REG - Rio Tinto - Rio Tinto fourth quarter operations review <Origin Href="QuoteRef">RIO.L</Origin> - Part 1

Rio TintoAnnouncement

19/01/2016 07:10

RNS Number : 2464M
Rio Tinto PLC
18 January 2016
Rio Tinto releases solid fourth quarter production results
19 January 2016
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "Against a challenging market backdrop for the industry, Rio Tinto remains focused on operating and commercial excellence to leverage the low-cost position of our Tier 1 asset base. In 2015, we delivered efficient production, meeting our targets across all of our major products, while rigorously controlling our cost base. We will continue to focus on disciplined management of costs and capital to maximise cash flow generation throughout 2016."


Q4 2015
vs Q4 2014
vs Q3 2015
2015
2014
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis)
Mt
91.3
+11%
0%
336.6
+11%
Global iron ore production (100% basis)
Mt
87.2
+10%
+1%
327.6
+11%
Bauxite
kt
11,211
+4%
-1%
43,677
+4%
Aluminium 
kt
864
+4%
+4%
3,322
+1%
Mined copper
kt
111.1
-13%
-3%
504.4
-16%
Hard coking coal
kt
1,900
+16%
+2%
7,859
+11%
Semi-soft and thermal coal
kt
5,979
+9%
+8%
22,285
0%
Titanium dioxide slag
kt
223
-30%
-8%
1,089
-25%
Highlights
 Global iron ore shipments were in line with 2015 full year guidance of around 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). The strong second half performance was achieved following completion of the brownfield developments and expanded infrastructure in the Pilbara, enabling a drawdown of inventories, as well as improvements at Iron Ore Company of Canada.
 Global iron ore production in 2016 is expected to be around 350 million tonnes (100 per cent basis).
 Continued strong performance in bauxite exceeded full year guidance of 43 million tonnes, with record third party shipments of 26.6 million tonnes. 
 Aluminium production was in line with 2014, with record annual production at nine smelters offsetting lower production from Kitimat as the modernised and expanded smelter was commissioned. 
 Mined copper production was in line with full year guidance of 510 thousand tonnes as de-weighting and de-watering activities at Kennecott resulted in lower production in 2015, which was partly offset by a 36 per cent increase in production at Oyu Tolgoi from higher grades and throughput. Production is expected to increase in 2016, with higher production at Kennecott and an expected share of joint venture production at Grasberg.
 Rio Tinto's share of hard coking and thermal coal production was in line with 2015 guidance, while semi-soft coking coal production was seven per cent above the top end of the guidance range due to mine sequencing.
 Diamonds & Minerals continues to optimise production to align with market demand, reflected in a 25 per cent reduction in titanium dioxide slag production compared to 2014, in line with guidance.
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 2014 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2015 remain in comparisons.

IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

Q4 2015
vs Q4 2014
vs Q3 2015
2015
2014
Pilbara Blend Lump
19.6
+22%
-1%
72.8
+24%
Pilbara Blend Fines
30.0
+19%
+5%
108.6
+18%
Robe Valley Lump
1.4
-11%
-6%
5.9
-3%
Robe Valley Fines
2.9
-5%
-5%
11.3
-7%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13.7
-10%
-1%
54.0
-3%
IOC (pellets and concentrate)
2.9
+28%
+3%
10.4
+20%
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 309.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 252.7 million tonnes) in 2015, 10 per cent higher than in 2014. Fourth quarter production of 82.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 67.5 million tonnes) was nine per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014. Production performance was stronger in the second half of the year due to completion of the expanded infrastructure towards the end of the first half of 2015, as well as a number of productivity improvements. 
Pilbara sales
Sales of 318.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 260.3 million tonnes) in 2015 were 10 per cent higher than 2014, while fourth quarter sales of 86.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 71.3 million tonnes) were 10 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014. 
Sales in the quarter exceeded production by 4.2 million tonnes, primarily drawing down on inventories at the mines. This draw-down has been a key focus in 2015 with approximately nine million tonnes drawn in the year. Bulk inventories built up during the infrastructure expansion phase are now largely exhausted.
Approximately 22 per cent of sales in 2015 were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market.
Approximately 59 per cent of 2015 sales were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Achieved average pricing in 2015 was $48.4 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis.
Pilbara projects
Following completion of the Pilbara infrastructure and brownfields expansions in the first half of 2015, the focus has shifted to the Nammuldi Incremental Tonnes (NIT) project which delivers high grade, low phosphorous ore into the Pilbara Blend. The initial phase, with a five million tonne per annum capacity, started production in the fourth quarter of 2015. Construction has commenced on the second phase, which will take annual capacity from the NIT project up from five to ten million tonnes and is due to come into production in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
Steady progress continues to be made on the testing and verification of AutoHaul, with over 70,000 kilometres of mainline trials completed at the end of 2015. 
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC demonstrated a significant shift in operational performance during 2015, attributable to improved haul truck and mill availability and enhanced productivity rates for haul trucks and shovels. This resulted in a 39 per cent increase in concentrates produced to 8.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 4.9 million tonnes) and a six per cent rise in pellet production to 9.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 5.6 million tonnes).
Higher production flowed through to a 26 per cent improvement in sales to 18.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 10.6 million tonnes) in 2015. Fourth quarter production was weighted towards concentrates as a result of the shift in market conditions which favoured concentrate over pellets.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected global shipments are around 350 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), from its operations in Australia and Canada, subject to weather conditions.


ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Q4 2015
vs Q4 2014
vs Q3 2015
2015
2014
Rio Tinto Aluminium





Bauxite
11,211
+4%
-1%
43,677
+4%
Alumina 
2,011
+4%
+3%
7,788
+4%
Aluminium
864
+4%
+4%
3,322
+1%
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 43.7 million tonnes during 2015, a four per cent increase on 2014, was achieved on the back of record Weipa production and the ramp-up at Gove, which has now reached production and export capacity of 8 million tonnes per annum of dry bauxite. Third party shipments exceeded 26 million tonnes, representing the highest proportion of Rio Tinto's total share of production ever achieved.
Fourth quarter bauxite production was four per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2014. 
Alumina
Alumina production for 2015 increased four per cent compared with 2014 (excluding production from the Gove refinery which was curtailed in May 2014), reflecting continued consistent performance across Rio Tinto's refineries. 
Aluminium
Aluminium production was in line with 2014. Record annual production at nine smelters offset lower production from Kitimat as the modernised and expanded smelter was commissioned. Kitimat's ramp-up towards nameplate capacity of 420 thousand tonnes is well underway and is expected to be achieved in early 2016.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium is 45 million tonnes, 7.8 million tonnes and 3.6 million tonnes, respectively. 


COPPER & COAL
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Q4 2015
vs Q4 2014
vs Q3 2015
2015
2014
Mined copper 





Kennecott Utah Copper
25.7
+25%
+16%
92.0
-55%
Escondida
66.2
-26%
-10%
344.7
+1%
Grasberg
0.0
n/a
n/a
0.0
n/a
Oyu Tolgoi
19.2
+14%
+2%
67.8
+36%






Refined copper





Kennecott Utah Copper
22.6
+24%
+58%
115.2
-44%
Escondida
26.6
+18%
+24%
97.9
+8%






Coal





Hard coking coal
1,900
+16%
+2%
7,859
+11%
Semi-soft coking coal
797
+9%
-14%
3,647
+14%
Thermal coal
5,182
+9%
+12%
18,638
-2%
Kennecott Utah Copper
In line with guidance, mined copper production in 2015 was substantially lower than 2014 due to the continuing focus on de-weighting and de-watering the east wall of Bingham Canyon. The 25 per cent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2014 reflects mine production having been aligned to smelter requirements during the scheduled smelter shutdown in 2014. Fourth quarter production benefited from higher ore grades compared to the previous quarter of 2015.
The lower mine production in 2015 was partly mitigated by an inventory drawdown, resulting in refined copper production of 115.2 thousand tonnes. The strong refined copper production in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter was a result of increased volume and grades from Kennecott material. Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 414 thousand tonnes received for processing in 2015. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures. 
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida for the fourth quarter was 26 per cent lower than the same quarter in 2014 due to lower grades. Production in 2015 was comparable to 2014, as higher throughput and recoveries from leaching more than offset lower grades. 
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for 2015 was 36 per cent higher than 2014, attributable to higher grades and throughput. 
On 14 December 2015, the development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine in Mongolia took an important step forward with the signing of a US$4.4 billion project financing agreement. Next steps include securing all necessary permits for development of the underground mine, and approval of the project by the various boards. 
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. Production in 2015 did not exceed the metal attributable to Freeport and, accordingly, Rio Tinto's share of joint venture production was zero. Freeport is due to announce its fourth quarter results on 26 January 2016.


