REG - Rio Tinto - Third quarter operations review <Origin Href="QuoteRef">RIO.L</Origin> - Part 1

Rio TintoAnnouncement

16/10/2015 07:00

RNS Number : 4597C
Rio Tinto PLC
15 October 2015
Rio Tinto releases strong third quarter production results
16 October 2015
Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "We continue to deliver efficient production, rigorous cost control and sound allocation of capital. This approach is ensuring that our tier one assets generate substantial free cash flow even during a challenging economic environment. Our expanded Pilbara infrastructure is in place, and the Iron Ore Product Group is successfully commissioning and testing the system, reflected in the increased iron ore shipments to our customers during the period. Our cash generated from operations will enable us to deliver strong returns to shareholders through the cycle and our balance sheet will be further strengthened by recent divestment activity."


Q3 2015
vs Q3 2014
vs Q2 2015
9 mths
2015
vs 9 mths 2014
Global iron ore shipments (100% basis)
Mt
91.3
+17%
+12%
245.3
+11%
Global iron ore production (100% basis)
Mt
86.1
+12%
+8%
240.4
+11%
Bauxite
kt
11,287
+4%
+6%
32,466
+4%
Aluminium 
kt
830
+1%
+1%
2,457
0%
Mined copper
kt
115
-24%
-14%
393
-17%
Hard coking coal
kt
1,856
+5%
-12%
5,959
+10%
Semi-soft and thermal coal
kt
5,546
-8%
+9%
16,306
-3%
Titanium dioxide slag
kt
243
-34%
-19%
866
-23%
Highlights
 The key elements of the Pilbara infrastructure expansion are now complete, with the ramp-up of iron ore mined capacity continuing to generate maximum value from the integrated system.
 Global iron ore production increased compared to last year through productivity gains and the ramp-up of operations, with shipments on track to meet full year guidance. 
o Third quarter production of iron ore was 12 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014 and was eight per cent above the second quarter of 2015.
 Sustained strong performance in bauxite with third party shipments reaching close to 20 million tonnes to date this year following record production at Weipa. 
 Mined copper on schedule to meet full year guidance, with Oyu Tolgoi benefiting from higher grades and Kennecott continuing its focus on the east wall de-weighting and de-watering. 
 The group further refined its portfolio with the agreed sale on 30 September 2015 of its interest in the Bengalla thermal coal Joint Venture for $606 million.
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)

Q3 2015
vs Q3 2014
vs Q2 2015
9 mths
2015
vs 9 mths 2014
Pilbara Blend Lump
19.7
+31%
+13%
53.2
+24%
Pilbara Blend Fines
28.5
+15%
+12%
78.6
+17%
Robe Valley Lump
1.5
-7%
-2%
4.5
0%
Robe Valley Fines
3.0
-7%
+5%
8.4
-8%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)
13.8
+2%
-1%
40.4
0%
IOC (pellets and concentrate)
2.8
+21%
+6%
7.5
+17%
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 227.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 185.1 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2015, 11 per cent higher than the same period of 2014. Third quarter production of 81.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 66.5 million tonnes) was 12 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014. These new milestones were achieved through the continued ramp-up of the Nammuldi operations, as well as a number of productivity improvements, which resulted in incremental gains across most sites. Favourable weather conditions meant that there was minimal disruption compared with the first and second quarters of 2015. 
Pilbara sales
Sales of 232.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 189.0 million tonnes) in the first nine months were 11 per cent higher than the same period of 2014, while third quarter sales of 85.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 70.7 million tonnes) were 16 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2014. 
Sales in the quarter exceeded production by 4.2 million tonnes, primarily drawing down on inventories at the mines. This draw-down has been a key focus in 2015 and inventories built up during the infrastructure expansion phase are expected to be largely utilised by early 2016.
The additional tonnes produced in the quarter were incorporated into the Pilbara Blend, which provides customers with reliable, long-term supply of consistent quality. The Yandicoogina and Robe Valley products remained in high demand from major steel mills in Asia. 
Approximately 22 per cent of sales in the first nine months of 2015 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 Pilbara infrastructure expansion were completed in the second quarter of 2015, with the ramp-up of brownfield mined capacity continuing to generate maximum value from the integrated system. Around 40 Mt/a of very low-cost brownfield expansions were completed in the first half of 2015, principally at the West Angelas, Nammuldi and Brockman mines, at an average capital intensity of around $9 per tonne.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
During the first nine months of 2015, IOC demonstrated a significant shift in operational performance, attributable to improved haul truck and mill availability and enhanced productivity rates for haul trucks and shovels. This resulted in a 21 per cent increase in concentrates produced to 5.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 3.2 million tonnes) and a 14 per cent rise in pellet production to 7.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 4.3 million tonnes).
Higher production flowed through to a 24 per cent improvement in sales to 13.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 7.7 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2015. Third quarter sales were particularly strong, with concentrate sales of 3.2 million tonnes and pellet shipments of 2.6 million tonnes.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected 2015 global shipments are unchanged at around 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), from its operations in Australia and Canada.


ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

Q3 2015
vs Q3 2014
vs Q2 2015
9 mths
2015
vs 9 mths 2014
Rio Tinto Aluminium





Bauxite
11,287
+4%
+6%
32,466
+4%
Alumina
1,957
+4%
+2%
5,777
+5%
Aluminium
830
+1%
+1%
2,457
0%
Bauxite
The strong performance in bauxite was sustained into the third quarter, driven by record quarterly and nine month production at Weipa, which gave rise to a nine month record for the Group.
Weipa benefited from increased plant throughput while Gove continued to ramp up its export capability, running at just under an eight million tonne run-rate in the third quarter of 2015. 
Third quarter and year to date bauxite production was four per cent higher than the corresponding periods of 2014 and enabled the group to ship close to 20 million tonnes to third parties in the first nine months of 2015, a 19 per cent improvement on the same period of 2014. 
Alumina
Alumina production for the first nine months of 2015 was up by five per cent compared with the same period of 2014 (excluding production from the Gove refinery which was curtailed in May 2014), reflecting improved productivity at Queensland Alumina and Yarwun. 
Aluminium
Year to date and third quarter aluminium production was marginally higher than the same periods of 2014. Record quarterly production at eight of the smelters more than offset lower production from Kitimat as it commissioned the modernised smelter. Kitimat has started to ramp up towards nameplate capacity of 420 thousand tonnes (a 48 per cent increase over previous nameplate capacity), which is expected to be achieved in early 2016.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production of bauxite and aluminium are unchanged at 43 million tonnes and 3.3 million tonnes, respectively. The expected share of alumina production has been revised to 7.8 million tonnes (previously 8.0 million tonnes).


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

Q3 2015
vs Q3 2014
vs Q2 2015
9 mths
2015
vs 9 mths 2014
Mined copper 





Kennecott Utah Copper
22.2
-58%
+28%
66.3
-64%
Escondida
73.8
-12%
-25%
278.5
+10%
Grasberg
0.0
n/a
n/a
0.0
n/a
Oyu Tolgoi
18.8
+53%
+1%
48.6
+48%






Refined copper





Kennecott Utah Copper
14.3
-77%
-57%
92.5
-50%
Escondida
21.5
+3%
-19%
71.3
+5%






Coal





Hard coking coal
1,856
+5%
-12%
5,959
+10%
Semi-soft coking coal
928
+44%
-9%
2,850
+15%
Thermal coal
4,618
-14%
+13%
13,456
-6%
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper production for the first nine months was substantially lower than the same period of 2014 due to the continuing focus on de-weighting and de-watering the east wall of Bingham Canyon. The 28 per cent improvement on the second quarter was primarily attributable to higher head grades.
Lower mine production was partly mitigated by an inventory drawdown, resulting in refined production in the first nine months of 2015 being 50 per cent lower than in the same period of 2014. To optimise smelter utilisation, Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate, with 288 thousand tonnes received for processing in the first nine months of 2015. Tolled copper concentrate, smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures. 
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in the first nine months of 2015 was ten per cent higher than the same period of 2014, primarily due to higher grades and throughput. Third quarter production was 25 per cent lower than the second quarter due to lower grades and the planned shutdown of the Laguna Seca concentrator for maintenance activities. In conjunction with lower grades, production may also be impacted by water availability in the last quarter of 2015.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for the first nine months of 2015 was 48 per cent higher than the same period of 2014, attributable to higher grades and improved throughput. 
On 18 May 2015, the Government of Mongolia, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd and Rio Tinto signed the Oyu Tolgoi 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 updated 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 Inc. (Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold, 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 and, accordingly, expects its share of joint venture production to be zero during the year. Freeport is due to announce its third quarter results on 22 October 2015.


