REG - Rio Tinto - Rio Tinto releases 1st quarter production results

Rio TintoAnnouncement

18/04/2018 07:00

RNS Number : 2479L
Rio Tinto PLC
17 April 2018
 

 
Rio Tinto releases first quarter production results
 
18 April 2018
 
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We delivered a solid operational performance across most commodities in the first quarter of 2018. Our world-class Pilbara iron ore assets continue to demonstrate flexibility and the benefits of increased productivity, and production at our bauxite and copper assets was also higher. We announced $5 billion of divestments in the quarter, highlighting our ongoing drive to strengthen the portfolio and raise return on assets. By continuing to advance our mine-to-market productivity programme, whilst maintaining our focus on the disciplined allocation of cash, we will continue to deliver superior returns to our shareholders."
 











Q1 2018


vs Q1 2017


vs Q4 2017




Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis)


Mt


80.3


+5%


-11%




Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis)


Mt


83.1


+8%


-5%




Bauxite


kt


12,653


+12%


-8%




Aluminium


kt


846


-5%


-5%




Mined copper


kt


139.3


+65%


-6%




Hard coking coal


kt


1,102


-30%


-53%




Titanium dioxide slag


kt


294


-12%


-14%




IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate


Mt


2.4


-8%


-13%



 



Key points




·      Pilbara iron ore shipments of 80.3 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in the first quarter were five per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017, benefitting from productivity improvements and fewer weather disruptions.
·      Bauxite production of 12.7 million tonnes was 12 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017, due to continued operational improvements. Third party shipments increased by 19 per cent to 8.2 million tonnes due to firm demand and higher port availability.
·      Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was five per cent lower than the first quarter of 2017 due primarily to disruptions at the Becancour smelter in Canada.
·      Mined copper production of 139.3 thousand tonnes was 65 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017, as output recovered at Escondida following a labour union strike in the first half of last year.
·      Titanium dioxide slag production was 12 per cent lower than the first quarter of 2017 due to operational and labour disruptions at Richards Bay Minerals. Guidance has accordingly been revised to 1.1 to 1.3 million tonnes (previously 1.2 to 1.4 million tonnes).
·      Hard coking coal production of 1.1 million tonnes was 30 per cent lower than the first quarter of 2017 due primarily to the longwall changeover and maintenance works at Kestrel.
·      The major growth projects remain on track. The Silvergrass iron ore mine continues to ramp up, Amrun is on schedule for first bauxite shipment in the first half of 2019 and construction of the first drawbell at Oyu Tolgoi Underground is expected in mid-2020.
·      Total divestments announced in 2018 total $5 billion, subject to completion conditions, including:
o  Binding offers for the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter in France for $500 million and the ISAL aluminium smelter in Iceland for $345 million. The sales are expected to complete in the second quarter of 2018.
o  Binding offers for the group's remaining coal assets, including the Hail Creek and Kestrel mines in Queensland and the Winchester South and Valeria development projects, for total consideration of $4.15 billion. The sales are expected to complete principally in the second half of 2018.



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 2017 is excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2018 remain in comparisons.



IRON ORE
 
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)







Q1 2018


vs Q1 2017


vs Q4 2017




Pilbara Blend Lump


20.7


+8%


-2%




Pilbara Blend Fines


29.8


+10%


-4%




Robe Valley Lump


1.6


+9%


-4%




Robe Valley Fines


3.1


+31%


+5%




Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


13.9


+2%


-13%




Total Pilbara production


69.1












Total Pilbara production (100% basis)


83.1











 
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 83.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 69.1 million tonnes) in the first quarter of 2018, eight per cent higher than the same quarter of 2017. Sales of 80.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 66.6 million tonnes) were five per cent higher than the same period of last year.
 
Production benefitted from fewer weather disruptions than the first quarter of 2017, along with the ramp up of Silvergrass and the ongoing implementation of productivity improvements across the integrated system. Rail productivity continues to improve, with 85.0 million tonnes railed in the first quarter. Sales were 2.8 million tonnes below production due to disruptions at the ports resulting from Tropical Cyclone Marcus in March.
 
Approximately 18 per cent of sales in the quarter were priced by reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market. 
 
Approximately 34 per cent of sales in the quarter were made free on board (FOB), with the remainder sold including freight.
 
Pilbara projects
The automation of the Pilbara train system (AutoHaulTM) continues to advance, with approximately 65 per cent of trains at the end of the quarter in autonomous mode with a driver on board for supervision and more than three million kilometres now completed in this mode of operation. The project continues to progress with the Regulator approval process and is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2018.
 
The Koodaideri feasibility study is on track for completion in 2018.
 
2018 guidance
Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in 2018 are still expected to be between 330 and 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). This is subject to market conditions and any weather constraints.
 