Provisional pricing
At 31 December 2015, the Group had an estimated 189 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 219 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the first half of 2016. This compares with 331 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2014, provisionally priced at 288 cents per pound. 
Coal
Hard coking coal production was 11 per cent higher than 2014 following improved production rates at Kestrel. Fourth quarter tonnage was 16 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014 due to the longwall changeover at Kestrel in 2014.
Semi-soft coking coal production was 14 per cent higher than 2014, and nine per cent higher in the fourth quarter than in the same quarter of 2014, reflecting mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations.
Thermal coal production was broadly in line with 2014. Fourth quarter production was nine per cent higher than in the same quarter of 2014, due to increased production at Hail Creek. 
2016 guidance
In 2016, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to increase to between 575 and 625 thousand tonnes, with higher production at Kennecott, and including an expected share of joint venture production at Grasberg. Refined copper production is expected to be between 220 and 250 thousand tonnes. 
For coal, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 7 to 8 million tonnes of hard coking coal, 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal and 16 to 17 million tonnes of thermal coal. Thermal coal guidance includes a contribution from Bengalla up to the expected date of divestment during the first quarter of 2016.
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production 

Q4 2015
vs Q4 2014
vs Q3 2015
2015
2014
Diamonds('000 carats)





Argyle
3,368
+86%
-4%
13,472
+47%
Diavik
899
-3%
+18%
3,843
-11%






Minerals ('000 tonnes)





Borates - B2O3 content
107
-13%
-7%
476
-6%
Titanium dioxide slag
223
-30%
-8%
1,089
-25%






Salt ('000 tonnes)
1,647
-11%
+29%
5,539
-18%






Uranium ('000 lbs)





Energy Resources of Australia
1,008
+11%
+46%
3,023
+72%
Rssing
691
+12%
+82%
1,884
-19%
Diamonds
At Argyle, the ramp-up of production from the underground mine delivered a 47 per cent increase in carats produced compared to 2014. Due to process plant pauses to manage inventory levels, production in the fourth quarter was slightly below the previous quarter.
At Diavik, carats recovered were 11 per cent lower than in 2014 due to processing plant pauses in the fourth quarter and the absence of stockpiled ore which was processed in the first half of 2014. Carats recovered in the fourth quarter were three per cent lower than the same period of 2014 due to lower processing volumes largely offset by higher recovered grades. 
Minerals
Borates production in 2015 was six per cent lower than in 2014, driven primarily by lower market demand.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 25 per cent lower in 2015 than in 2014 as RTIT continues to optimise production in light of weaker demand. Two of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) and one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) are currently idled, reflecting lower demand for high grade feedstocks.
Salt
Salt production in 2015 was 18 per cent lower than in 2014 as a result of weaker demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process existing stockpiles. 2015 saw a 72 per cent increase in production over 2014 reflecting the complete shutdown of processing facilities in the first half of 2014 following the failure of a leach tank in December 2013. 
Production at Rssing was 19 per cent lower than 2014, largely as a result of lower grades and recoveries.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of titanium dioxide slag, boric oxide equivalent production, uranium and diamond production in 2016 is one million tonnes, 0.5 million tonnes, five to six million pounds and 21 million carats, respectively. 
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in 2015 was $576 million (of which $184 million was spent in the fourth quarter), compared with $765 million in 2014. Approximately six per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Iron Ore, two per cent by Aluminium, 38 per cent by Copper & Coal, 23 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and the remainder by central exploration. 
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in 2015.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of our exploration spend in the period was focused on copper targets in Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Namibia, Peru, Russia, the United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi, Kennecott and Weipa.


A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group
Evaluation
projects
Advanced
projects
Greenfield 
programmes
Aluminium
Amrun and Cape York, Australia 
Amargosa orbit, Brazil
Australia, Brazil, Laos
Copper & Coal
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US
Copper: La Granja, Peru
Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia 
Coal: Mt Pleasant and Hail Creek, Australia
Nickel: Tamarack, US
Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley, Australia
Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Peru, Russia, US, Zambia
Nickel: Canada
Diamonds & Minerals
Diamonds: Bunder, India 
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia
Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa 
Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea 
Uranium: Roughrider, Canada
Potash: KP405, Canada
Diamonds: Canada, India
Heavy mineral sands: Gabon
Uranium: Australia, Canada, US
Iron Ore
Pilbara, Australia
Pilbara, Australia
Botswana


Contacts
media.enquiries@riotinto.com
www.riotinto.com 
Follow @riotinto on Twitter 
Media Relations, EMEA/Americas
Illtud Harri
T +44 20 7781 1152
M +44 7920 503 600
David Outhwaite
T +44 20 7781 1623
M +44 7787 597 493
David Luff
T + 44 20 7781 1177
M + 44 7780 226 422
Investor Relations, EMEA/Americas
John Smelt
T +44 20 7781 1654
M +44 7879 642 675
David Ovington
T +44 20 7781 2051
M +44 7920 010 978
Grant Donald
T +44 20 7781 1262
M +44 7920 587 805
Media Relations, Australia/Asia
Ben Mitchell
T +61 3 9283 3620
M +61 419 850 212
Bruce Tobin
T +61 3 9283 3612
M +61 419 103 454
Matt Klar
T + 61 7 3625 4244
M + 61 457 525 578
Investor Relations, Australia/Asia
Natalie Worley
T +61 3 9283 3063
M +61 409 210 462
Rachel Storrs
T +61 3 9283 3628
M +61 417 401 018


