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

Rio TintoAnnouncement

17/01/2017 07:05

RNS Number : 3007U
Rio Tinto PLC
16 January 2017
Rio Tinto releases fourth quarter production results
17 January 2017
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We have delivered a strong operational performance in 2016, underpinned by our drive for efficiency and maximising cash flow. Our disciplined approach remains in place in 2017, with the continued focus on productivity, cost reduction and commercial excellence. This will ensure that we continue to deliver value for our shareholders." 


Q4 2016
vs Q4 2015
vs Q3 2016
2016
vs 2015
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis)
Mt
87.7
+1%
+8%
327.6
+3%
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis)
Mt
85.5
+4%
+3%
329.5
+6%
Bauxite
kt
12,120
+8%
-2%
47,703
+9%
Aluminium 
kt
925
+7%
+0%
3,646
+10%
Mined copper
kt
133.8
+20%
+7%
523.3
+4%
Hard coking coal
kt
2,187
+15%
+1%
8,141
+4%
Semi-soft and thermal coal
kt
5,223
-13%
-3%
21,356
-4%
Titanium dioxide slag
kt
300
+35%
+12%
1,048
-4%
Highlights
 Pilbara iron ore shipments of 327.6 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) were in line with guidance and three per cent higher than 2015. 
 Record bauxite production of 47.7 million tonnes exceeded full year guidance of 47 million tonnes, whilst third party shipments increased to 29.3 million tonnes. 
 Aluminium production was ten per cent higher than 2015, with record annual production at ten smelters, notably at the modernised and expanded Kitimat smelter, which has produced at nameplate capacity since April 2016. 
 Mined copper production was four per cent higher than 2015 at 523 thousand tonnes. This was below full year guidance, with no metal share delivered from Grasberg and lower than expected production at Kennecott. 
 Rio Tinto's share of hard coking coal production was slightly above the top end of the guidance range due to strong operational performance, while semi-soft coking and thermal coal production of 21.4 million tonnes was in line.
 Titanium dioxide slag production continued to be aligned with market demand with a four per cent reduction on 2015.
 Production and shipments guidance for 2017 remains unchanged from the update given at our London investor seminar on 6 December 2016.
 On 23 November 2016, Rio Tinto announced it had reached an agreement to sell its aluminium assets at Lochaber, Scotland for a consideration totalling $410 million. The sale was finalised on 16 December 2016.
All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated.To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2015 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2016 remain in comparisons.

IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

Q4 2016
vs Q4 2015
vs Q3 2016
2016
vs 2015
Pilbara Blend Lump
20.4
+4%
+2%
77.8
+7%
Pilbara Blend Fines
30.8
+3%
+4%
117.6
+8%
Robe Valley Lump
1.6
+15%
+10%
6.1
+3%
Robe Valley Fines
2.9
+0%
+5%
11.2
0%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
15.2
+11%
+3%
58.0
+7%
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 329.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 270.7 million tonnes) in 2016, six per cent higher than in 2015. Fourth quarter production of 85.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 70.9 million tonnes) was four per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015. The strong production performance in 2016 is attributable to the ramp-up of expanded mines, operational productivity improvements and minimal disruption from weather events. 
Pilbara sales
Sales of 327.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 268.9 million tonnes) in 2016 were three per cent higher than 2015, attributable to the newly expanded infrastructure and minimal disruption from weather events. Fourth quarter sales of 87.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 72.4 million tonnes) were one per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015.
Sales in the quarter exceeded production by 2.2 million tonnes, primarily drawing down on inventories built at the ports in the third quarter due to maintenance.
Approximately 20 per cent of sales in 2016 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 62 per cent of 2016 sales were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Achieved average pricing in 2016 was $49.30 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis (equivalent to $53.60 per dry metric tonne). 
Pilbara projects
The second phase of the Nammuldi Incremental Tonnes (NIT) project was delivered in October, six weeks ahead of schedule, with an annual mine capacity of ten million tonnes. The Silvergrass project incrementally increases the Nammuldi operation by a further ten million tonnes a year, delivering high grade, low phosphorus ore into the Pilbara Blend. First ore is expected in the second half of 2017.
 