 
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)







Q1 2018


vs Q1 2017


vs Q4 2017




Rio Tinto Aluminium
















Bauxite


12,653


+12%


-8%




Alumina


1,990


-3%


-4%




Aluminium


846


-5%


-5%



 
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 12.7 million tonnes was 12 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017, primarily driven by operational improvements. Gove production was notably 31 per cent higher due to the debottlenecking of the materials handling system, whilst stronger production was also achieved at Weipa (eight per cent higher) and Sangaredi (five per cent higher). Production was lower than the fourth quarter of 2017 due to seasonal wet weather.
 
8.2 million tonnes was shipped to third parties in the first quarter of 2018, 19 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017 due to firm demand and higher port availability.
 
Amrun
The Amrun project is advancing to plan and has completed the installation of beneficiation modules and the process water dam. The project remains on schedule for first shipment in the first half of 2019.
 
Alumina
Alumina production for the quarter was three per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2017 due primarily to maintenance at QAL.
 
Aluminium
Quarterly aluminium production was five per cent lower than the corresponding period last year. This was due largely to an ongoing lock-out at the Becancour smelter, which began on 11 January 2018, as well as a power incident at the Dunkerque smelter which occurred on 6 February 2018.
 
On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced it had received a binding offer for the sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter in France for $500 million, subject to final adjustments. The sale is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2018, subject to satisfactory consultations with key stakeholders and completion of other conditions.
 
On 26 February 2018, Rio Tinto announced it had received a binding offer of $345 million for the sale of its ISAL smelter in Iceland, its 53.3 per cent share in the Aluchemie anode plant in the Netherlands and its 50 per cent share in the Aluminium fluoride plant in Sweden. The sale is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2018, subject to satisfactory consultations with key stakeholders and completion of other conditions.
 
Following the announcement by the United States Treasury Department on 6 April, 2018, that it was implementing sanctions on various Russian individuals and companies, Rio Tinto announced on 13 April 2018 that it has reviewed arrangements it has with impacted entities. The arrangements include Rusal's 20 per cent interest in Queensland Alumina Limited in Australia, including Rusal's associated supply and offtake arrangements, bauxite sales to Rusal's refinery in Ireland and offtake contracts for alumina that are used at Rio Tinto's smelters, mainly in France and Iceland.
 
As a result of the imposition of these sanctions, Rio Tinto is in the process of declaring force majeure on certain contracts and is working with its customers to minimise any disruption in supplies.
 
2018 guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production in 2018 is expected to be between 49 and 51 million tonnes of bauxite and 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina. Aluminium guidance of 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes will be adjusted following completion of the sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque and ISAL smelters. Adjustments may also be made as a consequence of the U.S. sanctions.



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







Q1 2018


vs Q1 2017


vs Q4 2017




Mined copper
















Rio Tinto Kennecott


35.4


-20%


+2%




Escondida


90.9


+235%


-2%




Grasberg


0.0


N/A


N/A




Oyu Tolgoi


13.0


+2%


-14%






















Refined copper
















Rio Tinto Kennecott


35.3


+19%


+60%




Escondida


20.8


+155%


-9%






















Diamonds ('000 carats)
















Argyle


3,551


+18%


-42%




Diavik


1,065


-6%


+0%



 
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production in the first quarter of 2018 was 20 per cent lower than the first quarter of 2017 due primarily to temporarily lower head grades, although refined copper production was 19 per cent higher due to the draw down in concentrate inventories that were built up during the smelter shutdown following the fatality in October 2017.
 
Rio Tinto Kennecott tolls third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 41 thousand tonnes of concentrate received in the first quarter of 2018. Tolled copper concentrate is excluded from reported production figures.
 
The pushback of the south wall progressed during the quarter. It will extend the life of mine and remains on track for completion in 2020.
 
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in the first quarter of 2018 was significantly higher than the first quarter of 2017, due to the labour union strike that impacted production in the first half of last year. This second consecutive quarter of strong production reflects the operational capacity following commissioning and ramp up of the Los Colorados concentrator in the second half of 2017.
 
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production from the open pit in the first quarter of 2018 was two per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2017, but 14 per cent lower than the previous quarter due to a planned plant shutdown in January 2018.
 
Due to protests by coal transporters that obstructed the main access road at the Ganquimaodu Border Zone, Oyu Tolgoi declared force majeure in connection with customer contracts for concentrate between 17 January 2018 and 1 March 2018. Safe and normal operations, including underground development, were maintained during the force majeure period, and there was no production impact.
 
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
New contractors continue to mobilise with the total project workforce at over 6,700 at the end of March, of which 89 per cent were Mongolian. Lateral development is tracking on plan, and sinking of shafts two and five is complete. Eight accommodation buildings in the Oyut II camp are now complete and occupancy of these buildings has begun. Construction of the first drawbell is still expected in mid-2020.
 
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. ("Freeport"), Rio Tinto is entitled to a 40 per cent share of production above an agreed threshold until the end of 2021 and 40 per cent of all production thereafter. Rio Tinto's full participation has been delayed due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement. The first full year in which Rio Tinto will participate to the full extent of 40 per cent of production is now expected to be 2023.
 
