REG - Rio Tinto - Rio Tinto releases Q1 2017 production results <Origin Href="QuoteRef">RIO.L</Origin> - Part 1

Rio TintoAnnouncement

20/04/2017 07:05

RNS Number : 7958C
Rio Tinto PLC
19 April 2017
Rio Tinto releases first quarter production results
20 April 2017
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "Despite challenging weather conditions at our West Australian and Queensland operations, we delivered solid production in the first quarter of 2017. Our strategy is unchanged. Our number one priority is safety. We maintain our disciplined approach to capital management and maximising cash flow, with a focus on managing costs and enhancing productivity across the business. These actions support the delivery of strong cash returns to shareholders in the short, medium and long term." 


Q1 2017
vs Q1 2016
vs Q4 2016
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis)
Mt
76.7
-0%
-13%
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis)
Mt
77.2
-3%
-10%
Bauxite
kt
11,303
+2%
-7%
Aluminium 
kt
889
+2%
-3%
Mined copper
kt
84.2
-37%
-37%
Hard coking coal
kt
1,583
-20%
-28%
Semi-soft and thermal coal
kt
5,181
+4%
-1%
Titanium dioxide slag
kt
332
+35%
+11%
Highlights
 Pilbara iron ore shipments were 76.7 million tonnes in the first quarter (100 per cent basis). Ship loading was impacted by cyclone activity during the period, and sections of the rail network were affected by significant rainfall. Despite these disruptions, shipments were in line with the first quarter of 2016 and guidance for 2017 remains at 330 to 340 million tonnes.
 First quarter bauxite production of 11.3 million tonnes and aluminium production of 889 thousand tonnes were both two per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016.
 Mined copper production was 37 per cent lower than the first quarter of 2016 due to a 43 day labour strike at Escondida. This strike, combined with the curtailment of production at Grasberg, has led to revised 2017 mined copper guidance of 500 to 550 thousand tonnes. 
 Titanium dioxide slag production increased by 35 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2016, reflecting higher market demand. 2017 production guidance has slightly increased to between 1.2 and 1.3 million tonnes.
 On 24 January 2017, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of Coal & Allied to Yancoal Australia for up to $2.45 billion. The sale is subject to certain conditions being satisfied, and is expected to complete in the second half of 2017. Yancoal announced receipt of Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval on 13 April 2017.
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 2016 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2017 remain in comparisons.

IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

Q1 2017
vs Q1 2016
vs Q4 2016
Pilbara Blend Lump
19.2
+3%
-6%
Pilbara Blend Fines
27.0
-5%
-12%
Robe Valley Lump
1.5
-8%
-11%
Robe Valley Fines
2.4
-18%
-18%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13.6
+1%
-10%
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 77.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 63.6 million tonnes) in the first quarter of 2017, three per cent lower than the same quarter of 2016. Sales of 76.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 63.2 million tonnes) were in line with the same period of last year.
Production and sales were both impacted by significant weather disruptions, which resulted in heavy flooding across several sites including the rail network, along with the suspension of ship loading on a number of occasions. All operations across the mine and infrastructure network have now recovered and are operating to plan.
Approximately 20 per cent of sales in the quarter 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 sales in the quarter were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Pilbara projects
The Silvergrass Project incrementally increases the Nammuldi operation by ten million tonnes a year, delivering high grade, low phosphorus ore into the Pilbara Blend. First ore is on target for the second half of 2017. 
The AutoHaul project is advancing well with commencement and ramp up of trains operating in automated mode. Drivers are remaining on board until all safety and reliability systems are thoroughly demonstrated. 
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected Pilbara shipments in 2017 remains at between 330 and 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis).
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Q1 2017
vs Q1 2016
vs Q4 2016
Rio Tinto Aluminium



