REG - Rio Tinto - Fourth quarter production results
16/01/2025 07:00
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RNS Number : 5078T Rio Tinto PLC 16 January 2025
Rio Tinto releases fourth quarter production results
16 January 2025
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "Our operating performance in
2024 was good, consistent with our ongoing commitment to strengthen the
business as we execute our strategy to deliver profitable growth. The
implementation of our Safe Production System has again contributed to greater
consistency across key operations, including our iron ore assets in the
Pilbara and our bauxite operations in Australia, where Amrun and Gove achieved
record annual production.
"We are making strong progress in delivering organic growth from our major
projects. The Oyu Tolgoi underground copper mine in Mongolia continues to
successfully ramp up, while the Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea
and our Western Range mine in the Pilbara are on schedule for first production
this year.
"Significant milestones were achieved at our Rincon project in Argentina
during the quarter, with first lithium delivered and receipt of Board approval
to expand the operation, demonstrating both our operational capabilities and
ambition to grow in battery materials.
"We remain focused on executing our strategy to deliver attractive shareholder
returns and build a stronger, more diversified, and growing business, driven
by our confidence in the long-term demand for materials essential to the
global energy transition."
Production(1) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) Mt 85.7 -1 % +1 % 328.6 -1 %
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) Mt 86.5 -1 % +3 % 328.0 -1 %
Bauxite Mt 15.4 +2 % +2 % 58.7 +7 %
Aluminium(2) kt 837 -1 % +3 % 3,296 +1 %
Mined copper (consolidated basis) kt 202 +26 % +21 % 697 +13 %
Titanium dioxide slag kt 235 -14 % -11 % 990 -11 %
IOC(3) iron ore pellets and concentrate Mt 2.5 -6 % +20 % 9.4 -2 %
(1) Rio Tinto share unless otherwise stated.
(2) Includes primary aluminium only.
(3) Iron Ore Company of Canada.
Q4 2024 operational highlights and other key announcements
• In October
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/fatal-incident-simandou-project)
, Morlaye Camara, an employee of one of our contractors at the SimFer Port
Project in Morebaya, part of the Simandou project, was injured, and
subsequently passed away. During the quarter, we completed our internal
investigation and the findings were shared across the business.
• Our all injury frequency rate (AIFR) for the fourth quarter was
0.38, a decrease from the third quarter of this year (0.41) and the fourth
quarter of 2023 (0.39). The health, safety and wellbeing of our people and
partners remains our priority.
• In 2024, we delivered 1% production growth and a 3% increase in
sales volumes, both on a copper equivalent basis (based on long-term consensus
pricing). At our Investor Seminar
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/investor-seminars) in December, our
Executive Committee outlined our ambition for a decade of around 3% compound
annual growth in copper equivalent production, driven by Oyu Tolgoi, Simandou
and our new lithium portfolio.
• Pilbara operations produced 328.0 million tonnes in 2024, with
shipments of 328.6 million tonnes, each 1% lower than 2023. Productivity
improvements of 10 million tonnes did not fully offset depletion,
predominantly at Yandicoogina and Paraburdoo, as we transition to Western
Range. The Safe Production System target of 5 million tonnes for 2024 was
achieved and Gudai-Darri reached 50 million tonne per annum rates during 2024.
• Bauxite production was 58.7 million tonnes in 2024, 7% higher than
2023, exceeding our guidance. The improvement was driven by the implementation
of the Safe Production System, delivering record annual production at Amrun
and Gove, with the former currently operating above nameplate capacity.
• Aluminium production of 3.3 million tonnes was 1% higher than
2023, following the ramp-up of Kitimat and completion of cell recovery efforts
at Boyne in the prior year, together with increased ownership of Boyne and New
Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS). These were partially offset by the continued
closure program at Arvida and a request to reduce energy usage at NZAS,
resulting in lower output. Production at NZAS is expected to be fully ramped
up in the second quarter of 2025.
• Mined copper production of 697 thousand tonnes (consolidated
basis) in 2024 was 13% higher than 2023, reflecting the ramp up of Oyu Tolgoi
underground and increased production from Escondida due to higher grades fed
to the concentrator (0.99% versus 0.83%). This offset geotechnical challenges
at Kennecott as instabilities in the pit wall impacted the mining sequence
from the second quarter.
• On 4 December, we signed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-sumitomo-metal-mining-to-partner-on-winu-copper-gold-project)
a Term Sheet with Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) for a Joint Venture to deliver
the Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia. We will continue to develop
and operate Winu as managing partner and SMM will pay $195 million upfront,
and $204 million in deferred consideration, contingent on milestones and
adjustments to be agreed. We will now work to finalise definitive agreements
in the first half of 2025, along with formalising the broader strategic
partnership.
• Titanium dioxide slag production of 990 thousand tonnes in 2024
was 11% lower than 2023 due to reduced market demand. A furnace
reconstruction, starting in the first quarter of 2024, continues at our RTIT
Quebec Operations. Through 2024, we operated six out of nine furnaces in
Quebec and three out of four at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
• IOC production of 9.4 million tonnes in 2024 was 2% lower than
2023 due to an 11-day site-wide shutdown driven by forest fires in mid-July,
resulting in a revised mine plan and maintenance schedule. We also experienced
operational challenges in the mine and concentrator throughout the year.
• At the end of 2024, we had commenced deployment of the Safe
Production System at 31 (~80%) of our sites, including three additional sites
in the fourth quarter. We achieved our Safe Production System target of 5
million tonnes production uplift for Pilbara Iron Ore and two of our sites
delivered their best production performance on record in the quarter.
• On 9 October, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-to-acquire-arcadium-lithium)
a definitive agreement to acquire Arcadium Lithium plc (Arcadium) in an
all-cash transaction for US$5.85 per share. This transaction will bring
Arcadium's world-class, complementary lithium business into our portfolio,
establishing a global leader in energy transition commodities. During the
quarter, we made good progress on the outstanding conditions, with Arcadium
announcing that it had obtained all requisite shareholder approvals for the
proposed acquisition. We have received most of the required foreign investment
approvals, including clearance by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the
United States (CFIUS) in January 2025, and all of the required merger control
clearances. Closing of the transaction remains subject to foreign investment
approvals in Australia and Canada, approval of the Royal Court of Jersey and
other closing conditions, and is expected to occur before mid-2025.
• On 2 December, we completed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-completes-sale-of-lake-macleod-operation)
the sale of Dampier Salt Limited's Lake MacLeod operation to Leichhardt
Industrials Group. The consideration of A$375 million was received in
December.
• On 6 December, we completed the sale of Sweetwater, a former
uranium legacy site in Wyoming, United States. The consideration of $175
million was received in December.
• On 12 December, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-to-invest-2_5-billion-to-expand-rincon-lithium-project-capacity-to-60000-tonnes-per-year)
the approval of $2.5 billion(1) to expand the Rincon project in Argentina, our
first commercial scale lithium operation, to an annual capacity of 60,000
tonnes of battery grade lithium carbonate. Mine life is expected to be 40
years(2), with construction of the expanded plant scheduled to begin in
mid-2025, subject to permitting. First production is expected in 2028 with a
three-year ramp-up to full capacity. The project uses direct lithium
extraction (DLE) technology, a process that supports water conservation,
reduces waste and produces lithium carbonate more consistently than other
methods.
• On 19 December, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-appoints-new-chief-people-officer)
the appointment of Georgie Bezette as our new Chief People Officer, succeeding
James Martin, who retired at the end of 2024.
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.
(1) Included in the Group's capital expenditure guidance provided at our
Investor (https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/investor-seminars) Seminar
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/investor-seminars) on 4 December 2024.
(2) The production target of approximately 53 kt of battery grade lithium
carbonate per year for a period of 40 years was previously reported in a
release to the ASX dated 4 December 2024 titled "Rincon Project Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves: Table 1". Rio Tinto confirms that all material
assumptions underpinning that production target continue to apply and have not
materially changed. Plans are in place to build for a capacity of 60 kt of
battery grade lithium carbonate per year with debottlenecking and improvement
programs scheduled to unlock this additional throughput.
2025 guidance
Rio Tinto production share, unless otherwise stated 2024 Guidance 2024 2025 Guidance
Actuals
Pilbara iron ore (shipments, 100% basis) (Mt) 323 to 338 328.6 323 to 338
Bauxite (Mt) 53 to 56(1) 58.7 57 to 59
Alumina (Mt) 7.0 to 7.3(2) 7.3 7.4 to 7.8
Aluminium (Mt) 3.2 to 3.4 3.3 3.25 to 3.45
Copper (consolidated basis) (kt)(3) - 792.6 780 to 850
Mined copper (consolidated basis) (kt) 660 to 720(4) 697.1 -
Refined copper (kt) 230 to 260 248.3 -
Titanium dioxide slag (Mt) 0.9 to 1.1 1.0 1.0 to 1.2
IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate (Mt) 9.1 to 9.6 9.4 9.7 to 11.4
Boric oxide equivalent (Mt) ~0.5 0.5 ~0.5
(1) Expect to exceed the top end of guidance.
