REG - Rio Tinto - Third quarter production results
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RNS Number : 1929D Rio Tinto PLC 14 October 2025
Rio Tinto releases third quarter 2025 production results
14 October 2025
Our pace continues - strong production across the portfolio
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott said: "Safety remains our number one
priority. We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Mohamed Camara at the
SimFer mine site and are committed to learning across our business to prevent
future incidents. This has been a time for huge reflections on safety across
the group.
"We continue to strengthen performance from our assets, setting back-to-back
quarterly production records in our bauxite business and at Oyu Tolgoi - where
the underground ramp-up remains on track to boost copper output by more than
50% this year.
"We are focused on delivering a strong finish to the year from the Pilbara.
Our growth projects are also progressing at pace - at Simandou, we started
loading first ore at the mine for movement down the rail and to the port in
October.
"We are on track to meet production guidance for 2025, with an upwards
revision to bauxite this quarter, and are well positioned to deliver
compelling mid-term production growth. We will continue to deliver further
shareholder value through operational excellence, simplification and
discipline on performance and capital investment."
1. Executive Summary
• New operating model and executive team: to simplify the business
and unlock additional shareholder value. New structure comprises three
world-class businesses: Iron Ore; Aluminium & Lithium; and Copper. Borates
and Iron & Titanium have been placed under strategic review.
• Copper equivalent (CuEq)(1) production: increased 9% in Q3 YoY,
driven by strong performance across all our assets.
• Copper: Total production is on track to achieve the higher end of
full year guidance, driven by the strong ramp-up at Oyu Tolgoi. Our Kennecott
mine performed as expected during the quarter while major planned maintenance
at the concentrator and smelter commenced successfully.
• Iron ore: Pilbara achieved its second highest Q3 shipments since
2019, up 6% from Q2. As part of our Iron Ore replacement strategy, West
Angelas Sustaining Project received all Government approvals in October.
• Aluminium & Lithium: Full year bauxite production guidance
upgraded driven by operational excellence at our bauxite business, especially
at Amrun.
Production(2) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2 2025 guidance(6) Guidance status
2024
2025
2025
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) Mt 84.3 - % +6 % 323 to 338 Unchanged
(at lower end)
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) Mt 84.1 - % - % NA Unchanged
IOC(5) iron ore pellets and concentrate Mt 2.3 +11 % -6 % 9.7 to 11.4 Unchanged
(at lower end)
Bauxite Mt 16.4 +9 % +5 % 59 to 61 Upgraded
(previously 57 to 59)
Alumina Mt 1.9 +7 % +4 % 7.4 to 7.8 Unchanged
Aluminium(3) Mt 0.86 +6 % +2 % 3.25 to 3.45 Unchanged
Copper (consolidated basis)(4) kt 204 +10 % -11 % 780 to 850 Unchanged
(at higher end)
Titanium dioxide slag Mt 0.3 -1 % -3 % 1.0 to 1.2 Unchanged
(at lower end)
Boric oxide equivalent Mt 0.1 +2 % -3 % ~0.5 Unchanged
(1) Copper equivalent volume = Rio Tinto's share of production volume / Volume
conversion factor x Product price ($/t) / Copper price ($/t). Prices are based
on long-term consensus prices. (2) Rio Tinto share unless otherwise stated.
(3) Includes primary aluminium only. (4) From Q1 2025, we report copper
production and guidance as one metric, in order to simplify reporting and
align with peer practices. For further details see slide 90 of our Investor
Seminar (https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/investor-seminars) 2024
presentation. (5) Iron Ore Company of Canada. (6) See further notes in Section
2, 2025 guidance.
2. 2025 guidance
Production guidance
• 2025 production guidance is revised higher for bauxite. All other
production guidance is unchanged(1).
Pilbara iron ore shipments
• Pilbara shipments are expected to be at the lower end of guidance
following 13 Mt of cyclone impacts in Q1, of which we are on track to recover
about half. A strong Q4 performance is required as the system remains tightly
balanced and has limited ability to mitigate further losses.
• Pilbara iron ore guidance remains subject to the timing of
approvals for planned mining areas and heritage clearances.
Iron Ore Company of Canada
• Production is now expected at the lower end of guidance. We are
focusing on improving pit health.
Bauxite production
• We have upgraded our guidance range from 57 - 59 Mt (higher end)
to 59 - 61 Mt reflecting consistently higher utilisation rates, particularly
at Weipa where Amrun has continued to exceed nameplate capacity.
(1) Guidance remains subject to weather impacts.
