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

Rio TintoAnnouncement

17/10/2017 07:06

RNS Number : 7532T
Rio Tinto PLC
16 October 2017
Rio Tinto releases third quarter production results
17 October 2017
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "The business performed very well in the September quarter, with a strong quarterly production performance and a wave of productivity improvements embedded through our operations. In particular, we are making good progress with further improvements to our world-class Pilbara iron ore business, including the opening of the Silvergrass mine and the implementation of AutoHaul. We continue to shape our asset portfolio and announced $2.5 billion of additional returns to shareholders from the proceeds of the Coal & Allied sale, demonstrating the robustness of our strategy and ability to invest in high-value growth whilst returning excess cash to shareholders. We have announced over $8 billion of cash returns in 2017. Our relentless focus on cash generation and disciplined capital allocation will continue to deliver superior returns for our shareholders." 


Q3 2017
vs Q3 2016
vs Q2 2017
9 mths 2017
vs 9 mths 2016
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis)
Mt
85.8
+6%
+11%
240.2
+0%
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis)
Mt
85.0
+2%
+6%
241.9
-1%
Bauxite
kt
12,867
+4%
+0%
37,034
+4%
Aluminium 
kt
887
-3%
-0%
2,664
-1%
Mined copper
kt
120.6
-3%
-3%
329.5
-15%
Hard coking coal
kt
2,244
+3%
+44%
5,382
-10%
Titanium dioxide slag
kt
327
+23%
+4%
975
+30%
IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate
Mt
3.2
+8%
+18%
8.4
+7%
Key points
 Pilbara iron ore shipments were 85.8 million tonnes in the third quarter (100 per cent basis), assisted by improved rail capacity and performance. This was six per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016, which was impacted by shiploader maintenance. 
 Quarterly bauxite production was 12.9 million tonnes for a second consecutive quarter, four per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016, driven by strong performances at Gove and Weipa. Third party shipments for the third quarter were 8.2 million tonnes. Bauxite production guidance is revised to between 50 and 51 million tonnes (previously 48 to 50 million tonnes).
 Mined copper production was three per cent lower than the corresponding quarter of 2016 due to lower copper head grades at Rio Tinto Kennecott and Oyu Tolgoi. 
 Mined copper guidance is revised to between 460 and 480 thousand tonnes (previously 500 to 550 thousand tonnes) following the third quarter impact of the delayed ramp-up of the Escondida expansion, and fourth quarter mine sequencing changes at Rio Tinto Kennecott.
 Titanium dioxide slag production increased by 23 per cent compared to the third quarter of 2016, reflecting higher market demand. 
 As announced on 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied to Yancoal Australia for total consideration of $2.69 billion.
 On 21 September 2017, Rio Tinto announced a new $2.5 billion share buy-back, comprised of a A$700 million (approximately $560 million) off-market buy-back tender in Rio Tinto Limited shares, and an additional $1.9 billion of on-market purchases of Rio Tinto plc shares. 
 In early October, a serious incident at the Rio Tinto Kennecott smelter resulted in a fatality. Investigations are currently underway.

All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated.To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2016 is excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2017 remain in comparisons.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

Q3 2017
vs Q3 2016
vs Q2 2017
9 mths
2017
vs 9 mths 2016
Pilbara Blend Lump
20.7
+4%
+5%
59.7
+4%
Pilbara Blend Fines
30.1
+2%
+7%
85.2
-2%
Robe Valley Lump
1.6
+6%
+8%
4.5
-0%
Robe Valley Fines
2.9
+6%
+30%
7.5
-11%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
14.5
-2%
+7%
41.6
-3%
Total Pilbara production
69.7


198.4

Total Pilbara production (100% basis)
85.0


241.9

Pilbara operations 
Pilbara operations produced 241.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 198.4 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2017, one per cent lower than the same period of 2016, mainly due to weather disruptions in the first half of the year. Third quarter production of 85.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 69.7 million tonnes) was two per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 and six per cent higher than the previous quarter, reflecting productivity enhancement projects across most sites. 
Year-to-date sales of 240.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 197.2 million tonnes) were in line with the same period of 2016. Strong third quarter sales of 85.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 70.0 million tonnes) were assisted by improved rail capacity and performance. This was six per cent higher than the same period of last year, which was impacted by shiploader maintenance, and 11 per cent higher than the previous quarter.
Approximately 18 per cent of sales in the quarter were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average or on the spot market. 
Approximately 65 per cent of sales in the quarter were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).
Pilbara projects
Silvergrass mine was officially opened on 30 August this year by the Premier of Western Australia. Commissioning of the conveyor system will commence in October and remains on target for completion in the fourth quarter of this year. Silvergrass will ramp up to capacity in 2018.
The automation of the Pilbara train system (AutoHaul) is continuing to progress well, with the successful completion of the first autonomous train, without on-board supervision, on the mainline between Tom Price and Paraburdoo (~100km). More than 50 per cent of all train kilometres are now completed in autonomous mode with drivers on-board for supervision. Operational improvements from AutoHaul are already being realised including reduced variability and increased speed across the network, helping to reduce average cycle times. The project is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2018. 
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected Pilbara shipments in 2017, subject to weather, remain unchanged at around 330 million tonnes on a 100 per cent basis.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Q3 2017
vs Q3 2016
vs Q2 2017
9 mths
2017
vs 9 mths 2016
Rio Tinto Aluminium