(2) Expect to achieve upper end of guidance.
(3) From Q1 2025, we will report copper production and guidance as one metric,
in order to simplify reporting and align with peer practices. For further
details see slide 90 of our (Investor Seminar
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/investor-seminars) ) 2024 presentation.
(4) Around the bottom end.
• 2025 production guidance is unchanged since December 2024.
• Pilbara iron ore guidance remains subject to the timing of
approvals for planned mining areas and heritage clearances. SP10 levels are
expected to remain elevated until replacement projects are delivered.
• Iron ore shipments and bauxite production guidance remain subject
to weather impacts.
Operating costs
• Guidance for 2025 Pilbara iron ore and copper C1 unit cash costs
will be provided in the 2024 full year results release due on 19 February
2025.
• 2024 Pilbara iron ore unit cash costs are expected to be in the
upper half of our $21.75 to $23.50 per tonne guidance (based on an average
A$:US$ exchange rate of 0.66). This is due to inflation being at the higher
end of our expectations and lower production.
• 2024 copper C1 unit costs are expected to be unchanged at 140 to
160 US cents/lb guidance.
( )
Aluminium modelling
To assist with modelling of aluminium operating costs during a volatile price
environment for raw materials, we provide the following breakdown and
sensitivities for the alumina and aluminium metal segments (Primary Metal and
Pacific Aluminium). This excludes the effect of intra and inter segment
eliminations on group profit.
Alumina refining
Production cash cost (%) FY 23 H1 24 H2 24 FY 24
Bauxite 31 32 33 33
Conversion 34 39 38 38
Caustic 22 17 17 17
Energy 13 12 12 12
Total 100 100 100 100
Input costs (nominal) H1 23 H2 23 H1 24 H2 24 FY 24
Index price Index price Index price Index price Annual cost sensitivity impact on underlying EBITDA
Caustic soda(1) ($/t) 424 369 376 430 $11m per $10/t
Natural gas(2) ($/mmbtu) 2.54 2.79 2.21 2.61 $4m per $0.10/GJ
Brent oil ($/bbl) 79.7 85.5 84.0 77.5 $2m per $10/bbl
(1)North East Asia FOB | (2)Henry Hub
Aluminium smelting
Production cash cost (%) FY 23 H1 24 H2 24 FY 24
Alumina 38 41 45 43
Power 18 19 21 20
Conversion 21 22 19 20
Carbon 21 16 13 15
Materials 2 2 2 2
Total 100 100 100 100
Input costs (nominal) H1 23 H2 23 H1 24 H2 24 Inventory flow FY 24
Index price Index price Index price Index price Annual cost sensitivity impact on underlying EBITDA
Alumina(1) ($/t) 352 335 400 603 1 - 2 months $65m per $10/t
Petroleum coke(2) ($/t) 631 491 394 391 2 - 3 months $11m per $10/t
Coal tar pitch(3) ($/t) 1,386 1,130 958 910 1 - 2 months $3m per $10/t
(1)Australia FOB | (2)US Gulf FOB | (3)North America FOB
Investments, growth and development projects
• Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and
evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in 2024 was $935 million,
compared with $855 million in 2023 (excluding Simandou). Approximately 25% of
the spend was by central exploration, 23% by Minerals (with the majority
focusing on lithium), 36% by Copper, 14% by Iron Ore and 2% by Aluminium. In
2024, all qualifying expenditure relating to Simandou is being capitalised.
Qualifying expenditure on the Rincon project has been capitalised since 1 July
2024.
Pilbara projects
• Construction of our Western Range mine is now over 90% complete
with fabrication and overland conveyor belt installation finalised. We
continue to focus on completion of the new crushing and screening facilities,
with first ore from that new system on plan for the first half of 2025.
• We continue to advance our next tranche of Pilbara mine
replacement projects at Hope Downs 1 (Hope Downs 2 and Bedded Hilltop),
Brockman 4 (Brockman Syncline 1), Greater Nammuldi and West Angelas. Funding
for the full execution of the Brockman 4 project was obtained during the
quarter. Early works and design are underway for the Brockman 4 and the Hope
Downs 1 projects. Environmental and heritage approvals are progressing and
timelines remain subject to receiving these approvals. The Greater Nammuldi
project continues to progress at a rate behind the original development
schedule.
• The Rhodes Ridge pre-feasibility study, which is targeting an
initial capacity of up to 40 million tonnes per year, subject to relevant
approvals, remains on track to be completed in 2025. First ore is expected by
the end of the decade.
• Early works activities at our Coastal Water desalination project
progressed with earthworks materially complete and several key contract
packages awarded during the quarter. The $395 million plant will provide water
to our port operations in Dampier. At full capacity, it will produce
approximately 4GL/year to reduce draw from the Bungaroo aquifer to sustainable
levels. We are assessing a further phase of the project.
• We are progressing engineering works for the replacement of all
three bucketwheel reclaimers and associated infrastructure within the Parker
Point Stockyard at our Dampier Port. Early enabling works are progressing
well, with several contract packages awarded in the quarter and fabrication of
the reclaimers commencing in December.
Oyu Tolgoi underground project
• First ore on the conveyor to surface belt was achieved in October
2024, with the conveyor system now able to transport ore to the surface from a
depth of 1,300 metres. Load and production testing of the conveyor system is
progressing.
• Construction works for the concentrator conversion remain on
schedule. Commissioning activities commenced during the quarter and are
forecast to be progressively completed through to the second quarter of
2025.
• Construction of primary crusher 2 is progressing to plan and
remains on track to be completed by the end of 2025.
Simandou iron ore project
• The SimFer mine(1) is on track to deliver first production at the
mine gate in 2025, ramping up over 30 months to an annualised capacity of 60
million tonnes per year(2) (27 million tonnes per year Rio Tinto share).
• For the SimFer mine, bulk earthworks are progressing to plan,
despite productivity being impacted by wet weather during the quarter. All
mine construction contracts are complete, and the two initial crushers are now
commissioned, with first ore crushed on 1 January 2025.
• During the fourth quarter, all construction milestones for the
period stipulated by the Government of Guinea were achieved for the SimFer
infrastructure scope. In connection with SimFer's scope of the 620 kilometre
long multi-use TransGuinean railway line, which will connect Simandou's mine
operations to the port facilities, with the arrival of track laying
locomotives, 8.5 kilometres of rail was installed and in October construction
of the 275 metre Milo River bridge was completed. Tunnel excavation activity
on the SimFer scope is now more than 75% complete, with construction at the
port continuing to advance on the transhipment vessel (TSV) wharf and rail car
dumper infrastructure. Expectations for delivery of the first trans shipping
vessels remain on plan.
• The current total workforce across all the Simfer scope of mine,
rail and port is 13,300 with 81% national Guinean participation.
Other key projects and exploration and evaluation
• The AP60 expansion project in Quebec remains on schedule.
Construction activities during the quarter included commencement of
installation of the silo for the gas treatment centre, busbar and the first
floor slabs. Once completed, the project will add 96 new AP60 pots, increasing
AP60 capacity by 160,000 tonnes of primary aluminium per year by the end of
2026. This new capacity, in addition to 30,000 tonnes of new recycling
capacity at Arvida expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2025, will offset
the 170,000 tonnes of capacity lost through the gradual closure of potrooms at
the Arvida smelter from 2024.
• At Kennecott, activities continued on the North Rim Skarn (NRS)
underground development and infrastructure. Production from NRS is forecast to
commence in mid-2025, delivering around 250,000 tonnes through to 2033(3).
• At the Resolution Copper project in Arizona, we continue to await
a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on the petition filed by the Apache
Stronghold requesting to hear its case to stop the land exchange between
Resolution Copper and the federal government. Separately the Supreme Court
denied a petition from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, asking the Court to review
a decision by the Arizona Supreme Court regarding a water discharge permit
issued to Resolution Copper. We continue to progress the Final Environmental
Impact Statement with the United States Forest Service, however they have yet
to advise on the date of republication. We also advanced partnership
discussions with several federally-recognised Native American Tribes. While
there is significant local support for the project, we respect the views of
groups who oppose it and will continue our efforts to address and mitigate
concerns.
• At the Winu copper-gold project in Australia, we signed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-sumitomo-metal-mining-to-partner-on-winu-copper-gold-project)
a Term Sheet with Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) in December for a Joint Venture
to deliver the project. A pre-feasibility study with an initial development of
processing capacity of up to 10 million tonnes per year is expected to be
completed in 2025, along with the submission of an Environmental Review
Document under the EPA Environmental Impact Assessment process. Project
Agreement negotiations with Nyangumarta and the Martu Traditional Owner Groups
remain our priority.
