648 | 21,924 | 26,596 | 26,498 | 55,476 | 75,017 | |
| Robe Valley Lump | 1,481 | 1,641 | 1,200 | 1,464 | 1,405 | 3,601 | 4,070 | |
| Robe Valley Fines | 3,338 | 4,024 | 2,878 | 3,311 | 3,246 | 8,787 | 9,435 | |
| Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,576 | 14,504 | 13,732 | 13,713 | 14,197 | 39,465 | 41,642 | |
| IOC Concentrate | 870 | 899 | 372 | 1,118 | 1,343 | 2,739 | 2,833 | |
| IOC Pellets | 1,344 | 1,212 | 1,102 | 1,134 | 1,172 | 3,828 | 3,407 | |
| Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) | 52,534 | 57,398 | 52,843 | 59,402 | 61,591 | 145,174 | 173,836 |
| Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| MOLYBDENUM | ||||||||
| Mine production ('000 tonnes) (e) | ||||||||
| Bingham Canyon | 100% | 1.2 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 2.5 | 5.6 | 3.9 | 8.9 |
| SALT | ||||||||
| Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Dampier Salt | 68% | 1,586 | 1,886 | 1,586 | 1,788 | 1,567 | 4,842 | 4,942 |
| SILVER | ||||||||
| Mine production ('000 ounces) (e) | ||||||||
| Bingham Canyon | 100% | 852 | 930 | 744 | 864 | 970 | 1,947 | 2,578 |
| Escondida | 30% | 305 | 337 | 398 | 432 | 348 | 872 | 1,177 |
| Grasberg - Joint Venture (j) | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Oyu Tolgoi (k) | 34% | 66 | 70 | 54 | 77 | 72 | 94 | 204 |
| Rio Tinto total mine production | 1,223 | 1,337 | 1,197 | 1,372 | 1,390 | 2,913 | 3,959 | |
| Refined production ('000 ounces) | ||||||||
| Kennecott Utah Copper | 100% | 395 | 633 | 598 | 818 | 759 | 1,525 | 2,175 |
| TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK | ||||||||
| Production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (m) | 100% | 373 | 361 | 389 | 372 | 365 | 1,261 | 1,127 |
| URANIUM | ||||||||
| Production ('000 lbs U3O8) | ||||||||
| Energy Resources of Australia (n) | 68% | 920 | 758 | 0 | 0 | 853 | 3,704 | 853 |
| Rössing | 69% | 948 | 735 | 644 | 455 | 615 | 2,907 | 1,714 |
| Rio Tinto total uranium production | 1,868 | 1,493 | 644 | 455 | 1,467 | 6,612 | 2,567 | |
| Production data notes: | |||||||
| (a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014. | |||||||
| (b) The Shawinigan smelter ceased production on 29 November 2013. | |||||||
| (c) Rio Tinto started production at the Arvida AP60 Technology Centre in the fourth quarter of 2013. | |||||||
| (d) On 3 July 2014, Rio Tinto Alcan reached a binding agreement for the sale of its 50% interest in the SØRAL (Husnes) smelter. | |||||||
| (e) 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. | |||||||
| (f) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production. | |||||||
| (g) Rio Tinto completed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique and its 65% interest in the Benga mine with an effective date of 7 October 2014. | |||||||
| (h) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production is shown up to that date. | |||||||
| (i) Hail Creek commenced production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream following completion of a successful trial in the third quarter of 2013. | |||||||
| (j) 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. | |||||||
| (k) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. Production included in the table is from 1 May 2013. | |||||||
| (l) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. | |||||||
| (m) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). | |||||||
| (n) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. | |||||||
| The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 September 2014. | |||||||
| Rio Tinto's interest in the Northparkes and Palabora mines and the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Sebree smelters were sold in 2013. No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Alcan - Bauxite | ||||||||
| Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Australia | ||||||||