Bauxite
12,867
+4%
+0%
37,034
+4%
Alumina 
1,984
+0%
-2%
6,055
-1%
Aluminium
887
-3%
-0%
2,664
-1%
Production from Lochaber in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 12.9 million tonnes was four per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 following strong quarterly production performances at both Gove and Weipa. Gove production was 11 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2016 due to a planned production ramp-up associated with continued de-bottlenecking of capacity, whilst production at Weipa was up three per cent. 
The production performance enabled the Group to achieve quarterly shipments of 8.2 million tonnes of bauxite to third parties in the third quarter, two per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016. 
Amrun
The Amrun project is advancing to plan with key construction activities continuing, including installation of the first three wharf modules and fabrication and transportation to site of the process plant beneficiation modules. The project remains on schedule for first shipment in the first half of 2019. 
Alumina
Alumina production for the quarter was in line with the third quarter of 2016. A strong performance at the Yarwun refinery was offset by reduced production at the Queensland Alumina refinery due to the timing of major maintenance.
Aluminium
Quarterly aluminium production was three per cent lower than the third quarter of last year. Strong operational performances were achieved across most sites, reflecting process improvements that have been embedded throughout the business. This was offset by production curtailment at the Boyne smelter due to higher power prices in Queensland and by lower production at the non-managed Sohar smelter due to a power interruption incident on 4 August that led to the cessation of operations. The gradual re-start of operations commenced on 15 September.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017 is revised to between 50 and 51 million tonnes of bauxite (previously 48 to 50 million tonnes), but otherwise remains unchanged at 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina and 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes of aluminium.


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

Q3 2017
vs Q3 2016
vs Q2 2017
9 mths
2017
vs 9 mths 2016
Mined copper 





Rio Tinto Kennecott
25.8
-29%
-41%
114.0
+6%
Escondida
82.5
+14%
+21%
177.9
-23%
Grasberg
0.0
N/A
N/A
0.0
N/A
Oyu Tolgoi
12.4
-21%
-1%
37.6
-28%






Refined copper





Rio Tinto Kennecott
53.6
+37%
+164%
103.7
+16%
Escondida
21.6
+2%
+15%
48.6
-33%






Diamonds('000 carats)





Argyle
4,757
+36%
+48%
10,988
+6%
Diavik
1,177
+27%
+5%
3,432
+14%
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production in the third quarter of 2017 was 29 per cent lower than the corresponding period of 2016, as operations entered an anticipated area of lower grade. Refined copper production of 53.6 thousand tonnes was significantly higher than the third quarter of 2016, due to the consumption of concentrate which was built up during the planned 27 day smelter shutdown which occurred during May. 
To optimise smelter utilisation, Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party concentrate, with 115.6 thousand tonnes received for processing in the first nine months of 2017. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures. 
The pushback of the south wall progressed during the quarter. It will extend the life of mine beyond 2019 and remains on track for completion in 2020. 
Refinement of the mine plan will result in lower than expected copper grades in the fourth quarter, leading to a reduction in estimates for mined copper. The higher grade material is expected to be accessed in 2018.
In early October, a serious incident at the Rio Tinto Kennecott smelter resulted in a fatality. A full investigation will be completed before production and shipments resume.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida was 14 per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016, reflecting the full utilisation of the OPG1 concentrator. The return of operations to normal production levels following the labour union strike resulted in mined and refined copper being up 21 per cent and 15 per cent respectively compared to the previous quarter. As a consequence of the strike action in the first quarter of 2017, the commissioning of the Los Colorados Extension was delayed, which has impacted Rio Tinto's share of production in the third quarter.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for the quarter was, as anticipated, significantly lower than the same period in 2016 due to lower head grades and the drawdown of stockpiles. This is despite the operation achieving a 16 per cent increase in mill throughput compared to the third quarter of 2016.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
New contractors continue to mobilise and the project workforce is now almost 3,000 on site, 89 per cent of whom are Mongolian nationals. Key project activities, including the sinking of shaft #2 and shaft #5, underground mine development and the conveyor to surface decline continue to progress. The first two buildings of the accommodation camp will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. Construction of the first draw bell is still expected in mid-2020. 
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to the cash flow associated with 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
On 12 January 2017, the Government of Indonesia issued new mining regulations to address exports of unrefined metals, including copper concentrates, and other matters related to the mining sector. These regulations impact PT Freeport Indonesia's ('PT-FI') operating rights, including its right to continue to export concentrate without restriction, and, as a result, have a significant impact on Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017. Rio Tinto's full participation beyond 2021 is likely to be delayed due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement between Rio Tinto and PT-FI.
In April 2017, Freeport reached agreement with the Indonesian government to resume concentrate exports (which had been suspended) for a six month period expiring in October 2017. A further three month permit extension to January 2018 was granted by the government in October 2017. During this period, Freeport will continue to negotiate the new operating licenses and investment stability agreement. Discussions are continuing between Freeport and the Indonesian government to reach a mutually satisfactory longer-term agreement.
Rio Tinto is reporting its metal share for the third quarter as zero. 
Diamonds
At Argyle, quarterly carat production was 36 per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 due to the processing of higher grade alluvial tailings. 
At Diavik, carats recovered in the third quarter of 2017 were 27 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2016 due to higher recovered grades. Development of the A21 pipe remains on schedule.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of mined copper production for 2017 is revised to between 460 and 480 thousand tonnes (previously 500 to 550 thousand tonnes) after assessing the impact of the delayed ramp-up of the Los Colorados Extension project at Escondida and the impact of mine sequencing changes at Rio Tinto Kennecott. Refined copper production guidance remains unchanged at 185 to 225 thousand tonnes, subject to the impact of the investigation at the Rio Tinto Kennecott smelter. 
Diamond production guidance for 2017 has been revised to between 19 and 22 million carats (previously 19 to 24 million carats).


ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production 

Q3 2017
vs Q3 2016
vs Q2 2017
9 mths
2017
vs 9 mths 2016
Coal





Hard coking coal
2,244
+3%
+44%
5,382
-10%
Semi-soft coking coal (a)
445
-58%
-28%
2,020
-36%
Thermal coal (a)
3,791
-13%
-23%
12,967
+4%






Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes)





IOC
3.2
+8%
+18%
8.4
+7%






Minerals ('000 tonnes)





Borates - B2O3 content
140
+6%
+5%
396
+4%
Salt
1,227
-1%
-17%
3,555
-6%
Titanium dioxide slag
327
+23%
+4%
975
+30%






Uranium ('000 lbs)





Energy Resources of Australia
962
-4%
+42%
2,539
-4%
Rssing
757
+20%
-12%
2,290
+14%
Production from Bengalla in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.
(a) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. Production from these mines is reported here until 1 September 2017.
Coal
Hard coking coal production in the quarter was three per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 and significantly higher than the previous quarter as operations normalised at Hail Creek following the impact of Cyclone Debbie earlier in the year. 
As announced on 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied to Yancoal Australia for total consideration of $2.69 billion, which included Coal & Allied's interests in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines. The sale resulted in semi-soft coking coal and thermal coal production being lower than the previous quarter by 28 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. The sale, coupled with mine production sequencing changes at Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth, led to a 58 per cent reduction in semi-soft coking coal production compared to the third quarter of 2016. 
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC pellet production of 2.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.7 million tonnes) was eight per cent higher than the same quarter of 2016 and 24 per cent higher than the previous quarter, with pellet demand continuing to be strong and product mix being optimised to meet customer demand. Concentrate production for sale of 2.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 1.4 million tonnes) was nine per cent higher than the third quarter of 2016 and 12 per cent higher than the previous quarter, reflecting improved asset reliability along with higher recovery. 
Borates
Borates production in the third quarter was six per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2016, with production aligned to market demand.
Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production in the third quarter was 23 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in 2016, reflecting improved market demand. One of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) remains idle, along with one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals. RTFT expects to operate eight furnaces for the remainder of the year, compared with seven in 2016.
Salt
Salt production in the third quarter was marginally lower than the same period in 2016.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing stockpiles. Third quarter production in 2017 was four per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2016. 
Production at Rssing was 20 per cent higher than the third quarter in 2016 due to higher grades and mill throughput.
2017 guidance
Following the divestment of Coal & Allied, guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2017 production is revised to 13 to 14 million tonnes of thermal coal (previously 17 to 18 million tonnes) and 2.0 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal (previously 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes). Otherwise, guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2017 production is unchanged at 7.2 to 7.8 million tonnes of hard coking coal, 11.4 to 12.4 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent production, 1.2 to 1.3 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, and 6.5 to 7.5 million pounds of uranium. 
CORPORATE
On 21 September 2017, Rio Tinto announced a new $2.5 billion share buy-back, returning the proceeds of the sale of Coal & Allied to its shareholders. The buy-back is to be executed through a combination of an off-market buy-back tender, targeting approximately A$700 million (approximately $560 million) of Rio Tinto Limited shares, with the balance of approximately $1.9 billion of additional funds being allocated to Rio Tinto's existing on-market purchase of Rio Tinto plc shares. The off-market buy-back of Rio Tinto Limited shares is expected to be undertaken in the fourth quarter of 2017, with the on-market buy-back of Rio Tinto plc shares expected to be completed by the end of 2018.


EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine months of 2017 was $297 million, compared with $379 million in the first nine months of 2016. Approximately 49 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 30 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, 11 per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium. 
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the third quarter of 2017.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 15 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi and Weipa.
A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:
Product Group
Evaluation
projects
Advanced
projects
Greenfield 
programmes
Aluminium
Cape York, Australia 
Amargosa, Brazil
Australia, Laos
Copper & Diamonds
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US
Copper: La Granja, Peru
Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia 
Nickel: Tamarack, US
Diamonds: Fort a la Corne, Canada
Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia
Nickel: Australia, Canada
Diamonds: Canada
Energy & Minerals
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia
Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa 
Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea 
Uranium: Roughrider, Canada
Potash: KP405, Canada
Uranium: Canada
Heavy mineral sands: Tanzania
Iron Ore
Pilbara, Australia
Pilbara, Australia



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


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Rio Tinto plc
6 St James's Square
London SW1Y 4AD
United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England 
No. 719885
Rio Tinto Limited
Level 7, 360 Collins Street
Melbourne 3000
Australia 
T +61 3 9283 3333
Registered in Australia
ABN 96 004 458 404
Rio Tinto production summary












Rio Tinto share of production














Quarter

9 Months

% Change


2016
Q3
2017
Q2
2017
Q3

2016
9 MTHS
2017
9 MTHS

Q3 17
vs
Q3 16
Q3 17
vs
Q2 17
9 MTHS 17
vs
9 MTHS 16
Principal Commodities










Alumina
('000 t)
1,981
2,024
1,984

6,088
6,055

0%
-2%
-1%
Aluminium
('000 t)
911
888
887

2,685
2,664

-3%
0%
-1%
Bauxite
('000 t)
12,422
12,865
12,867

35,583
37,034

4%
0%
4%
Borates
('000 t)
132
133
140

382
396

6%
5%
4%
Coal - hard coking
('000 t)
2,175
1,555
2,244

5,954
5,382

3%
44%
-10%
Coal - semi-soft coking
('000 t)
1,066
616
445

3,133
2,020

-58%
-28%
-36%
Coal - thermal
('000 t)
4,346
4,954
3,791

12,473
12,967

-13%
-23%
4%
Copper - mined
('000 t)
124.4
124.7
120.6

389.6
329.5

-3%
-3%
-15%
Copper - refined
('000 t)
60.2
39.1
75.2

161.7
152.3

25%
92%
-6%
Diamonds
('000 cts)
4,420
4,335
5,933

13,379
14,420

34%
37%
8%
Iron Ore
('000 t)
71,431
67,699
72,903

207,688
206,828

2%
8%
0%
Titanium dioxide slag
('000 t)
267
316
327

748
975

23%
4%
30%
Uranium
('000 lbs)
1,633
1,538
1,718

4,653
4,829

5%
12%
4%
Other Metals & Minerals










Gold - mined
('000 oz)
62.3
72.5
59.1

208.4
197.5

-5%
-18%
-5%
Gold - refined
('000 oz)
29.7
43.0
54.1

94.9
148.3

82%
26%
56%
Molybdenum
('000 t)
0.8
0.8
1.4

1.1
3.0

78%
85%
181%
Salt
('000 t)
1,240
1,476
1,227

3,794
3,555

-1%
-17%
-6%
Silver - mined
('000 oz)
1,011
1,118
959

2,971
3,022

-5%
-14%
2%
Silver - refined
('000 oz)
415
729
731

1,350
1,861

76%
0%
38%












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


Rio Tinto share of production










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









ALUMINA








Production ('000 tonnes)








Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
355
367
367
365
351
1,085
1,083
Jonquire (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant
100%
29
31
31
32
30
84
93
Queensland Alumina
80%
758
789
739
756
720
2,289
2,216
So Luis (Alumar)
10%
92
96
89
93
94
275
276
Yarwun
100%
747
821
819
778
790
2,355
2,387
Rio Tinto total alumina production

1,981
2,104
2,047
2,024
1,984
6,088
6,055









ALUMINIUM








Production ('000 tonnes)








Australia - Bell Bay
100%
46
47
45
47
48
135
140
Australia - Boyne Island
59%
87
87
80
73
74
259
228
Australia - Tomago
52%
77
77
75
76
77
227
228
Canada - six wholly owned
100%
404
405
394
397
401
1,177
1,192
Canada - Alouette (Sept-les)
40%
61
61
60
60
60
182
179
Canada - Bcancour
25%
29
28
28
26
28
84
83
France - Dunkerque
100%
71
71
70
71
71
208
212
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)
100%
51
52
52
53
53
153
158
New Zealand - Tiwai Point
79%
68
68
66
67
67
201
200
Oman - Sohar
20%
19
19
19
19
7
58
45
Rio Tinto total aluminium production