• Nuton, our copper heap leaching technology venture, continues to
develop its path towards deployment with ten partnerships in five countries:
United States, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Argentina. Construction is progressing
at our first large scale deployment site at Gunnison's Johnson Camp Mine in
Arizona, where we expect to achieve first copper in the second half of 2025.
Work on the second industrial scale deployment for potential implementation in
2025 is well underway. Additionally, in the fourth quarter, Nuton signed an
Option to the Joint Venture Agreement with Aldebaran Resources for the Altar
project and also increased its ownership to 17.2% in McEwen's Los Azules
project. Both projects are located in San Juan Province, Argentina.
• At the Rincon project in Argentina, first lithium was produced
from the 3,000 tonne starter plant in November. Full commissioning and plant
ramp-up continues, with project completion expected in the first quarter of
2025. The feasibility study for the full-scale operation was completed during
the quarter, with our Board approving
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-to-invest-2_5-billion-to-expand-rincon-lithium-project-capacity-to-60000-tonnes-per-year)
an investment of $2.5 billion to expand Rincon's capacity to 60,000 tonnes(4)
of battery grade lithium carbonate per year. We released
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/financial-news-performance/resources-and-reserves)
the Rincon Project Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves statement on 4
December.
• At the Jadar project in Serbia, the application process for
obtaining the Exploitation Field Licence (EFL) continued during the fourth
quarter. The EFL is essential for commencing fieldwork, including detailed
geotechnical investigations, while cultural heritage and environmental surveys
have resumed. The Environmental Impact Assessment process for the scoping and
content for the mine progressed through the public consultation phase. This
step includes legally mandated consultations, which the project supports, to
encourage an open, fact-based dialogue.
( )
(1) Simfer Jersey Limited is a joint venture between the Rio Tinto Group (53%)
and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings Ltd (CIOH) (47%), a Chinalco-led joint venture of
leading Chinese SOEs (Chinalco (75%), Baowu (20%), China Rail Construction
Corporation (2.5%) and China Harbour Engineering Company (2.5%)). Simfer S.A.
is the holder of the mining concession covering Simandou Blocks 3 & 4, and
is owned by the Guinean State (15%) and Simfer Jersey Limited (85%). Simfer
Infraco Guinée S.A.U. will deliver Simfer's scope of the co-developed rail
and port infrastructure, and is co-owned by Simfer Jersey (85%) and the
Guinean State (15%). Simfer Jersey will ultimately own 42.5% of Compagnie du
Transguinéen, which will own and operate the co-developed infrastructure
during operations.
(2) The estimated annualised capacity of approximately 60 million dry tonnes
per annum iron ore for the Simandou life of mine schedule was previously
reported in a release to the ASX dated 6 December 2023 titled "Investor
Seminar 2023". Rio Tinto confirms that all material assumptions underpinning
that production target and those production profiles continue to apply and
have not materially changed.
(3) The NRS production target of around 250 thousand tonnes of additional
mined copper over ten years (2023 to 2033) at Kennecott was previously
reported in a release to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) dated 20
June 2023 titled "Rio Tinto invests to strengthen copper supply in US". Rio
Tinto confirms that all material assumptions underpinning the production
targets continue to apply and have not materially changed.
(4) The production target of approximately 53 kt of battery grade lithium
carbonate per year for a period of 40 years was previously reported in a
release to the ASX dated 4 December 2024 titled "Rincon Project Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves: Table 1". Rio Tinto confirms that all material
assumptions underpinning that production target continue to apply and have not
materially changed. Plans are in place to build for a capacity of 60 kt of
battery grade lithium carbonate per year with debottlenecking and improvement
programs scheduled to unlock this additional throughput.
Sustainability highlights
Workplace culture
During the fourth quarter, we completed one of the final recommendations of
the Everyday Respect report; publishing
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-releases-findings-of-external-progress-review-on-workplace-culture)
an independent progress review conducted by Elizabeth Broderick & Co.
Change is happening: one of the findings indicates people are more empowered
to speak up and Everyday Respect is now widely considered a normal
conversation within the company, which is a critical step for culture change.
Achieving the sustained progress we want to see will require ongoing focus and
effort. Guided by the Progress Review, we have shaped the next stage of our
plan which will continue to drive progress towards becoming an organisation
where everyone, everywhere feels safe, respected and empowered.
Communities & Social Performance (CSP)
In November
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-takes-up-full-entitlements-in-era-rights-issue-moving-to-over-98-ownership)
, as a result of Rio Tinto taking up its pro rata entitlements in the offer
from Energy Resources of Australia (ERA), and the level of participation by
other ERA shareholders, Rio Tinto holds over 98% of ERA's shares. Rio Tinto
intends to proceed with the compulsory acquisition of all remaining ERA shares
that it does not currently own. This underlines our commitment to the
rehabilitation of the Ranger mine.
In December, we welcom
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/panguna-mine-legacy-impact-assessment-report-released)
ed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/panguna-mine-legacy-impact-assessment-report-released)
the release of the Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment (PMLIA) report
(http://tanorama.com/pangunasecretariat.html) as a critical step forward in
building understanding of the long-term legacy impacts of the former mine in
Bougainville. The independent report assesses the environmental impacts and
directly connected social and human rights impacts caused by the Panguna mine
since Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) ceased operations in 1989. Earlier in
the quarter, we signed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/panguna-parties-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-to-address-mine-impacts)
a Memorandum of Understanding with the Autonomous Bougainville Government
(ABG) and BCL to form a roundtable to address the PMLIA findings and develop a
remedy mechanism consistent with UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights.
Other updates during the quarter are provided in the links below:
20 October 202
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-announces-27_5-million-channel-7-telethon-partnership)
4
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-announces-27_5-million-channel-7-telethon-partnership)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-announces-27_5-million-channel-7-telethon-partnership)
Rio Tinto announces $27.5 million Channel 7 Telethon partnership
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-announces-27_5-million-channel-7-telethon-partnership)
24 Octo
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-pride-wa-announce-3-year-partnership)
ber 2024
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-pride-wa-announce-3-year-partnership)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-pride-wa-announce-3-year-partnership)
Rio Tinto and Pride WA announce 3-year partnership
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-pride-wa-announce-3-year-partnership)
8 November 2024 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
N
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
orthwest
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
T
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
erritor
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
ies
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
'
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
diamond mines collaborate on one-of-a-kind pendant to be auctioned for charity
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/nwts-diamond-mines-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-pendant-to-be-auctioned-for-charity)
6 December 2024
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-renews-support-for-prevention-of-gender-based-violence-across-canada)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-renews-support-for-prevention-of-gender-based-violence-across-canada)
Rio Tinto renews support for prevention of gender-based violence across Canada
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-renews-support-for-prevention-of-gender-based-violence-across-canada)
Climate change, product stewardship and our value chain
On 5 December, we held a Decarbonisation
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/investor-seminars) Update
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/investor-seminars) during which we set out
our substantial progress towards meeting our targets: reducing Scope 1 and 2
emissions by 50% by 2030, and achieving net zero by 2050. Our guidance on
capital spending on decarbonisation projects to 2030 is maintained at $5 to $6
billion (lower end). During the quarter, we also announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-gravithy-join-forces-to-accelerate-the-decarbonisation-of-steelmaking-in-europe)
a partnership with GravitHy to accelerate the decarbonisation of steelmaking
in Europe and name
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
d
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
Western Australia as the location to develop Australia's largest ironmaking
electric smelting furnace pilot plant with our NeoSmelt partners. An update on
our steel decarbonisation strategy can be found here
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/sustainability/climate-change) .
Further detail on these developments, and others during the quarter, is
provided in the links below:
29 October 2024 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-transitions-renewable-diesel-at-kennecott)
Rio Tinto transitions to renewable diesel at Kennecott
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-transitions-renewable-diesel-at-kennecott)
6 November 2024
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-chinas-state-power-investment-corporation-partner-to-trial-battery-swap-truck-technology)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-chinas-state-power-investment-corporation-partner-to-trial-battery-swap-truck-technology)
Rio Tinto and China's State Power Investment Corporation partner to trial
battery swap truck technology
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-chinas-state-power-investment-corporation-partner-to-trial-battery-swap-truck-technology)
13 November 2024 | Rio Tinto approves new solar plant to power Kennecott
(https://www.riotinto.com/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-approves-new-solar-plant-to-power-kennecott#:~:text=SALT%20LAKE%20CITY%2C%20Utah%2D%2D(,which%20was%20completed%20in%202023.)
