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

Rio TintoAnnouncement

28/01/2015 01:36

RNS Number : 5763C
Rio Tinto PLC
20 January 2015
Rio Tinto releases robust fourth quarter production performance
20 January 2015 
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "We have had a successful year of production, capped off with a robust fourth quarter. Output is in line with our targets across all of our major products. In a challenging market Rio Tinto remains focused on operating and commercial excellence to leverage our low-cost position and maximise value for shareholders."


Q4'14
vs Q4'13
vs Q3'14
2014
vs 2013
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis)
Mt
82.2
+13%
+5%
302.6
+17%
Global iron ore production (100% basis)
Mt
79.1
+12%
+3%
295.4
+11%
Mined copper
kt
128.3
-23%
-15%
603.1
+4%
Bauxite
kt
10,794
-6%
-1%
41,871
-3%
Aluminium 
kt
842
-1%
-1%
3,361
-1%
Hard coking coal
kt
1,656
-31%
-14%
7,471
-9%
Semi-soft and thermal coal
kt
5,502
-16%
-10%
25,099
-6%
Titanium dioxide feedstock 
kt
316
-12%
-13%
1,443
-11%
Highlights
 Global iron ore shipments of 302.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 239.9 million tonnes) were 17 per cent higher than 2013 and production of 295.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 233.6 million tonnes) was an 11 per cent increase year on year. Rio Tinto's share of production in the period was 12 per cent higher than in 2013. 
 Mined copper production for the year was four per cent higher than last year, driven by the sustained ramp-up at Oyu Tolgoi. This ramp-up, along with higher grades at both Oyu Tolgoi and Kennecott, resulted in a 69 per cent increase in mined gold production over 2013.
 Global bauxite production was temporarily reduced by three per cent in 2014 as Gove transitions to bauxite exports following the curtailment of the refinery in May 2014. 
 Aluminium production in 2014 was broadly in line with 2013, despite the closure of Shawinigan in November 2013 and the partial shutdown at Kitimat, which continues to prepare for full commissioning of the modernised smelter during the first half of 2015. Eight smelters, representing 54 per cent of 2014 production volumes, achieved annual production records.
 Significant productivity gains across the Australian coal business delivered annual site production records at Hail Creek in Queensland, Hunter Valley Operations and Bengalla. Excluding production from the Clermont mine which was divested during the year, thermal coal production increased by 15 per cent (2.5 million tonnes) in 2014 compared to 2013.
All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated.To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2013 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2014 remain in comparisons.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

Q4 2014
vs Q4 2013
vs Q3 2014
2014
vs 2013
Pilbara Blend Lump
16.1
+18%
+7%
58.9
+13%
Pilbara Blend Fines
25.2
+23%
+2%
92.2
+21%
Robe Valley Lump
1.6
-2%
-2%
6.1
+4%
Robe Valley Fines
3.0
+2%
-7%
12.2
+4%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
15.1
+5%
+11%
55.5
+3%
IOC (pellets and concentrate)
2.2
-3%
-2%
8.7
-4%
Pilbara operations
2014 production of 280.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 224.9 million tonnes) was 12 per cent higher than the same period in 2013 and set a new annual record, driven by the early completion of the 290 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a) expansion project in the first half and increased mined production. Almost 90 per cent of the additional 30 million tonnes produced in 2014 has gone directly into the premium Pilbara Blend, the industry reference for the 62 per cent Fe market.
Pilbara sales
Record sales of 288.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 231.5 million tonnes) in 2014 were 18 per cent higher than in 2013. Sales in 2014 exceeded production by around eight million tonnes due to the drawdown of stockpiled iron ore inventory built at Pilbara mine sites in previous years to facilitate an accelerated ramp-up of the expanded port and rail facilities to 290 Mt/a.
Approximately 25 per cent of sales in 2014 were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder were priced either on the current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market.
Around 55 per cent of 2014 sales were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Achieved average pricing in 2014 was $84.3 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis.
Pilbara expansion
Infrastructure for the 360 Mt/a expansion is around 80 per cent complete, with all major rail, marine and wharf works in place and completion of this infrastructure remains on track for delivery by the end of the first half of 2015. 
As previously announced, approximately 40 Mt/a of brownfield expansions are underway to feed the expanded infrastructure capacity at an average mine production capital intensity of around $9 per tonne. As a result, production from the Pilbara is expected to be 330 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in 2015.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
2014 pellet production was two per cent higher than in 2013 due to operational efficiency improvements achieved at the pellet plant. The prioritisation of pellet production during the year partially accounts for the 11 per cent lower saleable concentrate production in 2014 against 2013, with the remaining reduction driven by the unusually cold winter experienced in North America in the first quarter and ore quality issues experienced in the fourth quarter. 
The unusually cold winter impacted sales during the first half of 2014 and reduced full year sales by three per cent compared to 2013.
2014 shipping and production versus guidance
Both shipments and production in 2014 were in line with Rio Tinto's global guidance of 300 million tonnes and 295 million tonnes, respectively (both on a 100 per cent basis). 
COPPER
Rio Tinto share of production 

Q4 2014
vs Q4 2013
vs Q3 2014
2014
vs 2013
Kennecott Utah Copper





Mined copper (000 tonnes)
20.5
-68%
-61%
204.3
-3%
Refined copper (000 tonnes)
18.3
-68%
-71%
204.1
+5%
Molybdenum (000 tonnes)
2.6
+39%
-54%
11.5
+100%
Mined gold (000 oz)
33.2
-55%
-62%
260.2
+26%
Refined gold (000 oz)
51.1
+7%
-36%
252.2
+31%
Escondida