| Gove mine - Northern Territory | 100.0% | 1,983 | 2,271 | 1,804 | 1,426 | 1,725 | 5,758 | 4,954 |
| Weipa mine - Queensland | 100.0% | 6,971 | 6,787 | 6,116 | 6,363 | 6,844 | 19,554 | 19,322 |
| Brazil | ||||||||
| Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine | 12.0% | 4,214 | 4,376 | 3,649 | 3,918 | 4,177 | 11,353 | 11,743 |
| Guinea | ||||||||
| Sangaredi mine (a) | 23.0% | 3,978 | 4,107 | 3,747 | 4,189 | 4,043 | 11,330 | 11,979 |
| Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipments | ||||||||
| Share of bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 11,166 | 11,268 | 9,829 | 10,065 | 10,671 | 31,695 | 30,566 | |
| (a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production. | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Alcan - Smelter Grade Alumina | ||||||||
| Alumina production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Australia | ||||||||
| Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland | 80.0% | 868 | 903 | 872 | 835 | 926 | 2,481 | 2,632 |
| Yarwun refinery - Queensland | 100.0% | 608 | 696 | 683 | 661 | 656 | 1,751 | 2,001 |
| Brazil | ||||||||
| São Luis (Alumar) refinery | 10.0% | 848 | 908 | 882 | 865 | 938 | 2,517 | 2,686 |
| Canada | ||||||||
| Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) | 100.0% | 353 | 378 | 360 | 352 | 358 | 1,061 | 1,070 |
| (a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina. | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| ALUMINIUM (continued) | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Alcan - Specialty Alumina | ||||||||
| Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Canada | ||||||||
| Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec | 100.0% | 25 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 80 | 81 |
| Rio Tinto Alcan - Primary Aluminium | ||||||||
| Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Australia | ||||||||
| Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania | 100.0% | 47 | 47 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 140 | 141 |
| Boyne Island smelter - Queensland | 59.4% | 142 | 139 | 129 | 136 | 143 | 422 | 408 |
| Tomago smelter - New South Wales | 51.6% | 139 | 139 | 136 | 139 | 142 | 405 | 417 |
| Cameroon | ||||||||
| Alucam (Edéa) smelter | 46.7% | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 51 | 70 |
| Canada | ||||||||
| Alma smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 111 | 113 | 112 | 111 | 116 | 327 | 339 |
| Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec | 40.0% | 143 | 147 | 144 | 145 | 146 | 435 | 436 |
| Arvida smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 45 | 43 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 132 | 129 |
| Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec (a) | 100.0% | - | 9 | 14 | 15 | 15 | - | 44 |
| Bécancour smelter - Quebec | 25.1% | 110 | 109 | 111 | 111 | 110 | 326 | 332 |
| Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 56 | 56 | 56 | 55 | 55 | 167 | 166 |
| Kitimat smelter - British Columbia | 100.0% | 42 | 40 | 38 | 35 | 28 | 131 | 101 |
| Laterrière smelter - Quebec | 100.0% | 62 | 61 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 177 | 182 |
| Shawinigan smelter - Quebec (b) | 100.0% | 20 | 7 | - | - | - | 67 | - |
| France | ||||||||
| Dunkerque smelter | 100.0% | 66 | 68 | 67 | 67 | 68 | 190 | 202 |
| Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne smelter (c) | 0.0% | 24 | 16 | - | - | - | 69 | - |
| Iceland | ||||||||
| ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter | 100.0% | 49 | 49 | 50 | 52 | 51 | 148 | 153 |
| New Zealand | ||||||||
| Tiwai Point smelter | 79.4% | 81 | 83 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 241 | 245 |
| Norway | ||||||||
| SØRAL (Husnes) smelter (d) | 50.0% | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 66 | 69 |
| Oman | ||||||||
