REG - Rio Tinto - Rio Tinto second quarter operations review <Origin Href="QuoteRef">RIO.L</Origin> - Part 1
RNS Number : 1856TRio Tinto PLC15 July 2015Rio Tinto releases strong second quarter production results
16 July 2015
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "We have maintained our emphasis on efficiency and protecting returns, which is reflected in this solid production performance. We have also delivered three significant achievements within our growth portfolio. In aluminium, our Kitimat smelter is now producing metal from its expanded facilities, bringing 80 per cent of our smelting capacity into the first cost quartile. In copper, the Oyu Tolgoi underground project is moving forward following the signing of the Underground Mine Development and Financing Plan. In iron ore, we have completed the key elements of our Pilbara infrastructure expansion. Our combination of world-class assets, financial strength, and operating and commercial excellence provides a sound base to continue to generate sustainable returns for our shareholders."
Q2 2015
vs Q2 2014
vs Q1 2015
H1 2015
H1 2014
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis)
Mt
81.4
+8%
+12%
153.9
+8%
Global iron ore production (100% basis)
Mt
79.7
+9%
+7%
154.3
+11%
Bauxite
kt
10,695
+5%
+2%
21,179
+5%
Aluminium
kt
818
0%
+1%
1,627
0%
Mined copper
kt
134
-19%
-7%
278
-14%
Hard coking coal
kt
2,101
+15%
+5%
4,103
+13%
Semi-soft and thermal coal
kt
5,099
-5%
-10%
10,760
0%
Titanium dioxide slag
kt
301
-19%
-6%
624
-18%
Highlights
Iron ore production and shipments in the first half increased compared to last year despite severe and unseasonal weather in the Pilbara throughout the first half.
o Second quarter production of iron ore was nine per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014 and was seven per cent above the first quarter of 2015.
The key elements of the Pilbara 360 Mt/a infrastructure expansion are complete.
o The focus is now on generating maximum value from the assets, including debottlenecking and productivity improvements.
The modernised Kitimat aluminium smelter in Canada poured first hot metal during the quarter.
o The progressive ramp up of production towards nameplate capacity of 420 thousand tonnes is expected to complete in early 2016. The modernised smelter will substantially increase output and lower production costs and emissions.
The signing of the Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Development and Financing Plan (UDP) on 18 May 2015 represents a significant step forward for the project.
o The UDP between the Government of Mongolia, Turquoise Hill Resources and Rio Tinto provides a pathway forward in addressing shareholder matters to restart underground development. Next steps include approval of the underground feasibility study and project financing, as well as obtaining necessary permits.
All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated.To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2014 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2015 remain in comparisons.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
Q2 2015
vs Q2 2014
vs Q1 2015
H1 2015
H1 2014
Pilbara Blend Lump
17.5
+20%
+9%
33.5
+21%
Pilbara Blend Fines
25.5
+12%
+3%
50.1
+18%
Robe Valley Lump
1.5
+2%
+4%
3.0
+3%
Robe Valley Fines
2.9
-5%
+13%
5.4
-9%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13.9
+4%
+10%
26.5
-1%
IOC (pellets and concentrate)
2.6
+11%
+24%
4.7
+14%
Pilbara operations
Production and shipments in the first half increased compared to last year despite unseasonal weather in the Pilbara throughout the first half, including Tropical Cyclones Olwyn and Quang. Around seven million tonnes of shipping capacity was lost directly at the ports due to uncharacteristically severe weather. Heavy inland rains reduced truck utilisation, resulting in lost production at the mines and impacting the ability to rail planned tonnes.
First half production of 146.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 118.6 million tonnes) was ten per cent higher than the same period of 2014 following the successful ramp up to 290 Mt/a in May 2014. Second quarter production of 75.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 61.3 million tonnes) was nine per cent higher than the second quarter of 2014 and was six per cent above the first quarter of 2015.
Pilbara sales
First half sales of 146.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 118.3 million tonnes) were eight per cent higher than the same period of 2014. Quarterly sales of 77.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 62.9 million tonnes) were eight per cent higher than the second quarter last year and 11 per cent higher quarter on quarter.
Approximately 25 per cent of sales in the first half 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.
Pilbara projects
The key elements of the infrastructure expansion are complete. The focus is now to ramp up the new equipment to full capacity and generate maximum value from the integrated system. This includes improvements from debottlenecking and productivity enhancements supported by a range of low cost brownfield developments. Around 40 Mt/a of very low-cost brownfield expansions, principally at West Angelas, Nammuldi and Brockman mines, were completed in the half, with an average mine production capital intensity of around $9 per tonne.