The AutoHaul project will continue to progress during 2017 with extensive running of trains in automated mode, but with a driver remaining on board until all safety and reliability systems are thoroughly demonstrated.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in 2017 are expected to be between 330 and 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), subject to weather conditions.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Q4 2016
vs Q4 2015
vs Q3 2016
2016
vs 2015
Rio Tinto Aluminium





Bauxite
12,120
+8%
-2%
47,703
+9%
Alumina 
2,104
+5%
+6%
8,192
+5%
Aluminium
925
+7%
+0%
3,646
+10%
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 47.7 million tonnes during 2016 was nine per cent higher than 2015. Annual production records were achieved at Weipa (up six per cent), benefiting from increased plant throughput, as well as at Gove (up 21 per cent) through system improvements. 
The strong production performance and healthy demand from China enabled the Group to ship 29.3 million tonnes to third parties in 2016, ten per cent higher than 2015, whilst fourth quarter shipments were 12 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in 2015.
Amrun
The Amrun project is advancing to schedule in both engineering and construction. All major contracts have been committed as planned. Site establishment continues with the construction accommodation village operational to 470 beds. The 40 kilometre main access road was completed in December 2016, with the river terminals expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2017.
Alumina
Alumina production for 2016 increased five per cent compared with 2015, primarily due to operational improvements driving record production at the Yarwun refinery (up 11 per cent). The Jonquire and Alumar refineries also achieved record annual production.
Aluminium
Aluminium production was ten per cent higher in 2016, due largely to Kitimat, which produced at nameplate capacity for a third consecutive quarter. Record annual production was achieved at ten smelters, whilst quarterly production records at seven smelters resulted in a seven per cent increase in production compared with the corresponding period in 2015.
On 23 November 2016, Rio Tinto announced it had reached an agreement to sell its assets at Lochaber, Scotland to SIMEC for consideration totalling $410 million. The sale was finalised on 16 December 2016, with final proceeds to be received not later than 28 February 2017.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017 is expected to be 48 to 50 million tonnes of bauxite, 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina and 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes of aluminium.


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

Q4 2016
vs Q4 2015
vs Q3 2016
2016
vs 2015
Mined copper 





Rio Tinto Kennecott
45.1
+76%
+25%
152.7
+66%
Escondida
73.4
+11%
+1%
303.1
-12%
Grasberg
0.0
N/A
N/A
0.0
N/A
Oyu Tolgoi
15.2
-21%
-2%
67.5
0%






Refined copper





Rio Tinto Kennecott
67.0
+196%
+71%
156.5
+36%
Escondida
21.5
-19%
+1%
93.6
-4%






Diamonds('000 carats)





Argyle
3,584
+6%
+3%
13,958
+4%
Diavik
989
+10%
+7%
3,995
+4%
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production in 2016 was significantly higher than 2015 as mining progressed through an area of higher grades. Whilst fourth quarter production was 25 per cent higher than the previous quarter, it was below expectations due to lower throughput following reduced pit access at Bingham Canyon.
The higher mined production in 2016 resulted in improved refined copper production of 156.5 thousand tonnes, up 36 per cent. 
Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 315 thousand tonnes received for processing in 2016. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures. 
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in 2016 was 12 per cent below 2015 due to lower grades and slightly reduced mill throughput. For the fourth quarter, improved mill throughput resulted in production being 11 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in 2015. Refined copper production in the quarter was lower than the same period in 2015 due to lower oxide ore treated and lower grade material leached on the sulphide leach pad.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for 2016 was in line with 2015, as the impact of lower grades was offset by higher throughput, a new record for the mill. Copper production in the fourth quarter was in line with the previous quarter, albeit 21 per cent lower than the corresponding quarter of 2015 as a result of lower grades and challenges with processing and recovering copper from high pyrite ore.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
Contractor mobilisation has continued to ramp up during the fourth quarter, with over 2000 personnel mobilised, 87 per cent of whom are Mongolian nationals. Works on underground mine development, the accommodation camp, conveyor to surface decline, sinking of shaft #2 and shaft #5 and critical facilities continue to progress. Focus is on completing the underground crusher and de-watering system to enable increased lateral development rates.
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. Although 20 thousand tonnes of copper were notionally attributed to Rio Tinto for the nine months to September 2016 and reported in the third quarter operations review, productivity issues continued in the fourth quarter. This resulted in total 2016 copper production not exceeding the threshold and accordingly, Rio Tinto's share of joint venture production for 2016 was revised to zero. 
Provisional pricing
At 31 December 2016, the Group had an estimated 235 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 250 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the first half of 2017. This compares with 252 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2015, provisionally priced at 217 cents per pound. 
Diamonds
At Argyle, 2016 carat production was four per cent higher than 2015 following the ramp-up of the underground mine, with higher ore throughput partially offset by a lower recovered grade.
Likewise at Diavik, carats recovered in 2016 were four per cent higher than 2015 due to higher ore throughput offsetting lower grades. 
2017 guidance
In 2017, Rio Tinto's share of mined copper production is expected to be between 525 and 665 thousand tonnes, with higher production at Escondida, and an expected share of joint venture production at Grasberg. Refined copper production is expected to be between 185 and 225 thousand tonnes. 
Diamond production guidance for 2017 is 19 to 24 million carats.
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production 