911
915
889
888
887
2,685
2,664









BAUXITE








Production ('000 tonnes) (a)








Gove
100%
2,521
2,169
2,388
2,780
2,809
6,921
7,977
Porto Trombetas
12%
533
516
357
489
492
1,460
1,338
Sangaredi
 (b)
1,726
1,735
1,665
1,791
1,670
5,475
5,125
Weipa
100%
7,642
7,700
6,893
7,805
7,895
21,726
22,594
Rio Tinto total bauxite production
12,422
12,120
11,303
12,865
12,867
35,583
37,034


Rio Tinto share of production










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









BORATES








Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)








Rio Tinto Borates - borates
100%
132
121
123
133
140
382
396









COAL - hard coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








Hail Creek Coal (c)
82%
1,248
1,205
930
822
1,276
3,674
3,028
Kestrel Coal (c)
80%
926
981
653
733
968
2,280
2,354
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production
2,175
2,187
1,583
1,555
2,244
5,954
5,382









COAL - semi-soft coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








Hunter Valley (d)
0%
842
581
541
192
301
1,959
1,034
Mount Thorley (d)
0%
150
283
269
311
119
844
700
Warkworth (d)
0%
75
106
149
112
25
331
286
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production
1,066
969
959
616
445
3,133
2,020









COAL - thermal








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








Hail Creek Coal (c)
82%
787
746
874
881
851
2,343
2,605
Hunter Valley (d)
0%
1,596
1,724
1,927
2,393
1,428
5,058
5,747
Kestrel Coal (c)
80%
225
217
127
141
226
460
494
Mount Thorley (d)
0%
606
828
450
597
562
1,407
1,609
Warkworth (d)
0%
1,131
739
845
943
725
3,205
2,512
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

4,346
4,254
4,222
4,954
3,791
12,473
12,967


Rio Tinto share of production










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









COPPER








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)








Bingham Canyon
100%
36.2
45.1
44.3
44.0
25.8
107.6
114.0
Escondida
30%
72.6
73.4
27.2
68.3
82.5
229.7
177.9
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
15.6
15.2
12.8
12.5
12.4
52.2
37.6
Rio Tinto total mine production

124.4
133.8
84.2
124.7
120.6
389.6
329.5
Refined production ('000 tonnes)







Escondida
30%
21.2
21.5
8.2
18.8
21.6
72.2
48.6
Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
39.1
67.0
29.8
20.3
53.6
89.5
103.7
Rio Tinto total refined production
60.2
88.4
38.0
39.1
75.2
161.7
152.3









DIAMONDS








Production ('000 carats)








Argyle
100%
3,493
3,584
3,016
3,216
4,757
10,374
10,988
Diavik
60%
927
989
1,136
1,119
1,177
3,005
3,432
Rio Tinto total diamond production

4,420
4,574
4,152
4,335
5,933
13,379
14,420









GOLD








Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)








Bingham Canyon
100%
41.5
57.2
54.1
54.3
33.6
95.9
142.1
Escondida
30%
8.3
11.3
3.4
10.2
15.2
28.5
28.8
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
12.5
16.6
8.3
8.0
10.4
84.0
26.7
Rio Tinto total mine production

62.3
85.1
65.8
72.5
59.1
208.4
197.5
Refined production ('000 ounces)







Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
29.7
40.6
51.1
43.0
54.1
94.9
148.3


Rio Tinto share of production










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









IRON ORE








Production ('000 tonnes) (a)







Hamersley mines
 (g)
52,302
54,848
48,664
48,674
52,921
151,054
150,259
Hamersley - Channar
60%
1,764
1,119
1,635
1,903
1,596
4,719
5,134
Hope Downs
50%
5,888
5,794
5,218
6,287
5,978
17,711
17,483
Iron Ore Company of Canada
59%
2,925
2,743
2,579
2,683
3,171
7,918
8,433
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53%
4,208
4,493
3,809
3,676
4,461
12,879
11,946
Robe River - West Angelas
53%
4,344
4,636
4,322
4,475
4,776
13,407
13,573
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

71,431
73,633
66,226
67,699
72,903
207,688
206,828
Breakdown of Production:








Pilbara Blend Lump

19,957
20,443
19,207
19,780
20,700
57,317
59,687
Pilbara Blend Fines

29,591
30,795
27,026
28,049
30,113
86,765
85,187
Robe Valley Lump

1,484
1,625
1,453
1,459
1,570
4,497
4,482
Robe Valley Fines

2,725
2,868
2,357
2,217
2,891
8,382
7,465
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,750
15,159
13,605
13,512
14,458
42,809
41,575
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

68,506
70,890
63,647
65,016
69,732
199,770
198,395
IOC Concentrate

1,334
1,124
1,109
1,299
1,450
3,783
3,858
IOC Pellets

1,591
1,618
1,470
1,384
1,722
4,135
4,576
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