Unit cost guidance
• 2025 unit cost guidance is unchanged from half year 2025 results
disclosures.
Unit costs 2025 guidance
Pilbara iron ore unit cash costs, free on board (FOB) basis - US$ per wet 23.0-24.50
metric tonne
Copper C1 net unit costs (includes Kennecott, Oyu Tolgoi and Escondida) - US 110-130(1)
cents per lb
(1) Guidance was revised lower on 30 July 2025 in half year 2025 results
disclosures (previous 130-150 c/lb).
3. Group financial update
Expenditure on exploration and evaluation
• Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and
evaluation charged to the profit and loss account for Q3 year-to-date 2025 was
$537 million, compared with $692 million for the same period in 2024.
Approximately 32% of the spend was by central exploration, 37% by Copper, 21%
by Iron Ore (which includes Iron Ore Company of Canada), 9% by other
operations and 1% by Aluminium & Lithium. Qualifying expenditure on the
Rincon project has been capitalised since 1 July 2024, accounting for most of
the decrease in expense.
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4. Our markets
Global economy: showed modest improvement in Q3, supported by the prevailing
financial conditions, fiscal expansion in key economies and front-loaded
investments ahead of anticipated tariffs. However, business and consumer
sentiment weakened due to persistent trade tensions.
Chinese economy: entered Q3 under pressure from persistent deflation,
decelerating manufacturing, moderating exports and a sustained soft property
sector. Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to its 5%
annual growth target, relying on targeted stimulus in infrastructure and
technology rather than broad measures.
US economy: slowed in Q3 after a strong Q2, with GDP growth easing as higher
tariffs and a widening trade deficit weighed on activity. Household spending
remained resilient, but business investment and consumer sentiment
weakened.
Iron ore
• Prices rebounded above $100/dmt (62% Fe CFR) during Q3, peaking at
a seven-month high of $108/dmt, driven by elevated hot metal production. The
major iron ore producers' combined shipments remained flat YoY during Q3,
while supply from the non-majors rose 6% QoQ.
• Positive mill margins accelerated China's crude steel production
growth during Q3 to an estimated ~4% YoY (1% QoQ). Blast furnace utilisation
rates rose to ~90% in Q3, up from 86% in Q3 2024. At the same time, finished
steel exports remain resilient at 88Mt (January to end-September), up 9% YoY.
Copper
• London Metal Exchange (LME) prices were supported through the
quarter by a weakening US dollar, supply disruptions and continued strong
demand in China, averaging 442c/lb, up 10c/lb compared to Q2. Subsequent to
the quarter end, spot prices have climbed further in response to significant
supply disruptions.
• On 31 July, the US Government announced Section 232 tariffs on
copper, which did not cover cathode. As a result, the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange (CME) copper price went from trading 26% above LME to just 1% above.
• The copper concentrate market remains exceptionally tight due to
excess smelting capacity. Spot treatment and refining charges continue to
trade in negative territory as a result.
Aluminium
• The LME quarterly average price rose during Q3 supported by a
weakening US dollar and easing of global trade tensions. Global aluminium
production remained broadly flat across the first seven months of 2025 which,
coupled with low inventory levels, provided upward momentum to price.
• US aluminium market premiums rose in Q3 on lower levels of imports
and destocking. European market premiums rose on low inventories but continued
to fall in Japan on weak spot demand.
• Australian FOB alumina price fell in Q3 on higher production in
Indonesia and China. Refineries in the upper quartile of the cost curve are
unprofitable at current price levels, based on third party data.
• Chinese bauxite spot import prices fell in Q3 on higher seaborne
supply to China, primarily from Guinea. This was despite Guinean exports being
impacted by their wet season and idled mine capacity.
Lithium
• Lithium demand remains strong, underpinned by a 27% YoY increase
in global electric vehicle (EV) sales across the first seven months of this
year (compared to 22% over the same period in 2024). Demand from stationary
batteries remains solid and is providing additional upside.
Titanium dioxide
• Demand across key TiO(2) downstream sectors remains muted,
reflecting ongoing weakness in property and construction. Rising inventory
levels and margin pressures have led pigment producers to scale back TiO(2)
feedstock consumption.
Borates
• Demand for borates continues to be healthy in China and the US,
with stability across other regions. Prices remain well supported.