Q4 2016
vs Q4 2015
vs Q3 2016
2016
vs 2015
Coal





Hard coking coal
2,187
+15%
+1%
8,141
+4%
Semi-soft coking coal
969
+22%
-9%
4,102
+12%
Thermal coal
4,254
-18%
-2%
17,254
-7%






Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes)





IOC
2.7
-5%
-6%
10.7
+3%






Minerals ('000 tonnes)





Borates - B2O3 content
121
+13%
-8%
503
+6%
Salt
1,386
-16%
+12%
5,180
-6%
Titanium dioxide slag
300
+35%
+12%
1,048
-4%






Uranium ('000 lbs)





Energy Resources of Australia
908
-10%
-10%
3,544
+17%
Rssing
781
+13%
+24%
2,798
+49%
Coal
Hard coking coal production was four per cent higher in 2016 and fourth quarter volumes were 15 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015 due to longwall and plant outperformance at Kestrel. 
Semi-soft coking coal production was 12 per cent higher than 2015 and fourth quarter volumes were 22 per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2015 due to mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations and Mt Thorley Warkworth. 
Increased thermal coal production from Hail Creek, Kestrel and Mt Thorley Warkworth partially offset lower volumes, which resulted from the restructure of Coal & Allied and the divestment of Bengalla in early 2016, delivering full year production that was seven per cent lower than 2015. Fourth quarter thermal coal production was 18 per cent lower than the same quarter of 2015 due primarily to these ownership changes.
Coking coal prices achieved in the second half of 2016 averaged $152 per tonne on an FOB basis compared to $79 per tonne in the first half of 2016. Average prices realised for thermal coal were $69 per tonne on an FOB basis in the second half of 2016 compared to $51 per tonne in the first half of 2016. 
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC pellet production of 9.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 5.8 million tonnes) in 2016 was five per cent higher than 2015, while concentrate production of 8.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 4.9 million tonnes) was in line with 2015 production.
The three per cent improvement in total production also resulted in a two per cent improvement in sales to 18.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 10.8 million tonnes) in 2016.
Borates
Borates production in 2016 was six per cent higher than in 2015, driven by higher market demand.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was four per cent lower in 2016 as RTIT continues to optimise production to align to demand and draw down remaining inventories. Fourth quarter volumes were 35 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015, in line with improving sales. Two of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals are currently idled, reflecting lower demand for high grade feedstocks.
Salt
Salt production in 2016 was six per cent lower than in 2015 as a result of lower market demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing stockpiles. 2016 production was 17 per cent higher than 2015 due to higher mill throughput and recoveries. 
Production at Rssing was 49 per cent higher than 2015, due to higher throughput and grades.
2017 guidance
In 2017, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 7.8 to 8.4 million tonnes of hard coking coal, 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal, 17 to 18 million tonnes of thermal coal, 11.4 to 12.4 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates, 1.1 to 1.2 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent production, and 6.5 to 7.5 million pounds of uranium. 
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in 2016 was $497 million (of which $119 million was spent in the fourth quarter), compared with $576 million in 2015. Approximately 41 per cent of 2016 expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 25 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, 25 per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium. 
On 28 October 2016, Rio Tinto and Chinalco signed a non-binding agreement to sell Rio Tinto's entire stake in the Simandou project in Guinea to Chinalco. 
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in 2016.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 14countries across some eight commodities. Exploration activities were discontinued in China, India and Mexico during this quarter. The bulk of the exploration spend in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Peru, Serbia, 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 quarter is as follows:
Product Group
Evaluation
projects
Advanced
projects
Greenfield 
programmes
Aluminium
Cape York, Australia 
Amargosa, Brazil
Australia, Laos
Copper & Diamonds
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US
Copper: La Granja, Peru
Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia 
Nickel: Tamarack, US
Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia
Nickel: Australia, Canada
Diamonds: Canada
Energy & Minerals
Coal: Hail Creek, Australia 
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia
Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa 
Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea 
Uranium: Roughrider, Canada
Coal: Hunter Valley, Australia
Potash: KP405, Canada
Uranium: Australia, Canada
Iron Ore
Pilbara, Australia
Pilbara, Australia



Forward-looking statements
This announcement may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's production forecast or guidance, financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products and reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. The words "intend", "aim", "project", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "believes", "expects", "may", "should", "will", "target", "set to", "assumes" or similar expressions, commonly identify such forward looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual production, performance or results of Rio Tinto to be materially different from any future production, performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements could be influenced by such risk factors as identified in Rio Tinto's most recent Annual Report and Accounts in Australia and the United Kingdom and the most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form 6-Ks furnished to, or filed with, the SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Rio Tinto's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share. 