Steady progress is being made in the testing and verification of AutoHaul, with over 170 journeys covering 25,000 kilometres completed by the end of June 2015.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC delivered its best first half of production with 8.0 million tonnes of concentrate and pellets (Rio Tinto share 4.7 million tonnes), a 14 per cent increase over the first half of 2014. This improvement was driven by increased asset reliability and performance. Second quarter concentrate and pellet production was 4.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 2.6 million tonnes), a 24 per cent increase over the prior quarter.
The improvement in production boosted first half sales by 16 per cent over last year's levels, to 7.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 4.3 million tonnes). Second quarter sales were particularly strong, with concentrate sales of 1.9 million tonnes and pellet shipments of 2.3 million tonnes.
2015 guidance
Due to the weather disruption in the first half of the year, anticipated shipments were reduced by around seven million tonnes. Accordingly, Rio Tinto now expects 2015 global shipments of 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) from its operations in Australia and Canada.
ALUMINIUMRio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q2 2015
vs Q2 2014
vs Q1 2015
H1 2015
H1 2014
Rio Tinto Aluminium
Bauxite
10,695
+5%
+2%
21,179
+5%
Alumina
1,925
+7%
+2%
3,821
+5%
Aluminium
818
0%
+1%
1,627
0%
Bauxite
Bauxite production was five per cent higher than the first half of 2014 and set a new first half record. This was primarily due to a very strong performance at Weipa and the continued ramp up of production at Gove towards eight million tonnes per annum. Gove finished the second quarter with a monthly performance equivalent to a 7.7 million tonne run-rate, well on track to reach an eight million tonne run-rate by the fourth quarter of 2015.
These strong performances from Weipa and Gove delivered second quarter production five per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014 and enabled a seven per cent improvement in third party sales quarter on quarter.
Alumina
Alumina production was up by five per cent compared with the first half of 2014 (excluding production from the Gove refinery which was curtailed in May 2014), reflecting improved productivity at Queensland Alumina and Yarwun.
Aluminium
First half and second quarter aluminium production was in line with the same periods of 2014, despite lower production from Kitimat as it prepared for commissioning of the modernised smelter which poured first hot metal during the quarter. Kitimat will ramp up towards nameplate capacity of 420 thousand tonnes (a 48 per cent increase over previous nameplate capacity), which is expected to be completed in early 2016.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production remains unchanged at 43 million tonnes of bauxite, eight million tonnes of alumina and 3.3 million tonnes of aluminium.
COPPER & COAL
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q2 2015
vs Q2 2014
vs Q1 2015
H1 2015
H1 2014
Mined copper
Kennecott Utah Copper
17.4
-72%
-35%
44.0
-66%
Escondida
98.4
+10%
-7%
204.6
+22%
Grasberg
0.0
N/A
N/A
0.0
N/A
Oyu Tolgoi
18.5
+53%
+64%
29.8
+44%
Refined copper
Kennecott Utah Copper
33.2
-53%
-26%
78.2
-37%
Escondida
26.6
+9%
+15%
49.8
+6%
Coal
Hard coking coal
2,101
+15%
+5%
4,103
+13%
Semi-soft coking coal
1,024
+13%
+14%
1,922
+5%
Thermal coal
4,075
-8%
-14%
8,837
-1%
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper production for the first half was significantly lower than the same period of 2014 due to the current focus on de-weighting and de-watering the east wall of Bingham Canyon which is expected to continue in the second half.
Lower mine production, partly mitigated by a drawdown of inventory, resulted in first half refined production being significantly lower than in the same period of 2014. To optimise smelter utilisation Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate, with 166 thousand tonnes of concentrate received and smelted in the first half. This is excluded from reported production figures.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in the first half was 22 per cent higher than the same period of 2014, primarily due to higher grades and throughput. The second half is expected to be impacted by a decline in grades and water availability.
Oyu Tolgoi
First half mined copper production was 44 per cent higher than the first half of 2014, and higher quarter on quarter, attributable to higher grades and throughput.
Mining has started moving to areas of higher grade ore in the open pit. Copper production in the second half of 2015 is expected to be higher than the first half.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Development Project
On 18 May 2015, the Government of Mongolia, Turquoise Hill Resources and Rio Tinto signed the Underground Mine Development and Financing Plan which provides a pathway forward in addressing shareholder matters to restart underground development. Next steps include approval of the underground feasibility study and project financing, as well as securing all necessary permits for operating the underground mine.
Grasberg
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. Rio Tinto does not expect 2015 production to exceed the metal attributable to Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport) and, accordingly, expects its share of joint venture production to be zero during the year. Freeport is due to announce its second quarter and first half results on 23 July 2015.
Provisional pricing
At 30 June 2015, the Group had an estimated 333 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at US 268 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the second half of 2015. This compared with 331 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2014, provisionally priced at US 288 cents per pound.