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6 St James's Square
London SW1Y 4AD
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

Full Year

% Change


2014
Q4
2015
Q3
2015
Q4

2014
2015

Q4 15
vs
Q4 14
Q4 15
vs
Q3 15
2015
vs
2014
Principal Commodities











Alumina
('000 t)
1,931
1,957
2,011

8,134
7,788

4%
3%
-4%
Aluminium
('000 t)
827
830
864

3,279
3,322

4%
4%
1%
Bauxite
('000 t)
10,794
11,287
11,211

41,871
43,677

4%
-1%
4%
Borates
('000 t)
123
115
107

508
476

-13%
-7%
-6%
Coal - hard coking
('000 t)
1,639
1,856
1,900

7,054
7,859

16%
2%
11%
Coal - semi-soft coking
('000 t)
728
928
797

3,213
3,647

9%
-14%
14%
Coal - thermal
('000 t)
4,759
4,618
5,182

19,080
18,638

9%
12%
-2%
Copper - mined
('000 t)
128.3
114.9
111.1

603.1
504.4

-13%
-3%
-16%
Copper - refined
('000 t)
40.7
35.8
49.2

294.6
213.0

21%
38%
-28%
Diamonds
('000 cts)
2,841
4,275
4,266

13,872
17,392

50%
0%
25%
Iron ore
('000 t)
63,239
69,316
70,427

233,557
263,048

11%
2%
13%
Titanium dioxide slag
('000 t)
316
243
223

1,443
1,089

-30%
-8%
-25%
Uranium
('000 lbs)
1,523
1,068
1,699

4,089
4,907

12%
59%
20%
Other Metals & Minerals











Gold - mined
('000 oz)
131.0
79.3
100.3

486.8
376.4

-23%
27%
-23%
Gold - refined
('000 oz)
51.1
34.1
31.0

252.2
179.0

-39%
-9%
-29%
Molybdenum
('000 t)
2.6
1.8
0.6

11.5
7.6

-78%
-68%
-34%
Salt
('000 t)
1,852
1,281
1,647

6,793
5,539

-11%
29%
-18%
Silver - mined
('000 oz)
740
846
707

4,699
3,311

-4%
-16%
-30%
Silver - refined
('000 oz)
636
296
348

2,811
1,843

-45%
18%
-34%












Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures.


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









ALUMINA








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
373
360
359
369
361
1,444
1,449
 Queensland Alumina
80%
748
739
741
765
752
2,854
2,997
 So Luis (Alumar)
10%
95
86
94
93
94
364
367
 Yarwun
100%
687
683
700
703
778
2,688
2,864
 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant
100%
27
27
30
27
26
108
110
Aluminium Product Group total

1,931
1,896
1,925
1,957
2,011
7,458
7,788
Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a)
100%
-
-
-
-
-
676
-
Rio Tinto total alumina production

1,931
1,896
1,925
1,957
2,011
8,134
7,788









ALUMINIUM








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Australia - Bell Bay
100%
48
46
47
48
49
188
191
 Australia - Boyne Island
59%
86
84
86
87
86
328
344
 Australia - Tomago
52%
74
73
75
76
75
289
299
 Canada - six wholly owned
100%
317
306
305
316
346
1,279
1,273
 Canada - Alouette (Sept-les)
40%
59
59
61
61
61
233
242
 Canada - Bcancour
25%
28
26
28
27
28
112
109
 France - Dunkerque
100%
68
67
68
69
70
270
275
 Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)
100%
52
51
51
48
50
206
201
 New Zealand - Tiwai Point
79%
65
65
66
67
67
260
265
 Oman - Sohar
20%
19
19
19
19
19
73
75
 UK - Lochaber
100%
11
12
12
12
12
42
47
Rio Tinto total aluminium production

827
809
818
830
864
3,279
3,322









BAUXITE








Production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Gove
100%
1,574
1,710
1,863
1,966
1,959
6,528
7,497
 Porto Trombetas
12%
556
438
447
522
532
1,965
1,939
 Sangaredi
 (c)
1,721
1,632
1,444
1,681
1,820
7,111
6,577
 Weipa
100%
6,944
6,704
6,941
7,119
6,899
26,266
27,663
Rio Tinto total bauxite production

10,794
10,484
10,695
11,287
11,211
41,871
43,677


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









BORATES








Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)








 Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100%
123
129
124
115
107
508
476









COAL - hard coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hail Creek Coal
82%
1,520
1,189
1,349
1,427
1,134
5,324
5,099
 Kestrel Coal
80%
119
813
752
429
766
1,730
2,760
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