Contacts
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T +44 20 7781 1152
M +44 7920 503 600
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Investor Relations, EMEA/Americas
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Media Relations, Australia/Asia
Ben Mitchell
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United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England 
No. 719885
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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


2015
Q4
2016
Q3
2016
Q4

2015
2016

Q416
vs
Q415
Q416
vs
Q316
2016
vs
2015
Principal Commodities











Alumina
('000 t)
2,011
1,981
2,104

7,788
8,192

5%
6%
5%
Aluminium
('000 t)
864
924
925

3,322
3,646

7%
0%
10%
Bauxite
('000 t)
11,211
12,422
12,120

43,677
47,703

8%
-2%
9%
Borates
('000 t)
107
132
121

476
503

13%
-8%
6%
Coal - hard coking
('000 t)
1,900
2,175
2,187

7,859
8,141

15%
1%
4%
Coal - semi-soft coking
('000 t)
797
1,066
969

3,647
4,102

22%
-9%
12%
Coal - thermal
('000 t)
5,182
4,346
4,254

18,638
17,254

-18%
-2%
-7%
Copper - mined
('000 t)
111.1
124.4
133.8

504.4
523.3

20%
7%
4%
Copper - refined
('000 t)
49.2
60.2
88.4

213.0
250.1

80%
47%
17%
Diamonds
('000 cts)
4,266
4,420
4,574

17,316
17,953

7%
3%
4%
Iron ore
('000 t)
70,427
71,431
73,633

263,048
281,321

5%
3%
7%
Titanium dioxide slag
('000 t)
223
267
300

1,089
1,048

35%
12%
-4%
Uranium
('000 lbs)
1,699
1,633
1,690

4,907
6,342

-1%
3%
29%
Other Metals & Minerals











Gold - mined
('000 oz)
100.3
62.3
85.1

376.4
293.5

-15%
37%
-22%
Gold - refined
('000 oz)
31.0
29.7
40.6

179.0
135.4

31%
36%
-24%
Molybdenum
('000 t)
0.6
0.8
1.8

7.6
2.8

213%
121%
-63%
Salt
('000 t)
1,647
1,240
1,386

5,539
5,180

-16%
12%
-6%
Silver - mined
('000 oz)
707
1,011
1,239

3,311
4,210

75%
22%
27%
Silver - refined
('000 oz)
348
415
465

1,843
1,815

34%
12%
-2%












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


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









ALUMINA








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
361
377
353
355
367
1,449
1,452
 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant
100%
26
25
29
29
31
110
115
 Queensland Alumina
80%
752
763
769
758
789
2,997
3,078
 So Luis (Alumar)
10%
94
90
93
92
96
367
371
 Yarwun
100%
778
785
823
747
821
2,864
3,176
Rio Tinto total alumina production

2,011
2,040
2,067
1,981
2,104
7,788
8,192









ALUMINIUM








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Australia - Bell Bay
100%
49
45
45
46
47
191
182
 Australia - Boyne Island
59%
86
86
86
87
87
344
346
 Australia - Tomago
52%
75
75
76
77
77
299
304
 Canada - six wholly owned
100%
346
375
398
404
405
1,273
1,582
 Canada - Alouette (Sept-les)
40%
61
61
61
61
61
242
244
 Canada - Bcancour
25%
28
28
27
29
28
109
111
 France - Dunkerque
100%
70
69
69
71
71
275
280
 Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)
100%
50
50
52
51
52
201
205
 New Zealand - Tiwai Point
79%
67
67
67
68
68
265
269
 Oman - Sohar
20%
19
19
19
19
19
75
77
 UK - Lochaber (a)
0%
12
12
12
12
10
47
46
Rio Tinto total aluminium production

864
887
911
924
925
3,322
3,646









BAUXITE








Production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Gove
100%
1,959
2,214
2,186
2,521
2,169
7,497
9,091
 Porto Trombetas
12%
532
457
470
533
516
1,939
1,975
 Sangaredi
 (c)
1,820
1,892
1,857
1,726
1,735
6,577
7,210
 Weipa
100%
6,899
6,524
7,560
7,642
7,700
27,663
29,427
Rio Tinto total bauxite production

11,211
11,088
12,073
12,422
12,120
43,677
47,703


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









BORATES








Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)








 Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100%
107
127
123
132
121
476
503