Mined copper (000 tonnes)
88.9
+6%
+5%
341.3
+1%
Refined copper (000 tonnes)
22.5
-3%
+8%
90.5
-1%
Grasberg





Mined copper (000 tonnes)
2.1
-67%
-16%
7.7
+22%
Mined gold (000 oz)
0.7
N/A
-9%
2.3
N/A
Oyu Tolgoi





Mined copper (000 tonnes)
16.9
+53%
+37%
49.8
+94%
Mined gold (000 oz)
93.2
+278%
+111%
197.3
+275%
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper production for 2014 was comparable to 2013 but was lower in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter and fourth quarter of 2013, principally due to lower grade and throughput as mine production was aligned to smelter requirements during its planned shutdown. Mined gold for the year was 26 per cent higher than 2013 principally due to higher grades. Mined molybdenum for the year was 100 per cent higher than 2013 due to higher grades and improved recovery rates.
2014 refined production was five per cent higher than in 2013 despite the planned 65-day smelter shutdown that started in September and was completed during the fourth quarter.
Escondida
Increased mill throughputduring the year and increased ore stacked for leaching resulted in copper production being in line with2013, despite lower grades. Sulphide ore delivered to the concentrator during the fourth quarter was lower than expected, primarily as a result of process water restrictions. 
Oyu Tolgoi / Turquoise Hill Resources
2014 production was 148.4 thousand tonnes of copper and 588.7 thousand ounces of gold in concentrates (Rio Tinto share 49.8 thousand tonnes and 197.3 thousand ounces, respectively). These increases in production compared to 2013 (94 per cent and 275 per cent, respectively) were due to higher copper and gold grades, higher throughput and a full year of production. 
The fire experienced in one of Oyu Tolgoi's four cyclone packs in December had a limited impact and the concentrator returned to full production on 3 January 2015.
Customer collections of concentrate from the Chinese bonded warehouse continued to exceed production in the fourth quarter. Sales in 2014 of 185.8 thousand tonnes of copper and 561.0 thousand ounces of gold in concentrates (100 per cent basis) resulted in product inventories returning to normal levels. 
Grasberg
Based on the latest available forecast from Freeport-McMoran, approximately 7.7 thousand tonnes of copper and 2.3 thousand ounces of gold production in 2014 has been attributed to Rio Tinto. Freeport-McMoran is expected to announce its full year results on 27 January 2015.
Provisional pricing
At 31 December 2014, the Group had an estimated 423 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 287 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the first half of 2015. This compares with 254 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2013, provisionally priced at 333 cents per pound. 
2014 production versus guidance
Mined and refined copper production was broadly in line with upgraded guidance of approximately 615,000 tonnes and 300,000 tonnes, respectively. This was achieved notwithstanding lower than expected production from Escondida and the fire experienced at Oyu Tolgoi in the fourth quarter.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)

Q4 2014
vs Q4 2013
vs Q3 2014
2014
vs 2013
Rio Tinto Aluminium





Bauxite
10,794
-6%
-1%
41,871
-3%
Alumina
1,931
+1%
+3%
7,458
+6%
Aluminium
842
-1%
-1%
3,361
-1%
Other operations





Gove alumina refinery
0
-100%
N/A
676
-70%
Bauxite
In 2014, the Weipa mine in Australia delivered another strong performance, comparable to that achieved in 2013 and the Sangaredi mine in Guinea achieved record bauxite production. Gove shifted to bauxite exports following the curtailment of the refinery in May 2014. Exports from the Gove mine are currently infrastructure-constrained at around six million tonnes per annum but are expected to ramp up towards an eight million tonnes per annum run-rate in 2015, as these constraints are addressed. As a result, 2014 global bauxite production was marginally lower than 2013. 
Third party bauxite sales increased four per cent during 2014 to 23.3 million tonnes (2013: 22.4 million tonnes).
Alumina
Excluding the Gove refinery, alumina production in 2014 was up by six per cent compared with 2013 reflecting stronger production across all refineries, specifically Yarwun which continued to ramp up. As a result of productivity improvements, three of the four refineries achieved production records in 2014. 
The curtailment of the alumina refinery at Gove was completed in May 2014. It remains on care and maintenance. 
Aluminium
Aluminium production in 2014 was broadly in line with 2013, with production from the new AP60 plant and capacity creep across the smelter portfolio offsetting the closure of Shawinigan in November 2013 and the partial shutdown at Kitimat as preparations are made to commission the modernised smelter which is on track for the first half of 2015. Eight smelters, representing 54 per cent of 2014 production volumes, achieved annual production records.
In 2014, the Aluminium group sold its joint venture interests in the SRAL smelter in Norway in October and the Alucam smelter in Cameroon in December.
Achieved average realised aluminium pricing in 2014 of $2,395 per tonne compared with $2,249 per tonne in 2013.
2014 production versus guidance
Rio Tinto's share of bauxite, alumina and aluminium production for 2014 was in line with production guidance of 41 million tonnes, 7.4 million tonnes and 3.4 million tonnes, respectively.
ENERGY
Coal
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)

Q4 2014
vs Q4 2013
vs Q3 2014
2014
vs 2013
Rio Tinto Coal Australia





Hard coking coal
1,639
-28%
-8%
7,054
-8%
Semi-soft coking coal
728
-21%
+13%
3,213
-17%
Thermal coal
4,759
-13%
-11%
21,501
-4%






Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique





Hard coking coal
17
-89%
-89%
416
-26%
Thermal coal
15
-88%
-90%
385
-21%
Significant productivity gains across the Australian coal business delivered annual site production records at Hail Creek in Queensland, Hunter Valley Operations and Bengalla. Excluding production from Clermont which was divested during the year, thermal coal production increased by 15 per cent (2.5 million tonnes) in 2014 compared to 2013.
Semi-soft production was 17 per cent lower in 2014 compared to 2013, reflecting operational flexibility to adjust the production mix in the Hunter Valley and maximise margins.
Full year hard coking coal production was eight per cent lower than 2013. This was due to Hail Creek prioritising the production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream to deliver increased margins in the current price environment, and Kestrel ramping up the new South longwall following the completion of mining at Kestrel North in the first quarter of 2014. 
On 8 October 2014, Rio Tinto announced the completion of the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique.
Uranium
Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs)

Q4 2014
vs Q4 2013
vs Q3 2014
2014
vs 2013
Energy Resources of Australia
904
+19%
+6%
1,757
-61%
Rssing 
618
-16%
+1%
2,333
-36%
At Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) processing operations were suspended until June 2014 following the failure of a leach tank in December 2013, which resulted in 61 per cent lower production during the year.
Production in 2014 at Rssing was 36 per cent lower than 2013, largely as a result of operational changes made in response to current market conditions. 
2014 production versus guidance
Rio Tinto's share of Australian thermal coal production came in at 19.1 million tonnes, six per cent higher than the 2014 guidance of 18.0 million tonnes (excluding production from the Clermont mine prior to divestment). Australian hard coking coal production was in line with the 7.0 million tonnes guidance given in the third quarter. Semi-soft production came in seven per cent ahead of 2014 guidance of 3.0 million tonnes. 
Rio Tinto's share of uranium production from Rssing and ERA in 2014 was five per cent below the lower end of the guidance range of 4.3 million pounds. 
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production 

Q4 2014
vs Q4 2013
vs Q3 2014
2014
vs 2013
Diamonds(000 carats)





Argyle
1,813
-43%
-26%
9,188
-19%
Diavik
927
-25%
-8%
4,340
0%
Murowa
101
-4%
+12%
344
+7%






Minerals (000 tonnes)





Borates - B2O3 content
123
+1%
-3%
508
+3%
Titanium dioxide feedstock
316
-12%
-13%
1,443
-11%






Salt (000 tonnes)
1,852
-2%
+18%
6,793
+1%
Diamonds
At Argyle, carats recovered during the year were 19 per cent lower than in 2013, reflecting the move from open pit to underground mining and the processing of lower grades as underground production ramped up. In addition, a maintenance shutdown took place during the fourth quarter to implement some improved design modifications to both underground crushers. 
Diavik's production was in line with 2013, with improved mining rates and processing plant improvements offset by the impact of lower grades. Carats recovered in the fourth quarter were significantly lower than in the previous year as improved processing rates have now fully exhausted the stockpiled ore which was processed in prior quarters.
Carats recovered at Murowa were seven per cent higher than in 2013 due to increased ore processed.
Minerals
2014 borates production was three per cent higher than in 2013 in response to higher sales demand and the commissioning of the new modified direct dissolving of kernite (MDDK) process plant during the year.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide feedstock production was 11 per cent lower than in 2013 as production continued to be optimised to align with market demand.
Salt
Salt production was broadly in line with 2013.
2014 production versus guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production of titanium dioxide feedstocks came in below 2014 guidance of 1.5 million tonnes as production was further optimised to align to market demand. Carats recovered were lower than the 15 million carats guidance given in the third quarter reflecting the maintenance shutdown at Argyle. Borates production came in just above 2014 guidance of 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in 2014 was $765 million compared with $948 million in 2013, building on the savings achieved in 2013 whilst progressing the highest priority projects. 
In 2014, approximately 33 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by the Copper Group, five per cent by Iron Ore, 18 per cent by Energy, 15 per cent by Diamonds and Minerals, one per cent by Aluminium and the balance by central exploration. 
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in 2014 or 2013.
Exploration highlights
Iron Ore
In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the planned drilling programme was completed. In Botswana, a drilling programme was also completed together with ground geophysical surveying.
Copper
In the United States, field mapping, sampling and drilling was completed across copper projects in Utah, Arizona and Montana. In South America, field reconnaissance, geophysical surveying and drilling occurred across projects in Chile and Peru. In Zambia, mapping continued and drilling was completed. In Uzbekistan, drilling and geophysical surveying was completed. Regional reconnaissance mapping continued in Russia. CRTX, the Chinalco Rio Tinto Exploration Joint Venture, completed geophysical surveys and drilling in China.
Nickel
In the United States and Canada, field mapping, geophysics and drilling continued targeting nickel sulphides.
Bauxite
In the Weipa orbit (Australia), drilling was completed across several areas. In Brazil, field mapping continued and drilling was completed across several targets. Interpretation of bulk sample results continues and auger sampling has recommenced in Laos.
Coal
In the Bowen Basin (Australia), field activities included mapping, ground geophysics and drilling were completed for the year.
Uranium
In the Athabasca Basin (Canada), interpretation and geological modelling of existing data continued. In the United States, drilling was completed on several targets in Wyoming.
Diamonds
In India, drilling continued on a number of targets. In Canada, data review and sampling of several targets was completed.
Heavy Mineral Sands
In Gabon, target generation activities were concluded for the year over heavy mineral sands target areas.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group
Greenfield 
programmes
Advanced
projects
Evaluation
projects
Aluminium
Australia, Brazil, Laos
Amargosa orbit, Brazil
South of Embley and Cape York, Australia; Amargosa, Brazil
Copper
Copper: Australia, US, Chile, Peru, Zambia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China
Nickel: Canada
Nickel: Tamarack, US
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US
Copper: La Granja, Peru
Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia 
Diamonds & Minerals
Diamonds: India, Canada
Heavy mineral sands: Gabon

Diamonds: Diavik, Canada; Bunder, India
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia
Heavy mineral sands: Zulti South, South Africa; Mutamba, Mozambique
Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea 
Potash: Canada
Energy
Uranium: Canada, US, Australia
Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley Australia
Coal: Mt Pleasant, Hail Creek, Australia
Uranium: Ranger 3 Deeps, Australia: Roughrider, Canada
Iron Ore
Botswana
Pilbara, Australia
Pilbara, Australia
Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including: Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay, Oyu Tolgoi, Weipa, Gove and Kennecott.