1,639
2,002
2,101
1,856
1,900
7,054
7,859









COAL - semi-soft coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hunter Valley
80%
440
460
780
585
548
1,548
2,373
 Mount Thorley
64%
213
311
168
254
163
1,250
895
 Warkworth
44%
76
128
76
90
87
415
380
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production

728
898
1,024
928
797
3,213
3,647









COAL - thermal








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Bengalla (d)
32%
660
749
568
652
693
2,739
2,662
 Hail Creek Coal
82%
524
725
601
634
702
1,890
2,661
 Hunter Valley
80%
2,275
2,184
1,579
1,925
2,351
9,539
8,039
 Kestrel Coal
80%
249
94
143
87
185
451
509
 Mount Thorley
64%
128
353
517
547
385
1,434
1,802
 Warkworth
44%
923
658
667
774
866
3,027
2,965
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

4,759
4,762
4,075
4,618
5,182
19,080
18,638


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









COPPER








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
20.5
26.6
17.4
22.2
25.7
204.3
92.0
 Escondida
30%
88.9
106.2
98.4
73.8
66.2
341.3
344.7
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
2.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
7.7
0.0
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
16.9
11.3
18.5
18.8
19.2
49.8
67.8
Rio Tinto total mine production

128.3
144.1
134.3
114.9
111.1
603.1
504.4
Refined production ('000 tonnes)








 Escondida
30%
22.5
23.2
26.6
21.5
26.6
90.5
97.9
 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
18.3
45.0
33.2
14.3
22.6
204.1
115.2
Rio Tinto total refined production

40.7
68.2
59.9
35.8
49.2
294.6
213.0









DIAMONDS








Production ('000 carats)








 Argyle
100%
1,813
3,217
3,374
3,514
3,368
9,188
13,472
 Diavik
60%
927
899
1,285
761
899
4,340
3,843
 Murowa (g)
0%
101
40
37
-
-
344
77
Rio Tinto total diamond production

2,841
4,155
4,696
4,275
4,266
13,872
17,392









GOLD








Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)








 Barneys Canyon
100%
-
-
-
-
-
0.4
-
 Bingham Canyon
100%
33.2
44.7
29.5
31.0
25.6
259.8
130.8
 Escondida
30%
3.8
6.4
7.7
7.1
5.4
27.0
26.6
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0.7
-
-
-
-
2.3
-
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
93.2
28.7
79.8
41.1
69.4
197.3
219.0
Rio Tinto total mine production

131.0
79.8
116.9
79.3
100.3
486.8
376.4
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
51.1
62.2
51.6
34.1
31.0
252.2
179.0


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









IRON ORE








Production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Hamersley mines
 (h)
45,239
42,177
45,807
50,113
51,324
163,163
189,421
 Hamersley - Channar
60%
1,501
1,287
1,675
1,811
1,564
6,548
6,337
 Hope Downs
50%
5,839
5,679
5,259
5,589
5,845
21,358
22,373
 Iron Ore Company of Canada
59%
2,247
2,109
2,616
2,784
2,878
8,676
10,388
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53%
4,599
4,020
4,402
4,520
4,273
18,304
17,216
 Robe River - West Angelas
53%
3,815
4,139
4,133
4,497
4,544
15,510
17,313
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

63,239
59,412
63,892
69,316
70,427
233,557
263,048
Breakdown of Production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

16,103
16,057
17,490
19,697
19,571
58,881
72,815
 Pilbara Blend Fines

25,185
24,607
25,466
28,497
30,036
92,191
108,606
 Robe Valley Lump

1,591
1,482
1,541
1,505
1,410
6,138
5,937
 Robe Valley Fines

3,008
2,538
2,861
3,015
2,863
12,165
11,278
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

15,105
12,618
13,918
13,818
13,669
55,507
54,022
 IOC Concentrate

845
804
1,245
1,197
1,683
3,539
4,929
 IOC Pellets

1,402
1,305
1,372
1,587
1,196
5,137
5,459
Breakdown of Sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

13,778
13,231
14,620
17,178
18,001
51,210
63,030
 Pilbara Blend Fines

30,627
26,004
30,200
34,922
34,098
105,643
125,224
 Robe Valley Lump

1,435
1,257
1,320
1,405
1,334
5,505
5,317
 Robe Valley Fines

3,453
2,568
2,797
3,246
3,256
12,888
11,867
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,628
12,336
14,004
13,934
14,569
56,270
54,843
 IOC Concentrate

732
417
1,112
1,850
1,560
3,565
4,939
 IOC Pellets

1,410
1,462
1,344
1,553
1,280
4,818
5,639
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

66,063
57,276
65,397
74,088
74,097
239,900
270,858


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









MOLYBDENUM








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
2.6
2.7
2.6
1.8
0.6
11.5
7.6