| Sohar smelter | 20.0% | 89 | 85 | 88 | 91 | 92 | 269 | 271 |
| United Kingdom | ||||||||
| Lochaber smelter | 100.0% | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 34 | 31 |
| (a) Rio Tinto started production at the Arvida AP60 Technology Centre in the fourth quarter of 2013. (b) The Shawinigan smelter ceased production on 29 November 2013. (c) Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne smelter with an effective date of 16 December 2013. Production is shown up to that date. (d) On 3 July 2014, Rio Tinto Alcan reached a binding agreement for the sale of its 50% interest in the SØRAL (Husnes) smelter. |
||||||||
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| ALUMINIUM (continued) | ||||||||
| Other Aluminium - Smelter Grade Alumina | ||||||||
| Alumina production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Australia | ||||||||
| Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a) | 100.0% | 528 | 673 | 537 | 139 | 0 | 1,597 | 676 |
| Other Aluminium - Primary Aluminium | ||||||||
| Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| USA | ||||||||
| Sebree smelter - Kentucky (b) | 0.0% | - | - | - | - | - | 87 | - |
| (a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014. (b) Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Sebree smelter with an effective date of 1 June 2013. Production is shown up to that date. |
||||||||
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| BORATES | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Minerals - borates | 100.0% | |||||||
| US and Argentina | ||||||||
| Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) | 127 | 121 | 126 | 133 | 127 | 374 | 385 | |
| (a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. | ||||||||
| COAL | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Coal Australia | ||||||||
| Bengalla mine | 32.0% | |||||||
| New South Wales | ||||||||
| Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,220 | 1,992 | 2,369 | 2,045 | 2,083 | 6,239 | 6,497 | |
| Clermont Coal mine (a) | 0.0% | |||||||
| Queensland | ||||||||
| Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 3,499 | 2,986 | 2,567 | 2,265 | - | 8,797 | 4,832 | |
| Hail Creek Coal mine | 82.0% | |||||||
| Queensland | ||||||||
| Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 1,808 | 1,873 | 1,451 | 1,631 | 1,557 | 4,966 | 4,639 | |
| Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) (b) | 25 | 166 | 390 | 420 | 856 | 25 | 1,665 | |
| Hunter Valley Operations | 80.0% | |||||||
| New South Wales | ||||||||
| Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 582 | 659 | 539 | 481 | 365 | 1,975 | 1,385 | |
| Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,912 | 2,533 | 2,937 | 2,728 | 3,415 | 8,469 | 9,080 | |
| Kestrel Coal mine | 80.0% | |||||||
| Queensland | ||||||||
| Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 760 | 908 | 781 | 613 | 621 | 1,646 | 2,014 | |
| Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 66 | 75 | 88 | 109 | 56 | 388 | 253 | |
| Mount Thorley Operations | 64.0% | |||||||
| New South Wales | ||||||||
| Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 377 | 477 | 554 | 570 | 496 | 1,369 | 1,620 | |
| Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 411 | 547 | 596 | 665 | 780 | 1,810 | 2,041 | |
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| COAL (continued) | ||||||||
| Warkworth mine | 44.5% | |||||||
| New South Wales | ||||||||
| Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) | 96 | 202 | 339 | 345 | 80 | 1,079 | 763 | |
| Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) | 2,403 | 1,779 | 1,439 | 1,692 | 1,598 | 5,216 | 4,729 | |
| Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 2,568 | 2,780 | 2,232 | 2,244 | 2,178 | 6,612 | 6,653 | |
| Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 1,055 | 1,338 | 1,431 | 1,395 | 942 | 4,423 | 3,768 | |
| Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 11,537 | 10,078 | 10,387 | 9,924 | 8,787 | 30,945 | 29,098 | |
| Total coal production ('000 tonnes) | 15,161 | 14,196 | 14,050 | 13,563 | 11,906 | 41,980 | 39,519 | |
| Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 14,481 | 15,027 | 14,014 | 13,569 | 11,409 | 40,797 | 38,992 | |
| Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c) | ||||||||
| Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) | 1,846 | 2,289 | 1,990 | 2,152 | 1,563 | 5,157 | 5,705 | |
| Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 806 | 1,048 | 820 | 803 | 790 | 2,902 | 2,413 | |
| Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) | 5,952 | 5,750 | 5,827 | 5,447 | 4,972 | 16,565 | 16,246 | |
| (a) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production is shown up to that date. (b) Hail Creek commenced production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream following completion of a successful trial in the third quarter of 2013. (c) Kestrel produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports. (d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal. |
||||||||
| Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique | ||||||||
| Benga mine (a) | 65.0% | |||||||
| Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) | 249 | 228 | 91 | 288 | 236 | 640 | 615 | |
| Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) | 188 | 196 | 82 | 271 | 216 | 558 | 570 | |
| (a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique and its 65% interest in the Benga mine with an effective date of 7 October 2014. | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| COPPER & GOLD | ||||||||
| Escondida | 30.0% | |||||||
| Chile | ||||||||
| Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) | 18,276 | 19,584 | 21,051 | 21,438 | 20,652 | 56,535 | 63,140 | |
| Average copper grade (%) | 1.37 | 1.30 | 1.12 | 1.33 | 1.20 | 1.41 | 1.22 | |
| Mill production (metals in concentrates): | ||||||||
| Contained copper ('000 tonnes) | 210.6 | 214.4 | 195.5 | 235.6 | 205.5 | 671.8 | 636.7 | |
| Contained gold ('000 ounces) | 22 | 24 | 29 | 27 | 22 | 70 | 77 | |
| Contained silver ('000 ounces) | 1,017 | 1,124 | 1,326 | 1,439 | 1,159 | 2,908 | 3,924 | |
| Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) | 61.0 | 64.9 | 67.1 | 62.3 | 75.3 | 170.4 | 204.7 | |
| Refined production from leach plants: | ||||||||
| Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) | 73.2 | 77.5 | 75.8 | 81.5 | 69.3 | 227.8 | 226.6 | |
| (a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad. | ||||||||
| Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold | ||||||||
| Grasberg mine (a) | 0.0% (b) | |||||||
| Papua, Indonesia | ||||||||
| Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 18,235 | 18,837 | 10,617 | 9,368 | 12,683 | 46,581 | 32,669 | |
| Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
| Copper (%) | 0.74 | 0.87 | 0.73 | 0.73 | 0.90 | 0.71 | 0.79 | |
| Gold (g/t) | 0.65 | 0.99 | 0.79 | 0.65 | 1.33 | 0.57 | 0.96 | |
| Silver (g/t) | 2.68 | 3.72 | 3.34 | 3.08 | 2.62 | 2.69 | 2.99 | |
| Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
| Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 119.2 | 148.9 | 67.5 | 58.7 | 99.6 | 287.4 | 225.8 | |
| Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 306 | 517 | 215 | 147 | 431 | 660 | 793 | |
| Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 1,069 | 1,479 | 558 | 499 | 604 | 2,389 | 1,661 | |
| Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) | ||||||||
| Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 107.5 | 138.3 | 50.6 | 54.3 | 108.8 | 269.0 | 213.7 | |
| Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 278 | 475 | 163 | 136 | 431 | 620 | 729 | |
| Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 761 | 1,090 | 334 | 367 | 599 | 1,775 | 1,299 | |