Index prices Start of Q3 End of Q3 % change start - end Q3 Q2 2025 average Q3 2025 average % change QoQ
(01/07/25) (30/09/25)
Iron ore ($/dmt CFR China)(1) 93 104 +12 % 98 102 +4 %
Copper (LME spot, c/lb) 456 467 +2 % 432 444 +3 %
Aluminium (LME spot, $/t) 2,604 2,669 +2 % 2,448 2,618 +7 %
Lithium carbonate (spot, $/t CIF China, Japan & Korea)(2) 8,100 9,380 +16 % 8,566 9,042 +6 %
(1) Monthly average Platts (CFR) index for 62% iron fines. This is reflective
of the pricing basis before we introduced the new product strategy (see Iron
Ore section for further details).
(2) Fastmarkets index for Lithium carbonate min 99.5% Li(2)CO(3) battery
grade.
5. Iron Ore
Pilbara operations
Rio Tinto share of production (Million tonnes) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2
2024
2025
2025
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump(1) 24.0 +7 % +4 %
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines(1) 33.4 - % +1 %
Robe Valley Lump 1.7 +12 % -1 %
Robe Valley Fines 1.9 -18 % -16 %
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 10.9 -5 % -1 %
Total Pilbara production 71.8 +1 % +1 %
Total Pilbara production (100% basis) 84.1 - % - %
Rio Tinto share of shipments (Million tonnes) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2
2024
2025
2025
Pilbara Blend Lump 17.7 +24 % +58 %
Pilbara Blend Fines 33.4 +25 % +55 %
Robe Valley Lump 1.3 +14 % -4 %
Robe Valley Fines 2.2 -13 % -15 %
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 10.8 -9 % +1 %
SP10 Lump(1) 2.9 -49 % -65 %
SP10 Fines(1) 3.2 -70 % -75 %
Total Pilbara shipments(2) 71.4 -1 % +5 %
Total Pilbara shipments (100% basis)(2) 84.3 - % +6 %
Total Pilbara shipments (consolidated basis)(2, 3) 73.4 -1 % +5 %
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown,
hence small rounding differences may appear.
(1) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(2) Shipments includes material shipped from the Pilbara to our portside
trading facility in China which may not be sold onwards by the group in the
same period.
(3) While Rio Tinto has a 53% net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron
Associates, it recognises 65% of the assets, liabilities, sales revenues and
expenses in its accounts (as 30% is held through a 60% owned subsidiary and
35% is held through a 100% owned subsidiary). The consolidated basis sales
reported here include Robe River Iron Associates on a 65% basis to enable
comparison with revenue reported in the financial statements.
• Q3 production: Gudai-Darri achieved its highest-ever quarterly
production in Q3, with a 51 Mtpa run rate. Our core focus remains recovering
from the four cyclones in Q1 and achieving strong performance in Q4.
• Q3 shipments: up 6% QoQ, despite planned major maintenance and
infrastructure works which will continue throughout Q4. Port maintenance
deferred due to cyclone impacts is complete.
• Product strategy: as announced in Q2, shipments of the new Pilbara
Blend commenced in July 2025 and have continued to be successfully shipped
through Q3.
◦ SP10 levels have reduced, as planned, following the change in
Pilbara Blend product specifications. SP10 accounted for 9% of Pilbara
shipments (on a 100% basis), reducing from 29% in Q2.
• Q3 sales: 10% of sales priced by reference to the prior quarter's
average index lagged by one month:
◦ remainder sold either on current quarter average, month average or
on the spot market.
◦ 25% of sales were made on a free on board (FOB) basis, with
remainder sold including freight.
• Q3 portside sales in China: 4.9 million tonnes (6.4 million tonnes
in Q3 2024)
◦ 94% of our portside sales were either screened or blended in
Chinese ports.
◦ end-September inventory levels at portside were 3.2 million
tonnes, including 1.7 million tonnes of Pilbara product.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Rio Tinto share of production (Million tonnes) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2
2024
2025
2025
Iron ore pellets and concentrate 2.3 +11 % -6 %
• Q3 production: constrained as we focus on pit health, with lower
ore feed to the concentrator.
• Q3 shipments: reduced 11% quarter-on-quarter due to production and
the planned annual rail maintenance shutdown which was completed in September.
• Full year production is expected to be at the lower end of the 9.7
to 11.4 Mt guidance range. We are focusing on improving pit health.
6. Aluminium and Lithium
Aluminium
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2
2024
2025
2025
Bauxite 16,392 +9 % +5 %
Bauxite third party shipments 11,600 +4 % +4 %
Alumina(1) 1,888 +7 % +4 %
Aluminium 857 +6 % +2 %
Recycled aluminium 68 +8 % -8 %
(1) As stated in Q1 2025, following sanction measures by the Australian
Government, Rio Tinto has taken on 100% of capacity of Queensland Alumina
Limited (QAL) for as long as the sanctions continue. With the end of the QAL
participation agreement at the end of December 2024, QAL and Rio Tinto have
entered into a new two-year tolling agreement for 100% of the capacity,
effectively making QAL a tolling entity exclusively for Rio Tinto. This
additional output is excluded from the production tables in this report as QAL
remains 80% owned by Rio Tinto and 20% owned by Rusal.