15 November 2024 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-gravithy-join-forces-to-accelerate-the-decarbonisation-of-steelmaking-in-europe)
Rio Tinto and GravitHy join forces to accelerate the decarbonisation of
steelmaking in Europe
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-gravithy-join-forces-to-accelerate-the-decarbonisation-of-steelmaking-in-europe)
15 November 2024
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-invests-16m-in-makira-natural-park-redd-project-in-madagascar)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-invests-16m-in-makira-natural-park-redd-project-in-madagascar)
Rio Tinto invests $16m in Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project in Madagascar
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-invests-16m-in-makira-natural-park-redd-project-in-madagascar)
2 December 2024 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-imperial-launch-150-million-partnership-to-support-the-global-energy-transition)
Rio Tinto and Imperial launch $150 million partnership
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-and-imperial-launch-150-million-partnership-to-support-the-global-energy-transition)
13 December 202
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-progresses-the-development-of-a-gallium-extraction-process-in-quebec)
4 | Rio Tinto progresses the development of a gallium extraction process in
Quebec
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-progresses-the-development-of-a-gallium-extraction-process-in-quebec)
17 De
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
cember 202
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
4
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
B
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
lue
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
Scope, BHP and Rio Tinto select Western Australia for Australia
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
'
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
s largest iron
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
making electric s
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
mel
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
ting furnace pilot plant s
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
tudy
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/bluescope-bhp-rio-tinto-wa-electric-smelting-furnace-study)
Our markets
The global economy is showing resilience with inflation moderating and growth
stabilising, although risks of geopolitical tensions and persistent labour
shortages remain. China's economic growth drivers continue to shift from the
property sector to advanced manufacturing and new technologies.
• The Chinese economy provided mixed signals during the quarter. It
still faces headwinds from an ongoing property market oversupply, although the
November data on home sales and prices showed signs of stabilisation following
many months of policy loosening. Manufacturing and consumer durables further
improved given increased subsidies to support consumption.
• The US economy has outperformed other developed economies and its
outlook remains stable. In particular, the tech sector showed further strength
in the fourth quarter, capping off a year of strong growth. However, the
housing and building construction market showed mixed signals during the
quarter, as residential starts and completions trended downwards in the latter
part of 2024, while existing and new home sales saw an uptick in November.
• The eurozone outlook continues to be uncertain, with uneven growth
across the region and consumption remaining subdued. Persistent manufacturing
weakness and cross-country divergence make a strong recovery unlikely.
However, the resilience of the labour market is expected to favour wage growth
and slow disinflation.
• Iron ore prices decreased by 8% over the quarter, while the
average monthly price in the fourth quarter of $103/dmt (Platts CFR 62% Fe
index) was 4% higher than the third quarter. China's crude steel production
recovered to an annualised run-rate of more than one billion tonnes, as
elevated steel exports partly offset domestic demand weakness. Seaborne supply
declined by ~2% quarter on quarter in line with typical seasonality. China's
iron ore inventories at 47 major ports drew down slightly during the quarter
to 156Mt, although this level is still 31Mt higher than at the start of
2024.
• The LME aluminium price decreased by 4% over the quarter, while
the average price increased by 8% from the third quarter to $2,575/t. There
was price support from high alumina costs and the cancellation of Chinese VAT
rebates on semi-finished goods (semis) exports. Aluminium market spot premiums
ended the fourth quarter at multi-year highs in the Japan and US, with the
latter also supported by potential US tariffs on aluminium imports. China's
aluminium production remained close to its capacity cap of 45 million tonnes,
although fell back slightly after curtailments driven by high input costs.
Ex-China aluminium semi-fabricated shipments slowed, driven by weak demand for
extrusions and rolled products in the transport, building and construction
sectors. Overall, the global market was in a slight deficit with inventories
falling to lower levels compared to the historical norm. The Australian FOB
alumina price corrected towards the end of the quarter to $672/t, down from
its peak level in early December. China's bauxite import prices surged in the
fourth quarter, mainly driven by firm demand and disruptions to Guinean
bauxite exports since early October.
• The LME copper price decreased by 11% over the quarter, while the
average price was flat quarter on quarter at $4.17/lb. Following the US
elections, copper prices were weighed down by tariff risks and a strong
dollar, dampening investor interest. China's refined copper consumption
remained robust, but demand in the rest of the world was mixed, with
manufacturing PMIs underperforming. After a counter-seasonal inventory build
in the first half of the year, copper inventory drawdowns resumed in the
fourth quarter, in line with historical trends. However, the refined copper
market was still in surplus in 2024. In contrast, the copper concentrate
market remains tight due to excess smelter capacity, with the 2025 benchmark
treatment charges (TCs) settling at $21/dmt, the lowest in two decades.
• Lithium demand continues to expand at double-digit growth on the
back of strong global EV sales, up 25% year-on-year in the first eleven months
of 2024, compared to 34% year-on-year for the same period of 2023. Supply cuts
are gaining traction due to persistent price weakness, with Australia
accounting for most of the output cuts and project delays. This pullback in
production could tighten the market in 2025 and beyond.
• The TiO(2) market has shown mixed trends throughout 2024.
Increased TiO(2) pigment production has supported feedstock consumption, but
feedstock purchases have been impacted by surplus inventory. Western pigment
producers have increased operating rates in response to improved demand, while
Chinese pigment producers are facing increasing pressure from tariffs and a
weak domestic market. Interest rate cuts and improving home sales in the US
are positive for feedstock demand.
• Demand for borates continues to be stable, although uneven amongst
end-use sectors. Agriculture demand growth has been positive.
Industrial-related demand (i.e fibre glass) in China is projected to grow
marginally for the full year, supported by an increase in exports, while
housing sector demand in China and Europe remains depressed.
Average realised prices achieved for our major commodities
Units H1 2024 H2 2024 2024 2023
Pilbara iron ore FOB, $/wmt 97.3 82.5 89.6 99.7
Pilbara iron ore(1) FOB, $/dmt 105.8 89.7 97.4 108.4
Aluminium(2) Metal $/t 2,746 2,928 2,834 2,738
Copper(3) US c/lb 419 423 422 390
IOC pellets FOB $/wmt 153.9 132.3 144.0 155.0
(1) Assuming 8% moisture.
(2) LME plus all-in premiums (product and market).
(3) Average realised price for all units sold. Realised price does not include
the impact of the provisional pricing adjustments, which negatively impacted
revenues by $92 million in 2024 (2023 positive impact of $2 million).
Iron Ore
Rio Tinto share of production (Million tonnes) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump(1) 23.5 +6 % +4 % 86.6 +3 %
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines(1) 35.2 +5 % +6 % 129.6 +1 %
Robe Valley Lump 1.8 +15 % +23 % 6.4 +9 %
Robe Valley Fines 2.7 -1 % +16 % 10.4 +9 %
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 10.4 -24 % -9 % 45.2 -15 %
Total Pilbara production 73.6 0 % +4 % 278.2 -1 %
Total Pilbara production (100% basis) 86.5 -1 % +3 % 328.0 -1 %
Rio Tinto share of shipments (Million tonnes) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Pilbara Blend Lump 13.1 -10 % -8 % 52.6 -12 %
Pilbara Blend Fines 23.4 -1 % -12 % 97.8 -7 %
Robe Valley Lump 1.5 0 % +29 % 5.2 +5 %
Robe Valley Fines 3.1 0 % +19 % 11.7 +11 %
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 10.6 -22 % -10 % 46.0 -14 %
SP10 Lump(1) 7.3 +59 % +28 % 22.6 +86 %
SP10 Fines(1) 13.4 +10 % +29 % 41.2 +17 %
Total Pilbara shipments(2) 72.3 -1 % 0 % 277.2 -1 %
Total Pilbara shipments (100% basis)(2) 85.7 -1 % +1 % 328.6 -1 %
Total Pilbara Shipments (consolidated basis)(2, 3) 74.2 -1 % - % 284.6 -1 %
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown,
hence small rounding differences may appear.
(1) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(2) Shipments includes material shipped from the Pilbara to our portside
trading facility in China which may not be sold onwards by the group in the
same period.
(3) While Rio Tinto has a 53% net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron
Associates, it recognises 65% of the assets, liabilities, sales revenues and
expenses in its accounts (as 30% is held through a 60% owned subsidiary and
35% is held through a 100% owned subsidiary). The consolidated basis sales
reported here include Robe River Iron Associates on a 65% basis to enable
comparison with revenue reported in the financial statements.
Pilbara operations
We produced 86.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 73.6 million tonnes) in the
fourth quarter, 1% lower than the corresponding period of 2023. Mine
productivity mostly offset depletion and higher than average rainfall, which
was more than five times historical levels. As a result, mine stocks were
drawn down, with operations in the first quarter of 2025 to focus on
recovering pit health.