Bauxite
11,303
+2%
-7%
Alumina 
2,047
+0%
-3%
Aluminium
889
+2%
-3%
Production from Lochaber in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 11.3 million tonnes was two per cent higher than the first quarter of 2016. Gove production was eight per cent higher following the upgrade of the overland conveyor and export system in the fourth quarter of 2016. Stronger production at Weipa was offset by lower production, due to planned maintenance, at Sangaredi and MRN. Production decreased by seven per cent compared with the fourth quarter of 2016, due mainly to weather impacting the Weipa operations during the quarter.
6.9 million tonnes was shipped to third parties in the first quarter of 2017, two per cent higher than the first quarter of 2016.
Amrun
The Amrun Project is on schedule in both engineering and construction. All major contracts have been committed as planned. Site establishment continues with an additional 112 rooms added to the camp accommodation village, over 40km of main access road completed and clearing work commenced for the stockyard and tailings storage facility areas. The Hey River Terminal is complete and the facility at Humbug Wharf is operational.
Alumina
Alumina production for the quarter was in line with the corresponding period in 2016, reflecting the operating stability that has been achieved at the Yarwun and Queensland Alumina refineries. 
Aluminium
Quarterly aluminium production was two per cent higher than the corresponding period last year. This was due largely to Kitimat, which reached nameplate capacity in April 2016, together with on-going production creep across the other smelting operations. 
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017 is expected to be unchanged at 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)

Q1 2017
vs Q1 2016
vs Q4 2016
Mined copper 



Rio Tinto Kennecott
44.3
+29%
-2%
Escondida
27.2
-66%
-63%
Grasberg
0.0
N/A
N/A
Oyu Tolgoi
12.8
-34%
-16%




Refined copper



Rio Tinto Kennecott
29.8
+15%
-56%
Escondida
8.2
-68%
-62%




Diamonds('000 carats)



Argyle
3,016
-11%
-16%
Diavik
1,136
+0%
+15%
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production in the first quarter of 2017 was 29 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2016, benefiting from higher throughput. The higher mined production for the quarter resulted in improved refined copper production of 29.8 thousand tonnes, 15 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2016. Refined production was significantly lower than the previous quarter due to the processing of third party concentrate received in 2016, smelted and returned to customers in the first quarter of 2017.
Kennecott tolls third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 68 thousand tonnes of concentrate received in the first quarter of 2017. Tolled copper concentrate is excluded from reported production figures. 
Notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions in the quarter, the south wall pushback continues to progress. 
Escondida
Mined and refined copper production at Escondida in the first quarter was adversely impacted by a labour union strike for 43 days that commenced on 9 February and finished on 24 March. The current labour agreement has been extended for 18 months. It is expected that the operations will ramp-up to normal production levels by July 2017.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for the quarter was 34 per cent lower than the same period in 2016, with record quarterly mill throughput being offset by lower ore grades. 
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
Contractor mobilisation has continued to ramp up, with a workforce of over 2,210 on site, 85 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. 
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to the cash flow associated with 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
On 12 January 2017, the Government of Indonesia issued new mining regulations to address exports of unrefined metals, including copper concentrates, and other matters related to the mining sector. These regulations impact PT Freeport Indonesia's ('PT-FI') operating rights, including its right to continue to export concentrate without restriction, and, as a result, may have a significant impact on Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017. Rio Tinto's participation beyond 2021 is likely to be affected due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement between Rio Tinto and PT-FI.
In the absence of an export permit, PTFI has had to reduce production to around 40 per cent to match domestic smelting capacity. This has resulted in near-term actions to reduce its workforce, significantly reduce costs and reduce and/or suspend capital expenditure on its underground development projects and new smelter. PT-FI has indicated that it will consider legal action to enforce its contractual rights should it fail to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement with the Indonesian government.
As a consequence of the export ban, Rio Tinto is reporting its metal share for the first quarter as zero. Discussions are continuing between Freeport and the Indonesian government to reach a mutually satisfactory longer-term agreement. 
Diamonds
At Argyle, first quarter carat production was 11 per cent lower than the first quarter of 2016 due to lower ore volumes processed and recovered grade. 
At Diavik, carats recovered in the first quarter of 2017 were in line with the corresponding period in 2016 as lower ore throughput was offset by higher recovered grades. Development of the A21 pipe remains on schedule.
2017 guidance
In 2017, Rio Tinto's expected share of mined copper production has been revised to between 500 and 550 thousand tonnes (previously 525 to 665 thousand tonnes), as a result of industrial action at Escondida and the curtailment of production at Grasberg. Refined copper production guidance remains unchanged at 185 to 225 thousand tonnes. 
Diamond production guidance for 2017 remains unchanged at 19 to 24 million carats.
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production 