Coal
Hard coking coal production in the first nine months was ten per cent higher than the same period of 2014 following improved production rates at Kestrel. Third quarter tonnage was 12 per cent lower than the second quarter due to a scheduled longwall changeover at Kestrel.
Thermal coal production, which was six per cent lower than in the corresponding nine months of 2014, was impacted by wet weather in the Hunter Valley earlier in the year. This was partly offset by increased tonnage at Hail Creek. 
Semi-soft coking coal production was 15 per cent higher than in the corresponding nine months of 2014 reflecting mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations. 
On 30 September 2015, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture to New Hope Corporation Limited for $606 million. The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. 
2015 guidance
In 2015, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to be around 510 thousand tonnes (previously between 500 and 535 thousand tonnes), and refined copper production to be around 215 thousand tonnes (previously between 190 and 220 thousand tonnes). 
For coal, Rio Tinto's share of production is unchanged and 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 

Q3 2015
vs Q3 2014
vs Q2 2015
9 mths
2015
vs 9 mths 2014
Diamonds('000 carats)





Argyle
3,514
+43%
+4%
10,105
+37%
Diavik
761
-24%
-41%
2,945
-14%






Minerals ('000 tonnes)





Borates - B2O3 content
115
-9%
-7%
369
-4%
Titanium dioxide slag
243
-34%
-19%
866
-23%






Salt ('000 tonnes)
1,281
-18%
+7%
3,892
-21%






Uranium ('000 lbs)





Energy Resources of Australia
689
-19%
+17%
2,015
+136%
Rssing
379
-38%
-30%
1,194
-30%
Diamonds
At Argyle, the ramp-up of production from the underground mine remained the key operational focus. As a result, carats produced were 43 per cent higher in the third quarter and 37 per cent higher year to date compared with the corresponding periods of 2014.
At Diavik, third quarter carats recovered were lower than the same quarter of 2014 and the second quarter of 2015 due to lower processing volumes and lower recovered grades from the A418 and A154N pipes. 
Minerals
Borates production in the first nine months of 2015 was four per cent lower than in the same period of 2014 driven primarily by lower market demand.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 23 per cent lower in the first nine months of 2015 than in the same period of 2014. RTIT has taken the following actions to optimise production, align it with market demand and deliver further free cash flow:
 two of the nine furnaces have been idled at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) in Quebec since April 2015. 
 one of the four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals has been idled since mid-September 2015 to align the smelter rebuild schedule with market conditions.
 the normal winter shutdown at the Havre Saint Pierre hard rock ilmenite mine in Quebec has been extended, with operations suspended from late October 2015 until March 2016.
Salt
Salt production in the first nine months of 2015 was lower than the same period of 2014 as a result of weaker demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process existing stockpiles. Third quarter production was 17 per cent higher than the second quarter due to higher mill head grade, improved recoveries and increased throughput. 
Year to date production at Rssing was 30 per cent lower than the same period of 2014, largely as a result of lower grades and recoveries.
2015 guidance
Rio Tinto is maintaining its expected share of titanium dioxide slag production in 2015 at 1.0 to 1.1 million tonnes, as announced on 7 September 2015, while its expected share of boric acid equivalent production is unchanged at 0.5 million tonnes. Rio Tinto now expects its share of diamond production to be 18 million carats (previously 20 million carats), reflecting the decision to pause final product processing in the fourth quarter at Argyle in light of current market conditions.
Rio Tinto's share of uranium production is unchanged and is expected to be approximately five million pounds.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine months of 2015 was $392 million (of which $149 million was spent in the third quarter), compared with $566 million in the same period of 2014. Approximately 37 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Copper & Coal, six per cent by Iron Ore, 21 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and 36 per cent by central exploration. 
There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the quarter.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of our exploration spend in the period was focused on copper targets in Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Namibia, Peru, Russia, the United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi, Weipa and Kennecott.


A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group
Evaluation
projects
Advanced
projects
Greenfield 
programmes
Aluminium
South of Embley and Cape York, Australia 
Amargosa orbit, Brazil
Australia, Brazil, Laos
Copper & Coal
Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US
Copper: La Granja, Peru
Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia 
Coal: Mt Pleasant and Hail Creek, Australia
Nickel: Tamarack, US
Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley, Australia
Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Peru, Russia, US, Zambia
Nickel: Canada
Diamonds & Minerals
Diamonds: Bunder, India; 
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia
Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique; Zulti South, South Africa 
Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea 
Uranium: Roughrider, Canada
Potash: KP405, Canada
Diamonds: Canada, India
Heavy mineral sands: Gabon
Uranium: Australia, Canada, US
Iron Ore
Pilbara, Australia
Pilbara, Australia
Botswana


Contacts
media.enquiries@riotinto.com
www.riotinto.com 
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
David Luff
T + 44 20 7781 1177
M + 44 7780 226 422
Investor 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 + 61 457 525 578
Investor Relations, Australia/Asia
Natalie Worley
T +61 3 9283 3063
M +61 409 210 462
Rachel Storrs
T +61 3 9283 3628
M +61 417 401 018