Shipments of 85.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 72.3 million tonnes) were 1%
lower than the fourth quarter of 2023. SP10 volumes accounted for 25%(1) of
shipments in the fourth quarter, higher than the first three quarters of 2024
(18%). SP10 levels are expected to remain elevated until replacement projects
are delivered. We are reviewing our future product strategy, having regard to
customer requirements and available ore grades.
Full year mine production of 328.0 million tonnes was 1% lower than 2023, with
shipments also 1% lower. Production was affected by depletion, predominantly
at Paraburdoo as we transition to Western Range and Yandicoogina, as well as
higher than average rainfall. The Safe Production System target of 5 million
tonnes for 2024 was achieved. Gudai-Darri demonstrated 50 million tonne per
annum rates during the fourth quarter. Sustaining production at these rates is
subject to the timing of approvals for planned mining areas and heritage
clearances, and continuation of the debottlenecking program at the main plant.
Approximately 10% of sales in 2024 were priced by reference to the prior
quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on
current quarter average, current month average, average of two months, forward
month or on the spot market. Approximately 25% of sales in 2024 were made on a
free on board (FOB) basis, with the remainder sold including freight.
Achieved average pricing in 2024 was $89.6 per wet metric tonne ($99.7 in
2023) on an FOB basis (equivalent to $97.4 per dry metric tonne, with an 8%
moisture assumption). This compares to the average price for the monthly
average Platts index for 62% iron fines converted to a FOB basis of $98.4 per
dry metric tonne.
China Portside Trading
Our iron ore portside sales in China were 9.5 million tonnes in the fourth
quarter of 2024 (5.8 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2023), leading to
a total of 29.9 million tonnes in 2024 (23.3 million tonnes in 2023). At the
end of the December, inventory levels were 7.1 million tonnes, including 4.9
million tonnes of Pilbara product. In 2024 approximately 89% of our portside
sales were either screened or blended in Chinese ports (86% in 2023).
(1) Based on total Pilbara shipments on a 100% basis.
Aluminium
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Bauxite 15,412 +2 % +2 % 58,653 +7 %
Bauxite third party shipments 10,627 -1 % -4 % 40,935 +10 %
Alumina 1,992 +4 % +13 % 7,303 -3 %
Aluminium 837 -1 % +3 % 3,296 +1 %
Recycled aluminium 58 n/a -7 % 264 n/a
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 15.4 million tonnes was 2% higher than the fourth
quarter of 2023. Implementation of the Safe Production System continued to
drive higher plant availability and utilisation rates, especially at our Amrun
mine at Weipa. We remain focused on continued operational improvement as we
enter a quarter typically impacted by wet weather.
Full year 2024 production was 58.7 million tonnes, 7% higher than 2023,
exceeding our guidance. We delivered record annual production at Gove and
Amrun, with the latter currently operating above nameplate capacity.
We shipped 10.6 million tonnes of bauxite to third parties in the fourth
quarter, 1% lower than the same period of 2023.
Alumina
Alumina production of 2.0 million tonnes was 4% higher than the fourth quarter
of 2023. Gas supplies to our Gladstone operations from the third-party
operated Queensland Gas Pipeline are now meeting 100% of our requirements,
following a breakage of this pipeline in March.
As the result of sanction measures by the Australian Government, Rio Tinto has
taken on 100% of capacity of Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) for as long as
the sanctions continue. This results in use of Rusal's 20% share of capacity
by Rio Tinto under the tolling arrangement with QAL. This additional output is
excluded from the production tables in this report as QAL remains 80% owned by
Rio Tinto and 20% owned by Rusal.
Aluminium
Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 1% lower than the fourth
quarter of 2023. At our New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) production
continued to ramp-up following a previous call from Meridian Energy to reduce
its electricity usage in August, for which we are compensated. As previously
reported, we expect the ramp-up to run through to the second quarter of
2025. At Kitimat, our energy supply and production was impacted by lower
reservoir levels.
We completed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-completes-acquisition-of-sumitomos-20_64-stake-in-new-zealands-aluminium-smelter)
the previously announced acquisition
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/long-term-future-for-new-zealands-tiwai-point-aluminium-smelter-secured-with-new-power-deals)
of Sumitomo Chemical Company's (SCC's) 20.64% interest in NZAS on 1 November
2024 and now fully own the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter.
We also completed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-completes-acquisition-of-sumitomos-20_64-stake-in-new-zealands-aluminium-smelter)
the previously announced acquisition of SCC's 2.46% stake in Boyne Smelters
Limited (BSL). The completion of this transaction, along with the recently
completed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-to-acquire-mitsubishis-11_65-stake-in-boyne-aluminium-smelter)
acquisition of Mitsubishi's 11.65% stake in BSL, brings Rio Tinto's total
interest in BSL to 73.5%.
Production is reported including these changes in ownership from 1 November
2024.
Average realised aluminium prices including premiums for value-added products
(VAP) increased 4% to $2,834 per tonne in 2024 (2023: $2,738 per tonne). The
LME price increased by 8% to $2,419 per tonne (2023: $2,250 per tonne), whilst
the mid-west premium duty paid declined 17% to $427 per tonne in 2024 (2023:
$512 per tonne), which is 59% of our total volumes (57% in 2023). Our VAP
sales remained at 46% of primary metal sold in 2024 (2023: 46%). Product
premiums for VAP sales decreased, averaging $295 per tonne of VAP sold (2023:
$354 per tonne).
On 4 December, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tinto-signs-new-partnership-agreement-to-study-low-carbon-aluminium-project-in-finland)
a partnership agreement with the Swedish investment company Vargas, Mitsubishi
Corporation and other international and local industry partners to study a
low-carbon aluminium greenfield opportunity in Finland. We will provide the
Arctial partnership with access to our proven industry-leading AP60 technology
and assist in what would be the first AP60 deployment in an aluminium smelter
outside Quebec. As a first step, Arctial will conduct a feasibility study and
environmental impact assessment.
Recycled aluminium
Rio Tinto's share of production from Matalco was 58 thousand tonnes in the
fourth quarter (116 thousand tonnes on a 100% basis), as production continued
to be impacted by market conditions in North America. Full year 2024
production from Matalco was 264 thousand tonnes (528 thousand tonnes on a 100%
basis).
Copper
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Mined copper
Kennecott 31.2 -35 % +14 % 123.4 -19 %
Escondida 104.8 +46 % +16 % 358.7 +20 %
Oyu Tolgoi (66% basis) 43.8 +63 % +33 % 141.9 +28 %
Total mined copper production 179.8 +23 % +19 % 624.0 +11 %
Total mined copper production (consolidated basis(1)) 202.4 +26 % +21 % 697.1 +13 %
Refined copper
Kennecott(2) 55.4 +73 % +30 % 193.2 +78 %
Escondida 13.3 -5 % +13 % 55.1 -17 %
(1) Includes Oyu Tolgoi and Kennecott on a 100% consolidated basis, and
Escondida on an equity share basis.
(2) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 8.7 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in 2024. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded
from reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes
produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
Kennecott
Mined copper production was 35% lower than the fourth quarter of 2023. This
was primarily due to reduced head grade caused by geotechnical instabilities
in the pit wall that impacted the mining sequence and increased the usage of
lower grade stockpiled ore, as first identified in our Second Quarter
Operations Review. As detailed at our Investor Seminar in December, we have
revised our mine plan with smaller benches, lower bench stack height and step
outs, and increased waste movement to unload the area around the faults.
We are focusing on our overheads and contractor management costs while
identifying efficiencies in our truck and excavator fleet. We are also
supplementing our smelter with third party concentrate (5.7 thousand tonnes in
the fourth quarter) to maintain throughput.
Production will be impacted in 2025 and 2026 in line with the annualised mine
production rate from the last three quarters of 2024, with slight improvement
expected in 2026. Meanwhile, we continue to review future options for the open
pit and underground.
Refined copper production was 73% higher than the fourth quarter of 2023,
following the rebuild of the smelter and refinery in 2023. Refined production
was 30% higher than the third quarter, due to good smelter performance
following the annual planned shutdown of the concentrator and smelter in July.
Escondida
Mined copper production was 46% higher than the fourth quarter of 2023 due to
higher ore grades being fed to the concentrators (1.06% versus 0.77%) driven
by access to a higher grade zone.
Refined copper production was 5% lower than the same quarter of last year,
given reduced oxide leach volumes, with lower grades being stacked during 2024
and integration of the Full SaL project. However, production in the fourth
quarter was 13% higher than the prior quarter due to higher grade of the
stacked ore. Full SaL continues to progress, with first salt addition achieved
this quarter and ramp up expected during 2025.
We continue to work with our joint venture partners on Escondida growth
options.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production increased 63% from the fourth quarter of 2023 given
the ramp-up in production, and higher grade, from the underground mine.