2,925
2,743
2,579
2,683
3,171
7,918
8,433
Breakdown of Sales:








Pilbara Blend Lump

17,014
18,071
16,033
18,218
18,044
49,858
52,295
Pilbara Blend Fines

30,132
34,842
30,497
28,779
32,421
91,679
91,697
Robe Valley Lump

1,346
1,502
1,176
1,262
1,391
3,894
3,829
Robe Valley Fines

3,069
3,053
2,373
2,370
3,174
8,889
7,917
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

15,008
14,969
13,120
13,371
14,963
42,094
41,454
Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

66,569
72,437
63,199
64,000
69,993
196,414
197,191
IOC Concentrate

1,281
1,148
1,193
939
1,362
3,751
3,494
IOC Pellets

1,516
1,764
1,415
1,489
1,590
4,098
4,493
IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

2,797
2,912
2,608
2,428
2,952
7,849
7,987
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)
69,366
75,350
65,806
66,428
72,944
204,263
205,179


Rio Tinto share of production










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









MOLYBDENUM








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)







Bingham Canyon
100%
0.8
1.8
0.9
0.8
1.4
1.1
3.0









SALT








Production ('000 tonnes)








Dampier Salt
68%
1,240
1,386
852
1,476
1,227
3,794
3,555









SILVER








Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)







Bingham Canyon
100%
522
751
711
669
357
1,193
1,737
Escondida
30%
369
397
163
370
521
1,394
1,054
Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
121
91
72
79
80
385
231
Rio Tinto total mine production

1,011
1,239
946
1,118
959
2,971
3,022
Refined production ('000 ounces)







Rio Tinto Kennecott
100%
415
465
402
729
731
1,350
1,861









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Production ('000 tonnes)








Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (h)
100%
267
300
332
316
327
748
975









URANIUM








Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (i)







Energy Resources of Australia
68%
1,004
908
900
678
962
2,635
2,539
Rssing
69%
628
781
673
860
757
2,017
2,290
Rio Tinto total uranium production
1,633
1,690
1,573
1,538
1,718
4,653
4,829


Production data notes:
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures. 









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

(b) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.

(d) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production from these assets is included to this date. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(e) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.
(f) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
(g) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(h) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(i) ERA and Rssing production reported are drummed U3O8.

The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 September 2017.









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


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









ALUMINA








Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group







Alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland
80.0%
947
987
924
946
900
2,861
2,769
Yarwun refinery - Queensland
100.0%
747
821
819
778
790
2,355
2,387
Brazil








So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
916
957
895
931
937
2,750
2,763
Canada








Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
355
367
367
365
351
1,085
1,083
(a) Jonquire's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group







Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)







Canada








Jonquire (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec
100.0%
29
31
31
32
30
84
93
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









ALUMINIUM








Primary Aluminium








Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)







Australia








Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania
100.0%
46
47
45
47
48
135
140
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland
59.4%
147
147
135
124
125
436
384
Tomago smelter - New South Wales
51.6%
149
149
145
147
149
441
441
Canada








Alma smelter - Quebec
100.0%
117
117
114
112
115
350
341
Alouette (Sept-les) smelter - Quebec
40.0%
152
153
149
149
150
456
448
Arvida smelter - Quebec
100.0%
43
43
41
43
43
129
127
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec
100.0%
15
15
15
15
14
45
44
Bcancour smelter - Quebec
25.1%
114
110
112
106
113
335
331
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec
100.0%
58
58
57
57
58
170
172
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia
100.0%
109
109
107
109
108
299
323
Laterrire smelter - Quebec
100.0%
62
63
61
61
63
185
185
France








Dunkerque smelter
100.0%
71
71
70
71
71
208
212
Iceland








ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter
100.0%
51
52
52
53
53
153
158
New Zealand








Tiwai Point smelter
79.4%
85
85
84
84
84
253
252
Oman








Sohar smelter
20.0%
95
97
96
95
35
289
226
United Kingdom








Lochaber smelter (a)
0.0%
12
10
 - 
 - 
 - 
 36 
 - 
(a) On 16 December 2016, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100% interest in the Lochaber aluminium smelter.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









BAUXITE








Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








Gove mine - Northern Territory
100.0%
2,521
2,169
2,388
2,780
2,809
6,921
7,977
Weipa mine - Queensland
100.0%
7,642
7,700
6,893
7,805
7,895
21,726
22,594
Brazil








Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
12.0%
4,441
4,296
2,974
4,071
4,103
12,166
11,148
Guinea








Sangaredi mine (a)
23.0%
3,836
3,856
3,699
3,979
3,711
12,167
11,390









Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments







Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)
12,743
11,996
11,605
12,164
12,913
35,579
36,683
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)
8,093
7,345
6,927
7,962
8,250
21,962
23,140









(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 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









BORATES








Rio Tinto Borates - borates
100.0%







US








Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

132
121
123
133
140
382
396
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.