In February 2018, PF Freeport Indonesia ("PT-FI") received an extension of its export permit to February 2019. PT-FI continues to engage with the Indonesian Government in relation to the basis upon which operations at Grasberg will continue beyond 2021 with regard to the rights conferred by its Contract of Work.
 
Rio Tinto is reporting its metal share for the first quarter as zero.
 
Diamonds
At Argyle, first quarter carat production was 18 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017 due to relatively fewer weather disruptions and the additional processing of higher grade alluvial tailings.
 
At Diavik, carats recovered in the first quarter of 2018 were six per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2017 due to lower recovered grades. Development of the A21 project is ahead of schedule with first ore uncovered in March and the mine is expected to be at full production capacity during the fourth quarter of 2018.
 
2018 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of mined copper production for 2018 is unchanged at between 510 and 610 thousand tonnes. Refined copper production is expected to be between 225 to 265 thousand tonnes.
 
Diamond production guidance for 2018 is between 17 and 20 million carats.
 




 
ENERGY & MINERALS
 
Rio Tinto share of production







Q1 2018


vs Q1 2017


vs Q4 2017




Coal
















Hard coking coal


1,102


-30%


-53%




Thermal coal (a)


1,119


+12%


+16%






















Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes)
















IOC


2.4


-8%


-13%






















Minerals ('000 tonnes)
















Borates - B2O3 content


124


+1%


+3%




Salt


1,514


+78%


-1%




Titanium dioxide slag


294


-12%


-14%






















Uranium ('000 lbs)
















Energy Resources of Australia


667


-26%


-27%




Rössing


848


+26%


-6%



(a) Production from Coal & Allied in 2017 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.
 
Coal
Quarterly hard coking coal production was 30 per cent lower than the first quarter in 2017 and 53 per cent lower than the fourth quarter of 2017 due to the longwall changeover and maintenance works at Kestrel, as well as lower yield at Hail Creek impacted by coal scheduling.
 
Semi-soft and thermal coal production for 2017 have been restated for comparability, and exclude production from the Coal & Allied assets following divestment in the second half of 2017. First quarter thermal coal production was 12 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017 due to production sequence changes at Hail Creek. 
 
In March 2018, Rio Tinto announced it had entered into binding agreements for the sale of its remaining coal assets for total consideration of $4.15 billion, as follows:
 
·      On 20 March, it was announced that an agreement was signed with Glencore for the sale of Rio Tinto's entire 82 per cent interest in the Hail Creek coal mine and 72.1 per cent interest in the Valeria coal development project, both in Queensland, Australia, for $1.7 billion;
 
·      On 22 March, it was announced that an agreement was signed with Whitehaven Coal Limited for the sale of Rio Tinto's 75 per cent interest in the Winchester South coal development project in Queensland, Australia, for $200 million; and
 
·      On 27 March, it was announced that an agreement was entered into with a consortium comprising private equity manager EMR Capital and PT Adaro Energy Tbk, an Indonesian listed coal company, for the sale of Rio Tinto's entire 80 per cent interest in the Kestrel underground coal mine in Queensland, Australia, for $2.25 billion.
 
Subject to all regulatory approvals and other conditions precedent being satisfied, completion for the Winchester South project is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018, whilst completion of the remaining transactions is expected to occur in the second half of 2018.
 
Rio Tinto anticipates that Australian income tax will be payable on sale proceeds which are in excess of the cost base of the assets at completion. The currently estimated total tax payable for these transactions is in the order of $0.8 billion, however the quantum of tax payable will depend on the final proceeds (after taking into account working capital adjustments), the tax cost base at completion and the total of capital gains and losses realised by the Rio Tinto Australian tax consolidated group at 31 December 2018.
 
 
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC pellet production of 2.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.6 million tonnes) was seven per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017, with strong pellet demand continuing to be strong and product mix being optimised to meet customer demand. Concentrate production for sale of 1.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 0.8 million tonnes) was 28 per cent lower than the same period in 2017, mainly attributable to increased ore hardness and an unplanned shutdown of the Parallel Ore Delivery System. As a result, total sales in the first quarter of 4.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 2.3 million tonnes), were 11 per cent lower than the corresponding period of 2017.
 
Collective bargaining negotiations at IOC's Labrador City operation were suspended on 27 March 2018 without an agreement being reached. The local union workforce voted to strike and operations were suspended from that date. Progress has been made to reach a new labour agreement, and a vote is imminent. The priority remains to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with employees and a safe return to operations.
 
Borates
Borates production was one per cent higher than the first quarter of 2017, with production aligned to market demand.
 
Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production for the quarter was 12 per cent lower compared to the first quarter of 2017, due to a roaster failure at RBM resulting in a force majeure declaration, as well as the unplanned shutdown of a furnace at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT).
 