Production was 33% higher than the previous quarter due to the ongoing
commissioning of the conveyor to surface, with first ore on the belt delivered
in October. Open pit operations also benefited from an increase in ore grade.
We have opened a total of 124 drawbells from Panel 0 of the underground mine,
including four during the fourth quarter. During the quarter, we delivered 2.1
million tonnes of milled ore from the underground mine at an average copper
head grade of 1.96% and 8.9 million tonnes from the open pit with an average
grade of 0.43%. The ramp-up remains on track to reach 500 thousand tonnes of
copper per year (100% basis and stated as recoverable metal) for the
underground and open pit mines for the years 2028 to 2036(1) (#_ftn1) .
Production is scheduled to come from Panel 0 and Panel 2 in 2025. We are also
planning to undertake development work in Panel 1. Panel 1 sits partially on a
mining licence subject to a joint venture between Entrée Resources and Oyu
Tolgoi. We are working closely with all stakeholders towards a longer-term
solution for mining in this joint venture area.
In November, we successfully concluded our Collective Agreement negotiations,
marking a historic milestone as the first agreement involving two trade unions
at the operation. The agreement will remain in effect for the next three
years.
(1)The 500 thousand tonnes per annum copper production target (stated as
recoverable metal) for the Oyu Tolgoi underground and open pit mines for the
years 2028 to 2036 was previously reported in a release to the ASX dated 11
July 2023 "Investor site visit to Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, Mongolia
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/presentations/2023/oyu-tolgoi-site-visit)
". All material assumptions underpinning that production target and those
production profiles continue to apply and have not materially changed.
Minerals
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Iron ore pellets and concentrate
IOC 2.5 -6 % +20 % 9.4 -2 %
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Minerals
Borates - B(2)O(3) content 132 +18 % +5 % 504 +2 %
Titanium dioxide slag 235 -14 % -11 % 990 -11 %
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 carats) Q4 vs Q4 vs Q3 vs
2023
2024
2024 2024 2023
Diavik 775 +18 % +43 % 2,759 -17 %
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Iron ore production was 6% lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 due to lower
quality iron ore feed into the concentrator given challenges with ore
availability at the mine. Although these challenges will persist into 2025, we
expect they will be offset by improved productivity in the mine.
Shipments were 3% lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 driven by reduced
concentrate production.
Annual rail haulage was 36.4 million tonnes, 7% higher than in 2023, driven by
continued operational improvements to meet increasing third-party and IOC
demand.
Our focus going forward is to stabilise the operation and achieve safe,
cost-effective and consistent production.
Borates
Borates production in the fourth quarter was 18% higher than the corresponding
period of 2023 due to a scheduled shut in the prior period.
Iron and Titanium
Titanium dioxide slag production was 14% lower than the fourth quarter of 2023
reflecting a planned shutdown at our RTIT Quebec Operations. A furnace
reconstruction continues in Quebec, where we continue to operate six out of
nine furnaces. Three out of four furnaces are operating at Richards Bay
Minerals (RBM).
Diamonds
At Diavik, carat production was 18% higher than the fourth quarter of 2023.
Production continues to ramp up from a subsidence event in July that limited
underground ore deliveries.
On 3 October, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2024/rio-tintos-diavik-diamond-mine-moves-into-commercial-production-at-a21-underground-)
that the Diavik mine has safely completed the development and construction of
Phase 1 of the A21 underground mine, now moving the underground mine into
commercial production.
Exploration and evaluation
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged
to the profit and loss account in 2024 was $935 million, compared with $855
million in 2023 (excluding Simandou). Approximately 25% of the spend was by
central exploration, 23% by Minerals (with the majority focusing on lithium),
36% by Copper, 14% by Iron Ore and 2% by Aluminium. In 2024, all qualifying
expenditure relating to Simandou is being capitalised. Qualifying expenditure
on the Rincon project has been capitalised since 1 July 2024.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 17 countries
across eight commodities in early exploration and studies stages. The bulk of
the exploration expenditure in the fourth quarter focused on copper in Angola,
Chile, Colombia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the US and Zambia, nickel in Finland,
lithium in Canada, Rwanda, and Australia, potash in Canada, diamonds in
Angola, heavy mineral sands (HMS) in South Africa and rutile-graphite in
Malawi. The Rio Tinto operated Nuevo Cobre joint venture copper project in
Chile continues to make good progress with permitting advancing alongside
ongoing geological field programs. Mine-lease exploration continued at Rio
Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron Ore in Australia.
A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:
Commodities Studies Stage Advanced projects Greenfield/ Brownfield programs
Bauxite East Arnhemland, Australia
Battery Materials Nickel Greenfield: Finland
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Lithium Greenfield: Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Kazakhstan,
Rwanda, US
Nickel: Tamarack, US (3rd party operated)
Copper Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper: La Granja, Peru (3rd party operated) Copper Greenfield: Angola, Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Kazakhstan,
Laos, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Serbia, US, Zambia
Copper/gold: Winu, Australia
Copper Brownfield: US (Bingham), Australia (Winu)
Diamonds Chiri, Angola
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia Pilbara, Australia Greenfield and Brownfield: Pilbara, Australia
Minerals HMS: Mutamba, Mozambique Potash: Texas, Canada.
HMS: Kamiesberg, South Africa (3rd party operated).
Rutile-graphite: Kasiya, Malawi (3rd party operated)
( )
( )
(
)
Forward-looking statement
This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other
than statements of historical facts included in this report, including,
without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's financial position, business
strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including
development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products, production
forecasts 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" or similar
expressions, commonly identify such forward-looking statement.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of Rio Tinto, or industry results, to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements, particularly in light of the current economic
climate and the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption arising in
connection with the Ukraine conflict. Such forward-looking statements are
based on numerous assumptions regarding Rio Tinto's present and future
business strategies and the environment in which Rio Tinto will operate in the
future. Among the important factors that could cause Rio Tinto's actual
results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: an inability to
live up to Rio Tinto's values and any resultant damage to its reputation; the
impacts of geopolitics on trade and investment; the impacts of climate change
and the transition to a low-carbon future; an inability to successfully
execute and/or realise value from acquisitions and divestments; the level of
new ore resources, including the results of exploration programs and/or
acquisitions; disruption to strategic partnerships that play a material role
in delivering growth, production, cash or market positioning; damage to Rio
Tinto's relationships with communities and governments; an inability to
attract and retain requisite skilled people; declines in commodity prices and
adverse exchange rate movements; an inability to raise sufficient funds for
capital investment; inadequate estimates of ore resources and reserves; delays
or overruns of large and complex projects; changes in tax regulation; safety
incidents or major hazard events; cyber breaches; physical impacts from
climate change; the impacts of water scarcity; natural disasters; an inability
to successfully manage the closure, reclamation and rehabilitation of sites;
the impacts of civil unrest; the impacts of the Ukraine conflict; breaches of
Rio Tinto's policies, standard and procedures, laws or regulations; trade
tensions between the world's major economies; increasing societal and investor
expectations, in particular with regard to environmental, social and
governance considerations; the impacts of technological advancements; and such
other risks 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 report. Rio Tinto
expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by
applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance 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. Past performance
cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.
Contacts Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
Media Relations, Media Relations, Media Relations,
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Investor Relations, Investor Relations, Australia
United Kingdom
Tom Gallop
Rachel Arellano M +61 439 353 948
M +44 7584 609 644
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M +44 7826 942 797
Weiwei Hu
M +44 7825 907 230
Rio Tinto plc Rio Tinto Limited
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This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio
Tinto's Group Company Secretary.