Bauxite
• Q3: achieved the second consecutive quarterly production record.
Amrun continues to operate above nameplate capacity as the matured Safe
Production System delivers consistently higher utilisation rates.
• We have upgraded full year production guidance from 57 to 59 Mt to
59 to 61 Mt, reflecting consistently strong output year-to-date.
Alumina
• Q3: driven by improving performance at Yarwun and Alumar,
partially offset by a planned shutdown at Vaudreuil.
Aluminium
• Q3: operations continue to perform well and, as set out at Q2, we
adapt to external factors noted below.
◦ NZAS: as reported in Q2, the call from Meridian Energy to reduce
electricity usage by 50MW ended on 15 June 2025. As expected, operations
ramped up to full production rates during Q3.
◦ Kitimat: Q3 production rose QoQ for the second consecutive
quarter, as we optimise supply to the smelter and import energy to mitigate
the effects of the lower water levels.
• The power contract for the Bell Bay smelter in Tasmania expires on
31 December 2025. We are continuing regular discussions and engagement with
Hydro Tasmania and both Tasmanian and Federal Governments to secure a new
power agreement.
Recycled aluminium
• Q3: although demand remained strong for domestically produced
secondary products in the United States, softer demand for Canadian production
resulted in an overall weaker performance QoQ.
Lithium
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q3 vs Q3 Q2 vs Q2
2024
2025
2025 2025
Total lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production(1) 13 NA 12 +3 %
(1) Lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) is derived from volumes of lithium
carbonate, lithium chloride and spodumene concentrate. These compounds are
used as feedstock in downstream production.
(• ) Q3: integration of Rio Tinto Lithium is progressing
as planned:
◦ Lithium hydroxide production increased in Q3 reflecting continued
demand for stable high grade, low impurity product from our EV customers and
seasonal restocking demand in China.
◦ Lithium carbonate production at Fenix was affected by the movement
of planned annual maintenance outage from June to August which has now
completed.
◦ As reported in Q2, Mt Cattlin spodumene operation in Western
Australia was placed on care and maintenance from March 2025. We completed the
final shipment of stockpiled product in July.
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7. Copper
Rio Tinto production(1) ('000 tonnes) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2
2025
2024
2025
Copper
Kennecott - Refined metal(2) 13 -69 % -67 %
Escondida - Metal in concentrates 88 +9 % +1 %
Escondida - Refined metal 14 +18 % -4 %
Oyu Tolgoi - Metal in concentrates 89 +78 % +3 %
Total copper production (consolidated basis(1)) 204 +10 % -11 %
(1) Includes Oyu Tolgoi and Kennecott on a 100% consolidated basis, and
Escondida on an equity share basis.
(2) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 15.5 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q3 2025 (34.9 thousand tonnes YTD). Purchased and tolled copper
concentrates are excluded from reported production figures and guidance. Sales
of cathodes produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported
revenues.
Kennecott
• Q3 / YoY: mining operations performed as expected as we continue
to successfully navigate challenging geotechnical conditions impacting the
south wall of the mine. Lower production of refined metal is a function of the
planned annual maintenance shutdown at the concentrator and smelter through
much of September.
◦ At the concentrator, the 21-day shutdown was successfully
completed during September, with maintenance work primarily focused on the
crushing, conveying and grinding circuits.
◦ The planned 45-day smelter shutdown commenced in early September
and is progressing on plan.
Escondida
• Q3: slightly higher concentrate production, supported by improved
concentrator performance with increased recovery rates. Refined production
reduced with lower sulphide leach cathode output.
• YoY: concentrate production increased 9% compared to the same
quarter last year, driven by higher throughput (+13%) from improved
concentrator performance offset by a 6% decline in head grade (0.94% in Q3
2025 vs 1.00% in Q3 2024) due to mine sequencing. Refined copper increased
18%, mainly due to a 115% rise in Full Sal(1) production as the project
ramps-up.
Oyu Tolgoi
• Q3: we achieved another record quarter for copper production,
despite a planned concentrator shutdown in September (brought forward from
October to optimise production sequencing). Higher production was driven by
the continued underground ramp-up, with head grades improving as planned,
together with a corresponding uplift in recovery rates.