Q1 2017
vs Q1 2016
vs Q4 2016
Coal



Hard coking coal
1,583
-20%
-28%
Semi-soft coking coal
959
-18%
-1%
Thermal coal
4,222
+11%
-1%




Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes)



IOC
2.6
+7%
-6%




Minerals ('000 tonnes)



Borates - B2O3 content
123
-3%
+1%
Salt
852
-41%
-39%
Titanium dioxide slag
332
+35%
+11%




Uranium ('000 lbs)



Energy Resources of Australia
900
+1%
-1%
Rssing
673
-2%
-14%
Production from Bengalla in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.
Coal
Hard coking coal production in the quarter was 20 per cent below the first quarter of 2016 due to the timing of the longwall changeover at Kestrel as well as processing rates at Hail Creek. The damage to rail lines caused by Cyclone Debbie in Queensland is expected to impact the timing, and potentially volume, of shipments from Hail Creek over the course of the year. Kestrel, whilst impacted, is not expected to experience significant sales disruption. At this stage, guidance for coking coal remains unchanged.
First quarter semi-soft coking coal production was 18 per cent lower than the same quarter of 2016, reflecting mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) and Mount Thorley Warkworth. 
Thermal coal production was 11 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2016, as HVO benefited from higher productivity. 
On 24 January, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for its sale of Coal & Allied to Yancoal Australia for up to $2.45 billion. The sale is subject to certain conditions being satisfied, and is expected to complete in the second half of 2017. Yancoal announced receipt of FIRB approval on 13 April 2017.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC pellet production of 2.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.5 million tonnes) in the first quarter was 25 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2016, with pellet demand continuing to be strong and product mix being optimised to meet customer demand. Concentrate production of 1.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.1 million tonnes) was 11 per cent lower. 
The seven per cent improvement in total production led to sales of 4.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 2.6 million tonnes), a ten per cent improvement compared to the first quarter of 2016. 
Borates
Borates production in the quarter was three per cent lower than the first quarter of 2016, with production aligned to market demand
Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production in the first quarter was 35 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in 2016, reflecting improved market demand. Two of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) and one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals remained idle. The rebuild of a furnace at RTFT was completed in March 2017, with production expected in April 2017. Due to planned maintenance, RTFT expects to operate seven to eight furnaces during the year.
An explosion in one of the carbon monoxide gas service plants in Sorel-Tracy occurred on 30 March 2017. The immediate concern has been the safety and welfare of all employees on site and no physical injuries were sustained. The incident is not expected to have a material impact on full year production. 
Salt
Salt production in the first quarter was 41 per cent lower than the same period in 2016 due to above average rainfall at the Pilbara operations in Western Australia.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing stockpiles. First quarter production in 2017 was slightly higher than the corresponding period in 2016. 
Production at Rssing was two per cent lower than the first quarter in 2016 due to slightly lower grades and recoveries.
2017 guidance
In 2017, guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of production remains unchanged at 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, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent production, and 6.5 to 7.5 million pounds of uranium. Coal guidance may be adjusted depending on the timing of the completion of the Coal & Allied transaction. Production guidance for titanium dioxide slag has increased to between 1.2 and 1.3 million tonnes (previously 1.1 to 1.2 million tonnes).
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 2017 was $78 million, compared with $128 million in the same quarter of 2016. Approximately 58 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 27 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, eight 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 2017.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 14 countries across some eight commodities. 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
Potash: KP405, Canada
Uranium: Canada
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. 