Contacts
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Investor Relations, EMEA/Americas
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Media Relations, Australia/Asia
Ben Mitchell
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Investor Relations, Australia/Asia
Rachel Storrs
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United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England 
No. 719885
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Melbourne 3000
Australia 
T +61 3 9283 3333
Registered in Australia
ABN 96 004 458 404


Rio Tinto production summary




















Rio Tinto share of production























Quarter

Full Year

% Change


2013
Q4
2014
Q3
2014
Q4

2013
2014

Q414
vs
Q413
Q414
vs
Q314
2014
vs
2013
Principal Commodities











Alumina
('000 t)
2,582
1,877
1,931

9,307
8,134

-25%
3%
-13%
Aluminium
('000 t)
853
848
842

3,383
3,361

-1%
-1%
-1%
Bauxite
('000 t)
11,432
10,889
10,794

43,204
41,871

-6%
-1%
-3%
Borates
('000 t)
121
127
123

495
508

1%
-3%
3%
Coal - hard coking
('000 t)
2,410
1,927
1,656

8,214
7,471

-31%
-14%
-9%
Coal - semi-soft coking
('000 t)
922
645
728

3,859
3,213

-21%
13%
-17%
Coal - thermal
('000 t)
5,624
5,496
4,773

22,975
21,886

-15%
-13%
-5%
Copper - mined
('000 t)
165.6
151.8
128.3

579.4
603.1

-23%
-15%
4%
Copper - refined
('000 t)
81.0
83.5
40.7

285.2
294.6

-50%
-51%
3%
Diamonds
('000 cts)
4,498
3,549
2,841

16,027
13,872

-37%
-20%
-13%
Iron ore
('000 t)
55,510
60,450
63,239

208,966
233,557

14%
5%
12%
Titanium dioxide feedstock
('000 t)
361
365
316

1,622
1,443

-12%
-13%
-11%
Uranium
('000 lbs)
1,493
1,467
1,523

8,105
4,089

2%
4%
-50%
Other Metals & Minerals











Gold - mined
('000 oz)
105.7
138.4
131.0

288.0
486.8

24%
-5%
69%
Gold - refined
('000 oz)
47.8
79.3
51.1

192.3
252.2

7%
-36%
31%
Molybdenum
('000 t)
1.8
5.6
2.6

5.7
11.5

39%
-54%
100%
Salt
('000 t)
1,886
1,567
1,852

6,728
6,793

-2%
18%
1%
Silver - mined
('000 oz)
1,337
1,390
740

4,250
4,699

-45%
-47%
11%
Silver - refined
('000 oz)
633
759
636

2,158
2,811

1%
-16%
30%












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 full year figures.


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









ALUMINA








Production ('000 tonnes)








Rio Tinto Alcan








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
378
360
352
358
373
1,439
1,444
 Queensland Alumina
80%
722
697
668
741
748
2,707
2,854
 So Luis (Alumar)
10%
91
88
87
94
95
343
364
 Yarwun
100%
696
683
661
656
687
2,446
2,688
 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant
100%
23
26
27
28
27
103
108
Rio Tinto Alcan total

1,909
1,856
1,795
1,877
1,931
7,037
7,458
Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a)
100%
673
537
139
0
0
2,270
676
Rio Tinto total alumina production

2,582
2,392
1,934
1,877
1,931
9,307
8,134









ALUMINIUM








Production ('000 tonnes)








Rio Tinto Alcan








 Australia - Bell Bay
100%
47
46
47
48
48
187
188
 Australia - Boyne Island
59%
83
76
81
85
86
333
328
 Australia - Tomago
52%
72
70
71
73
74
281
289
 Cameroon - Alucam (Eda) (b)
0%
11
11
11
11
10
35
43
 Canada - seven wholly owned (c) (d)
100%
331
322
320
320
317
1,333
1,279
 Canada - Alouette (Sept-les)
40%
59
58
58
58
59
233
233
 Canada - Bcancour
25%
27
28
28
28
28
109
112
 France - Dunquerque
100%
68
67
67
68
68
258
270
 Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)
100%
49
50
52
51
52
197
206
 New Zealand - Tiwai Point
79%
66
64
65
65
65
257
260
 Norway - SRAL (Husnes) (e)
0%
12
11
11
12
4
45
38
 Oman - Sohar
20%
17
18
18
18
19
71
73
 UK - Lochaber
100%
11
10
10
10
11
44
42
Rio Tinto total aluminium production

853
832
839
848
842
3,383
3,361









BAUXITE








Production ('000 tonnes) (f)








Rio Tinto Alcan








 Gove
100%
2,271
1,804
1,426
1,725
1,574
8,029
6,528
 Porto Trombetas
12%
525
438
470
501
556
1,887
1,965
 Sangaredi
 (g)
1,848
1,686
1,885
1,819
1,721
6,947
7,111
 Weipa
100%
6,787
6,116
6,363
6,844
6,944
26,341
26,266
Rio Tinto total bauxite production

11,432
10,044
10,144
10,889
10,794
43,204
41,871


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
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2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
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2013
FullYear
2014









BORATES








Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)








 Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100%
121
126
133
127
123
495
508









COAL - hard coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hail Creek Coal
82%
1,536
1,190
1,338
1,277
1,520
5,608
5,324
 Kestrel Coal
80%
726
625
490
497
119
2,043
1,730
Total Rio Tinto Coal Australia hard coking coal