Coal
Hard coking coal production was 13 per cent higher than the first half of 2014 as a result of improved production rates at Kestrel which continues to ramp up towards nameplate long-wall capacity of around six million tonnes.
Semi-soft coking coal production was five per cent higher than the first half of 2014 reflecting mine production sequencing at the Hunter Valley Operations. Thermal coal production was in line with the first half of 2014 with increased tonnage at Hail Creek through a processing plant by-product stream and a strong operational performance which was offset by the impacts of wet weather in the Hunter Valley.
2015 guidance
In 2015, as previously announced, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to be between 500 and 535 thousand tonnes, and refined copper production to be between 190 and 220 thousand tonnes.
For coal, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 18 to 19 million tonnes of thermal coal, 3.0 to 3.4 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal and 7.1 to 8.1 million tonnes of hard coking coal.
DIAMONDS & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q2 2015
vs Q2 2014
vs Q1 2015
H1 2015
H1 2014
Diamonds('000 carats)
Argyle
3,374
+37%
+5%
6,591
+34%
Diavik
1,285
0%
+43%
2,183
-9%
Murowa
37
-56%
-7%
77
-50%
Minerals ('000 tonnes)
Borates - B2O3 content
124
-7%
-4%
253
-2%
Titanium dioxide slag
301
-19%
-6%
624
-18%
Salt ('000 tonnes)
1,193
-33%
-16%
2,611
-23%
Uranium ('000 lbs)
Energy Resources of Australia
589
N/A
-20%
1,326
N/A
Rssing
543
+19%
+99%
815
-26%
Diamonds
Carats produced at Argyle were 37 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in 2014 and 34 per cent higher than the first half of 2014 due to the continued ramp up of production from the underground mine.
Lower carats recovered in the first half at Diavik compared to last year reflect lower ore availability as mining progressed through an area of higher dilution in the first quarter and the absence of stockpiled ore which was processed in the first half of 2014. Second quarter carat production was 43 per cent higher than in the first quarter, reflecting higher grades.
On 26 June 2015, Rio Tinto announced the sale of its interest in the Murowa diamond mine in Zimbabwe.
Minerals
Borates production was slightly lower than in the first half of 2014 which included additional production in preparation for the commissioning of the modified direct dissolving of kernite (MDDK) plant.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 18 per cent lower than in the first half of 2014 as production continued to be optimised to align with market demand. Two out of nine furnaces are currently idled in Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) in Quebec.
Salt
First half salt production was lower than the comparative period in 2014 as a result of weaker demand and management of inventory.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process existing stockpiles. Quarter on quarter, uranium production was 20 per cent lower as a result of lower mill head grade and recovery.
First half production at Rssing was lower than the first half of 2014, largely as a result of lower grades and recoveries, partially offset by higher throughput. Second quarter production was higher following recovery from a fire in the final product recovery plant in the first quarter.
2015 guidance
In 2015, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 1.2 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag (previously 1.3 million tonnes), 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent and 20 million carats of diamonds.
Rio Tinto's share of uranium production is expected to be approximately five million pounds (at the lower end of the previous guidance range of five to six 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 half was $243 million (of which $117 million was spent in the second quarter), compared with $340 million in the same period of 2014.
Approximately 37 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Copper & Coal, five per cent by Iron Ore, 22 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and the balance by central exploration.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the quarter.
Activity in the quarter
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of exploration projects with activity in 18countries across some eight commodities. The main focus of our exploration spend in the period was on copper targets in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Kazakhstan and Russia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay, Oyu Tolgoi, Weipa and Kennecott Utah Copper.