riotinto.com
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Classification: 3.1 Additional regulated information required to be disclosed
under the laws of a Member State
Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter Full Year % change
2023 2024 2024 2023 2024 Q4 24 Q4 24 2024
Q4 Q3 Q4 vs vs vs
Q4 23 Q3 24 2023
Principal commodities
Alumina ('000 t) 1,919 1,770 1,992 7,537 7,303 +4 % +13 % -3 %
Aluminium (Primary) ('000 t) 846 809 837 3,272 3,296 -1 % +3 % +1 %
Bauxite ('000 t) 15,098 15,100 15,412 54,619 58,653 +2 % +2 % +7 %
Borates ('000 t) 111 126 132 495 504 +18 % +5 % +2 %
Copper - mined (consolidated) ('000 t) 160.0 167.8 202.4 619.6 697.1 +26 % +21 % +13 %
Copper - refined ('000 t) 46.1 54.3 68.7 175.2 248.3 +49 % +26 % +42 %
Iron Ore ('000 t) 76,514 73,160 76,102 290,171 287,676 -1 % +4 % -1 %
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 t) 275 263 235 1,111 990 -14 % -11 % -11 %
Other Metals & Minerals
Diamonds ('000 cts) 659 542 775 3,340 2,759 +18 % +43 % -17 %
Gold - mined ('000 oz) 75.6 69.4 79.0 281.5 282.0 +4 % +14 % - %
Gold - refined ('000 oz) 20.6 25.7 43.1 74.2 143.8 +109 % +68 % +94 %
Molybdenum ('000 t) 0.8 0.5 0.8 1.8 2.6 +11 % +77 % +46 %
Salt ('000 t) 1,438 1,511 1,347 5,973 5,823 -6 % -11 % -3 %
Silver - mined ('000 oz) 1,100 1,046 1,144 3,811 4,236 +4 % +9 % +11 %
Silver - refined ('000 oz) 406 392 766 1,407 2,314 +89 % +96 % +65 %
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the
figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page or reported for the first
time. 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 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2023 2024
interest
2023
2024
2024
2024
2024
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 100 % 349 352 328 323 350 1,392 1,353
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant 100 % 29 27 30 28 26 109 111
Queensland Alumina 80 % 664 675 602 693 737 2,693 2,707
São Luis (Alumar) 10 % 90 87 93 93 97 338 369
Yarwun 100 % 786 722 624 634 782 3,006 2,762
Rio Tinto total alumina production 1,919 1,864 1,676 1,770 1,992 7,537 7,303
ALUMINIUM
Primary production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100 % 47 47 47 47 47 186 187
Australia - Boyne Island (a) 74 % 76 75 75 76 93 295 318
Australia - Tomago 52 % 77 73 75 77 77 304 302
Canada - six wholly owned 100 % 410 405 399 395 398 1,565 1,597
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) 40 % 64 63 63 63 64 253 253
Canada - Bécancour 25 % 30 29 30 30 30 117 119
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) 100 % 54 49 50 52 51 209 202
New Zealand - Tiwai Point (b) 100 % 67 66 65 49 59 265 239
Oman - Sohar 20 % 20 20 20 20 20 80 80
Rio Tinto total primary aluminium production 846 826 824 809 837 3,272 3,296
Recycled production ('000 tonnes)
Matalco 50 % - 74 70 62 58 - 264
Rio Tinto total recycled aluminium production - 74 70 62 58 - 264
(a) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Boyne Smelters
Limited (BSL) increased from 71.04% to 73.5%. Production is reported
including this change from 1 November 2024.
(b) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Tiwai Point Smelter
(NZAS) increased from 79.36% to 100%. Production is reported including this
change from 1 November 2024.
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Gove 100 % 3,234 3,104 3,172 3,073 3,372 11,566 12,721
Porto Trombetas (b) 22 % 509 508 667 737 623 1,502 2,535
Sangaredi (c) 1,544 1,583 1,622 1,544 1,571 6,425 6,319
Weipa 100 % 9,811 8,224 9,262 9,747 9,846 35,126 37,078
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 15,098 13,418 14,723 15,100 15,412 54,619 58,653
(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) On 30 November 2023, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Porto Trombetas
increased from 12% to 22%. Production is reported including this change from 1
December 2023.
(c) 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 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2023 2024
interest
2023
2024
2024
2024
2024
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B(2)O(3) content)
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100 % 111 121 125 126 132 495 504
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 47.8 32.5 32.3 27.4 31.2 151.6 123.4
Escondida 30 % 71.6 77.2 86.4 90.4 104.8 299.9 358.7
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 26.8 30.4 34.7 33.0 43.8 110.9 141.9
Rio Tinto total mine production 146.2 140.1 153.3 150.8 179.8 562.4 624.0
Rio Tinto total mine production - consolidated basis 160.0 155.8 171.2 167.8 202.4 619.6 697.1
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30 % 14.1 14.7 15.2 11.8 13.3 66.7 55.1
Kennecott (b) 100 % 32.0 47.8 47.5 42.5 55.4 108.6 193.2
Rio Tinto total refined production 46.1 62.5 62.7 54.3 68.7 175.2 248.3
(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) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 8.7 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in 2024. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded
from reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes
produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Diavik 100 % 659 740 702 542 775 3,340 2,759
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 33.5 26.7 22.5 22.1 24.0 104.8 95.2
Escondida 30 % 14.6 11.7 13.6 14.1 11.2 59.7 50.6
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 27.5 28.2 30.9 33.3 43.8 117.0 136.2
Rio Tinto total mine production 75.6 66.6 67.1 69.4 79.0 281.5 282.0
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott (b) 100 % 20.6 35.3 39.7 25.7 43.1 74.2 143.8
(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) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 8.7 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in 2024. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded
from reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes
produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2024
interest 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Hamersley mines (b) 59,138 53,373 54,691 57,096 59,656 225,898 224,816
Hope Downs 50 % 6,074 5,081 5,044 5,753 5,100 23,241 20,978
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59 % 2,703 2,613 2,185 2,116 2,532 9,676 9,446
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53 % 4,330 4,245 4,186 3,844 4,549 15,456 16,823
Robe River - West Angelas 53 % 4,269 3,388 3,607 4,352 4,265 15,899 15,612
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 76,514 68,701 69,712 73,160 76,102 290,171 287,676
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (c) 22,228 19,885 20,828 22,460 23,460 84,301 86,634
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (c) 33,485 29,836 31,277 33,320 35,158 127,786 129,592
Robe Valley Lump 1,592 1,534 1,546 1,488 1,825 5,882 6,393
Robe Valley Fines 2,739 2,711 2,640 2,356 2,723 9,574 10,431
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13,768 12,122 11,235 11,421 10,402 52,952 45,181
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 73,811 66,088 67,527 71,045 73,570 280,495 278,230
IOC Concentrate 1,298 1,130 930 842 1,062 4,796 3,964
IOC Pellets 1,405 1,483 1,255 1,274 1,470 4,880 5,482
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 2,703 2,613 2,185 2,116 2,532 9,676 9,446
Breakdown of Shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 14,533 12,844 12,463 14,240 13,079 59,725 52,626
Pilbara Blend Fines 23,706 23,168 24,702 26,626 23,351 105,083 97,847
Robe Valley Lump 1,506 1,223 1,337 1,166 1,508 5,005 5,234
Robe Valley Fines 3,054 2,943 3,095 2,565 3,055 10,511 11,658
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13,628 12,228 11,364 11,794 10,585 53,544 45,971
SP10 Lump (c) 4,620 4,474 5,071 5,715 7,341 12,137 22,601
SP10 Fines (c) 12,208 9,221 8,218 10,366 13,421 35,353 41,225
Pilbara iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 73,255 66,100 66,250 72,471 72,341 281,358 277,162
Pilbara iron ore shipments - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes) (d) (f) 75,058 67,910 68,281 74,211 74,213 288,438 284,615
IOC Concentrate 1,196 1,162 986 1,228 1,140 4,659 4,515
IOC Pellets 1,369 1,493 1,438 1,157 1,357 4,929 5,444
IOC Iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 2,565 2,654 2,423 2,385 2,497 9,588 9,959
Rio Tinto iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 75,820 68,755 68,673 74,856 74,838 290,947 287,121
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) (e) 76,269 69,356 71,920 74,078 77,648 296,707 293,002
(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, Western Turner
Syncline, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass, Channar,
Gudai-Darri, Eastern Range and Western Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns
54% of the Eastern Range and the Western Range mines, 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) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(d) Shipments includes material shipped to our portside trading facility in
China which may not be sold onwards in the same period.
(e) Represents the difference between amounts shipped to portside trading and
onward sales from portside trading, and third party volumes sold.
(f) While Rio Tinto has a 53% net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron
Associates, it recognises 65% of the assets, liabilities, sales revenues and
expenses in its accounts (as 30% is held through a 60% owned subsidiary and
35% is held through a 100% owned subsidiary). The consolidated basis sales
reported here include Robe River Iron Associates on a 65% basis to enable
comparison with revenue reported in the financial statements.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2024
interest 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.8 2.6
(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 % 1,438 1,425 1,540 1,511 1,347 5,973 5,823
SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 504 370 368 368 377 1,618 1,484
Escondida 30 % 420 398 465 464 486 1,476 1,813
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 176 205 239 214 281 717 940
Rio Tinto total mine production 1,100 973 1,072 1,046 1,144 3,811 4,236
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott (b) 100 % 406 550 606 392 766 1,407 2,314
(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) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 8.7 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in 2024. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded
from reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes
produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (a) 100 % 275 254 238 263 235 1,111 990
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74%
interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
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 percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2023 2024
interest
2023
2024
2024
2024
2024
ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland 80 % 830 844 752 866 921 3,366 3,384
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100 % 786 722 624 634 782 3,006 2,762
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10 % 899 867 926 927 967 3,375 3,687
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) 100 % 349 352 328 323 350 1,392 1,353
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and
excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
Speciality Alumina - Aluminium Group
Speciality alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec 100 % 29 27 30 28 26 109 111
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2023 2024
interest 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100 % 47 47 47 47 47 186 187
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland (a) 74 % 128 126 126 127 128 496 507
Tomago smelter - New South Wales 52 % 149 142 146 150 149 589 587
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100 % 123 121 119 120 122 484 483
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec 40 % 160 157 158 158 159 634 632
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100 % 43 43 37 36 37 172 153
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec 100 % 15 15 15 15 15 59 61
Bécancour smelter - Quebec 25 % 119 116 119 119 120 465 473
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec 100 % 58 57 57 57 58 229 229
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia 100 % 109 107 107 103 102 377 419
Laterrière smelter - Quebec 100 % 62 61 63 64 64 244 252
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100 % 54 49 50 52 51 209 202
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter (b) 100 % 85 83 82 62 63 334 290
Oman
Sohar smelter 20 % 100 99 99 100 101 398 399
Recycled Aluminium
Recycled aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Matalco 50 % - 148 139 125 116 - 528
(a) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Boyne Smelters
Limited (BSL) increased from 71.04% to 73.5%. Production is reported
including this change from 1 November 2024.