2,262
1,814
1,828
1,773
1,639
7,651
7,054
Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique








 Benga (h)
0%
148
59
187
153
17
564
416
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

2,410
1,874
2,015
1,927
1,656
8,214
7,471









COAL - semi-soft coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hunter Valley
80%
527
431
385
292
440
2,107
1,548
 Mount Thorley
64%
305
355
365
317
213
1,182
1,250
 Warkworth
44%
90
151
153
36
76
569
415
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production

922
936
903
645
728
3,859
3,213









COAL - thermal








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Bengalla
32%
638
758
654
667
660
2,634
2,739
 Clermont (i)
0%
1,496
1,286
1,135
-
-
5,903
2,421
 Hail Creek Coal (j)
82%
136
320
344
702
524
157
1,890
 Hunter Valley
80%
2,026
2,350
2,183
2,732
2,275
8,802
9,539
 Kestrel Coal
80%
60
70
87
45
249
371
451
 Mount Thorley
64%
350
382
425
499
128
1,508
1,434
 Warkworth
44%
791
641
753
711
923
3,110
3,027
Total Rio Tinto Coal Australia thermal coal

5,497
5,806
5,581
5,355
4,759
22,485
21,501
Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique








 Benga (h)
0%
127
54
176
141
15
490
385
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

5,624
5,860
5,758
5,496
4,773
22,975
21,886


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
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2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
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2013
FullYear
2014









COPPER








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (f)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
64.5
69.2
61.9
52.8
20.5
211.0
204.3
 Escondida
30%
83.8
78.8
89.4
84.2
88.9
336.5
341.3
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (k)
40%
6.3
1.7
1.5
2.5
2.1
6.3
7.7
 Oyu Tolgoi (l)
34%
11.0
8.5
12.1
12.3
16.9
25.7
49.8
Rio Tinto total mine production

165.6
158.2
164.8
151.8
128.3
579.4
603.1
Refined production ('000 tonnes)








 Escondida
30%
23.2
22.7
24.5
20.8
22.5
91.6
90.5
 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
57.7
53.1
70.1
62.7
18.3
193.6
204.1
Rio Tinto total refined production

81.0
75.8
94.6
83.5
40.7
285.2
294.6









DIAMONDS








Production ('000 carats)








 Argyle
100%
3,153
2,461
2,459
2,455
1,813
11,359
9,188
 Diavik
60%
1,240
1,119
1,290
1,004
927
4,346
4,340
 Murowa
78%
105
69
83
90
101
322
344
Rio Tinto total diamond production

4,498
3,650
3,832
3,549
2,841
16,027
13,872









GOLD








Mine production ('000 ounces) (f)








 Barneys Canyon
100%
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.4
 Bingham Canyon
100%
73.8
63.3
76.6
86.7
33.2
206.7
259.8
 Escondida
30%
7.3
8.6
8.0
6.6
3.8
28.3
27.0
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (k)
40%
0.0
0.4
0.3
0.8
0.7
0.0
2.3
 Oyu Tolgoi (l)
34%
24.7
22.0
37.9
44.2
93.2
52.6
197.3
Rio Tinto total mine production

105.7
94.2
123.2
138.4
131.0
288.0
486.8
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
47.8
62.0
59.8
79.3
51.1
192.3
252.2


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
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2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









IRON ORE








Production ('000 tonnes) (f)








 Hamersley mines
 (m)
38,381
36,345
39,742
41,837
45,239
143,347
163,163
 Hamersley - Channar
60%
1,615
1,642
1,642
1,763
1,501
6,628
6,548
 Hope Downs
50%
4,556
4,779
5,094
5,646
5,839
16,894
21,358
 Iron Ore Company of Canada
59%
2,321
1,764
2,365
2,299
2,247
9,024
8,676
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53%
4,591
4,329
4,530
4,846
4,599
17,654
18,304
 Robe River - West Angelas
53%
4,046
3,479
4,158
4,058
3,815
15,419
15,510
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

55,510
52,339
57,530
60,450
63,239
208,966
233,557
Breakdown of Production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

13,665
13,251
14,541
14,986
16,103
52,148
58,881
 Pilbara Blend Fines

20,480
19,615
22,669
24,721
25,185
76,470
92,191
 Robe Valley Lump

1,631
1,413
1,518
1,617
1,591
5,928
6,138
 Robe Valley Fines

2,960
2,916
3,012
3,229
3,008
11,726
12,165
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,453
13,379
13,425
13,597
15,105
53,670
55,507
 IOC Concentrate

1,057
629
1,130
936
845
3,988
3,539
 IOC Pellets

1,264
1,136
1,235
1,364
1,402
5,036
5,137
Breakdown of Sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

12,471
11,636
12,066
13,730
13,778
43,748
51,210
 Pilbara Blend Fines

22,648
21,925
26,596
26,496
30,627
78,124
105,643
 Robe Valley Lump

1,641
1,200
1,465
1,405
1,435
5,242
5,505
 Robe Valley Fines

4,024
2,878
3,311
3,246
3,453
12,811
12,888
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,504
13,732
13,712
14,198
14,628
53,969
56,270
 IOC Concentrate

899
372
1,118
1,343
732
3,638
3,565
 IOC Pellets

1,212
1,102
1,134
1,172
1,410
5,040
4,818
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

57,398
52,844
59,402
61,590
66,063
202,572
239,900


Rio Tinto share of production














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
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2Q
2014
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2014
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2014
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2013
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2014









MOLYBDENUM








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (f)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
1.8
0.9
2.5
5.6
2.6
5.7
11.5