Contacts
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Illtud Harri
T +44 20 7781 1152
M +44 7920 503 600
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David Luff
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Investor Relations, United Kingdom
John Smelt
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Nick Parkinson
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Media Relations, Australia
Ben Mitchell
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Investor Relations, Australia
Natalie Worley
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Rio Tinto plc
6 St James's Square
London SW1Y 4AD
United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England 
No. 719885
Rio Tinto Limited
120 Collins Street
Melbourne 3000
Australia 
T +61 3 9283 3333
Registered in Australia
ABN 96 004 458 404
Rio Tinto production summary
















Rio Tinto share of production




















Quarter

FullYear

%Change


2016
Q1
2016
Q4
2017
Q1

2016

Q117
vs
Q116
Q117
vs
Q416
PrincipalCommodities









Alumina
('000 t)
2,040
2,104
2,047

8,192

0%
-3%
Aluminium
('000 t)
875
915
889

3,600

2%
-3%
Bauxite
('000 t)
11,088
12,120
11,303

47,703

2%
-7%
Borates
('000 t)
127
121
123

503

-3%
1%
Coal - hard coking
('000 t)
1,982
2,187
1,583

8,141

-20%
-28%
Coal - semi-soft coking
('000 t)
1,175
969
959

4,102

-18%
-1%
Coal - thermal
('000 t)
3,805
4,254
4,222

16,727

11%
-1%
Copper - mined
('000 t)
132.9
133.8
84.2

523.3

-37%
-37%
Copper - refined
('000 t)
51.3
88.4
38.0

250.1

-26%
-57%
Diamonds
('000 cts)
4,522
4,574
4,152

17,953

-8%
-9%
Iron ore
('000 t)
67,371
73,633
66,226

281,321

-2%
-10%
Titanium dioxide slag
('000 t)
246
300
332

1,048

35%
11%
Uranium
('000 lbs)
1,581
1,690
1,573

6,342

0%
-7%
Other Metals & Minerals









Gold - mined
('000 oz)
83.7
85.1
65.8

293.5

-21%
-23%
Gold - refined
('000 oz)
29.8
40.6
51.1

135.4

71%
26%
Molybdenum
('000 t)
0.1
1.8
0.9

2.8

645%
-50%
Salt
('000 t)
1,438
1,386
852

5,180

-41%
-39%
Silver - mined
('000 oz)
938
1,239
946

4,210

1%
-24%
Silver - refined
('000 oz)
348
465
402

1,815

15%
-14%










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
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








ALUMINA







Production ('000 tonnes)







 Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
377
353
355
367
367
1,452
 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant
100%
25
29
29
31
31
115
 Queensland Alumina
80%
763
769
758
789
739
3,078
 So Luis (Alumar)
10%
90
93
92
96
89
371
 Yarwun
100%
785
823
747
821
819
3,176
Rio Tinto total alumina production

2,040
2,067
1,981
2,104
2,047
8,192








ALUMINIUM







Production ('000 tonnes)







 Australia - Bell Bay
100%
45
45
46
47
45
182
 Australia - Boyne Island
59%
86
86
87
87
80
346
 Australia - Tomago
52%
75
76
77
77
75
304
 Canada - six wholly owned
100%
375
398
404
405
394
1,582
 Canada - Alouette (Sept-les)
40%
61
61
61
61
60
244
 Canada - Bcancour
25%
28
27
29
28
28
111
 France - Dunkerque
100%
69
69
71
71
70
280
 Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)
100%
50
52
51
52
52
205
 New Zealand - Tiwai Point
79%
67
67
68
68
66
269
 Oman - Sohar
20%
19
19
19
19
19
77
Rio Tinto total aluminium production

875
899
911
915
889
3,600








BAUXITE







Production ('000 tonnes) (a)







 Gove
100%
2,214
2,186
2,521
2,169
2,388
9,091
 Porto Trombetas
12%
457
470
533
516
357
1,975
 Sangaredi
 (b)
1,892
1,857
1,726
1,735
1,665
7,210
 Weipa
100%
6,524
7,560
7,642
7,700
6,893
29,427
Rio Tinto total bauxite production

11,088
12,073
12,422
12,120
11,303
47,703


Rio Tinto share of production












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








BORATES







Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)







 Rio Tinto Borates - borates
100%
127
123
132
121
123
503








COAL - hard coking







Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)







 Hail Creek Coal (c)
82%
1,224
1,202
1,248
1,205
930
4,879
 Kestrel Coal (c)
80%
758
596
926
981
653
3,262
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

1,982
1,798
2,175
2,187
1,583
8,141








COAL - semi-soft coking







Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)