COAL








Rio Tinto Coal Australia








Bengalla mine (a)
0.0%







New South Wales








Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

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







Queensland








Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,522
1,470
1,134
1,002
1,556
4,480
3,692
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

960
910
1,065
1,074
1,037
2,857
3,177
Hunter Valley Operations (b)
0.0%







New South Wales








Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,245
859
800
284
445
2,861
1,529
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,361
2,550
2,851
3,539
2,112
7,375
8,502
Kestrel Coal mine
80.0%







Queensland








Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,158
1,227
816
916
1,210
2,850
2,943
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

281
271
159
177
282
574
617
Mount Thorley Operations (b)
0.0%







New South Wales








Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

187
353
337
389
149
1,067
876
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

758
1,035
562
746
703
1,815
2,011
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









COAL (continued)








Warkworth mine (b)
0.0%







New South Wales








Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

135
190
268
202
44
620
514
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,035
1,330
1,520
1,696
1,305
5,895
4,521
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)
2,680
2,697
1,950
1,918
2,766
7,331
6,635
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)
1,567
1,402
1,405
875
639
4,547
2,919
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)
6,395
6,096
6,156
7,232
5,439
19,993
18,827
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

10,642
10,196
9,512
10,026
8,844
31,871
28,382









Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

10,129
10,241
8,792
9,871
9,298
31,532
27,962
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)








Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)
2,332
2,395
1,524
1,717
2,511
6,309
5,753
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)
904
1,043
765
759
485
3,101
2,010
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)
3,958
3,979
3,946
4,539
3,804
12,504
12,289









(a) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 2016.
(b) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production from these assets is included to this date. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









COPPER & GOLD








Escondida
30.0%







Chile








Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)
20,787
19,866
8,054
18,777
24,080
64,881
50,911
Average copper grade (%)

0.87
1.02
1.01
1.07
1.06
0.94
1.06
Mill production (metals in concentrates):








Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

153.2
168.6
67.7
167.0
204.1
510.6
438.8
Contained gold ('000 ounces)

28
38
11
34
51
95
96
Contained silver ('000 ounces)

1,229
1,323
543
1,234
1,737
4,648
3,514
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)
88.9
76.4
22.8
60.7
70.8
255.0
154.3
Refined production from leach plants:








Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

70.5
71.5
27.2
62.8
71.9
240.6
161.9
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad.
Freeport-McMoRan








Grasberg mine (a)
0.0% (b)







Papua, Indonesia








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

16,608
15,630
7,849
11,242
16,625
44,998
35,715
Average mill head grades:








Copper (%)

1.02
1.08
1.15
1.03
0.92
0.86
1.00
Gold (g/t)

0.69
0.97
1.17
1.16
0.94
0.57
1.06
Silver (g/t)

3.45
3.67
5.26
4.09
2.23
2.89
3.48
Production of metals in concentrates:








Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

153.8
153.1
81.0
103.9
139.6
346.2
324.5
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

310
409
248
358
420
685
1,025
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

1,170
1,237
667
900
709
2,558
2,276
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)







Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

153.7
140.6
61.7
124.6
131.1
337.4
317.4
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

307
374
183
429
394
681
1,007
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

928
907
404
851
532
2,001
1,787
(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 Q3 2017 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for Q3 2017 until the release of its 2017 third-quarter results on 25 October 2017.
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.
(c) Net of smelter deductions.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Rio Tinto Kennecott








Bingham Canyon mine
100.0%







Utah, US








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

9,698
8,827
9,508
10,709
10,092
24,596
30,309
Average ore grade:








Copper (%)

0.41
0.56
0.51
0.47
0.29
0.48
0.42
Gold (g/t)

0.25
0.31
0.32
0.29
0.18
0.21
0.26
Silver (g/t)

2.56
3.33
3.24
2.66
1.51
2.09
2.46
Molybdenum (%)

0.031
0.040
0.025
0.025
0.032
0.024
0.028
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)
154
190
189
205
148
458
542
Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

23.4
23.8
23.3
21.5
17.3
23.4
21.0
Production of metals in copper concentrates:







Copper ('000 tonnes) (a)

36.2
45.1
44.3
44.0
25.8
107.6
114.0
Gold ('000 ounces)

41
57
54
54
34
96
142
Silver ('000 ounces)

522
751
711
669
357
1,193
1,737
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):
1.6
3.4
1.7
1.5
2.8
2.2
6.0
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

0.8
1.8
0.9
0.8
1.4
1.1
3.0

Kennecott smelter & refinery
100.0%







Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)
220
207
136
160
258
545
554
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b)
56.1
42.7
33.7
32.6
50.6
121.1
117.0
Production of refined metal:








Copper ('000 tonnes)

39.1
67.0
29.8
20.3
53.6
89.5
103.7
Gold ('000 ounces) (c)