SALT








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Dampier Salt
68%
1,886
1,586
1,788
1,567
1,852
6,728
6,793









SILVER








Mine production ('000 ounces) (f)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
930
744
864
970
356
2,876
2,935
 Escondida
30%
337
398
432
348
288
1,210
1,465
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (k)
40%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
 Oyu Tolgoi (l)
34%
70
54
77
72
96
164
299
Rio Tinto total mine production

1,337
1,197
1,372
1,390
740
4,250
4,699
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
633
598
818
759
636
2,158
2,811









TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (n)
100%
361
389
372
365
316
1,622
1,443









URANIUM








Production ('000 lbs U3O8)








 Energy Resources of Australia (o)
68%
758
0
0
853
904
4,462
1,757
 Rssing
69%
735
644
455
615
618
3,643
2,333
Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,493
644
455
1,467
1,523
8,105
4,089









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.
Production data notes:
(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 46.7% interest in the Alucam (Eda) smelter with an effective date of 31 December 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(c) The Shawinigan smelter ceased production on 29 November 2013.
(d) Rio Tinto started production at the Arvida AP60 Technology Centre in the fourth quarter of 2013.
(e) Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the SRAL (Husnes) smelter with an effective date of 31 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(f) 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. 
(g) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(h) Rio Tinto completed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique and its 65% interest in the Benga mine with an effective date of 7 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(i) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(j) Hail Creek commenced production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream following completion of a successful trial in the third quarter of 2013.
(k) 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.
(l) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. Production included in the table is from 1 May 2013.
(m) 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.
(n) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(o) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.









The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 December 2014.
















Rio Tinto's interest in the Northparkes and Palabora mines and the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Sebree smelters were sold in 2013. No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
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2014
3Q
2014
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2014
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2014









ALUMINIUM








Rio Tinto Alcan - Bauxite








Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Gove mine - Northern Territory
100.0%
2,271
1,804
1,426
1,725
1,574
8,029
6,528
 Weipa mine - Queensland
100.0%
6,787
6,116
6,363
6,844
6,944
26,341
26,266
Brazil








 Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
12.0%
4,376
3,649
3,918
4,177
4,633
15,729
16,376
Guinea








 Sangaredi mine (a)
23.0%
4,107
3,747
4,189
4,043
3,823
15,437
15,803









Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipments








Share of bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

11,268
9,829
10,065
10,671
10,851
42,962
41,417

(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
Rio Tinto Alcan - Smelter Grade Alumina








Alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland
80.0%
903
872
835
926
935
3,384
3,568
 Yarwun refinery - Queensland
100.0%
696
683
661
656
687
2,446
2,688
Brazil








 So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
908
882
865
938
953
3,425
3,639
Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
378
360
352
358
373
1,439
1,444

(a) Jonquire's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data





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interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
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2013
FullYear
2014









ALUMINIUM (continued)








Rio Tinto Alcan - Specialty Alumina








Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec
100.0%
23
26
27
28
27
103
108
Rio Tinto Alcan - Primary Aluminium








Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania
100.0%
47
46
47
48
48
187
188
 Boyne Island smelter - Queensland
59.4%
139
129
136
143
145
561
553
 Tomago smelter - New South Wales
51.6%
139
136
139
142
144
545
561
Cameroon








 Alucam (Eda) smelter (a)
0.0%
24
24
23
24
22
75
93
Canada








 Alma smelter - Quebec
100.0%
113
112
111
116
116
440
455
 Alouette (Sept-les) smelter - Quebec
40.0%
147
144
145
146
147
582
583
 Arvida smelter - Quebec
100.0%
43
42
43
44
44
175
173
 Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec (b)
100.0%
9
14
15
15
15
9
59
 Bcancour smelter - Quebec
25.1%
109
111
111
110
114
435
446
 Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec
100.0%
56
56
55
55
55
224
222
 Kitimat smelter - British Columbia
100.0%
40
38
35
28
24
172
125
 Laterrire smelter - Quebec
100.0%
61
60
61
62
62
239
244
 Shawinigan smelter - Quebec (c)
100.0%
7
-
-
-
-
74
-
France








 Dunkerque smelter
100.0%
68
67
67
68
68
258
270
 Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne smelter (d)
0.0%
16
-
-
-
-
85
-
Iceland








 ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter
100.0%
49
50
52
51
52
197
206
New Zealand








 Tiwai Point smelter
79.4%
83
81
82
82
82
324
327
Norway








 SRAL (Husnes) smelter (e)
0.0%
23
23
23
23
8
89
76
Oman








 Sohar smelter
20.0%
85
88
91
92
93
354
364
United Kingdom








 Lochaber smelter
100.0%
11
10
10
10
11
44
42

(a) Rio Tinto sold its 46.7% interest in the Alucam (Eda) smelter with an effective date of 31 December 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Rio Tinto started production at the Arvida AP60 Technology Centre in the fourth quarter of 2013.
(c) The Shawinigan smelter ceased production on 29 November 2013.
(d) Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne smelter with an effective date of 16 December 2013. Production data are shown up to that date.
(e) Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the SRAL (Husnes) smelter with an effective date of 31 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
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2013
FullYear
2014





 
 


ALUMINIUM (continued)




 
 


Other Aluminium - Smelter Grade Alumina




 
 


Alumina production ('000 tonnes)




 
 


Australia




 
 


 Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a)
100.0%
673
537
139
0
0
2,270
676
Other Aluminium - Primary Aluminium








Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)








USA








 Sebree smelter - Kentucky (b)
0.0%
-
-
-
-
-
87
-

(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Sebree smelter with an effective date of 1 June 2013. Production data are shown up to that date.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









BORATES








Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100.0%







US and Argentina








 Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

121
126
133
127
123
495
508

(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.