 Hunter Valley (d)
68%
677
440
842
581
541
2,540
 Mount Thorley (d)
80%
363
331
150
283
269
1,127
 Warkworth (d)
56%
135
121
75
106
149
436
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production

1,175
893
1,066
969
959
4,102








COAL - thermal







Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)







 Hail Creek Coal (c)
82%
895
661
787
746
874
3,089
 Hunter Valley (d)
68%
1,364
2,098
1,596
1,724
1,927
6,782
 Kestrel Coal (c)
80%
139
96
225
217
127
676
 Mount Thorley (d)
80%
549
252
606
828
450
2,235
 Warkworth (d)
56%
859
1,216
1,131
739
845
3,945
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

3,805
4,323
4,346
4,254
4,222
16,727


Rio Tinto share of production












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








COPPER







Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)







 Bingham Canyon
100%
34.2
37.2
36.2
45.1
44.3
152.7
 Escondida
30%
79.4
77.7
72.6
73.4
27.2
303.1
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
19.3
17.3
15.6
15.2
12.8
67.5
Rio Tinto total mine production

132.9
132.2
124.4
133.8
84.2
523.3
Refined production ('000 tonnes)







 Escondida
30%
25.4
25.6
21.2
21.5
8.2
93.6
 Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
25.8
24.6
39.1
67.0
29.8
156.5
Rio Tinto total refined production

51.3
50.2
60.2
88.4
38.0
250.1








DIAMONDS







Production ('000 carats)







 Argyle
100%
3,391
3,489
3,493
3,584
3,016
13,958
 Diavik
60%
1,131
948
927
989
1,136
3,995
Rio Tinto total diamond production

4,522
4,436
4,420
4,574
4,152
17,953








GOLD







Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)







 Bingham Canyon
100%
26.2
28.3
41.5
57.2
54.1
153.2
 Escondida
30%
9.4
10.8
8.3
11.3
3.4
39.8
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
48.1
23.3
12.5
16.6
8.3
100.5
Rio Tinto total mine production

83.7
62.4
62.3
85.1
65.8
293.5
Refined production ('000 ounces)







 Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
29.8
35.3
29.7
40.6
51.1
135.4


Rio Tinto share of production












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








IRON ORE







Production ('000 tonnes) (a)







 Hamersley mines
 (g)
48,468
50,284
52,302
54,848
48,664
205,902
 Hamersley - Channar
60%
1,523
1,432
1,764
1,119
1,635
5,839
 Hope Downs
50%
5,900
5,924
5,888
5,794
5,218
23,505
 Iron Ore Company of Canada
59%
2,419
2,573
2,925
2,743
2,579
10,661
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53%
4,450
4,221
4,208
4,493
3,809
17,371
 Robe River - West Angelas
53%
4,611
4,452
4,344
4,636
4,322
18,044
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

67,371
68,886
71,431
73,633
66,226
281,321
Breakdown of Production:







 Pilbara Blend Lump

18,732
18,628
19,957
20,443
19,207
77,761
 Pilbara Blend Fines

28,351
28,823
29,591
30,795
27,026
117,560
 Robe Valley Lump

1,573
1,440
1,484
1,625
1,453
6,122
 Robe Valley Fines

2,876
2,781
2,725
2,868
2,357
11,250
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,420
14,640
14,750
15,159
13,605
57,968
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

64,952
66,313
68,506
70,890
63,647
270,660
 IOC Concentrate

1,242
1,207
1,334
1,124
1,109
4,907
 IOC Pellets

1,178
1,366
1,591
1,618
1,470
5,754
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

2,419
2,573
2,925
2,743
2,579
10,661
Breakdown of Sales:







 Pilbara Blend Lump

15,291
17,552
17,014
18,071
16,033
67,929
 Pilbara Blend Fines

30,522
31,025
30,132
34,842
30,497
126,521
 Robe Valley Lump

1,272
1,276
1,346
1,502
1,176
5,397
 Robe Valley Fines

2,893
2,927
3,069
3,053
2,373
11,942
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

12,533
14,553
15,008
14,969
13,120
57,062
Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