(b) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Tiwai Point Smelter
(NZAS) increased from 79.36% to 100%. Production is reported including this
change from 1 November 2024.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2023 2024
interest 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024
BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory 100 % 3,234 3,104 3,172 3,073 3,372 11,566 12,721
Weipa mine - Queensland 100 % 9,811 8,224 9,262 9,747 9,846 35,126 37,078
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine 22 % 3,202 2,310 3,034 3,348 2,831 11,472 11,523
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23 % 3,430 3,517 3,604 3,432 3,491 14,278 14,043
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 15,513 12,715 15,177 15,511 15,513 55,335 58,916
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 10,749 8,496 10,691 11,120 10,627 37,337 40,935
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits
from 45.0% of production.
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BORATES
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100 %
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 111 121 125 126 132 495 504
(a) Production is expressed as B(2)O(3) content.
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COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30 %
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 34,752 31,653 34,377 32,488 35,293 132,143 133,811
Average copper grade (%) 0.77 0.92 0.99 1.00 1.06 0.83 0.99
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 217.6 238.6 279.5 269.9 309.8 882.1 1,097.8
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 48.6 39.0 45.4 47.0 37.3 199.2 168.6
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,401 1,328 1,549 1,546 1,619 4,921 6,042
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) 21.0 18.6 8.4 31.4 39.5 117.5 97.9
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 46.9 49.0 50.7 39.4 44.4 222.2 183.6
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore
stacked at the leach pad.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100 %
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 10,579 8,271 10,257 9,149 10,487 33,126 38,164
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.50 0.43 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.51 0.37
Gold (g/t) 0.14 0.14 0.11 0.12 0.12 0.15 0.12
Silver (g/t) 2.10 1.97 1.79 2.02 1.78 2.16 1.88
Molybdenum (%) 0.019 0.021 0.020 0.019 0.020 0.017 0.020
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 191 127 135 121 144 579 527
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 25.0 25.6 23.9 22.0 21.6 26.1 23.3
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 47.8 32.5 32.3 27.4 31.2 151.6 123.4
Gold ('000 ounces) 33.5 26.7 22.5 22.1 24.0 104.8 95.2
Silver ('000 ounces) 504 370 368 368 377 1,618 1,484
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.1 2.2 3.7 6.5
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.8 2.6
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100 %
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 187 171 227 156 187 486 741
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) 44.1 56.7 54.4 42.8 43.2 118.9 197.2
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (c) 32.0 47.8 47.5 42.5 55.4 108.6 193.2
Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 20.6 35.3 39.7 25.7 43.1 74.2 143.8
Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 406 550 606 392 766 1,407 2,314
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 8.7 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in 2024. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded
from reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes
produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
(d) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Oyu Tolgoi mine 66 %
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Open Pit 8,714 9,011 9,284 7,352 8,881 35,924 34,528
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Underground 888 1,313 1,533 1,521 2,144 3,363 6,510
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Total 9,602 10,323 10,817 8,873 11,025 39,288 41,037
Average mill head grades:
Open Pit
Copper (%) 0.42 0.39 0.37 0.39 0.43 0.41 0.39
Gold (g/t) 0.22 0.19 0.17 0.22 0.24 0.22 0.21
Silver (g/t) 1.24 1.25 1.12 0.97 1.08 1.17 1.11
Underground
Copper (%) 1.59 1.67 2.02 2.05 1.96 1.57 1.94
Gold (g/t) 0.37 0.42 0.62 0.61 0.55 0.37 0.56
Silver (g/t) 3.42 3.28 4.75 4.76 4.59 3.59 4.40
Total
Copper (%) 0.53 0.55 0.61 0.67 0.73 0.51 0.64
Gold (g/t) 0.23 0.22 0.24 0.28 0.30 0.23 0.26
Silver (g/t) 1.44 1.50 1.64 1.62 1.77 1.38 1.63
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 196.0 208.5 246.2 232.0 307.3 795.7 994.0
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 20.8 22.1 21.3 21.6 21.6 21.1 21.6
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 40.7 46.1 52.5 50.0 66.3 168.1 215.0
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 41.7 42.8 46.9 50.4 66.3 177.3 206.4
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 266 311 363 325 426 1,086 1,424
Sales of metals in concentrates (a):
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 38.4 43.7 48.3 43.6 62.6 165.7 198.2
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 41.5 41.5 43.3 42.1 63.6 174.6 190.5
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 240 272 317 273 382 1,008 1,244
(a) Sales of metals in concentrates refer to the payable metals in
concentrates collected by customers from the Mongolia/China border.
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DIAMONDS
Diavik Diamonds 100 %
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 388 343 361 232 330 1,688 1,267
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 659 740 702 542 775 3,340 2,759
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 59,138 53,373 54,691 57,096 59,656 225,898 224,816
Hope Downs 50 % 12,148 10,163 10,087 11,507 10,200 46,482 41,956
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53 % 8,171 8,009 7,898 7,252 8,583 29,162 31,742
Robe River - West Angelas 53 % 8,054 6,393 6,805 8,211 8,048 29,999 29,457
Total production ('000 tonnes) 87,511 77,938 79,481 84,066 86,486 331,542 327,972
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (b) 26,308 23,386 24,416 26,604 27,273 99,682 101,679
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (b) 39,264 34,422 35,932 38,788 40,228 149,745 149,370
Robe Valley Lump 3,004 2,894 2,916 2,807 3,444 11,097 12,062
Robe Valley Fines 5,167 5,115 4,982 4,445 5,139 18,065 19,680
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13,768 12,122 11,235 11,421 10,402 52,952 45,181
Breakdown of total shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 17,355 15,635 15,832 17,498 16,223 71,629 65,188
Pilbara Blend Fines 29,840 28,475 31,336 31,870 29,042 129,866 120,723
Robe Valley Lump 2,842 2,308 2,522 2,200 2,846 9,444 9,876
Robe Valley Fines 5,762 5,553 5,839 4,839 5,764 19,832 21,995
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13,628 12,228 11,364 11,794 10,585 53,544 45,971
SP10 Lump (b) 4,620 4,612 5,141 5,790 7,567 12,137 23,110
SP10 Fines (b) 12,208 9,221 8,275 10,559 13,650 35,353 41,705
Total shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 86,255 78,033 80,309 84,550 85,678 331,805 328,570
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Iron Ore Company of Canada 59 %
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada
Saleable iron ore production:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 2,210 1,924 1,584 1,434 1,809 8,167 6,750
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,393 2,526 2,137 2,169 2,503 8,311 9,336
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes) 4,603 4,450 3,721 3,603 4,312 16,478 16,086
Shipments:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 2,037 1,978 1,678 2,090 1,942 7,934 7,689
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,331 2,542 2,449 1,971 2,310 8,394 9,272
IOC Total Shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 4,368 4,520 4,127 4,061 4,252 16,329 16,961
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) 92,114 82,388 83,203 87,669 90,798 348,020 344,058
Iron Ore Shipments ('000 tonnes) 90,623 82,553 84,436 88,611 89,931 348,134 345,531
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 91,072 82,790 87,479 87,349 92,063 353,193 349,682
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Western Turner
Syncline, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass, Channar,
Gudai-Darri, Eastern Range and Western Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns
54% of the Eastern Range and the Western Range mines, 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) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(c) Shipments includes material shipped to our portside trading facility in
China which may not be sold onwards in the same period.
(d) Include Pilbara and IOC sales adjusted for portside trading movements and
third party volumes sold.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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SALT
Dampier Salt 68 %
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 2,103 2,085 2,253 2,211 1,970 8,737 8,518
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100 %
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share) (a)
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) 275 254 238 263 235 1,111 990
(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.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2024. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
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