Slag production at RBM for the second quarter of 2018 will be impacted by a labour dispute between contractors and their employees, which halted both mine and smelter operations. As a result, RBM has declared a separate force majeure on deliveries to its titanium dioxide feedstock customers, which will be lifted once the operation returns to normal operating capacity. Operations at RBM were restarted on 11 April 2018, and the mine is expected to return to previous operating capacity later this year.
 
One of nine furnaces at RTFT remains idle, along with one of four furnaces at RBM. The focus remains on maximising the productivity of the furnaces currently in operation, and a decision to re-start idle furnaces will be based on maximising value over volume.
 
Salt
Salt production in the first quarter of 2018 was significantly higher than the first quarter of 2017 as a result of fewer weather events experienced compared to last year.
 
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing low grade stockpiles. 2018 first quarter production was 26 per cent lower than the same period of 2017 due to mill maintenance and declining grades as laterite stocks are largely exhausted.
 
Production at Rössing in the first quarter of 2018 was 26 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017 due to higher grades.
 
2018 guidance
Coal production guidance remains at 7.5 to 8.5 million tonnes of hard coking coal and 3.8 to 4.5 million tonnes of thermal coal. This assumes continued ownership of the coal assets until the end of 2018, and will be adjusted subject to the timing of completion of the asset disposals.
 
At IOC, the revised guidance for 2018 production is 10.3 to 11.3 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates (previously 11.5 to 12.5 million tonnes). This adjustment assumes a vote in favour of the new collective bargaining agreement and represents the loss of about one month's production.
 
Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of titanium dioxide slag production in 2018 has been revised to 1.1 to 1.3 million tonnes (previously 1.2 to 1.4 million tonnes) following the operational and labour disruptions at RBM.
 
Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of boric oxide equivalent production in 2018 is unchanged at 0.5 million tonnes and guidance for uranium production in 2018 is unchanged at 6.2 to 7.2 million pounds.
 




EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
 
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first quarter of 2018 was $101 million, compared with $78 million in the first quarter of 2017. Approximately 47 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 37 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, seven per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium.
 
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the first quarter of 2018.
 
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 16 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi 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
Diamonds: Fort a la Corne, Canada


Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia
Nickel: Australia, Canada
Diamonds: Canada




Energy & Minerals


Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia
Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa
Uranium: Roughrider, Canada


Potash: KP405, Canada


Uranium: Canada
Heavy mineral sands: Tanzania




Iron Ore


Pilbara, Australia


Pilbara, Australia











 
Forward-looking statements
 
This announcement may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US 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. 
 




 
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United Kingdom
 
T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England
No. 719885


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Rio Tinto production summary














































Rio Tinto share of production






















































Quarter






Full Year






% Change












2017

Q1


2017

Q4


2018

Q1






2017

 






Q1 18

vs

Q1 17


Q1 18

vs

Q4 17




Principal Commodities




































Alumina


('000 t)


2,047


2,077


1,990






8,131






-3%


-4%




Aluminium


('000 t)


889


887


846






3,551






-5%


-5%




Bauxite


('000 t)


11,303


13,762


12,653






50,796






12%


-8%




Borates


('000 t)


123


120


124






517






1%


3%




Coal - hard coking


('000 t)


1,583


2,322


1,102






7,704






-30%


-53%




Coal - thermal


('000 t)


1,000


966


1,119






4,065






12%


16%




Copper - mined


('000 t)


84.2


148.6


139.3






478.1






65%


-6%




Copper - refined


('000 t)


38.0


44.9


56.1






197.2






48%


25%




Diamonds


('000 cts)


4,152


7,207


4,616






21,627






11%


-36%




Iron Ore


('000 t)


66,226


75,656


71,436






282,484






8%


-6%




Titanium dioxide slag


('000 t)


332


341


294






1,315






-12%


-14%




Uranium


('000 lbs)


1,573


1,821


1,515






6,650






-4%


-17%




Other Metals & Minerals




































Gold - mined


('000 oz)


65.8


62.6


69.4






260.1






5%


11%




Gold - refined


('000 oz)


51.1


55.4


40.8






203.7






-20%


-26%




Molybdenum


('000 t)


0.9


1.9


1.5






5.0






68%


-24%




Salt


('000 t)


852


1,535


1,514






5,090






78%


-1%




Silver - mined


('000 oz)


946


1,172


1,237






4,194






31%


6%




Silver - refined


('000 oz)


402


516


867






2,378






116%


68%














































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










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































ALUMINA
































Production ('000 tonnes)
































Jonquière (Vaudreuil)


100%


367


365


351


365


362


1,448




Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant


100%


31


32


30


29


31


122




Queensland Alumina


80%


739


756


720


773


717


2,988




São Luis (Alumar)


10%


89


93


94


93


87


370




Yarwun


100%


819


778


790


816


793


3,203




Rio Tinto total alumina production






2,047


2,024


1,984


2,077


1,990


8,131






































ALUMINIUM
































Production ('000 tonnes)
































