REG - Rio Tinto - 3rd Quarter Results 2014 <Origin Href="QuoteRef">RIO.L</Origin> - Part 1

Rio TintoAnnouncement

29/10/2014 12:02

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 SRAL 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%
Rssing 
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 Rssing 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 Rssing 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.
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United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England 
No. 719885
Rio Tinto Limited
120 Collins Street
Melbourne 3000
Australia 
T +61 3 9283 3333
Registered in Australia
ABN 96 004 458 404


Rio Tinto production summary




















Rio Tinto share of production
























Quarter

9 Months

% Change


2013
Q3
2014
Q2
2014
Q3

2013
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS

Q3 14
vs
Q313
Q3 14
vs
Q214
9MTHS14
vs
9MTHS13
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
2014









ALUMINA








Production ('000 tonnes)








Rio Tinto Alcan








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
353
378
360
352
358
1,061
1,070
 Queensland Alumina
80%
695
722
697
668
741
1,985
2,106
 So Luis (Alumar)
10%
85
91
88
87
94
252
269
 Yarwun
100%
608
696
683
661
656
1,751
2,001
 Jonquire (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 (Eda)
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-les)
40%
57
59
58
58
58
174
174
 Canada - Bcancour
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 - SRAL (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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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
 Rssing
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 SRAL (Husnes) smelter.
(e) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or dor 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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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








 So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
848
908
882
865
938
2,517
2,686
Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
353
378
360
352
358
1,061
1,070

(a) Jonquire'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





RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
2014









ALUMINIUM (continued)








Rio Tinto Alcan - Specialty Alumina








Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Canada








 Jonquire (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 (Eda) 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-les) 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
 Bcancour 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
 Laterrire 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








 SRAL (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 SRAL (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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2013
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
9MTHS
2013
9MTHS
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. 
Rssing 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
QRTFFSEFLFLSEDS