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
Copper & Coal
Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Peru, Russia, US, Zambia
Nickel: Canada
Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley Australia
Nickel: Tamarack, US
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US
Copper: La Granja, Peru
Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia
Coal: Mt Pleasant, Hail Creek, Australia
Diamonds & Minerals
Diamonds: Canada, India
Heavy mineral sands: Gabon
Uranium: Australia, Canada, US
Potash: KP405, Canada
Diamonds: Diavik, Canada; Bunder, India
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia
Heavy mineral sands: Zulti South, South Africa; Mutamba, Mozambique
Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea
Uranium: Roughrider, Canada
Iron Ore
Botswana
Pilbara, Australia
Pilbara, Australia
Contacts
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Follow @riotinto on Twitter
Media Relations, EMEA/Americas
Illtud Harri
T +44 20 7781 1152
M +44 7920 503 600
David Outhwaite
T +44 20 7781 1623
M +44 7787 597 493
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T + 44 20 7781 1177
M + 44 7780 226 422Investor Relations, EMEA/Americas
John Smelt
T +44 20 7781 1654
M +44 7879 642 675
David Ovington
T +44 20 7781 2051
M +44 7920 010 978
Grant Donald
T +44 20 7781 1262
M +44 7920 587 805
Media Relations, Australia/Asia
Ben Mitchell
T +61 3 9283 3620
M +61 419 850 212
Bruce Tobin
T +61 3 9283 3612
M +61 419 103 454
Matt Klar
T + 61 7 3625 4244
M + 61 457 525 578Investor Relations, Australia/Asia
Natalie Worley
T +61 3 9283 3063
M +61 409 210 462
Rachel Storrs
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M +61 417 401 018
Galina Rogova
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M +86 152 2118 3942
Rio Tinto plc
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London SW1Y 4AD
United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in EnglandNo. 719885
Rio Tinto Limited
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Melbourne 3000
Australia
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Registered in Australia
ABN 96 004 458 404
Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter
HalfYear
%Change
2014
Q22015
Q12015
Q2
2014
H12015
H1
Q215
vs
Q214Q215
vs
Q115H115
vs
H114Principal Commodities
Alumina
('000 t)
1,934
1,896
1,925
4,326
3,821
0%
2%
-12%
Aluminium
('000 t)
817
809
818
1,627
1,627
0%
1%
0%
Bauxite
('000 t)
10,144
10,484
10,695
20,188
21,179
5%
2%
5%
Borates
('000 t)
133
129
124
259
253
-7%
-4%
-2%
Coal - hard coking
('000 t)
1,828
2,002
2,101
3,642
4,103
15%
5%
13%
Coal - semi-soft coking
('000 t)
903
898
1,024
1,839
1,922
13%
14%
5%
Coal - thermal
('000 t)
4,447
4,762
4,075
8,967
8,837
-8%
-14%
-1%
Copper - mined
('000 t)
164.8
144.1
134.3
323.0
278.4
-19%
-7%
-14%
Copper - refined
('000 t)
94.6
68.2
59.9
170.4
128.0
-37%
-12%
-25%
Diamonds
('000 cts)
3,832
4,155
4,696
7,482
8,851
23%
13%
18%
Iron ore
('000 t)
57,530
59,412
63,892
109,869
123,304
11%
8%
12%
Titanium dioxide slag
('000 t)
372
322
301
762
624
-19%
-6%
-18%
Uranium
('000 lbs)
455
1,010
1,131
1,099
2,141
148%
12%
95%
Other Metals & Minerals
Gold - mined
('000 oz)
123.2
79.8
116.9
217.5
196.7
-5%
47%
-10%
Gold - refined
('000 oz)
59.8
62.2
51.6
121.8
113.8
-14%
-17%
-7%
Molybdenum
('000 t)
2.5
2.7
2.6
3.4
5.3
6%
-3%
55%
Salt
('000 t)
1,788
1,418
1,193
3,374
2,611
-33%
-16%
-23%
Silver - mined
('000 oz)
1,372
954
804
2,569
1,758
-41%
-16%
-32%
Silver - refined
('000 oz)
818
698
501
1,417
1,198
-39%
-28%
-15%
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
interest2Q
20143Q
20144Q
20141Q
20152Q
20151H
20141H
2015
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
352
358
373
360
359
713
719
Queensland Alumina
80%
668
741
748
739
741
1,365
1,480
So Luis (Alumar)
10%
87
94
95
86
94
175
180
Yarwun
100%
661
656
687
683
700
1,344
1,384
Jonquire (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant
100%
27
28
27
27
30
53
57
Aluminium Product Group total
1,795
1,877
1,931
1,896
1,925
3,650
3,821
Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a)
100%
139
0
0
0
0
676
0
Rio Tinto total alumina production
1,934
1,877
1,931
1,896
1,925
4,326
3,821
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay
100%
47
48
48
46
47
93
94
Australia - Boyne Island
59%
81
85
86
84
86
157
170
Australia - Tomago
52%
71
73
74
73
75
142
148
Canada - six wholly owned
100%
320
320
317
306
305
642
611
Canada - Alouette (Sept-les)
40%
58
58
59
59
61
116
120
Canada - Bcancour
25%
28
28
28
26
28
56
55
France - Dunquerque
100%
67
68
68
67
68
134
136
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)
100%
52
51
52
51
51
102
103
New Zealand - Tiwai Point
79%
65
65
65
65
66
129
131
Oman - Sohar
20%
18
18
19
19
19
36
37
UK - Lochaber
100%
10
10
11
12
12
20
23
Rio Tinto total aluminium production
817
825
827
809
818
1,627
1,627
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes) (b)
Gove
100%
1,426
1,725
1,574
1,710
1,863
3,230
3,572
Porto Trombetas
12%