Australia - Bell Bay


100%


45


47


48


47


47


187




Australia - Boyne Island


59%


80


73


74


74


72


302




Australia - Tomago


52%


75


76


77


77


75


304




Canada - six wholly owned


100%


394


397


401


405


398


1,596




Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles)


40%


60


60


60


60


58


239




Canada - Bécancour


25%


28


26


28


27


10


110




France - Dunkerque (a)


100%


70


71


71


72


51


284




Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) (b)


100%


52


53


53


54


52


212




New Zealand - Tiwai Point


79%


66


67


67


67


66


267




Oman - Sohar


20%


19


19


7


5


17


51




Rio Tinto total aluminium production






889


888


887


887


846


3,551






































BAUXITE
































Production ('000 tonnes) (c)
































Gove


100%


2,388


2,780


2,809


3,224


3,124


11,201




Porto Trombetas


12%


357


489


492


426


353


1,764




Sangaredi


   (d)


1,665


1,791


1,670


1,809


1,745


6,934




Weipa


100%


6,893


7,805


7,895


8,304


7,431


30,898




Rio Tinto total bauxite production


11,303


12,865


12,867


13,762


12,653


50,796



 




 



Rio Tinto share of production










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































BORATES
































Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)
































Rio Tinto Borates - borates


100%


123


133


140


120


124


517






































COAL - hard coking
































Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
































Hail Creek Coal (e) (g)


82%


930


822


1,276


1,275


758


4,303




Kestrel Coal (f) (g)


80%


653


733


968


1,048


344


3,402




Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production


1,583


1,555


2,244


2,322


1,102


7,704






































COAL - thermal
































Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
































Hail Creek Coal (e) (g)


82%


874


881


851


785


1,060


3,390




Kestrel Coal (f) (g)


80%


127


141


226


180


59


674




Rio Tinto total thermal coal production


1,000


1,022


1,076


966


1,119


4,065



 




 



Rio Tinto share of production










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































COPPER
































Mine production ('000 tonnes) (c)
































Bingham Canyon


100%


44.3


44.0


25.8


34.8


35.4


148.9




Escondida


30%


27.2


68.3


82.5


92.9


90.9


270.8




Grasberg - Joint Venture (h)


40%


0.0


0.0


0.0


5.7


0.0


5.7




Oyu Tolgoi (i)


34%


12.8


12.5


12.4


15.2


13.0


52.8




Rio Tinto total mine production






84.2


124.7


120.6


148.6


139.3


478.1




Refined production ('000 tonnes)




























Escondida


30%


8.2


18.8


21.6


22.8


20.8


71.4




Rio Tinto Kennecott


100%


29.8


20.3


53.6


22.1


35.3


125.8




Rio Tinto total refined production


38.0


39.1


75.2


44.9


56.1


197.2






































DIAMONDS
































Production ('000 carats)
































Argyle


100%


3,016


3,216


4,757


6,146


3,551


17,135




Diavik


60%


1,136


1,119


1,177


1,060


1,065


4,492




Rio Tinto total diamond production






4,152


4,335


5,933


7,207


4,616


21,627






































GOLD
































Mine production ('000 ounces) (c)
































Bingham Canyon


100%


54.1


54.3


33.6


35.9


37.4


177.9




Escondida


30%


3.4


10.2


15.2


15.1


18.0


43.9




Grasberg - Joint Venture (h)


40%


0.0


0.0


0.0


0.0


0.0


0.0




Oyu Tolgoi (i)


34%


8.3


8.0


10.4


11.7


14.0


38.3




Rio Tinto total mine production






65.8


72.5


59.1


62.6


69.4


260.1




Refined production ('000 ounces)




























Rio Tinto Kennecott


100%


51.1


43.0


54.1


55.4


40.8


203.7



 




 



Rio Tinto share of production










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































IRON ORE
































Production ('000 tonnes) (c)




























Hamersley mines


   (j)


48,664


48,674


52,921


56,501


53,631


206,760




Hamersley - Channar


60%


1,635


1,903


1,596


1,345


1,136


6,479




Hope Downs


50%


5,218


6,287


5,978


5,987


5,342


23,470




Iron Ore Company of Canada


59%


2,579


2,683


3,171


2,733


2,364


11,166




Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)


53%


3,809


3,676


4,461


4,580


4,672


16,526




Robe River - West Angelas


53%


4,322


4,475


4,776


4,509


4,290


18,082




Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)






66,226


67,699


72,903


75,656


71,436


282,484




Breakdown of Production:
































Pilbara Blend Lump






19,207


19,780


20,700


21,082


20,714


80,770




Pilbara Blend Fines






27,026


28,049


30,113


31,172


29,769


116,359




Robe Valley Lump






1,453


1,459


1,570


1,646


1,587


6,128




Robe Valley Fines






2,357


2,217


2,891


2,934


3,086


10,398




Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)






13,605


13,512


14,458


16,088


13,916


57,663




Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes)