SALT








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Dampier Salt
68%
1,852
1,418
1,193
1,281
1,647
6,793
5,539









SILVER








Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
356
486
310
362
300
2,935
1,458
 Escondida
30%
288
407
394
354
289
1,465
1,443
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
96
62
100
130
119
299
410
Rio Tinto total mine production

740
954
804
846
707
4,699
3,311
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
636
698
501
296
348
2,811
1,843









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (i)
100%
316
322
301
243
223
1,443
1,089









URANIUM








Production ('000 lbs U3O8)








 Energy Resources of Australia (j)
68%
904
737
589
689
1,008
1,757
3,023
 Rssing
69%
618
272
543
379
691
2,333
1,884
Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,523
1,010
1,131
1,068
1,699
4,089
4,907











Production data notes:
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.
(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
(b) 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.
(c) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(d) On 30 September 2015, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture.
(e) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
(f) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
(g) Rio Tinto sold its 77.8% interest in Murowa Diamonds with an effective date of 17 June 2015. Production data are shown up to that date.
(h) 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.
(i) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(j) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 December 2015.
Rio Tinto's interest in the Benga and Clermont mines and the Alucam and SRAL smelters were sold in 2014. No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









ALUMINA








Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group








Alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland
80.0%
935
924
927
956
940
3,568
3,747
 Yarwun refinery - Queensland
100.0%
687
683
700
703
778
2,688
2,864
Brazil








 So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
953
862
940
928
937
3,639
3,667
Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
373
360
359
369
361
1,444
1,449

(a) Jonquire's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
Smelter Grade Alumina - Other Aluminium

 
 
 
 
 

 
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)

 
 
 
 
 

 
Australia

 
 
 
 
 

 
 Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a)
100.0%
-
-
-
-
-
676
-

(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group








Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec
100.0%
27
27
30
27
26
108
110
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









ALUMINIUM








Primary Aluminium








Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania
100.0%
48
46
47
48
49
188
191
 Boyne Island smelter - Queensland
59.4%
145
142
145
146
146
553
579
 Tomago smelter - New South Wales
51.6%
144
141
145
147
146
561
579
Cameroon


 
 
 
 

 
 Alucam (Eda) smelter (a)
0.0%
22
-
-
-
-
93
-
Canada








 Alma smelter - Quebec
100.0%
116
115
116
117
118
455
466
 Alouette (Sept-les) smelter - Quebec
40.0%
147
147
152
153
153
583
606
 Arvida smelter - Quebec
100.0%
44
43
43
43
44
173
173
 Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec
100.0%
15
14
15
15
15
59
59
 Bcancour smelter - Quebec
25.1%
114
105
113
108
111
446
437
 Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec
100.0%
55
54
55
56
57
222
221
 Kitimat smelter - British Columbia
100.0%
24
20
15
23
51
125
110
 Laterrire smelter - Quebec
100.0%
62
60
61
61
62
244
244
France








 Dunkerque smelter
100.0%
68
67
68
69
70
270
275
Iceland








 ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter
100.0%
52
51
51
48
50
206
201
New Zealand








 Tiwai Point smelter
79.4%
82
82
83
84
85
327
333
Norway


 
 
 
 

 
 SRAL (Husnes) smelter (b)
0.0%
8
-
-
-
-
76
-
Oman








 Sohar smelter
20.0%
93
93
94
94
96
364
377
United Kingdom








 Lochaber smelter
100.0%
11
12
12
12
12
42
47

(a) Rio Tinto sold its 46.7% interest in the Alucam (Eda) smelter with an effective date of 31 December 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the SRAL (Husnes) smelter with an effective date of 31 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









BAUXITE








Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Gove mine - Northern Territory
100.0%
1,574
1,710
1,863
1,966
1,959
6,528
7,497
 Weipa mine - Queensland
100.0%
6,944
6,704
6,941
7,119
6,899
26,266
27,663
Brazil








 Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
12.0%
4,633
3,651
3,723
4,351
4,437
16,376
16,162
Guinea








 Sangaredi mine (a)
23.0%
3,823
3,627
3,209
3,735
4,044
15,803
14,615









Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments








Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

10,851
10,487
10,926
11,159
10,890
41,417
43,462
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

6,502
6,372
6,848
6,773
6,576
23,257
26,569

(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









BORATES








Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100.0%







US








 Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

123
129
124
115
107
508
476

(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.