470
501
556
438
447
908
885
Sangaredi
(c)
1,885
1,819
1,721
1,632
1,444
3,571
3,076
Weipa
100%
6,363
6,844
6,944
6,704
6,941
12,479
13,646
Rio Tinto total bauxite production
10,144
10,889
10,794
10,484
10,695
20,188
21,179
Rio Tinto share of production
RioTinto
interest2Q
20143Q
20144Q
20141Q
20152Q
20151H
20141H
2015
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100%
133
127
123
129
124
259
253
COAL - hard coking
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
Hail Creek Coal
82%
1,338
1,277
1,520
1,189
1,349
2,528
2,538
Kestrel Coal
80%
490
497
119
813
752
1,115
1,565
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production
1,828
1,773
1,639
2,002
2,101
3,642
4,103
COAL - semi-soft coking
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
Hunter Valley
80%
385
292
440
460
780
816
1,240
Mount Thorley
64%
365
317
213
311
168
719
479
Warkworth
44%
153
36
76
128
76
304
204
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production
903
645
728
898
1,024
1,839
1,922
COAL - thermal
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
Bengalla
32%
654
667
660
749
568
1,413
1,317
Hail Creek Coal
82%
344
702
524
725
601
664
1,326
Hunter Valley
80%
2,183
2,732
2,275
2,184
1,579
4,532
3,763
Kestrel Coal
80%
87
45
249
94
143
157
237
Mount Thorley
64%
425
499
128
353
517
807
870
Warkworth
44%
753
711
923
658
667
1,394
1,325
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production
4,447
5,355
4,759
4,762
4,075
8,967
8,837
Rio Tinto share of production
RioTinto
interest2Q
20143Q
20144Q
20141Q
20152Q
20151H
20141H
2015
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)
Bingham Canyon
100%
61.9
52.8
20.5
26.6
17.4
131.0
44.0
Escondida
30%
89.4
84.2
88.9
106.2
98.4
168.2
204.6
Grasberg - Joint Venture (d)
40%
1.5
2.5
2.1
0.0
0.0
3.2
0.0
Oyu Tolgoi (e)
34%
12.1
12.3
16.9
11.3
18.5
20.6
29.8
Rio Tinto total mine production
164.8
151.8
128.3
144.1
134.3
323.0
278.4
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida
30%
24.5
20.8
22.5
23.2
26.6
47.2
49.8
Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
70.1
62.7
18.3
45.0
33.2
123.2
78.2
Rio Tinto total refined production
94.6
83.5
40.7
68.2
59.9
170.4
128.0
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Argyle
100%
2,459
2,455
1,813
3,217
3,374
4,920
6,591
Diavik
60%
1,290
1,004
927
899
1,285
2,409
2,183
Murowa (f)
0%
83
90
101
40
37
152
77
Rio Tinto total diamond production
3,832
3,549
2,841
4,155
4,696
7,482
8,851
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)
Barneys Canyon
100%
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.0
Bingham Canyon
100%
76.6
86.7
33.2
44.7
29.5
139.9
74.2
Escondida
30%
8.0
6.6
3.8
6.4
7.7
16.6
14.0
Grasberg - Joint Venture (d)
40%
0.3
0.8
0.7
0.0
0.0
0.7
0.0
Oyu Tolgoi (e)
34%
37.9
44.2
93.2
28.7
79.8
59.9
108.5
Rio Tinto total mine production
123.2
138.4
131.0
79.8
116.9
217.5
196.7
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
59.8
79.3
51.1
62.2
51.6
121.8
113.8
Rio Tinto share of production
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2015
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (b)
Hamersley mines
(g)
39,742
41,837
45,239
42,177
45,807
76,087
87,984
Hamersley - Channar
60%
1,642
1,763
1,501
1,287
1,675
3,284
2,962
Hope Downs
50%
5,094
5,646
5,839
5,679
5,259
9,873
10,938
Iron Ore Company of Canada
59%
2,365
2,299
2,247
2,109
2,616
4,129
4,726
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53%
4,530
4,846
4,599
4,020
4,402
8,859
8,422
Robe River - West Angelas
53%
4,158
4,058
3,815
4,139
4,133
7,637
8,272
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
57,530
60,450
63,239
59,412
63,892
109,869
123,304
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend Lump
14,541
14,986
16,103
16,057
17,490
27,792
33,547
Pilbara Blend Fines
22,669
24,721
25,185
24,607
25,466
42,284
50,073
Robe Valley Lump
1,518
1,617
1,591
1,482
1,541
2,930
3,023
Robe Valley Fines
3,012
3,229
3,008
2,538
2,861
5,928
5,400
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13,425
13,597
15,105
12,618
13,918
26,805
26,536
IOC Concentrate
1,130
936
845
804
1,245
1,758
2,049
IOC Pellets
1,235
1,364
1,402
1,305
1,372
2,371
2,677
Breakdown of Sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump
12,066
13,730
13,778
13,231
14,620
23,702
27,851
Pilbara Blend Fines
26,596
26,496
30,627
26,004
30,200
48,521
56,204
Robe Valley Lump
1,465
1,405
1,435
1,257
1,320
2,665
2,578
Robe Valley Fines
3,311
3,246
3,453
2,568
2,797
6,189
5,365
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13,712
14,198
14,628
12,336
14,004
27,444
26,340
IOC Concentrate
1,118
1,343
732
417
1,112
1,490
1,530
IOC Pellets
1,134
1,172
1,410
1,462
1,344
2,235
2,806
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)
59,402
61,590
66,063
57,276
65,397
112,247
122,672
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)
Bingham Canyon
100%
2.5
5.6
2.6
2.7
2.6
3.4
5.3
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Dampier Salt
68%
1,788
1,567
1,852
1,418
1,193
3,374
2,611