COAL - hard coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hail Creek Coal (d)
82%
1,134
1,224
1,202
1,248
1,205
5,099
4,879
 Kestrel Coal (d)
80%
766
758
596
926
981
2,760
3,262
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

1,900
1,982
1,798
2,175
2,187
7,859
8,141









COAL - semi-soft coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hunter Valley (e)
68%
548
677
440
842
581
2,373
2,540
 Mount Thorley (e)
80%
163
363
331
150
283
895
1,127
 Warkworth (e)
56%
87
135
121
75
106
380
436
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production

797
1,175
893
1,066
969
3,647
4,102









COAL - thermal








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Bengalla (f)
0%
693
527
-
-
-
2,662
527
 Hail Creek Coal (d)
82%
702
895
661
787
746
2,661
3,089
 Hunter Valley (e)
68%
2,351
1,364
2,098
1,596
1,724
8,039
6,782
 Kestrel Coal (d)
80%
185
139
96
225
217
509
676
 Mount Thorley (e)
80%
385
549
252
606
828
1,802
2,235
 Warkworth (e)
56%
866
859
1,216
1,131
739
2,965
3,945
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

5,182
4,331
4,323
4,346
4,254
18,638
17,254


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









COPPER








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
25.7
34.2
37.2
36.2
45.1
92.0
152.7
 Escondida
30%
66.2
79.4
77.7
72.6
73.4
344.7
303.1
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (g) (h)
40%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
 Oyu Tolgoi (i)
34%
19.2
19.3
17.3
15.6
15.2
67.8
67.5
Rio Tinto total mine production

111.1
132.9
132.2
124.4
133.8
504.4
523.3
Refined production ('000 tonnes)








 Escondida
30%
26.6
25.4
25.6
21.2
21.5
97.9
93.6
 Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
22.6
25.8
24.6
39.1
67.0
115.2
156.5
Rio Tinto total refined production

49.2
51.3
50.2
60.2
88.4
213.0
250.1









DIAMONDS








Production ('000 carats)








 Argyle
100%
3,368
3,391
3,489
3,493
3,584
13,472
13,958
 Diavik
60%
899
1,131
948
927
989
3,843
3,995
Rio Tinto total diamond production

4,266
4,522
4,436
4,420
4,574
17,316
17,953









GOLD








Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
25.6
26.2
28.3
41.5
57.2
130.8
153.2
 Escondida
30%
5.4
9.4
10.8
8.3
11.3
26.6
39.8
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (g) (h)
40%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
 Oyu Tolgoi (i)
34%
69.4
48.1
23.3
12.5
16.6
219.0
100.5
Rio Tinto total mine production

100.3
83.7
62.4
62.3
85.1
376.4
293.5
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
31.0
29.8
35.3
29.7
40.6
179.0
135.4


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









IRON ORE








Production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Hamersley mines
 (j)
51,324
48,468
50,284
52,302
54,848
189,421
205,902
 Hamersley - Channar
60%
1,564
1,523
1,432
1,764
1,119
6,337
5,839
 Hope Downs
50%
5,845
5,900
5,924
5,888
5,794
22,373
23,505
 Iron Ore Company of Canada
59%
2,878
2,419
2,573
2,925
2,743
10,388
10,661
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53%
4,273
4,450
4,221
4,208
4,493
17,216
17,371
 Robe River - West Angelas
53%
4,544
4,611
4,452
4,344
4,636
17,313
18,044
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

70,427
67,371
68,886
71,431
73,633
263,048
281,321
Breakdown of Production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

19,571
18,732
18,628
19,957
20,443
72,815
77,761
 Pilbara Blend Fines

30,036
28,351
28,823
29,591
30,795
108,606
117,560
 Robe Valley Lump

1,410
1,573
1,440
1,484
1,625
5,937
6,122
 Robe Valley Fines

2,863
2,876
2,781
2,725
2,868
11,278
11,250
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,669
13,420
14,640
14,750
15,159
54,022
57,968
 IOC Concentrate

1,683
1,242
1,207
1,334
1,124
4,929
4,907
 IOC Pellets

1,196
1,178
1,366
1,591
1,618
5,459
5,754
Breakdown of Sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

18,001
15,291
17,552
17,014
18,071
63,030
67,929
 Pilbara Blend Fines

34,098
30,522
31,025
30,132
34,842
125,224
126,521
 Robe Valley Lump

1,334
1,272
1,276
1,346
1,502
5,317
5,397
 Robe Valley Fines

3,256
2,893
2,927
3,069
3,053
11,867
11,942
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,569
12,533
14,553
15,008
14,969
54,843
57,062
 IOC Concentrate

1,560
1,210
1,261
1,281
1,148
4,939
4,899
 IOC Pellets

1,280
1,168
1,413
1,516
1,764
5,639
5,862
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