COAL








Rio Tinto Coal Australia








Bengalla mine (a)
32.0%







New South Wales








 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,061
2,341
1,776
2,036
2,166
8,558
8,319
Clermont Coal mine (b)
0.0%
 






Queensland

 






 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
4,832
-
Hail Creek Coal mine
82.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,853
1,450
1,645
1,740
1,383
6,492
6,218
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

639
884
733
773
856
2,304
3,245
Hunter Valley Operations
80.0%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

550
574
976
731
685
1,935
2,966
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,844
2,730
1,974
2,406
2,939
11,924
10,048
Kestrel Coal mine
80.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

149
1,017
940
536
957
2,163
3,450
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

311
118
178
109
231
564
637
Mount Thorley Operations
64.0%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

333
485
263
396
254
1,952
1,398
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

200
551
809
854
602
2,241
2,815
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









COAL (continued)








Warkworth mine
44.5%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

170
287
170
201
194
933
853
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,073
1,478
1,499
1,740
1,945
6,803
6,663
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

2,002
2,467
2,585
2,277
2,340
8,655
9,668
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

1,052
1,347
1,408
1,329
1,133
4,821
5,217
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

8,129
8,101
6,968
7,918
8,739
37,227
31,727
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

11,183
11,915
10,961
11,524
12,212
50,703
46,612









Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

12,395
11,926
11,016
11,455
12,261
51,386
46,658
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)








Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

1,978
1,925
2,405
1,722
2,018
7,683
8,070
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

812
929
963
932
784
3,225
3,609
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

5,183
4,781
3,913
4,689
5,037
21,429
18,420

(a) On 30 September 2015, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique








Benga mine (a)
0.0%







Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

26
-
-
-
-
641
-
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

23
-
-
-
-
593
-

(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. Production data are shown up to that date.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









COPPER & GOLD








Escondida
30.0%







Chile








Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

18,354
21,382
22,909
22,820
18,076
81,494
85,186
 Average copper grade (%)

1.45
1.49
1.32
1.00
0.99
1.27
1.21
Mill production (metals in concentrates):








 Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

215.7
270.6
249.6
169.7
138.6
852.4
828.5
 Contained gold ('000 ounces)

13
21
26
24
18
90
89
 Contained silver ('000 ounces)

958
1,355
1,314
1,181
962
4,883
4,812
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)

80.5
83.5
78.5
76.5
81.8
285.2
320.3
Refined production from leach plants:








 Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

75.0
77.3
88.8
71.5
88.7
301.5
326.3

(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)

11,512
14,123
16,095
14,855
15,429
43,985
60,503
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.79
0.57
0.67
0.68
0.75
0.79
0.67
 Gold (g/t)

1.14
0.68
0.86
0.71
0.82
0.99
0.77
 Silver (g/t)

3.37
2.13
2.44
2.50
2.11
3.45
2.30
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

82.3
72.2
96.5
90.1
102.2
306.3
361.0
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

366
262
371
282
328
1,167
1,243
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

771
558
759
723
609
2,740
2,649
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

83.9
70.4
88.8
89.9
96.9
308.7
346.0
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

366
260
346
286
312
1,170
1,203
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

623
435
558
574
463
2,213
2,030

(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 4Q 2015 results show the forecast from Freeport's most recent five-year plan, because Freeport will not release its actual 100% operating data for 4Q 2015 until the release of its 2015 fourth-quarter results on 26 January 2016.
(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 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Kennecott Utah Copper








Barneys Canyon mine (a)
100.0%
 
 
 
 
 

 
Utah, US

 
 
 
 
 

 
 Gold produced ('000 ounces)

-
-
-
-
-
0.4
-
Bingham Canyon mine
100.0%







Utah, US








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

6,404
9,819
8,208
8,581
8,224
40,984
34,831
Average ore grade:








 Copper (%)

0.37
0.31
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.56
0.30
 Gold (g/t)

0.26
0.21
0.17
0.17
0.15
0.30
0.18
 Silver (g/t)

2.22
2.22
1.99
2.07
1.45
2.83
1.95
 Molybdenum (%)

0.060
0.041
0.046
0.035
0.023
0.050
0.037
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

82
133
84
116
136
799
470
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

24.8
19.9
20.6
18.9
18.8
25.5
19.5
Production of metals in copper concentrates:








 Copper ('000 tonnes) (b)

20.5
26.6
17.4
22.2
25.7
204.3
92.0
 Gold ('000 ounces)

33
45
29
31
26
260
131
 Silver ('000 ounces)

356
486
310
362
300
2,935
1,458
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

4.9
5.2
5.0
3.4
1.2
21.9
14.9
 Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

2.6
2.7
2.6
1.8
0.6
11.5
7.6

(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)

122
148
99
113
143
908
503
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)

24.9
35.1
19.1
17.1
24.7
204.2
96.0
Production of refined metal:








 Copper ('000 tonnes)

18.3
45.0
33.2
14.3
22.6
204.1
115.2
 Gold ('000 ounces) (b)

51.1
62.2
51.6
34.1
31.0
252.2
179.0
 Silver ('000 ounces) (b)