63,647


65,016


69,732


72,922


69,072


271,318




IOC Concentrate






1,109


1,299


1,450


1,163


799


5,020




IOC Pellets






1,470


1,384


1,722


1,571


1,566


6,146




IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes)






2,579


2,683


3,171


2,733


2,364


11,166




Breakdown of Sales:
































Pilbara Blend Lump






16,033


18,218


18,044


18,861


18,062


71,156




Pilbara Blend Fines






30,497


28,779


32,421


35,575


30,746


127,272




Robe Valley Lump






1,176


1,262


1,391


1,388


1,223


5,217




Robe Valley Fines






2,373


2,370


3,174


3,287


2,996


11,204




Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)






13,120


13,371


14,963


15,731


13,578


57,185




Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)






63,199


64,000


69,993


74,843


66,604


272,034




IOC Concentrate






1,193


939


1,362


1,559


746


5,053




IOC Pellets






1,415


1,489


1,590


1,615


1,574


6,108




IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)






2,608


2,428


2,952


3,173


2,320


11,161




Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)


65,806


66,428


72,944


78,016


68,925


283,195



 




 



Rio Tinto share of production










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































MOLYBDENUM
































Mine production ('000 tonnes) (c)




























Bingham Canyon


100%


0.9


0.8


1.4


1.9


1.5


5.0






































SALT
































Production ('000 tonnes)
































Dampier Salt


68%


852


1,476


1,227


1,535


1,514


5,090






































SILVER
































Mine production ('000 ounces) (c)




























Bingham Canyon


100%


711


669


357


418


461


2,156




Escondida


30%


163


370


521


658


702


1,712




Grasberg - Joint Venture (h)


40%


0


0


0


0


0


0




Oyu Tolgoi (i)


34%


72


79


80


96


74


326




Rio Tinto total mine production






946


1,118


959


1,172


1,237


4,194




Refined production ('000 ounces)




























Rio Tinto Kennecott


100%


402


729


731


516


867


2,378






































TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
































Production ('000 tonnes)
































Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (k)


100%


332


316


327


341


294


1,315






































URANIUM
































Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (l)




























Energy Resources of Australia


68%


900


678


962


919


667


3,458




Rössing


69%


673


860


757


902


848


3,192




Rio Tinto total uranium production


1,573


1,538


1,718


1,821


1,515


6,650



 




 



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 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter.

(b) On 26 February 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the ISAL smelter.




(c) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.

(d) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.




(e) On 20 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 82% interest in the Hail Creek mine.

(f) On 27 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 80% interest in the Kestrel mine.

(g) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.




(h) 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.




(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, Silvergrass 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 Rössing production reported are drummed U3O8.










The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 March 2018.






































Rio Tinto's interest in the Coal and Allied mines were sold in 2017. No data for these operations are included in the Share of production table.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































ALUMINA
































Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group




























Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
































Australia
































Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland


80.0%


924


946


900


966


896


3,735




Yarwun refinery - Queensland


100.0%


819


778


790


816


793


3,203




Brazil
































São Luis (Alumar) refinery


10.0%


895


931


937


934


871


3,697




Canada
































Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)


100.0%


367


365


351


365


362


1,448




(a) Jonquière'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
































Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec


100.0%


31


32


30


29


31


122




Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































ALUMINIUM
































Primary Aluminium
































Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)




























Australia
































Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania


100.0%


45


47


48


47


47


187




Boyne Island smelter - Queensland


59.4%


135


124


125


124


122


508




Tomago smelter - New South Wales


51.6%


145


147


149


149


145


590




Canada
































Alma smelter - Quebec


100.0%


114


112


115


116


115


457




Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec


40.0%


149


149


150


150


144


598




Arvida smelter - Quebec


100.0%


41


43


43


44


43


171




Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec


100.0%


15


15


14


14


13


57




Bécancour smelter - Quebec


25.1%


112


106


113


108


39


438




Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec


100.0%


57


57


58


58


57


229




Kitimat smelter - British Columbia


100.0%


107


109


108


110


108


433




Laterrière smelter - Quebec


100.0%


61


61


63


64


63


249




France
































Dunkerque smelter (a)


100.0%


70


71


71


72


51


284




Iceland
































ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter (b)


100.0%


52


53


53


54


52


212




New Zealand
































Tiwai Point smelter


79.4%


84


84


84


85


83


337




Oman
































Sohar smelter


20.0%


96


95


35


27


87


253




(a) On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter.

(b) On 26 February 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the ISAL smelter.




Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































BAUXITE
































Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
































Australia
































Gove mine - Northern Territory


100.0%


2,388


2,780


2,809


3,224


3,124


11,201




Weipa mine - Queensland


100.0%


6,893


7,805


7,895


8,304


7,431


30,898




Brazil
































Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine


12.0%


2,974


4,071


4,103


3,550


2,939


14,698




Guinea
































Sangaredi mine (a)


23.0%


3,699


3,979


3,711


4,020


3,878


15,409






































Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments




























Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)


11,605


12,164


12,913


13,557


12,551


50,240




Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)


6,927


7,962


8,250


9,164


8,248


32,303






































(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 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































BORATES
































Rio Tinto Borates - borates


100.0%




























US
































Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)






123


133


140


120


124


517




(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.






