74,097
64,889
70,007
69,366
75,350
270,858
279,613


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









MOLYBDENUM








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
0.6
0.1
0.2
0.8
1.8
7.6
2.8









SALT








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Dampier Salt
68%
1,647
1,438
1,117
1,240
1,386
5,539
5,180









SILVER








Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
300
342
329
522
751
1,458
1,943
 Escondida
30%
289
463
562
369
397
1,443
1,791
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (g)
40%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
 Oyu Tolgoi (i)
34%
119
132
131
121
91
410
476
Rio Tinto total mine production

707
938
1,022
1,011
1,239
3,311
4,210
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
348
348
587
415
465
1,843
1,815









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (k)
100%
223
246
236
267
300
1,089
1,048









URANIUM








Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (l)








 Energy Resources of Australia
68%
1,008
894
738
1,004
908
3,023
3,544
 Rssing
69%
691
687
702
628
781
1,884
2,798
Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,699
1,581
1,439
1,633
1,690
4,907
6,342











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) On 16 December 2016, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100% interest in the Lochaber aluminium smelter.
(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) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(e) As a result of a restructure of the Coal & Allied group, which completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto obtained 100% ownership of Coal & Allied and Mitsubishi obtained a direct interest of 32.4% in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture, which owns the Hunter Valley Operations mine. Updated ownership reflects these changes. Historical production prior to the date of the restructure, reflects previous ownership in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines of 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(f) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 2016.
(g) 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.
(h) Fourth-quarter 2016 adjustments to Grasberg forecasted full-year 2016 production resulted in adjustments to Rio Tinto's share of previously reported mine production in the first, second and third quarters of 2016.
(i) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
(j) 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.
(k) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(l) ERA and Rssing production reported are drummed U3O8.









The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 December 2016.









Rio Tinto's interest in the Murowa mine was sold in 2015. No data for this operation are included in the Share of Production table.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q 2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









ALUMINA








Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group








Alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland
80.0%
940
953
961
947
987
3,747
3,848
 Yarwun refinery - Queensland
100.0%
778
785
823
747
821
2,864
3,176
Brazil








 So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
937
903
931
916
957
3,667
3,707
Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
361
377
353
355
367
1,449
1,452

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








Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec
100.0%
26
25
29
29
31
110
115
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









ALUMINIUM








Primary Aluminium








Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania
100.0%
49
45
45
46
47
191
182
 Boyne Island smelter - Queensland
59.4%
146
145
145
147
147
579
583
 Tomago smelter - New South Wales
51.6%
146
145
147
149
149
579
589
Canada








 Alma smelter - Quebec
100.0%
118
117
116
117
117
466
467
 Alouette (Sept-les) smelter - Quebec
40.0%
153
152
152
152
153
606
609
 Arvida smelter - Quebec
100.0%
44
43
43
43
43
173
172
 Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec
100.0%
15
15
15
15
15
59
60
 Bcancour smelter - Quebec
25.1%
111
113
108
114
110
437
445
 Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec
100.0%
57
56
56
58
58
221
227
 Kitimat smelter - British Columbia
100.0%
51
83
107
109
109
110
408
 Laterrire smelter - Quebec
100.0%
62
61
61
62
63
244
247
France








 Dunkerque smelter
100.0%
70
69
69
71
71
275
280
Iceland








 ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter
100.0%
50
50
52
51
52
201
205
New Zealand








 Tiwai Point smelter
79.4%
85
84
84
85
85
333
339
Oman








 Sohar smelter
20.0%
96
97
97
95
97
377
386
United Kingdom








 Lochaber smelter (a)
0.0%
12
12
12
12
10
47
46

(a) On 16 December 2016, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100% interest in the Lochaber aluminium smelter.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









BAUXITE








Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Gove mine - Northern Territory
100.0%
1,959
2,214
2,186
2,521
2,169
7,497
9,091
 Weipa mine - Queensland
100.0%
6,899
6,524
7,560
7,642
7,700
27,663
29,427
Brazil








 Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
12.0%
4,437
3,805
3,920
4,441
4,296
16,162
16,462
Guinea








 Sangaredi mine (a)
23.0%
4,044
4,205
4,126
3,836
3,856
14,615
16,023









Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments








Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

10,890
11,153
11,683
12,743
11,996
43,462
47,575
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

6,576
6,768
7,101
8,093
7,345
26,569
29,308

(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 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









BORATES








Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100.0%







US








 Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

107
127
123
132
121
476
503

(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.