62,512
67,333
66,569
72,437
63,199
268,851
 IOC Concentrate

1,210
1,261
1,281
1,148
1,193
4,899
 IOC Pellets

1,168
1,413
1,516
1,764
1,415
5,862
IOC iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

2,378
2,674
2,797
2,912
2,608
10,761
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

64,889
70,007
69,366
75,350
65,806
279,613


Rio Tinto share of production












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








MOLYBDENUM







Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)







 Bingham Canyon
100%
0.1
0.2
0.8
1.8
0.9
2.8








SALT







Production ('000 tonnes)







 Dampier Salt
68%
1,438
1,117
1,240
1,386
852
5,180








SILVER







Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)







 Bingham Canyon
100%
342
329
522
751
711
1,943
 Escondida
30%
463
562
369
397
163
1,791
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0
0
0
0
0
0
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
132
131
121
91
72
476
Rio Tinto total mine production

938
1,022
1,011
1,239
946
4,210
Refined production ('000 ounces)







 Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
348
587
415
465
402
1,815








TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG







Production ('000 tonnes)







 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (h)
100%
246
236
267
300
332
1,048








URANIUM







Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (i)







 Energy Resources of Australia
68%
894
738
1,004
908
900
3,544
 Rssing
69%
687
702
628
781
673
2,798
Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,581
1,439
1,633
1,690
1,573
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) 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.
(b) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(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) On 24 January 2017, Rio Tinto announced a binding agreement to sell Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA). This includes 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, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(e) 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.
(f) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
(g) 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.
(h) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(i) ERA and Rssing production reported are drummed U3O8.








The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 March 2017.














Rio Tinto's interest in the Lochaber aluminium smelter and Bengalla coal mine were sold in 2016. No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table.










Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








ALUMINA







Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group







Alumina production ('000 tonnes)







Australia







 Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland
80.0%
953
961
947
987
924
3,848
 Yarwun refinery - Queensland
100.0%
785
823
747
821
819
3,176
Brazil







 So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
903
931
916
957
895
3,707
Canada







 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
377
353
355
367
367
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%
25
29
29
31
31
115
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








ALUMINIUM







Primary Aluminium







Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)







Australia







 Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania
100.0%
45
45
46
47
45
182
 Boyne Island smelter - Queensland
59.4%
145
145
147
147
135
583
 Tomago smelter - New South Wales
51.6%
145
147
149
149
145
589
Canada







 Alma smelter - Quebec
100.0%
117
116
117
117
114
467
 Alouette (Sept-les) smelter - Quebec
40.0%
152
152
152
153
149
609
 Arvida smelter - Quebec
100.0%
43
43
43
43
41
172
 Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec
100.0%
15
15
15
15
15
60
 Bcancour smelter - Quebec
25.1%
113
108
114
110
112
445
 Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec
100.0%
56
56
58
58
57
227
 Kitimat smelter - British Columbia
100.0%
83
107
109
109
107
408
 Laterrire smelter - Quebec
100.0%
61
61
62
63
61
247
France







 Dunkerque smelter
100.0%
69
69
71
71
70
280
Iceland







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







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







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







 Lochaber smelter (a)
0.0%
12
12
12
10
-
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 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








BAUXITE







Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)







Australia







 Gove mine - Northern Territory
100.0%
2,214
2,186
2,521
2,169
2,388
9,091
 Weipa mine - Queensland
100.0%
6,524
7,560
7,642
7,700
6,893
29,427
Brazil







 Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
12.0%
3,805
3,920
4,441
4,296
2,974
16,462
Guinea







 Sangaredi mine (a)
23.0%
4,205
4,126
3,836
3,856
3,699
16,023








Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments







Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

11,153
11,683
12,743
11,996
11,605
47,575
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

6,768
7,101
8,093
7,345
6,927
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 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








BORATES







Rio Tinto Borates - borates
100.0%






US







 Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

127
123
132
121
123
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)

1,476
-
-
-
-
1,476
Hail Creek Coal mine
82.0%






Queensland







 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,492
1,466
1,522
1,470
1,134
5,950
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,091
806
960
910
1,065
3,767
Hunter Valley Operations (b)
67.6%