| (a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 3Q 2014 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 3Q 2014 until the release of its 2014 third-quarter results on 28 October 2014. (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 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
| Kennecott Utah Copper | ||||||||
| Barneys Canyon mine (a) | 100.0% | |||||||
| Utah, US | ||||||||
| Gold produced ('000 ounces) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | |
| Bingham Canyon mine | 100.0% | |||||||
| Utah, US | ||||||||
| Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 10,593 | 13,088 | 11,916 | 10,480 | 12,184 | 30,518 | 34,579 | |
| Average ore grade: | ||||||||
| Copper (%) | 0.62 | 0.56 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.49 | 0.54 | 0.59 | |
| Gold (g/t) | 0.22 | 0.28 | 0.25 | 0.33 | 0.33 | 0.19 | 0.30 | |
| Silver (g/t) | 4.16 | 3.12 | 2.62 | 3.26 | 3.01 | 2.96 | 2.95 | |
| Molybdenum (%) | 0.034 | 0.032 | 0.029 | 0.044 | 0.069 | 0.030 | 0.048 | |
| Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 235 | 257 | 299 | 225 | 193 | 627 | 717 | |
| Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 25.2 | 25.1 | 23.1 | 27.5 | 27.2 | 23.3 | 25.6 | |
| Production of metals in copper concentrates: | ||||||||
| Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) | 59.1 | 64.5 | 69.2 | 61.9 | 52.8 | 146.5 | 183.8 | |
| Gold ('000 ounces) | 56 | 74 | 63 | 77 | 87 | 133 | 227 | |
| Silver ('000 ounces) | 852 | 930 | 744 | 864 | 970 | 1,947 | 2,578 | |
| Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): | 2.4 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 4.6 | 10.5 | 7.6 | 17.0 | |
| Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 1.2 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 2.5 | 5.6 | 3.9 | 8.9 | |
| (a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads. (b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates. |
||||||||
| Kennecott smelter & refinery | 100.0% | |||||||
| Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) | 256 | 266 | 273 | 309 | 205 | 624 | 787 | |
| Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) | 54.3 | 56.9 | 57.4 | 71.7 | 50.2 | 135.1 | 179.3 | |
| Production of refined metal: | ||||||||
| Copper ('000 tonnes) | 46.3 | 57.7 | 53.1 | 70.1 | 62.7 | 135.9 | 185.9 | |
| Gold ('000 ounces) (b) | 40.3 | 47.8 | 62.0 | 59.8 | 79.3 | 144.5 | 201.1 | |
| Silver ('000 ounces) (b) | 395 | 633 | 598 | 818 | 759 | 1,525 | 2,175 | |
| (a) New metal excluding recycled material. (b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products. |
||||||||
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
| Northparkes Joint Venture (a) | 0.0% | |||||||
| New South Wales, Australia | ||||||||
| Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 1,528 | 989 | - | - | - | 4,488 | - | |
| Average ore grade: | ||||||||
| Copper (%) | 1.04 | 1.03 | - | - | - | 1.04 | - | |
| Gold (g/t) | 0.45 | 0.44 | - | - | - | 0.47 | - | |
| Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 44.2 | 27.1 | - | - | - | 126.6 | - | |
| Contained copper in concentrates: | ||||||||
| Saleable production ('000 tonnes) | 14.3 | 9.0 | - | - | - | 41.6 | - | |
| Sales ('000 tonnes) (b) | 8.9 | 11.6 | - | - | - | 30.8 | - | |
| Contained gold in concentrates: | ||||||||
| Saleable production ('000 ounces) | 17 | 10 | - | - | - | 52 | - | |
| Sales ('000 ounces) (b) | 11.0 | 14.1 | - | - | - | 39.3 | - | |
| (a) Rio Tinto sold its 80% interest in Northparkes with an effective date of 1 December 2013. Production is shown up to that date. (b) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture. |
||||||||
| Turquoise Hill Resources | ||||||||
| Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) | 33.5% | |||||||
| Mongolia | ||||||||
| Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) | 8,052 | 7,835 | 5,560 | 7,778 | 7,029 | 12,482 | 20,367 | |