636
698
501
296
348
2,811
1,843

(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Turquoise Hill Resources








Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)
33.5%







Mongolia








Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

7,505
7,512
9,025
8,632
9,369
27,872
34,537
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.74
0.52
0.69
0.75
0.69
0.60
0.67
 Gold (g/t)

1.46
0.48
1.09
0.56
0.92
0.86
0.78
 Silver (g/t)

1.65
1.16
1.46
1.90
1.67
1.60
1.56
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

186.7
130.9
215.5
210.3
231.8
563.6
788.5
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

26.9
25.7
25.6
26.6
24.7
26.3
25.6
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

50.3
33.6
55.3
56.0
57.3
148.4
202.2
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

278.2
85.6
238.1
122.6
207.1
588.7
653.4
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

286
184
297
388
355
893
1,223
Sales of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

67.6
42.1
46.3
58.2
54.7
185.8
201.3
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

263
200
177
200
160
561
737
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

383
219
245
334
360
1,093
1,158

(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









DIAMONDS








Argyle Diamonds
100.0%







Western Australia








 AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

688
1,178
1,199
1,339
1,127
2,999
4,843
 AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

1,813
3,217
3,374
3,514
3,368
9,188
13,472
Diavik Diamonds
60.0%







Northwest Territories, Canada








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

512
476
565
478
465
2,277
1,984
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

1,545
1,498
2,141
1,269
1,498
7,233
6,406
Murowa Diamonds (a)
0.0%







Zimbabwe








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

160
117
95
-
-
590
212
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

130
51
48
-
-
442
99

(a) Rio Tinto sold its 77.8% interest in Murowa Diamonds with an effective date of 17 June 2015. Production data are shown up to that date.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









IRON ORE








Rio Tinto Iron Ore








Western Australia








Pilbara Operations








Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)








 Hamersley mines
 (a)
45,239
42,177
45,807
50,113
51,324
163,163
189,421
 Hamersley - Channar
60.0%
2,502
2,145
2,792
3,019
2,606
10,913
10,561
 Hope Downs
50.0%
11,677
11,358
10,518
11,179
11,690
42,715
44,745
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53.0%
8,677
7,585
8,306
8,529
8,062
34,535
32,482
 Robe River - West Angelas
53.0%
7,198
7,810
7,797
8,485
8,573
29,264
32,665
Total production ('000 tonnes)

75,292
71,075
75,221
81,325
82,255
280,590
309,876
Breakdown of total production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

20,298
20,231
21,990
24,306
24,116
75,433
90,643
 Pilbara Blend Fines

31,213
30,641
31,007
34,672
36,408
115,115
132,728
 Robe Valley Lump

3,002
2,796
2,907
2,840
2,660
11,582
11,202
 Robe Valley Fines

5,675
4,789
5,399
5,690
5,402
22,953
21,280
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

15,105
12,618
13,918
13,818
13,669
55,507
54,022
Breakdown of total sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

17,295
16,832
18,635
21,147
21,960
65,889
78,574
 Pilbara Blend Fines

37,370
32,904
36,841
41,695
41,266
131,441
152,706
 Robe Valley Lump

2,708
2,373
2,491
2,651
2,516
10,387
10,031
 Robe Valley Fines

6,514
4,845
5,277
6,124
6,144
24,317
22,390
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,628
12,336
14,004
13,934
14,569
56,270
54,843
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

78,515
69,290
77,248
85,552
86,454
288,305
318,544

(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)

1,439
1,370
2,120
2,039
2,865
6,026
8,394
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,388
2,223
2,336
2,703
2,036
8,748
9,297
Sales:








 Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

1,246
711
1,894
3,150
2,656
6,071
8,411
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,402
2,490
2,288
2,644
2,180
8,204
9,603
Global Iron Ore Totals








Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

79,119
74,667
79,676
86,067
87,157
295,365
327,567
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

82,163
72,491
81,430
91,346
91,291
302,580
336,558
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
4Q
2015
FullYear
2014
FullYear
2015









SALT








Dampier Salt
68.4%







Western Australia








 Salt production ('000 tonnes)

2,709
2,074
1,745
1,874
2,409
9,938
8,103









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
100.0%







Canada and South Africa








 (Rio Tinto share) (a)








 Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)

316
322
301
243
223
1,443
1,089

(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 processed in Canada.









URANIUM








Energy Resources of Australia Ltd








Ranger mine (a)
68.4%







Northern Territory, Australia








 U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

1,322
1,078
861
1,008
1,474
2,569
4,421

(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8. 
Rssing Uranium Ltd
68.6%







Namibia








 U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

902
397
791
552
1,007
3,401
2,747









Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2015. 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
STRUWVARNUAAAUR