29.7
40.6
51.1
43.0
54.1
94.9
148.3
Silver ('000 ounces) (c)

415
465
402
729
731
1,350
1,861
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Turquoise Hill Resources








Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)
33.5%







Mongolia








Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

9,146
9,819
10,087
9,637
10,615
28,333
30,339
Average mill head grades:








Copper (%)

0.66
0.61
0.51
0.51
0.48
0.67
0.50
Gold (g/t)

0.21
0.25
0.15
0.16
0.18
0.39
0.16
Silver (g/t)

1.99
1.50
1.30
1.38
1.34
1.95
1.34
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)
203.2
206.7
176.0
171.0
170.0
639.8
517.0
Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

22.9
22.0
21.6
21.8
21.7
24.4
21.7
Production of metals in concentrates:








Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

46.6
45.5
38.1
37.2
36.9
155.9
112.1
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

37.4
49.4
24.8
23.9
30.9
250.6
79.5
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

361
273
215
236
239
1,147
689
Sales of metals in concentrates:








Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

45.7
37.6
39.5
37.3
36.9
151.3
113.6
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

38
39
32
23
28
307
84
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

341
239
205
222
229
1,041
656
(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 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









DIAMONDS








Argyle Diamonds
100.0%







Western Australia








AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

1,349
1,283
1,144
1,112
1,255
3,814
3,511
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

3,493
3,584
3,016
3,216
4,757
10,374
10,988
Diavik Diamonds
60.0%







Northwest Territories, Canada








Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

582
539
531
556
578
1,675
1,664
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

1,545
1,649
1,894
1,865
1,961
5,009
5,719

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









IRON ORE








Rio Tinto Iron Ore








Western Australia








Pilbara Operations








Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)







Hamersley mines
(a)
52,302
54,848
48,664
48,674
52,921
151,054
150,259
Hamersley - Channar
60.0%
2,941
1,866
2,725
3,172
2,661
7,866
8,557
Hope Downs
50.0%
11,775
11,588
10,435
12,575
11,956
35,422
34,966
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53.0%
7,940
8,477
7,188
6,936
8,416
24,300
22,540
Robe River - West Angelas
53.0%
8,196
8,748
8,154
8,444
9,011
25,296
25,609
Total production ('000 tonnes)

83,154
85,526
77,165
79,801
84,965
243,938
241,931
Breakdown of total production:








Pilbara Blend Lump

24,478
24,902
23,618
24,671
25,342
71,014
73,631
Pilbara Blend Fines

35,986
36,988
32,755
34,682
36,748
105,816
104,185
Robe Valley Lump

2,799
3,066
2,741
2,753
2,962
8,485
8,456
Robe Valley Fines

5,141
5,411
4,446
4,183
5,454
15,815
14,084
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,750
15,159
13,605
13,512
14,458
42,809
41,575
Breakdown of total sales:








Pilbara Blend Lump

20,377
21,943
20,161
21,561
21,959
60,440
63,682
Pilbara Blend Fines

37,200
42,225
36,679
35,871
40,305
113,206
112,856
Robe Valley Lump

2,540
2,835
2,218
2,382
2,624
7,348
7,224
Robe Valley Fines

5,790
5,761
4,476
4,472
5,989
16,772
14,938
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

15,008
14,969
13,120
13,371
14,963
42,094
41,454
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

80,916
87,732
76,655
77,658
85,840
239,860
240,153
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.
Iron Ore Company of Canada
58.7%







Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada







Saleable iron ore production:








Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

2,272
1,915
1,889
2,212
2,469
6,442
6,569
Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,710
2,756
2,504
2,356
2,932
7,042
7,792
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes)

4,982
4,671
4,392
4,569
5,401
13,484
14,362
Sales:








Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

2,182
1,955
2,031
1,599
2,319
6,388
5,950
Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,582
3,004
2,409
2,536
2,707
6,978
7,652
IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes)

4,764
4,960
4,441
4,135
5,027
13,367
13,602
Global Iron Ore Totals








Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

88,136
90,196
81,558
84,370
90,365
257,422
256,293
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

85,679
92,692
81,096
81,792
90,867
253,226
253,755
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data










Rio Tinto
interest
Q3
2016
Q4
2016
Q1
2017
Q2
2017
Q3
2017
9 MTHS
2016
9 MTHS
2017









SALT








Dampier Salt
68.4%







Western Australia








Salt production ('000 tonnes)

1,813
2,028
1,246
2,159
1,795
5,550
5,200









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
100.0%







Canada and South Africa








(Rio Tinto share) (a)








Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)

267
300
332
316
327
748
975









(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)

1,468
1,328
1,316
991
1,407
3,853
3,713
(a) ERA production data are drummed U3O8.
Rssing Uranium Ltd (a)
68.6%







Namibia








U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

916
1,138
981
1,254
1,103
2,940
3,337
(a) Rssing production data are drummed U3O8.









Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2017. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

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