COAL








Rio Tinto Coal Australia








Bengalla mine (a)
0.0%


 
 
 


New South Wales



 
 
 


 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,166
1,476
-
-
-
8,319
1,476
Hail Creek Coal mine
82.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,383
1,492
1,466
1,522
1,470
6,218
5,950
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

856
1,091
806
960
910
3,245
3,767
Hunter Valley Operations (b)
67.6%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

685
964
651
1,245
859
2,966
3,720
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,939
1,911
3,104
2,361
2,550
10,048
9,925
Kestrel Coal mine
80.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

957
948
745
1,158
1,227
3,450
4,077
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

231
173
120
281
271
637
846
Mount Thorley Operations (b)
80.0%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

254
466
414
187
353
1,398
1,420
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

602
742
315
758
1,035
2,815
2,850
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









COAL (continued)








Warkworth mine (b)
55.6%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

194
267
218
135
190
853
809
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,945
1,672
2,188
2,035
1,330
6,663
7,225
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

2,340
2,440
2,210
2,680
2,697
9,668
10,027
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

1,133
1,697
1,284
1,567
1,402
5,217
5,950
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

8,739
7,065
6,533
6,395
6,096
31,727
26,090
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

12,212
11,202
10,026
10,642
10,196
46,612
42,067









Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

12,261
11,047
10,357
10,129
10,241
46,658
41,773
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)








Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

2,018
2,099
1,879
2,332
2,395
8,070
8,704
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

784
1,122
1,075
904
1,043
3,609
4,144
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

5,037
4,287
4,260
3,958
3,979
18,420
16,484

(a) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 2016.
(b) As a result of a restructure of the Coal & Allied group, which completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto obtained 100% ownership of Coal & Allied and Mitsubishi obtained a direct interest of 32.4% in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture, which owns the Hunter Valley Operations mine. Updated ownership reflects these changes. Historical production prior to the date of the restructure, reflects previous ownership in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines of 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









COPPER & GOLD








Escondida
30.0%







Chile








Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

18,076
21,188
22,905
20,787
19,866
85,186
84,746
 Average copper grade (%)

0.99
0.99
0.94
0.87
1.02
1.21
0.96
Mill production (metals in concentrates):








 Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

138.6
175.8
181.7
153.2
168.6
828.5
679.3
 Contained gold ('000 ounces)

18
31
36
28
38
89
133
 Contained silver ('000 ounces)

962
1,544
1,874
1,229
1,323
4,812
5,971
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)

81.8
88.8
77.4
88.9
76.4
320.3
331.4
Refined production from leach plants:








 Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

88.7
84.8
85.3
70.5
71.5
326.3
312.1

(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)

14,248
14,249
14,141
16,608
18,446
59,322
63,445
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.75
0.69
0.84
1.02
1.29
0.67
0.98
 Gold (g/t)

0.92
0.53
0.48
0.69
1.32
0.79
0.79
 Silver (g/t)

2.92
2.23
2.88
3.45
3.45
2.50
3.05
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

94.5
85.8
106.5
153.8
223.0
353.3
569.2
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

355
196
179
310
651
1,270
1,336
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

778
613
776
1,170
1,247
2,818
3,805
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

88.7
86.9
96.8
153.7
206.2
337.8
543.6
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

332
207
166
307
601
1,224
1,282
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

567
510
562
928
920
2,134
2,921

(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 4Q 2016 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 4Q 2016 until the release of its 2016 fourth-quarter results on 25 January 2017.
(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 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Rio Tinto Kennecott








Bingham Canyon mine
100.0%







Utah, US








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

8,224
7,386
7,512
9,698
8,827
34,831
33,423
Average ore grade:








 Copper (%)

0.35
0.51
0.55
0.41
0.56
0.30
0.50
 Gold (g/t)

0.15
0.19
0.18
0.25
0.31
0.18
0.24
 Silver (g/t)

1.45
1.85
1.70
2.56
3.33
1.95
2.41
 Molybdenum (%)

0.023
0.015
0.023
0.031
0.040
0.037
0.028
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

136
153
152
154
190
470
648
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

18.8
22.4
24.5
23.4
23.8
19.5
23.5
Production of metals in copper concentrates:








 Copper ('000 tonnes) (a)

25.7
34.2
37.2
36.2
45.1
92.0
152.7
 Gold ('000 ounces)

26
26
28
41
57
131
153
 Silver ('000 ounces)

300
342
329
522
751
1,458
1,943
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

1.2
0.2
0.3
1.6
3.4
14.9
5.6
 Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

0.6
0.1
0.2
0.8
1.8
7.6
2.8

(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
Kennecott smelter & refinery
100.0%







Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)

143
158
167
220
207
503
752
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)

24.7
32.0
33.1
56.1
42.7
96.0
163.8
Production of refined metal:








 Copper ('000 tonnes)

22.6
25.8
24.6
39.1
67.0
115.2
156.5
 Gold ('000 ounces) (b)

31.0
29.8
35.3
29.7
40.6
179.0
135.4
 Silver ('000 ounces) (b)

348
348
587
415
465
1,843
1,815

(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Turquoise Hill Resources








Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)
33.5%







Mongolia








Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

9,369
9,662
9,525
9,146
9,819
34,537
38,152
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.69
0.70
0.64
0.66
0.61
0.67
0.65
 Gold (g/t)

0.92
0.63
0.33
0.21
0.25
0.78
0.36
 Silver (g/t)

1.67
1.92
1.92
1.99
1.50
1.56
1.83
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

231.8
229.5
207.1
203.2
206.7
788.5
846.6
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

24.7
25.1
24.9
22.9
22.0
25.6
23.8
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

57.3
57.6
51.7
46.6
45.5
202.2
201.3
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

207.1
143.5
69.6
37.4
49.4
653.4
300.0
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

355
395
391
361
273
1,223
1,420
Sales of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

54.7
51.2
54.4
45.7
37.6
201.3
188.9
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

160
175
95
38
39
737
347
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

360
305
395
341
239
1,158
1,280

(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 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









DIAMONDS








Argyle Diamonds
100.0%







Western Australia








 AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

1,127
1,151
1,314
1,349
1,283
4,843
5,097
 AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

3,368
3,391
3,489
3,493
3,584
13,472
13,958
Diavik Diamonds
60.0%







Northwest Territories, Canada








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

465
557
535
582
539
1,984
2,214
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

1,498
1,885
1,579
1,545
1,649
6,406
6,658
Murowa Diamonds (a)
0.0%







Zimbabwe








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
212
-
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

-
-
-
-
-
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 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









IRON ORE








Rio Tinto Iron Ore








Western Australia








Pilbara Operations








Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)








 Hamersley mines
 (a)
51,324
48,468
50,284
52,302
54,848
189,421
205,902
 Hamersley - Channar
60.0%
2,606
2,539
2,386
2,941
1,866
10,561
9,731
 Hope Downs
50.0%
11,690
11,799
11,847
11,775
11,588
44,745
47,010
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53.0%
8,062
8,395
7,964
7,940
8,477
32,482
32,776
 Robe River - West Angelas
53.0%
8,573
8,700
8,400
8,196
8,748
32,665
34,044
Total production ('000 tonnes)

82,255
79,902
80,882
83,154
85,526
309,876
329,463
Breakdown of total production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

24,116
23,355
23,180
24,478
24,902
90,643
95,915
 Pilbara Blend Fines

36,408
34,732
35,098
35,986
36,988
132,728
142,804
 Robe Valley Lump

2,660
2,969
2,717
2,799
3,066
11,202
11,551
 Robe Valley Fines

5,402
5,427
5,248
5,141
5,411
21,280
21,226
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,669
13,420
14,640
14,750
15,159
54,022
57,968
Breakdown of total sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

21,960
19,149
20,914
20,377
21,943
78,574
82,383
 Pilbara Blend Fines

41,266
37,199
38,807
37,200
42,225
152,706
155,431
 Robe Valley Lump

2,516
2,400
2,408
2,540
2,835
10,031
10,183
 Robe Valley Fines

6,144
5,459
5,523
5,790
5,761
22,390
22,533
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,569
12,533
14,553
15,008
14,969
54,843
57,062
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

86,454
76,739
82,205
80,916
87,732
318,544
327,592

(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)

2,865
2,114
2,056
2,272
1,915
8,394
8,357
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,036
2,006
2,326
2,710
2,756
9,297
9,798
Sales:








 Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

2,656
2,060
2,147
2,182
1,955
8,411
8,344
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,180
1,990
2,407
2,582
3,004
9,603
9,983
Global Iron Ore Totals








Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

87,157
84,022
85,265
88,136
90,196
327,567
347,619
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

91,291
80,789
86,759
85,679
92,692
336,558
345,918
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2015
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
FullYear
2015
FullYear
2016









SALT








Dampier Salt
68.4%







Western Australia








 Salt production ('000 tonnes)

2,409
2,103
1,634
1,813
2,028
8,103
7,578









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
100.0%







Canada and South Africa








 (Rio Tinto share) (a)








 Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)

223
246
236
267
300
1,089
1,048

(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)

1,474
1,307
1,078
1,468
1,328
4,421
5,182

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







Namibia








 U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

1,007
1,001
1,023
916
1,138
2,747
4,078









Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. 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
STROKADBDBKBPDD