| Average mill head grades: | ||||||||
| Copper (%) | 0.47 | 0.49 | 0.52 | 0.53 | 0.59 | 0.45 | 0.55 | |
| Gold (g/t) | 0.36 | 0.41 | 0.49 | 0.60 | 0.80 | 0.33 | 0.64 | |
| Silver (g/t) | 1.39 | 1.44 | 1.52 | 1.57 | 1.64 | 1.36 | 1.58 | |
| Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 110.3 | 129.5 | 102.9 | 140.0 | 134.1 | 160.5 | 377.0 | |
| Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 27.7 | 25.4 | 24.6 | 25.8 | 27.3 | 27.2 | 26.0 | |
| Production of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
| Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 30.6 | 32.9 | 25.3 | 36.2 | 36.6 | 43.7 | 98.2 | |
| Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 62.4 | 73.7 | 65.6 | 113.0 | 132.0 | 83.4 | 310.6 | |
| Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 196 | 208 | 163 | 229 | 216 | 281 | 608 | |
| Sales of metals in concentrates: | ||||||||
| Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | - | 6.1 | 13.1 | 51.6 | 53.6 | - | 118.3 | |
| Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | - | 10 | 28 | 126 | 144 | - | 298 | |
| Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | - | 36 | 78 | 309 | 323 | - | 710 | |
| (a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources. Production included in the table is from 1 May 2013. | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| COPPER & GOLD (continued) | ||||||||
| Palabora (a) | 0.0% | |||||||
| Palabora Mine | ||||||||
| South Africa | ||||||||
| Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 4,360 | - | |
| Average ore grade: copper (%) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 83.2 | - | |
| Average concentrate grade: copper (%) | - | - | - | - | - | 26.7 | - | |
| Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 22.2 | - | |
| Palabora smelter/refinery | ||||||||
| New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 111.3 | - | |
| New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 27.3 | - | |
| Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 25.8 | - | |
| Gold in Anode Slimes ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 5.5 | - | |
| By-products: | ||||||||
| Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 2,628 | - | |
| Nickel contained in products (tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 17 | - | |
| Vermiculite plant | ||||||||
| Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes) | - | - | - | - | - | 73 | - | |
| (a) The sale of Rio Tinto's 57.7% interest in Palabora Mining Company was completed on 31 July 2013; production data have been reported up to 30 June 2013. | ||||||||
| DIAMONDS | ||||||||
| Argyle Diamonds (a) | 100.0% | |||||||
| Western Australia | ||||||||
| AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 2,088 | 1,728 | 724 | 712 | 876 | 5,550 | 2,311 | |
| AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) | 3,085 | 3,153 | 2,461 | 2,459 | 2,455 | 8,205 | 7,375 | |
| (a) Rio Tinto officially opened the Argyle underground mine on 30 April 2013. | ||||||||
| Diavik Diamonds | 60.0% | |||||||
| Northwest Territories, Canada | ||||||||
| Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 548 | 539 | 587 | 617 | 560 | 1,577 | 1,765 | |
| Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 1,672 | 2,066 | 1,865 | 2,150 | 1,673 | 5,176 | 5,688 | |
| Murowa Diamonds | 77.8% | |||||||
| Zimbabwe | ||||||||
| Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 145 | 144 | 142 | 135 | 153 | 420 | 430 | |
| Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 90 | 135 | 89 | 107 | 116 | 279 | 312 | |
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| IRON ORE | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Iron Ore | ||||||||
| Western Australia | ||||||||
| Pilbara Operations | ||||||||
| Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Hamersley mines | (a) | 36,278 | 38,381 | 36,345 | 39,743 | 41,837 | 104,966 | 117,925 |