COAL








Rio Tinto Coal Australia








Bengalla mine
32.0%







New South Wales








 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,992
2,369
2,045
2,083
2,061
8,232
8,558
Clermont Coal mine (a)
0.0%



 
 


Queensland




 
 


 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,986
2,567
2,265
-
-
11,782
4,832
Hail Creek Coal mine
82.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,873
1,451
1,631
1,557
1,853
6,839
6,492
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) (b)

166
390
420
856
639
191
2,304
Hunter Valley Operations
80.0%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

659
539
481
365
550
2,634
1,935
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,533
2,937
2,728
3,415
2,844
11,002
11,924
Kestrel Coal mine
80.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

908
781
613
621
149
2,553
2,163
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

75
88
109
56
311
463
564
Mount Thorley Operations
64.0%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

477
554
570
496
333
1,846
1,952
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

547
596
665
780
200
2,357
2,241
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
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2013
FullYear
2014









COAL (continued)








Warkworth mine
44.5%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

202
339
345
80
170
1,281
933
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,779
1,439
1,692
1,598
2,073
6,995
6,803
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

2,780
2,232
2,244
2,178
2,002
9,392
8,655
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

1,338
1,431
1,395
942
1,052
5,761
4,821
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

10,078
10,387
9,924
8,787
8,129
41,023
37,227
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

14,196
14,050
13,563
11,906
11,183
56,176
50,703









Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

15,027
14,014
13,569
11,409
12,395
55,823
51,386
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)








Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

2,289
1,990
2,152
1,563
1,978
7,445
7,683
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

1,048
820
803
790
812
3,950
3,225
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

5,750
5,827
5,447
4,972
5,183
22,316
21,429

(a) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Hail Creek commenced production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream following completion of a successful trial in the third quarter of 2013.
(c) Kestrel produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique








Benga mine (a)
0.0%







Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

228
91
288
236
26
867
641
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

196
82
271
216
23
754
593

(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique and its 65% interest in the Benga mine with an effective date of 7 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









COPPER & GOLD








Escondida
30.0%







Chile








Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

19,584
21,051
21,438
20,652
18,354
76,119
81,494
 Average copper grade (%)

1.30
1.12
1.33
1.20
1.45
1.38
1.27
Mill production (metals in concentrates):








 Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

214.4
195.5
235.6
205.5
215.7
886.2
852.4
 Contained gold ('000 ounces)

24
29
27
22
13
94
90
 Contained silver ('000 ounces)

1,124
1,326
1,439
1,159
958
4,032
4,883
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)

64.9
67.1
62.3
75.3
80.5
235.3
285.2
Refined production from leach plants:








 Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

77.5
75.8
81.5
69.3
75.0
305.3
301.5

(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad.
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold








Grasberg mine (a)
0.0% (b)







Papua, Indonesia








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

18,837
10,617
9,368
12,488
16,892
65,418
49,365
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.87
0.73
0.73
0.88
0.78
0.76
0.78
 Gold (g/t)

0.99
0.79
0.65
1.28
0.87
0.69
0.91
 Silver (g/t)

3.72
3.34
3.08
3.90
2.14
2.99
3.02
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

148.9
67.5
58.7
97.7
114.7
436.3
338.7
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

517
215
147
439
374
1,177
1,175
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

1,479
558
499
913
672
3,868
2,642
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

138.3
50.6
54.3
120.0
113.3
407.3
338.2
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

475
163
136
505
372
1,096
1,176
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

1,090
334
367
889
543
2,866
2,133

(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 4Q 2014 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 4Q 2014 until the release of its 2014 fourth-quarter results on 27 January 2015.
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.
(c) Net of smelter deductions.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Kennecott Utah Copper








Barneys Canyon mine (a)
100.0%
 
 

 
 


Utah, US

 
 

 
 


 Gold produced ('000 ounces)

0.0
0.0
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.4
Bingham Canyon mine
100.0%







Utah, US








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

13,088
11,916
10,480
12,184
6,404
43,606
40,984
Average ore grade:








 Copper (%)

0.56
0.65
0.65
0.49
0.37
0.55
0.56
 Gold (g/t)

0.28
0.25
0.33
0.33
0.26
0.21
0.30
 Silver (g/t)

3.12
2.62
3.26
3.01
2.22
3.01
2.83
 Molybdenum (%)

0.032
0.029
0.044
0.069
0.060
0.031
0.050
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

257
299
225
193
82
885
799
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

25.1
23.1
27.5
27.2
24.8
23.8
25.5
Production of metals in copper concentrates:








 Copper ('000 tonnes) (b)

64.5
69.2
61.9
52.8
20.5
211.0
204.3
 Gold ('000 ounces)

74
63
77
87
33
207
260
 Silver ('000 ounces)

930
744
864
970
356
2,876
2,935
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

3.5
1.9
4.6
10.5
4.9
11.1
21.9
 Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

1.8
0.9
2.5
5.6
2.6
5.7
11.5

(a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads.
(b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
Kennecott smelter & refinery
100.0%







Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)

266
273
309
205
122
890
908
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)

56.9
57.4
71.7
50.2
24.9
192.0
204.2
Production of refined metal:








 Copper ('000 tonnes)

57.7
53.1
70.1
62.7
18.3
193.6
204.1
 Gold ('000 ounces) (b)

47.8
62.0
59.8
79.3
51.1
192.3
252.2
 Silver ('000 ounces) (b)

633
598
818
759
636
2,158
2,811

(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Northparkes Joint Venture (a)
0.0%







New South Wales, Australia








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

989
-
-
-
-
5,478
-
Average ore grade:








 Copper (%)

1.03
-
-
-
-
1.04
-
 Gold (g/t)