New South Wales







 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

964
651
1,245
859
800
3,720
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,911
3,104
2,361
2,550
2,851
9,925
Kestrel Coal mine
80.0%






Queensland







 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

948
745
1,158
1,227
816
4,077
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

173
120
281
271
159
846
Mount Thorley Operations (b)
80.0%






New South Wales







 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

466
414
187
353
337
1,420
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

742
315
758
1,035
562
2,850
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








COAL (continued)







Warkworth mine (b)
55.6%






New South Wales







 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

267
218
135
190
268
809
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,672
2,188
2,035
1,330
1,520
7,225
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

2,440
2,210
2,680
2,697
1,950
10,027
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

1,697
1,284
1,567
1,402
1,405
5,950
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

7,065
6,533
6,395
6,096
6,156
26,090
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

11,202
10,026
10,642
10,196
9,512
42,067








Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

11,047
10,357
10,129
10,241
8,792
41,773
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)







Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

2,099
1,879
2,332
2,395
1,524
8,704
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

1,122
1,075
904
1,043
765
4,144
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

4,287
4,260
3,958
3,979
3,946
16,484

(a) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 2016.
(b) On 24 January 2017, Rio Tinto announced a binding agreement to sell Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA). This includes 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, Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines was 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 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








COPPER & GOLD







Escondida
30.0%






Chile







Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

21,188
22,905
20,787
19,866
8,054
84,746
 Average copper grade (%)

0.99
0.94
0.87
1.02
1.01
0.96
Mill production (metals in concentrates):







 Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

175.8
181.7
153.2
168.6
67.7
679.3
 Contained gold ('000 ounces)

31
36
28
38
11
133
 Contained silver ('000 ounces)

1,544
1,874
1,229
1,323
543
5,971
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)

88.8
77.4
88.9
76.4
22.8
331.4
Refined production from leach plants:







 Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

84.8
85.3
70.5
71.5
27.2
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)

14,249
14,141
16,608
15,630
18,254
60,628
Average mill head grades:







 Copper (%)

0.69
0.84
1.02
1.08
1.05
0.91
 Gold (g/t)

0.53
0.48
0.69
0.97
1.08
0.68
 Silver (g/t)

2.23
2.88
3.45
3.67
2.95
3.09
Production of metals in concentrates:







 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

85.8
106.5
153.8
153.1
176.6
499.4
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

196
179
310
409
526
1,094
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

613
776
1,170
1,237
1,067
3,796
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)







 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

86.9
96.8
153.7
140.6
172.0
478.0
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

207
166
307
374
514
1,054
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

510
562
928
907
834
2,909

(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 1Q 2017 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for Q1 2017 until the release of its 2017 first-quarter results on 25 April 2017. The forecast did not include the impact of the export ban and strike at Gresik smelter.
(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 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








COPPER & GOLD (continued)







Rio Tinto Kennecott







Bingham Canyon mine
100.0%






Utah, US







Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

7,386
7,512
9,698
8,827
9,508
33,423
Average ore grade:







 Copper (%)

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

0.19
0.18
0.25
0.31
0.32
0.24
 Silver (g/t)

1.85
1.70
2.56
3.33
3.24
2.41
 Molybdenum (%)

0.015
0.023
0.031
0.040
0.025
0.028
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

153
152
154
190
189
648
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

22.4
24.5
23.4
23.8
23.3
23.5
Production of metals in copper concentrates:







 Copper ('000 tonnes) (a)

34.2
37.2
36.2
45.1
44.3
152.7
 Gold ('000 ounces)

26
28
41
57
54
153
 Silver ('000 ounces)

342
329
522
751
711
1,943
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

0.2
0.3
1.6
3.4
1.7
5.6
 Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

0.1
0.2
0.8
1.8
0.9
2.8

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






Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)

158
167
220
207
136
752
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)

32.0
33.1
56.1
42.7
33.7
163.8
Production of refined metal:







 Copper ('000 tonnes)

25.8
24.6
39.1
67.0
29.8
156.5
 Gold ('000 ounces) (b)

29.8
35.3
29.7
40.6
51.1
135.4
 Silver ('000 ounces) (b)

348
587
415
465
402
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 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








COPPER & GOLD (continued)