| Hamersley - Channar | 60.0% | 2,546 | 2,692 | 2,737 | 2,736 | 2,938 | 8,355 | 8,411 |
| Hope Downs | 50.0% | 9,007 | 9,112 | 9,559 | 10,187 | 11,292 | 24,676 | 31,038 |
| Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53.0% | 8,912 | 8,661 | 8,168 | 8,546 | 9,144 | 24,647 | 25,858 |
| Robe River - West Angelas | 53.0% | 7,528 | 7,635 | 6,564 | 7,845 | 7,657 | 21,458 | 22,066 |
| Total production ('000 tonnes) | 64,271 | 66,481 | 63,373 | 69,057 | 72,868 | 184,102 | 205,298 | |
| Breakdown of total production: | ||||||||
| Pilbara Blend Lump | 16,845 | 17,374 | 17,031 | 18,688 | 19,416 | 48,585 | 55,135 | |
| Pilbara Blend Fines | 24,719 | 25,993 | 24,795 | 28,397 | 30,711 | 71,653 | 83,903 | |
| Robe Valley Lump | 3,129 | 3,076 | 2,666 | 2,863 | 3,051 | 8,108 | 8,580 | |
| Robe Valley Fines | 5,783 | 5,585 | 5,502 | 5,683 | 6,093 | 16,539 | 17,278 | |
| Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 13,795 | 14,453 | 13,379 | 13,426 | 13,597 | 39,217 | 40,402 | |
| Breakdown of total sales: | ||||||||
| Pilbara Blend Lump | 14,408 | 15,628 | 14,969 | 16,247 | 17,378 | 40,236 | 48,594 | |
| Pilbara Blend Fines | 26,177 | 28,999 | 27,822 | 32,870 | 33,379 | 72,367 | 94,071 | |
| Robe Valley Lump | 2,794 | 3,096 | 2,265 | 2,763 | 2,652 | 6,795 | 7,680 | |
| Robe Valley Fines | 6,298 | 6,592 | 5,431 | 6,247 | 6,125 | 16,580 | 17,803 | |
| Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,576 | 14,504 | 13,732 | 13,713 | 14,197 | 39,465 | 41,642 | |
| Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) | 64,253 | 68,819 | 64,219 | 71,840 | 73,731 | 175,443 | 209,790 | |
| (a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. (b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports. |
||||||||
| Iron Ore Company of Canada | 58.7% | |||||||
| Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada | ||||||||
| Saleable iron ore production: | ||||||||
| Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 1,785 | 1,801 | 1,071 | 1,924 | 1,593 | 4,991 | 4,588 | |
| Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,222 | 2,152 | 1,934 | 2,104 | 2,322 | 6,424 | 6,360 | |
| Sales: | ||||||||
| Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 1,481 | 1,530 | 633 | 1,904 | 2,288 | 4,665 | 4,825 | |
| Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,289 | 2,064 | 1,876 | 1,931 | 1,996 | 6,519 | 5,802 | |
| Global Iron Ore Totals | ||||||||
| Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) | 68,278 | 70,434 | 66,378 | 73,084 | 76,784 | 195,517 | 216,246 | |
| Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) | 68,023 | 72,414 | 66,728 | 75,674 | 78,014 | 186,627 | 220,417 | |
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
| Rio Tinto operational data | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto interest |
3Q 2013 |
4Q 2013 |
1Q 2014 |
2Q 2014 |
3Q 2014 |
9 MTHS 2013 |
9 MTHS 2014 |
|
| SALT | ||||||||
| Dampier Salt | 68.4% | |||||||
| Western Australia | ||||||||
| Salt production ('000 tonnes) | 2,320 | 2,759 | 2,320 | 2,616 | 2,293 | 7,082 | 7,229 | |
| TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK | ||||||||
| Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium | 100.0% | |||||||
| Canada and South Africa | ||||||||
| (Rio Tinto share) (a) | ||||||||
| Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 tonnes) | 373 | 361 | 389 | 372 | 365 | 1,261 | 1,127 | |
| (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) | 1,345 | 1,108 | 0 | 0 | 1,247 | 5,416 | 1,247 | |
| (a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. | ||||||||
| Rössing Uranium Ltd | 68.6% | |||||||
| Namibia | ||||||||
| U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 1,383 | 1,072 | 939 | 664 | 896 | 4,239 | 2,500 | |
| Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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