0.44
-
-
-
-
0.47
-
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

27.1
-
-
-
-
153.6
-
Contained copper in concentrates:








 Saleable production ('000 tonnes)

9.0
-
-
-
-
50.6
-
 Sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

11.6
-
-
-
-
42.5
-
Contained gold in concentrates:








 Saleable production ('000 ounces)

10.1
-
-
-
-
61.6
-
 Sales ('000 ounces) (b)

14.1
-
-
-
-
53.4
-

(a) Rio Tinto sold its 80% interest in Northparkes with an effective date of 1 December 2013. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.
Turquoise Hill Resources








Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)
33.5%







Mongolia








Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

7,835
5,560
7,778
7,029
7,505
20,317
27,872
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.49
0.52
0.53
0.59
0.74
0.47
0.60
 Gold (g/t)

0.41
0.49
0.60
0.80
1.46
0.36
0.86
 Silver (g/t)

1.44
1.52
1.57
1.64
1.65
1.39
1.60
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

129.5
102.9
140.0
134.1
186.7
290.0
563.6
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

25.4
24.6
25.8
27.3
26.9
26.4
26.3
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

32.9
25.3
36.2
36.6
50.3
76.7
148.4
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

73.7
65.6
113.0
132.0
278.2
157.0
588.7
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

208
163
229
216
286
489
893
Sales of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

6.1
13.1
51.6
53.6
67.6
6.1
185.8
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

10
28
126
144
263
10
561
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

36
78
309
323
383
36
1,093

(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources. Production included in the table is from 1 May 2013.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Palabora (a)
0.0%







Palabora Mine








South Africa








Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
4,360
-
 Average ore grade: copper (%)

-
-
-
-
-
0.57
-
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
83.2
-
 Average concentrate grade: copper (%)

-
-
-
-
-
26.7
-
 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
22.2
-
Palabora smelter/refinery








New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
111.3
-
New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
27.3
-
Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
25.8
-
Gold in Anode Slimes ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
5.5
-
By-products:








 Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
2,628
-
 Nickel contained in products (tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
17
-
Vermiculite plant








 Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
73
-

(a) The sale of Rio Tinto's 57.7% interest in Palabora Mining Company was completed on 31 July 2013; production data have been reported up to 30 June 2013.









DIAMONDS








Argyle Diamonds (a)
100.0%







Western Australia








 AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

1,728
724
712
876
688
7,278
2,999
 AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

3,153
2,461
2,459
2,455
1,813
11,359
9,188

(a) Rio Tinto officially opened the Argyle underground mine on 30 April 2013.
Diavik Diamonds
60.0%







Northwest Territories, Canada








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

539
587
617
560
512
2,116
2,277
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

2,066
1,865
2,150
1,673
1,545
7,243
7,233
Murowa Diamonds
77.8%







Zimbabwe








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

144
142
135
153
160
564
590
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

135
89
107
116
130
414
442
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









IRON ORE








Rio Tinto Iron Ore








Western Australia








Pilbara Operations








Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)








 Hamersley mines
 (a)
38,381
36,345
39,742
41,837
45,239
143,347
163,163
 Hamersley - Channar
60.0%
2,692
2,737
2,737
2,938
2,502
11,047
10,913
 Hope Downs
50.0%
9,112
9,559
10,187
11,292
11,677
33,788
42,715
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53.0%
8,661
8,168
8,547
9,144
8,677
33,308
34,535
 Robe River - West Angelas
53.0%
7,635
6,564
7,845
7,657
7,198
29,093
29,264
Total production ('000 tonnes)

66,481
63,373
69,057
72,868
75,292
250,583
280,590
Breakdown of total production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

17,374
17,031
18,688
19,416
20,298
65,959
75,433
 Pilbara Blend Fines

25,993
24,795
28,397
30,711
31,213
97,646
115,115
 Robe Valley Lump

3,076
2,666
2,863
3,051
3,002
11,184
11,582
 Robe Valley Fines

5,585
5,502
5,684
6,093
5,675
22,124
22,953
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,453
13,379
13,425
13,597
15,105
53,670
55,507
Breakdown of total sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

15,628
14,971
16,246
17,378
17,295
55,864
65,889
 Pilbara Blend Fines

28,999
27,821
32,871
33,380
37,370
101,366
131,441
 Robe Valley Lump

3,096
2,264
2,764
2,651
2,708
9,891
10,387
 Robe Valley Fines

6,592
5,431
6,247
6,124
6,514
23,172
24,317
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,504
13,732
13,712
14,198
14,628
53,969
56,270
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

68,819
64,219
71,841
73,731
78,515
244,262
288,305

(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.
Iron Ore Company of Canada
58.7%







Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada








Saleable iron ore production:








 Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

1,801
1,071
1,924
1,593
1,439
6,792
6,026
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,152
1,934
2,104
2,322
2,388
8,576
8,748
Sales:








 Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

1,530
633
1,904
2,288
1,246
6,195
6,071
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,064
1,876
1,931
1,996
2,402
8,583
8,204
Global Iron Ore Totals








Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

70,434
66,377
73,085
76,784
79,119
265,951
295,365
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

72,414
66,728
75,675
78,014
82,163
259,041
302,580
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
4Q
2013
1Q
2014
2Q
2014
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
FullYear
2013
FullYear
2014









SALT








Dampier Salt
68.4%







Western Australia








 Salt production ('000 tonnes)

2,759
2,320
2,616
2,293
2,709
9,841
9,938









TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK








Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
100.0%







Canada and South Africa








 (Rio Tinto share) (a)








 Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 tonnes)

361
389
372
365
316
1,622
1,443

(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)

1,108
0
0
1,247
1,322
6,525
2,569

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







Namibia








 U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

1,072
939
664
896
902
5,312
3,401









Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

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