Rio Tinto share of production
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SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)
Bingham Canyon
100%
864
970
356
486
310
1,608
796
Escondida
30%
432
348
288
407
394
829
801
Grasberg - Joint Venture (d)
40%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Oyu Tolgoi (e)
34%
77
72
96
62
100
131
161
Rio Tinto total mine production
1,372
1,390
740
954
804
2,569
1,758
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
818
759
636
698
501
1,417
1,198
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (h)
100%
372
365
316
322
301
762
624
URANIUM
Production ('000 lbs U3O8)
Energy Resources of Australia (i)
68%
0
853
904
737
589
0
1,326
Rssing
69%
455
615
618
272
543
1,099
815
Rio Tinto total uranium production
455
1,467
1,523
1,010
1,131
1,099
2,141
Production data notes:
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures.
(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
(b) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or dor bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(c) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(d) 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.
(e) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
(f) Rio Tinto sold its 77.8% interest in Murowa Diamonds with an effective date of 17 June 2015. Production data are shown up to that date.
(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 production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 June 2015.
Rio Tinto's interest in the Benga and Clermont mines and the Alucam and SRAL smelters were sold in 2014. No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table.
Rio Tinto operational data
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ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland
80.0%
835
926
935
924
927
1,706
1,850
Yarwun refinery - Queensland
100.0%
661
656
687
683
700
1,344
1,384
Brazil
So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
865
938
953
862
940
1,747
1,802
Canada
Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
352
358
373
360
359
713
719
(a) Jonquire's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.Smelter Grade Alumina - Other Aluminium
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a)
100.0%
139
0
0
0
0
676
0
(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group
Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Canada
Jonquire (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec
100.0%
27
28
27
27
30
53
57
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania
100.0%
47
48
48
46
47
93
94
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland
59.4%
136
143
145
142
145
265
287
Tomago smelter - New South Wales
51.6%
139
142
144
141
145
275
286
Cameroon
Alucam (Eda) smelter (a)
0.0%
23
24
22
-
-
47
-
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec
100.0%
111
116
116
115
116
223
231
Alouette (Sept-les) smelter - Quebec
40.0%
145
146
147
147
152
290
299
Arvida smelter - Quebec
100.0%
43
44
44
43
43
85
86
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec
100.0%
15
15
15
14
15
29
29
Bcancour smelter - Quebec
25.1%
111
110
114
105
113
222
218
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec
100.0%
55
55
55
54
55
111
109
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia
100.0%
35
28
24
20
15
73
35
Laterrire smelter - Quebec
100.0%
61
62
62
60
61
121
121
France
Dunkerque smelter
100.0%
67
68
68
67
68
134
136
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter
100.0%
52
51
52
51
51
102
103
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter
79.4%
82
82
82
82
83
163
165
Norway
SRAL (Husnes) smelter (b)
0.0%
23
23
8
-
-
45
-
Oman
Sohar smelter
20.0%
91
92
93
93
94
178
187
United Kingdom
Lochaber smelter
100.0%
10
10
11
12
12
20
23
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 46.7% interest in the Alucam (Eda) smelter with an effective date of 31 December 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the SRAL (Husnes) smelter with an effective date of 31 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory
100.0%
1,426
1,725
1,574
1,710
1,863
3,230
3,572
Weipa mine - Queensland
100.0%
6,363
6,844
6,944
6,704
6,941
12,479
13,646
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
12.0%
3,918
4,177
4,633
3,651
3,723
7,567
7,375
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a)
23.0%
4,189
4,043
3,823
3,627
3,209
7,937
6,835
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)
10,065
10,671
10,851
10,487
10,926
19,895
21,413
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)
5,768
6,523
6,502
6,372
6,848
10,232
13,220
(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 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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BORATES
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100.0%
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)
133
127
123
129
124
259
253
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.