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


Rio Tinto production summary




















Rio Tinto share of production
























Quarter

9 Months

% Change


2014
Q3
2015
Q2
2015
Q3

2014
9 MTHS
2015
9 MTHS

Q315
vs
Q314
Q315
vs
Q215
9MTHS15
vs
9MTHS14
Principal Commodities











Alumina
('000 t)
1,877
1,925
1,957

6,203
5,777

4%
2%
-7%
Aluminium
('000 t)
825
818
830

2,452
2,457

1%
1%
0%
Bauxite
('000 t)
10,889
10,695
11,287

31,077
32,466

4%
6%
4%
Borates
('000 t)
127
124
115

385
369

-9%
-7%
-4%
Coal - hard coking
('000 t)
1,773
2,101
1,856

5,416
5,959

5%
-12%
10%
Coal - semi-soft coking
('000 t)
645
1,024
928

2,484
2,850

44%
-9%
15%
Coal - thermal
('000 t)
5,355
4,075
4,618

14,322
13,456

-14%
13%
-6%
Copper - mined
('000 t)
151.8
134.3
114.9

474.7
393.3

-24%
-14%
-17%
Copper - refined
('000 t)
83.5
59.9
35.8

253.8
163.8

-57%
-40%
-35%
Diamonds
('000 cts)
3,549
4,696
4,275

11,031
13,126

20%
-9%
19%
Iron ore
('000 t)
60,450
63,892
69,316

170,318
192,620

15%
8%
13%
Titanium dioxide slag
('000 t)
365
301
243

1,127
866

-34%
-19%
-23%
Uranium
('000 lbs)
1,467
1,131
1,068

2,567
3,209

-27%
-6%
25%
Other Metals & Minerals











Gold - mined
('000 oz)
138.4
116.9
79.3

355.8
276.0

-43%
-32%
-22%
Gold - refined
('000 oz)
79.3
51.6
34.1

201.1
148.0

-57%
-34%
-26%
Molybdenum
('000 t)
5.6
2.6
1.8

8.9
7.0

-68%
-32%
-21%
Salt
('000 t)
1,567
1,193
1,281

4,942
3,892

-18%
7%
-21%
Silver - mined
('000 oz)
1,390
804
846

3,959
2,604

-39%
5%
-34%
Silver - refined
('000 oz)
759
501
296

2,175
1,495

-61%
-41%
-31%












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
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









ALUMINA








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil)
100%
358
373
360
359
369
1,070
1,089
 Queensland Alumina
80%
741
748
739
741
765
2,106
2,245
 So Luis (Alumar)
10%
94
95
86
94
93
269
273
 Yarwun
100%
656
687
683
700
703
2,001
2,087
 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant
100%
28
27
27
30
27
81
84
Aluminium Product Group total

1,877
1,931
1,896
1,925
1,957
5,527
5,777
Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a)
100%
0
0
0
0
0
676
0
Rio Tinto total alumina production

1,877
1,931
1,896
1,925
1,957
6,203
5,777









ALUMINIUM








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Australia - Bell Bay
100%
48
48
46
47
48
141
142
 Australia - Boyne Island
59%
85
86
84
86
87
242
257
 Australia - Tomago
52%
73
74
73
75
76
215
224
 Canada - six wholly owned
100%
320
317
306
305
316
962
927
 Canada - Alouette (Sept-les)
40%
58
59
59
61
61
174
181
 Canada - Bcancour
25%
28
28
26
28
27
83
82
 France - Dunkerque
100%
68
68
67
68
69
202
205
 Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)
100%
51
52
51
51
48
153
151
 New Zealand - Tiwai Point
79%
65
65
65
66
67
194
197
 Oman - Sohar
20%
18
19
19
19
19
54
56
 UK - Lochaber
100%
10
11
12
12
12
31
35
Rio Tinto total aluminium production

825
827
809
818
830
2,452
2,457









BAUXITE








Production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Gove
100%
1,725
1,574
1,710
1,863
1,966
4,954
5,538
 Porto Trombetas
12%
501
556
438
447
522
1,409
1,407
 Sangaredi
 (c)
1,819
1,721
1,632
1,444
1,681
5,391
4,757
 Weipa
100%
6,844
6,944
6,704
6,941
7,119
19,322
20,764
Rio Tinto total bauxite production

10,889
10,794
10,484
10,695
11,287
31,077
32,466


Rio Tinto share of production














Rio Tinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









BORATES








Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)








 Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100%
127
123
129
124
115
385
369









COAL - hard coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hail Creek Coal
82%
1,277
1,520
1,189
1,349
1,427
3,804
3,965
 Kestrel Coal
80%
497
119
813
752
429
1,611
1,994
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