COAL
































Rio Tinto Coal Australia
































Hail Creek Coal mine (a)


82.0%




























Queensland
































Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)






1,134


1,002


1,556


1,555


924


5,247




Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)






1,065


1,074


1,037


958


1,293


4,134




Hunter Valley Operations (b)


0.0%




























New South Wales
































Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)






800


284


445


            -


            -


1,529




Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)






2,851


3,539


2,112


            -


            -


8,502




Kestrel Coal mine (c)


80.0%




























Queensland
































Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)






816


916


1,210


1,309


430


4,252




Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)






159


177


282


226


74


843




Mount Thorley Operations (b)


0.0%




























New South Wales
































Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)






337


389


149


            -


            -


876




Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)






562


746


703


            -


            -


2,011




Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































COAL (continued)
































Warkworth mine (b)


0.0%




























New South Wales
































Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)






268


202


44


            -


            -


514




Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)






1,520


1,696


1,305


            -


            -


4,521




Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)


1,950


1,918


2,766


2,864


1,354


9,499




Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)


1,405


875


639


            -


            -


2,919




Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)


6,156


7,232


5,439


1,183


1,367


20,010




Total coal production ('000 tonnes)






9,512


10,026


8,844


4,047


2,721


32,429






































Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)






8,792


9,871


9,298


4,092


3,050


32,053




Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (d)
































Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)


1,524


1,717


2,511


2,429


1,368


8,181




Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (e)


765


759


485


            -


            -


2,010




Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (e)


3,946


4,539


3,804


896


1,119


13,186






































(a) On 20 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 82% interest in the Hail Creek mine.

(b) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production from these assets is included to this date. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.

(c) On 27 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 80% interest in the Kestrel mine.

(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) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.




Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































COPPER & GOLD
































Escondida


30.0%




























Chile
































Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)


8,054


18,777


24,080


30,260


32,203


81,171




Average copper grade (%)






1.01


1.07


1.06


0.98


0.96


1.03




Mill production (metals in concentrates):
































Contained copper ('000 tonnes)






67.7


167.0


204.1


245.7


252.6


684.5




Contained gold ('000 ounces)






11


34


51


50


60


146




Contained silver ('000 ounces)






543


1,234


1,737


2,193


2,339


5,707




Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)


22.8


60.7


70.8


63.9


50.4


218.2




Refined production from leach plants:
































Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)






27.2


62.8


71.9


76.1


69.4


238.0




(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad.




Freeport-McMoRan
































Grasberg mine (a)


0.0% (b)




























Papua, Indonesia
































Ore treated ('000 tonnes)






7,849


11,242


15,791


16,381


17,923


51,262




Average mill head grades:
































Copper (%)






1.15


1.03


0.91


1.03


1.13


1.01




Gold (g/t)






1.17


1.16


0.98


1.28


1.69


1.15




Silver (g/t)






5.26


4.09


3.96


4.36


3.05


4.32




Production of metals in concentrates:
































Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)






81.0


103.9


130.1


153.2


184.2


468.2




Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)






248


358


417


579


835


1,602




Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)






667


900


1,016


1,293


1,070


3,877




Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)




























Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)






61.7


124.6


109.6


154.3


180.8


450.3




Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)






183


429


343


584


814


1,540




Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)






404


851


666


1,044


857


2,964




(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 Q1 2018 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for Q1 2018 until the release of its 2018 first-quarter results on 24 April 2018.

(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 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































COPPER & GOLD (continued)
































Rio Tinto Kennecott
































Bingham Canyon mine


100.0%




























Utah, US
































Ore treated ('000 tonnes)






9,508


10,709


10,092


9,074


9,260


39,382




Average ore grade:
































Copper (%)






0.51


0.47


0.29


0.43


0.43


0.43




Gold (g/t)






0.32


0.29


0.18


0.21


0.23


0.25




Silver (g/t)






3.24


2.66


1.51


1.89


2.25


2.33




Molybdenum (%)






0.025


0.025


0.032


0.036


0.025


0.029




Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)


189


205


148


162


171


704




Average concentrate grade (% Cu)






23.3


21.5


17.3


21.5


20.7


21.1




Production of metals in copper concentrates:




























Copper ('000 tonnes) (a)






44.3


44.0


25.8


34.8


35.4


148.9




Gold ('000 ounces)






54


54


34


36


37


178




Silver ('000 ounces)






711


669


357


418


461


2,156




Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):


1.7


1.5


2.8


3.8


2.8


9.8




Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)






0.9


0.8


1.4


1.9


1.5


5.0










Kennecott smelter & refinery


100.0%




























Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)


136


160


258


90


200


644




Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b)


33.7


32.6


50.6


12.1


42.4


129.0




Production of refined metal:
































Copper ('000 tonnes)






29.8


20.3


53.6


22.1


35.3


125.8




Gold ('000 ounces) (c)






51.1


43.0


54.1


55.4


40.8


203.7




Silver ('000 ounces) (c)






402


729


731


516


867


2,378




(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.