Turquoise Hill Resources







Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)
33.5%






Mongolia







Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

9,662
9,525
9,146
9,819
10,087
38,152
Average mill head grades:







 Copper (%)

0.70
0.64
0.66
0.61
0.51
0.65
 Gold (g/t)

0.63
0.33
0.21
0.25
0.15
0.36
 Silver (g/t)

1.92
1.92
1.99
1.50
1.30
1.83
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

229.5
207.1
203.2
206.7
176.0
846.6
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

25.1
24.9
22.9
22.0
21.6
23.8
Production of metals in concentrates:







 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

57.6
51.7
46.6
45.5
38.1
201.3
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

143.5
69.6
37.4
49.4
24.8
300.0
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

395
391
361
273
215
1,420
Sales of metals in concentrates:







 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

51.2
54.4
45.7
37.6
39.5
188.9
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

175
95
38
39
32
347
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

305
395
341
239
205
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 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








DIAMONDS







Argyle Diamonds
100.0%






Western Australia







 AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

1,151
1,314
1,349
1,283
1,144
5,097
 AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

3,391
3,489
3,493
3,584
3,016
13,958
Diavik Diamonds
60.0%






Northwest Territories, Canada







 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

557
535
582
539
531
2,214
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

1,885
1,579
1,545
1,649
1,894
6,658
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








IRON ORE







Rio Tinto Iron Ore







Western Australia







Pilbara Operations







Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)







 Hamersley mines
 (a)
48,468
50,284
52,302
54,848
48,664
205,902
 Hamersley - Channar
60.0%
2,539
2,386
2,941
1,866
2,725
9,731
 Hope Downs
50.0%
11,799
11,847
11,775
11,588
10,435
47,010
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53.0%
8,395
7,964
7,940
8,477
7,188
32,776
 Robe River - West Angelas
53.0%
8,700
8,400
8,196
8,748
8,154
34,044
Total production ('000 tonnes)

79,902
80,882
83,154
85,526
77,165
329,463
Breakdown of total production:







 Pilbara Blend Lump

23,355
23,180
24,478
24,902
23,618
95,915
 Pilbara Blend Fines

34,732
35,098
35,986
36,988
32,755
142,804
 Robe Valley Lump

2,969
2,717
2,799
3,066
2,741
11,551
 Robe Valley Fines

5,427
5,248
5,141
5,411
4,446
21,226
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,420
14,640
14,750
15,159
13,605
57,968
Breakdown of total sales:







 Pilbara Blend Lump

19,149
20,914
20,377
21,943
20,161
82,383
 Pilbara Blend Fines

37,199
38,807
37,200
42,225
36,679
155,431
 Robe Valley Lump

2,400
2,408
2,540
2,835
2,218
10,183
 Robe Valley Fines

5,459
5,523
5,790
5,761
4,476
22,533
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

12,533
14,553
15,008
14,969
13,120
57,062
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

76,739
82,205
80,916
87,732
76,655
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)

2,114
2,056
2,272
1,915
1,889
8,357
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,006
2,326
2,710
2,756
2,504
9,798
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes)

4,120
4,382
4,982
4,671
4,392
18,155
Sales:







 Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

2,060
2,147
2,182
1,955
2,031
8,344
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

1,990
2,407
2,582
3,004
2,409
9,983
IOC Total sales ('000 tonnes)

4,049
4,554
4,764
4,960
4,441
18,326
Global Iron Ore Totals







Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

84,022
85,265
88,136
90,196
81,558
347,619
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

80,789
86,759
85,679
92,692
81,096
345,918
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data












RioTinto
interest
1Q
2016
2Q
2016
3Q
2016
4Q
2016
1Q
2017
FullYear
2016








SALT







Dampier Salt
68.4%






Western Australia







 Salt production ('000 tonnes)

2,103
1,634
1,813
2,028
1,246
7,578








TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG







Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
100.0%






Canada and South Africa







 (Rio Tinto share) (a)







 Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)

246
236
267
300
332
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)

1,307
1,078
1,468
1,328
1,316
5,182

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






Namibia







 U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

1,001
1,023
916
1,138
981
4,078








Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2017. 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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