1,773
1,639
2,002
2,101
1,856
5,416
5,959









COAL - semi-soft coking








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Hunter Valley
80%
292
440
460
780
585
1,108
1,825
 Mount Thorley
64%
317
213
311
168
254
1,037
732
 Warkworth
44%
36
76
128
76
90
340
293
Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production

645
728
898
1,024
928
2,484
2,850









COAL - thermal








Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)








 Bengalla (d)
32%
667
660
749
568
652
2,079
1,969
 Hail Creek Coal
82%
702
524
725
601
634
1,366
1,959
 Hunter Valley
80%
2,732
2,275
2,184
1,579
1,925
7,264
5,687
 Kestrel Coal
80%
45
249
94
143
87
202
324
 Mount Thorley
64%
499
128
353
517
547
1,306
1,417
 Warkworth
44%
711
923
658
667
774
2,105
2,099
Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

5,355
4,759
4,762
4,075
4,618
14,322
13,456


Rio Tinto share of production














Rio Tinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









COPPER








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
52.8
20.5
26.6
17.4
22.2
183.8
66.3
 Escondida
30%
84.2
88.9
106.2
98.4
73.8
252.4
278.5
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
2.5
2.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
5.6
0.0
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
12.3
16.9
11.3
18.5
18.8
32.9
48.6
Rio Tinto total mine production

151.8
128.3
144.1
134.3
114.9
474.7
393.3
Refined production ('000 tonnes)








 Escondida
30%
20.8
22.5
23.2
26.6
21.5
68.0
71.3
 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
62.7
18.3
45.0
33.2
14.3
185.9
92.5
Rio Tinto total refined production

83.5
40.7
68.2
59.9
35.8
253.8
163.8









DIAMONDS








Production ('000 carats)








 Argyle
100%
2,455
1,813
3,217
3,374
3,514
7,375
10,105
 Diavik
60%
1,004
927
899
1,285
761
3,413
2,945
 Murowa (g)
0%
90
101
40
37
-
243
77
Rio Tinto total diamond production

3,549
2,841
4,155
4,696
4,275
11,031
13,126









GOLD








Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)








 Barneys Canyon
100%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.0
 Bingham Canyon
100%
86.7
33.2
44.7
29.5
31.0
226.6
105.2
 Escondida
30%
6.6
3.8
6.4
7.7
7.1
23.2
21.2
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0.8
0.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.5
0.0
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
44.2
93.2
28.7
79.8
41.1
104.1
149.6
Rio Tinto total mine production

138.4
131.0
79.8
116.9
79.3
355.8
276.0
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
79.3
51.1
62.2
51.6
34.1
201.1
148.0


Rio Tinto share of production














Rio Tinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









IRON ORE








Production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Hamersley mines
 (h)
41,837
45,239
42,177
45,807
50,113
117,924
138,097
 Hamersley - Channar
60%
1,763
1,501
1,287
1,675
1,811
5,047
4,773
 Hope Downs
50%
5,646
5,839
5,679
5,259
5,589
15,519
16,528
 Iron Ore Company of Canada
59%
2,299
2,247
2,109
2,616
2,784
6,429
7,510
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53%
4,846
4,599
4,020
4,402
4,520
13,705
12,943
 Robe River - West Angelas
53%
4,058
3,815
4,139
4,133
4,497
11,695
12,769
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

60,450
63,239
59,412
63,892
69,316
170,318
192,620
Breakdown of Production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

14,986
16,103
16,057
17,490
19,697
42,778
53,244
 Pilbara Blend Fines

24,721
25,185
24,607
25,466
28,497
67,005
78,570
 Robe Valley Lump

1,617
1,591
1,482
1,541
1,505
4,548
4,528
 Robe Valley Fines

3,229
3,008
2,538
2,861
3,015
9,157
8,415
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,597
15,105
12,618
13,918
13,818
40,402
40,353
 IOC Concentrate

936
845
804
1,245
1,197
2,694
3,247
 IOC Pellets

1,364
1,402
1,305
1,372
1,587
3,735
4,264
Breakdown of Sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

13,730
13,778
13,231
14,620
17,178
37,432
45,029
 Pilbara Blend Fines

26,496
30,627
26,004
30,200
34,922
75,017
91,126
 Robe Valley Lump

1,405
1,435
1,257
1,320
1,405
4,070
3,983
 Robe Valley Fines

3,246
3,453
2,568
2,797
3,246
9,435
8,610
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,198
14,628
12,336
14,004
13,934
41,642
40,274
 IOC Concentrate

1,343
732
417
1,112
1,850
2,833
3,379
 IOC Pellets

1,172
1,410
1,462
1,344
1,553
3,407
4,359
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