COAL
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Bengalla mine
32.0%
New South Wales
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)
2,045
2,083
2,061
2,341
1,776
4,414
4,116
Clermont Coal mine (a)
0.0%
Queensland
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)
2,265
-
-
-
-
4,832
-
Hail Creek Coal mine
82.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)
1,631
1,557
1,853
1,450
1,645
3,082
3,095
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)
420
856
639
884
733
810
1,617
Hunter Valley Operations
80.0%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)
481
365
550
574
976
1,020
1,550
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)
2,728
3,415
2,844
2,730
1,974
5,665
4,703
Kestrel Coal mine
80.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)
613
621
149
1,017
940
1,393
1,956
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)
109
56
311
118
178
197
296
Mount Thorley Operations
64.0%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)
570
496
333
485
263
1,124
748
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)
665
780
200
551
809
1,261
1,359
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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COAL (continued)
Warkworth mine
44.5%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)
345
80
170
287
170
683
457
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)
1,692
1,598
2,073
1,478
1,499
3,132
2,977
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)
2,244
2,178
2,002
2,467
2,585
4,476
5,051
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)
1,395
942
1,052
1,347
1,408
2,827
2,755
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)
9,924
8,787
8,129
8,101
6,968
20,311
15,069
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)
13,563
11,906
11,183
11,915
10,961
27,613
22,876
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)
13,569
11,409
12,395
11,926
11,016
27,583
22,942
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (b)
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)
2,152
1,563
1,978
1,925
2,405
4,143
4,330
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c)
803
790
812
929
963
1,623
1,892
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c)
5,447
4,972
5,183
4,781
3,913
11,275
8,694
(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) Kestrel produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports.
(c) 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)
288
236
26
-
-
379
-
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)
271
216
23
-
-
354
-
(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 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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2015
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida
30.0%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)
21,438
20,652
18,354
21,382
22,909
42,488
44,291
Average copper grade (%)
1.33
1.20
1.45
1.49
1.32
1.23
1.40
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes)
235.6
205.5
215.7
270.6
249.6
431.2
520.2
Contained gold ('000 ounces)
27
22
13
21
26
55
47
Contained silver ('000 ounces)
1,439
1,159
958
1,355
1,314
2,765
2,669
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)
62.3
75.3
80.5
83.5
78.5
129.4
162.0
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)
81.5
69.3
75.0
77.3
88.8
157.3
166.1
(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)
9,368
12,488
11,512
14,123
18,269
19,985
32,392
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%)
0.73
0.88
0.79
0.57
0.66
0.72
0.62
Gold (g/t)
0.65
1.28
1.14
0.68
0.69
0.72
0.69
Silver (g/t)
3.08
3.90
3.37
2.13
1.94
3.21
2.02
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)
58.7
97.7
82.3
72.2
104.8
126.2
177.0
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)
147
439
366
262
320
362
582
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)
499
913
771
558
639
1,057
1,198
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)
54.3
120.0
83.9
70.4
98.8
104.9
169.2
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)
136
505
366
260
306
299
566
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)
367
889
623
435
483
701
918
(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 2Q 2015 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 2Q 2015 until the release of its 2015 second-quarter results on 23 July 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 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
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COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott Utah Copper
Barneys Canyon mine (a)
100.0%
Utah, US
Gold produced ('000 ounces)
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.0
Bingham Canyon mine
100.0%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)
10,480
12,184
6,404
9,819
8,208
22,396
18,026
Average ore grade:
Copper (%)
0.65
0.49
0.37
0.31
0.25
0.65
0.28
Gold (g/t)
0.33
0.33
0.26
0.21
0.17
0.29
0.19
Silver (g/t)
3.26
3.01
2.22
2.22
1.99
2.92
2.11
Molybdenum (%)
0.044
0.069
0.060
0.041
0.046
0.036
0.044
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)
225
193
82
133
84
524
218
Average concentrate grade (% Cu)
27.5
27.2
24.8
19.9
20.6
25.0
20.2
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (b)
61.9
52.8
20.5
26.6
17.4
131.0
44.0
Gold ('000 ounces)
77
87
33
45
29
140
74
Silver ('000 ounces)
864
970
356
486
310
1,608
796
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):
4.6
10.5
4.9
5.2
5.0
6.5
10.3
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)
2.5
5.6
2.6
2.7
2.6
3.4
5.3
(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)