(b) New metal excluding recycled material.

(c) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.




Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































COPPER & GOLD (continued)
































Turquoise Hill Resources
































Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)


33.5%




























Mongolia
































Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)






10,087


9,637


10,615


10,838


9,561


41,177




Average mill head grades:
































Copper (%)






0.51


0.51


0.48


0.53


0.51


0.51




Gold (g/t)






0.15


0.16


0.18


0.20


0.25


0.17




Silver (g/t)






1.30


1.38


1.34


1.54


1.32


1.39




Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)


176.0


171.0


170.0


205.5


177.3


722.5




Average concentrate grade (% Cu)






21.6


21.8


21.7


22.0


21.9


21.8




Production of metals in concentrates:
































Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)






38.1


37.2


36.9


45.3


38.8


157.4




Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)






24.8


23.9


30.9


34.8


41.8


114.3




Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)






215


236


239


285


221


974




Sales of metals in concentrates:
































Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)






39.5


37.3


36.9


35.7


34.3


149.3




Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)






32


23


28


27


31


111




Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)






205


222


229


205


206


860




(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 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































DIAMONDS
































Argyle Diamonds


100.0%




























Western Australia
































AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)






1,144


1,112


1,255


1,446


1,260


4,957




AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)






3,016


3,216


4,757


6,146


3,551


17,135




Diavik Diamonds


60.0%




























Northwest Territories, Canada
































Ore processed ('000 tonnes)






531


556


578


525


556


2,190




Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)






1,894


1,865


1,961


1,767


1,774


7,486










Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 




 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































IRON ORE
































Rio Tinto Iron Ore
































Western Australia
































Pilbara Operations
































Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)




























Hamersley mines


   (a)


48,664


48,674


52,921


56,501


53,631


206,760




Hamersley - Channar


60.0%


2,725


3,172


2,661


2,241


1,893


10,798




Hope Downs


50.0%


10,435


12,575


11,956


11,975


10,685


46,941




Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)


53.0%


7,188


6,936


8,416


8,642


8,816


31,182




Robe River - West Angelas


53.0%


8,154


8,444


9,011


8,507


8,094


34,116




Total production ('000 tonnes)






77,165


79,801


84,965


87,866


83,120


329,797




Breakdown of total production:
































Pilbara Blend Lump






23,618


24,671


25,342


25,496


24,831


99,127




Pilbara Blend Fines






32,755


34,682


36,748


37,641


35,556


141,826




Robe Valley Lump






2,741


2,753


2,962


3,106


2,993


11,563




Robe Valley Fines






4,446


4,183


5,454


5,535


5,823


19,619




Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)






13,605


13,512


14,458


16,088


13,916


57,663




Breakdown of total sales:
































Pilbara Blend Lump






20,161


21,561


21,959


22,377


21,457


86,059




Pilbara Blend Fines






36,679


35,871


40,305


43,039


37,320


155,895




Robe Valley Lump






2,218


2,382


2,624


2,619


2,307


9,843




Robe Valley Fines






4,476


4,472


5,989


6,202


5,652


21,140




Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)






13,120


13,371


14,963


15,731


13,578


57,185




Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)






76,655


77,658


85,840


89,968


80,314


330,122




(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass 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)






1,889


2,212


2,469


1,980


1,360


8,549




Pellets ('000 tonnes)






2,504


2,356


2,932


2,675


2,667


10,467




IOC Total production ('000 tonnes)






4,392


4,569


5,401


4,655


4,027


19,016




Sales:
































Concentrates ('000 tonnes)






2,031


1,599


2,319


2,655


1,271


8,605




Pellets ('000 tonnes)






2,409


2,536


2,707


2,750


2,681


10,402




IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes)






4,441


4,135


5,027


5,404


3,951


19,006




Global Iron Ore Totals
































Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)






81,558


84,370


90,365


92,521


87,146


348,814




Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)






81,096


81,792


90,867


95,373


84,265


349,128




Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 



Rio Tinto operational data










































Rio Tinto

interest


Q1

2017


Q2

2017


Q3

2017


Q4

2017


Q1

2018


Full Year

2017






































SALT
































Dampier Salt


68.4%




























Western Australia
































Salt production ('000 tonnes)






1,246


2,159


1,795


2,246


2,215


7,446






































TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
































Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium


100.0%




























Canada and South Africa
































(Rio Tinto share) (a)
































Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)






332


316


327


341


294


1,315






































(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)






1,316


991


1,407


1,343


975


5,056




(a) ERA production data are drummed U3O8.












Rössing Uranium Ltd (a)


68.6%




























Namibia
































U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)






981


1,254


1,103


1,314


1,236


4,652




(a) Rössing production data are drummed U3O8.






































Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 
 
 
 



This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
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