61,590
66,063
57,276
65,397
74,088
173,837
196,760


Rio Tinto share of production














Rio Tinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









MOLYBDENUM








Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
5.6
2.6
2.7
2.6
1.8
8.9
7.0









SALT








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Dampier Salt
68%
1,567
1,852
1,418
1,193
1,281
4,942
3,892









SILVER








Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)








 Bingham Canyon
100%
970
356
486
310
362
2,578
1,158
 Escondida
30%
348
288
407
394
354
1,177
1,155
 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e)
40%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
 Oyu Tolgoi (f)
34%
72
96
62
100
130
204
291
Rio Tinto total mine production

1,390
740
954
804
846
3,959
2,604
Refined production ('000 ounces)








 Kennecott Utah Copper
100%
759
636
698
501
296
2,175
1,495









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Production ('000 tonnes)








 Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (i)
100%
365
316
322
301
243
1,127
866









URANIUM








Production ('000 lbs U3O8)








 Energy Resources of Australia (j)
68%
853
904
737
589
689
853
2,015
 Rssing
69%
615
618
272
543
379
1,714
1,194
Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,467
1,523
1,010
1,131
1,068
2,567
3,209


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) On 30 September 2015, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture.
(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) 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.
(h) 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.
(i) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
(j) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.


The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 September 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














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









ALUMINA








Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group








Alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland
80.0%
926
935
924
927
956
2,632
2,806
 Yarwun refinery - Queensland
100.0%
656
687
683
700
703
2,001
2,087
Brazil








 So Luis (Alumar) refinery
10.0%
938
953
862
940
928
2,686
2,730
Canada








 Jonquire (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)
100.0%
358
373
360
359
369
1,070
1,089

(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%
0
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%
28
27
27
30
27
81
84
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









ALUMINIUM








Primary Aluminium








Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania
100.0%
48
48
46
47
48
141
142
 Boyne Island smelter - Queensland
59.4%
143
145
142
145
146
408
433
 Tomago smelter - New South Wales
51.6%
142
144
141
145
147
417
434
Cameroon



 
 
 

 
 Alucam (Eda) smelter (a)
0.0%
24
22
-
-
-
70
-
Canada








 Alma smelter - Quebec
100.0%
116
116
115
116
117
339
348
 Alouette (Sept-les) smelter - Quebec
40.0%
146
147
147
152
153
436
453
 Arvida smelter - Quebec
100.0%
44
44
43
43
43
129
129
 Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec
100.0%
15
15
14
15
15
44
44
 Bcancour smelter - Quebec
25.1%
110
114
105
113
108
332
326
 Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec
100.0%
55
55
54
55
56
166
165
 Kitimat smelter - British Columbia
100.0%
28
24
20
15
23
101
58
 Laterrire smelter - Quebec
100.0%
62
62
60
61
61
182
183
France








 Dunkerque smelter
100.0%
68
68
67
68
69
202
205
Iceland








 ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter
100.0%
51
52
51
51
48
153
151
New Zealand








 Tiwai Point smelter
79.4%
82
82
82
83
84
245
249
Norway



 
 
 

 
 SRAL (Husnes) smelter (b)
0.0%
23
8
-
-
-
69
-
Oman








 Sohar smelter
20.0%
92
93
93
94
94
271
281
United Kingdom








 Lochaber smelter
100.0%
10
11
12
12
12
31
35

(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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









BAUXITE








Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








 Gove mine - Northern Territory
100.0%
1,725
1,574
1,710
1,863
1,966
4,954
5,538
 Weipa mine - Queensland
100.0%
6,844
6,944
6,704
6,941
7,119
19,322
20,764
Brazil








 Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine
12.0%
4,177
4,633
3,651
3,723
4,351
11,743
11,726
Guinea








 Sangaredi mine (a)
23.0%
4,043
3,823
3,627
3,209
3,735
11,979
10,571









Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments








Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

10,671
10,851
10,487
10,926
11,159
30,566
32,572
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

6,523
6,502
6,372
6,848
6,773
16,755
19,993

(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 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









BORATES








Rio Tinto Minerals - borates
100.0%







US








 Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

127
123
129
124
115
385
369

(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.