309
205
122
148
99
581
247
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)
71.7
50.2
24.9
35.1
19.1
129.1
54.2
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes)
70.1
62.7
18.3
45.0
33.2
123.2
78.2
Gold ('000 ounces) (b)
59.8
79.3
51.1
62.2
51.6
121.8
113.8
Silver ('000 ounces) (b)
818
759
636
698
501
1,417
1,198
(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
RioTinto
interest2Q
20143Q
20144Q
20141Q
20152Q
20151H
20141H
2015
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Turquoise Hill Resources
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)
33.5%
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)
7,778
7,029
7,505
7,512
9,025
13,338
16,536
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%)
0.53
0.59
0.74
0.52
0.69
0.52
0.61
Gold (g/t)
0.60
0.80
1.46
0.48
1.09
0.55
0.82
Silver (g/t)
1.57
1.64
1.65
1.16
1.46
1.55
1.33
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)
140.0
134.1
186.7
130.9
215.5
242.9
346.4
Average concentrate grade (% Cu)
25.8
27.3
26.9
25.7
25.6
25.3
25.7
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)
36.2
36.6
50.3
33.6
55.3
61.5
88.9
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)
113.0
132.0
278.2
85.6
238.1
178.6
323.8
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)
229
216
286
184
297
391
481
Sales of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)
51.6
53.6
67.6
42.1
46.3
64.7
88.4
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)
126
144
263
200
177
154
377
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)
309
323
383
219
245
387
464
(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 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
RioTinto
interest2Q
20143Q
20144Q
20141Q
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2015
DIAMONDS
Argyle Diamonds
100.0%
Western Australia
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)
712
876
688
1,178
1,199
1,435
2,377
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)
2,459
2,455
1,813
3,217
3,374
4,920
6,591
Diavik Diamonds
60.0%
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes)
617
560
512
476
565
1,204
1,041
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)
2,150
1,673
1,545
1,498
2,141
4,015
3,639
Murowa Diamonds (a)
0%
Zimbabwe
Ore processed ('000 tonnes)
135
153
160
117
95
277
212
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)
107
116
130
51
48
196
99
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 77.8% interest in Murowa Diamonds with an effective date of 17 June 2015. Production data are shown up to that date.Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
RioTinto
interest2Q
20143Q
20144Q
20141Q
20152Q
20151H
20141H
2015
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines
(a)
39,742
41,837
45,239
42,177
45,807
76,087
87,984
Hamersley - Channar
60.0%
2,737
2,938
2,502
2,145
2,792
5,474
4,936
Hope Downs
50.0%
10,187
11,292
11,677
11,358
10,518
19,746
21,876
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53.0%
8,547
9,144
8,677
7,585
8,306
16,714
15,891
Robe River - West Angelas
53.0%
7,845
7,657
7,198
7,810
7,797
14,409
15,607
Total production ('000 tonnes)
69,057
72,868
75,292
71,075
75,221
132,430
146,295
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend Lump
18,688
19,416
20,298
20,231
21,990
35,719
42,221
Pilbara Blend Fines
28,397
30,711
31,213
30,641
31,007
53,192
61,648
Robe Valley Lump
2,863
3,051
3,002
2,796
2,907
5,529
5,703
Robe Valley Fines
5,684
6,093
5,675
4,789
5,399
11,185
10,188
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13,425
13,597
15,105
12,618
13,918
26,805
26,536
Breakdown of total sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump
16,246
17,378
17,295
16,832
18,635
31,217
35,467
Pilbara Blend Fines
32,871
33,380
37,370
32,904
36,841
60,691
69,745
Robe Valley Lump
2,764
2,651
2,708
2,373
2,491
5,029
4,864
Robe Valley Fines
6,247
6,124
6,514
4,845
5,277
11,678
10,122
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13,712
14,198
14,628
12,336
14,004
27,444
26,340
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)
71,841
73,731
78,515
69,290
77,248
136,059
146,538
(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)
1,924
1,593
1,439
1,370
2,120
2,994
3,490
Pellets ('000 tonnes)
2,104
2,322
2,388
2,223
2,336
4,038
4,558
Sales:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes)
1,904
2,288
1,246
711
1,894
2,537
2,605
Pellets ('000 tonnes)
1,931
1,996
2,402
2,490
2,288
3,807
4,779
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)
73,085
76,784
79,119
74,667
79,676
139,462
154,343
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)
75,675
78,014
82,163
72,491
81,430
142,403
153,921
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
RioTinto
interest2Q
20143Q
20144Q
20141Q
20152Q
20151H
20141H
2015
SALT
Dampier Salt
68.4%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes)
2,616
2,293
2,709
2,074
1,745
4,936
3,819
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
100.0%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share) (a)
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)
372
365
316
322
301
762
624
(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)
0
1,247
1,322
1,078
861
0
1,939
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.Rssing Uranium Ltd
68.6%
Namibia
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)
664
896
902
397
791
1,603
1,188
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
This information is provided by RNSThe company news service from the London Stock ExchangeENDSTRUVOURVUABAUR
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