COAL








Rio Tinto Coal Australia








Bengalla mine (a)
32.0%







New South Wales








 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,083
2,061
2,341
1,776
2,036
6,497
6,153
Clermont Coal mine (b)
0.0%
 
 





Queensland

 
 





 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

-
-
-
-
-
4,832
-
Hail Creek Coal mine
82.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,557
1,853
1,450
1,645
1,740
4,639
4,835
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

856
639
884
733
773
1,665
2,390
Hunter Valley Operations
80.0%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

365
550
574
976
731
1,385
2,281
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

3,415
2,844
2,730
1,974
2,406
9,080
7,109
Kestrel Coal mine
80.0%







Queensland








 Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

621
149
1,017
940
536
2,014
2,493
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

56
311
118
178
109
253
405
Mount Thorley Operations
64.0%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

496
333
485
263
396
1,620
1,144
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

780
200
551
809
854
2,041
2,214
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









COAL (continued)








Warkworth mine
44.5%







New South Wales








 Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

80
170
287
170
201
763
659
 Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,598
2,073
1,478
1,499
1,740
4,729
4,717
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

2,178
2,002
2,467
2,585
2,277
6,653
7,328
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

942
1,052
1,347
1,408
1,329
3,768
4,084
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

8,787
8,129
8,101
6,968
7,918
29,098
22,988
Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

11,906
11,183
11,915
10,961
11,524
39,519
34,400









Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

11,409
12,395
11,926
11,016
11,455
38,992
34,397
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)








Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

1,563
1,978
1,925
2,405
1,722
5,705
6,052
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

790
812
929
963
932
2,413
2,825
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d)

4,972
5,183
4,781
3,913
4,689
16,246
13,383

(a) On 30 September 2015, Rio Tinto announced that it had reached a binding agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture.
(b) 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.
(c) Kestrel produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique








Benga mine (a)
0.0%







Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

236
26
-
-
-
615
-
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

216
23
-
-
-
570
-

(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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









COPPER & GOLD








Escondida
30.0%







Chile








Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

20,652
18,354
21,382
22,909
22,820
63,140
67,111
 Average copper grade (%)

1.20
1.45
1.49
1.32
1.00
1.22
1.27
Mill production (metals in concentrates):








 Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

205.5
215.7
270.6
249.6
169.7
636.7
690.0
 Contained gold ('000 ounces)

22
13
21
26
24
77
71
 Contained silver ('000 ounces)

1,159
958
1,355
1,314
1,181
3,924
3,850
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)

75.3
80.5
83.5
78.5
76.5
204.7
238.5
Refined production from leach plants:








 Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

69.3
75.0
77.3
88.8
71.5
226.6
237.6

(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)

12,488
11,512
14,123
16,095
16,399
32,473
46,617
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.88
0.79
0.57
0.67
0.67
0.78
0.64
 Gold (g/t)

1.28
1.14
0.68
0.86
0.77
0.94
0.77
 Silver (g/t)

3.90
3.37
2.13
2.44
2.21
3.48
2.27
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

97.7
82.3
72.2
96.5
95.8
224.0
264.5
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

439
366
262
371
321
801
955
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

913
771
558
759
649
1,970
1,966
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

120.0
83.9
70.4
88.8
94.6
224.9
253.7
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

505
366
260
346
320
804
926
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

889
623
435
558
512
1,589
1,505

(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 3Q 2015 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 3Q 2015 until the release of its 2015 third-quarter results on 22 October 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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Kennecott Utah Copper








Barneys Canyon mine (a)
100.0%
 
 
 
 
 

 
Utah, US

 
 
 
 
 

 
 Gold produced ('000 ounces)

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







Utah, US








Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

12,184
6,404
9,819
8,208
8,581
34,579
26,607
Average ore grade:








 Copper (%)

0.49
0.37
0.31
0.25
0.30
0.59
0.29
 Gold (g/t)

0.33
0.26
0.21
0.17
0.17
0.30
0.18
 Silver (g/t)

3.01
2.22
2.22
1.99
2.07
2.95
2.10
 Molybdenum (%)

0.069
0.060
0.041
0.046
0.035
0.048
0.041
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

193
82
133
84
116
717
334
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

27.2
24.8
19.9
20.6
18.9
25.6
19.7
Production of metals in copper concentrates:








 Copper ('000 tonnes) (b)

52.8
20.5
26.6
17.4
22.2
183.8
66.3
 Gold ('000 ounces)

87
33
45
29
31
227
105
 Silver ('000 ounces)

970
356
486
310
362
2,578
1,158
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

10.5
4.9
5.2
5.0
3.4
17.0
13.7
 Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

5.6
2.6
2.7
2.6
1.8
8.9
7.0

(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)

205
122
148
99
113
787
360
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)

50.2
24.9
35.1
19.1
17.1
179.3
71.3
Production of refined metal:








 Copper ('000 tonnes)

62.7
18.3
45.0
33.2
14.3
185.9
92.5
 Gold ('000 ounces) (b)

79.3
51.1
62.2
51.6
34.1
201.1
148.0
 Silver ('000 ounces) (b)

759
636
698
501
296
2,175
1,495

(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









COPPER & GOLD (continued)








Turquoise Hill Resources








Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)
33.5%







Mongolia








Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

7,029
7,505
7,512
9,025
8,632
20,367
25,168
Average mill head grades:








 Copper (%)

0.59
0.74
0.52
0.69
0.75
0.55
0.66
 Gold (g/t)

0.80
1.46
0.48
1.09
0.56
0.64
0.73
 Silver (g/t)

1.64
1.65
1.16
1.46
1.90
1.58
1.52
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

134.1
186.7
130.9
215.5
210.3
377.0
556.7
 Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

27.3
26.9
25.7
25.6
26.6
26.0
26.0
Production of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

36.6
50.3
33.6
55.3
56.0
98.2
144.9
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

132.0
278.2
85.6
238.1
122.6
310.6
446.4
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

216
286
184
297
388
608
869
Sales of metals in concentrates:








 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

53.6
67.6
42.1
46.3
58.2
118.3
146.5
 Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

144
263
200
177
200
298
577
 Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

323
383
219
245
334
710
798

(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 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









DIAMONDS








Argyle Diamonds
100.0%







Western Australia








 AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

876
688
1,178
1,199
1,339
2,311
3,716
 AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

2,455
1,813
3,217
3,374
3,514
7,375
10,105
Diavik Diamonds
60.0%







Northwest Territories, Canada








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

560
512
476
565
478
1,765
1,519
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

1,673
1,545
1,498
2,141
1,269
5,688
4,908
Murowa Diamonds (a)
0.0%







Zimbabwe








 Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

153
160
117
95
-
430
212
 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

116
130
51
48
-
312
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 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









IRON ORE








Rio Tinto Iron Ore








Western Australia








Pilbara Operations








Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)








 Hamersley mines
 (a)
41,837
45,239
42,177
45,807
50,113
117,924
138,097
 Hamersley - Channar
60.0%
2,938
2,502
2,145
2,792
3,019
8,411
7,955
 Hope Downs
50.0%
11,292
11,677
11,358
10,518
11,179
31,038
33,055
 Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)
53.0%
9,144
8,677
7,585
8,306
8,529
25,858
24,420
 Robe River - West Angelas
53.0%
7,657
7,198
7,810
7,797
8,485
22,066
24,092
Total production ('000 tonnes)

72,868
75,292
71,075
75,221
81,325
205,298
227,621
Breakdown of total production:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

19,416
20,298
20,231
21,990
24,306
55,135
66,527
 Pilbara Blend Fines

30,711
31,213
30,641
31,007
34,672
83,903
96,320
 Robe Valley Lump

3,051
3,002
2,796
2,907
2,840
8,580
8,543
 Robe Valley Fines

6,093
5,675
4,789
5,399
5,690
17,278
15,878
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,597
15,105
12,618
13,918
13,818
40,402
40,353
Breakdown of total sales:








 Pilbara Blend Lump

17,378
17,295
16,832
18,635
21,147
48,594
56,615
 Pilbara Blend Fines

33,380
37,370
32,904
36,841
41,695
94,071
111,440
 Robe Valley Lump

2,651
2,708
2,373
2,491
2,651
7,680
7,515
 Robe Valley Fines

6,124
6,514
4,845
5,277
6,124
17,802
16,246
 Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14,198
14,628
12,336
14,004
13,934
41,642
40,274
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

73,731
78,515
69,290
77,248
85,552
209,790
232,090

(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)

1,593
1,439
1,370
2,120
2,039
4,588
5,529
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

2,322
2,388
2,223
2,336
2,703
6,360
7,261
Sales:








 Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

2,288
1,246
711
1,894
3,150
4,825
5,755
 Pellets ('000 tonnes)

1,996
2,402
2,490
2,288
2,644
5,802
7,423
Global Iron Ore Totals








Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

76,784
79,119
74,667
79,676
86,067
216,246
240,410
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

78,014
82,163
72,491
81,430
91,346
220,417
245,268
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


Rio Tinto operational data














RioTinto
interest
3Q
2014
4Q
2014
1Q
2015
2Q
2015
3Q
2015
9MTHS
2014
9MTHS
2015









SALT








Dampier Salt
68.4%







Western Australia








 Salt production ('000 tonnes)

2,293
2,709
2,074
1,745
1,874
7,229
5,694









TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG








Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
100.0%







Canada and South Africa








 (Rio Tinto share) (a)








 Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)

365
316
322
301
243
1,127
866

(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)

1,247
1,322
1,078
861
1,008
1,247
2,946

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







Namibia








 U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

896
902
397
791
552
2,500
1,740









Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2015. 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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