• YoY: rising contribution from higher grade underground material,
supported by the conveyor to surface. We also benefited from higher grade mine
sequencing in the open pit. We remain on track for a >50% YoY increase in
copper production in 2025.
• Engagement continues with Entrée Resources and the Government of
Mongolia on the transfer of licences to allow mining in the Panel 1
Entrée-Oyu Tolgoi joint venture area.
• Mine plan: flexibility and options, including bringing Panel 1 or
Panel 2 South into production first depending on the timing of the Entrée
licence transfer, with no material impact on production guidance.
• Project ramp-up remains on track to reach an average of around 500
thousand tonnes of copper per year (100% basis and stated as recoverable
metal) from 2028 to 2036(2).
(1) Full SaL is a processing technology that allows the extraction of copper
using chlorine-assisted leaching predominantly for sulphidic material. (2)The
500 thousand tonnes per annum copper production target (stated as recoverable
metal) for the Oyu Tolgoi underground and open pit mines for the years 2028 to
2036 was previously reported in a release to the ASX dated 11 July 2023
"Investor site visit to Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, Mongolia
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/invest/presentations/2023/oyu-tolgoi-site-visit)
". All material assumptions underpinning that production target and those
production profiles continue to apply and have not materially changed.
8. Borates, TiO(2) and diamonds
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2
2024
2025
2025
Borates - B(2)O(3) content 128 +2 % -3 %
Titanium dioxide slag - TiO(2) 261 -1 % -3 %
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 carats) Q3 vs Q3 vs Q2
2024
2025
2025
Diamonds 1,137 +110 % -8 %
As announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-announces-operating-model-and-executive-team-updates-to-unlock-additional-shareholder-value)
on 27 August 2025, our Borates, and Iron and Titanium businesses have now
moved to the Chief Commercial Officer's portfolio for strategic review. An
update will be provided on the outcome of these reviews in due course.
Throughout this review process, these businesses will continue to focus on
running safely and profitably to meet customer commitments.
Borates
• Q3: a planned shutdown was completed at the thickener reducing
throughput. After the tariff disruption in early Q2 and subsequent recovery in
China, demand was solid in Q3.
Iron and Titanium
• Q3: output reduced slightly as we adjusted to market demand. We
continued to see improved furnace efficiency at our Quebec Operations.
• We continue to operate six (of nine) furnaces in Quebec and three
(of four) furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals.
9. Capital Projects
Project Total Status/Milestones
capital cost
(100% unless
otherwise stated)
Iron ore
Project: Western Range $1.3bn • Production ramp-up over the remainder of 2025 continues, as
planned.
Location: WA, Australia (Rio Tinto share)(1)
Ownership: Rio Tinto (54%) and China Baowu Steel Group Co. Ltd (46%)
Capacity: 25 Mtpa
Approval: Sept 2022
First production: March 2025
To note: The project includes construction of a primary crusher and an 18
kilometre conveyor connection to the Paraburdoo processing plant.
Project: Brockman (Brockman Syncline 1) $1.8bn • Key contractors now mobilised and main bulk earthworks is
progressing.
• New construction village commissioned and in use.
Location: WA, Australia
Ownership: 100%
Capacity: 34 Mtpa
Approval: Oct 2024 (Mar 2025 was government approvals)
Planned first production: 2027
To note: The project is to extend the life of the Brockman regions in WA.
Project: Hope Downs 2 (incl. Bedded Hilltop) $0.8bn • Main works construction activities including bulk earthworks
clearing and installation of tunnel segments over the rail line progressed.
(Rio Tinto share) Construction camp was completed for occupancy.
Location: WA, Australia • Construction of road train transfer facilities has commenced.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (50%) and Hancock Prospecting (50%)
Capacity: 31 Mtpa
Approval: September 2024 (June 2025 was government approvals)
Planned first production: 2027
To note: The project is to extend the life of the Hope Downs 1 operation in
WA.
Project: West Angelas Sustaining $0.4bn • Subsequent to the end of Q3, Robe River Joint Venture (Rio Tinto,
Mitsui Iron Ore and Nippon Steel) announced their investment to extend West
(Rio Tinto share) Angelas iron ore mine following receipt of all necessary State and Federal
Government approvals.
Location: WA, Australia
• Rio Tinto worked closely with the Yinhawangka and Ngarlawangga
Ownership: Rio Tinto (53%), Mitsui Iron Ore (33%) and Nippon Steel (14%) Peoples to co-design Social Cultural Heritage Management Plans for the
project.
Capacity: 35 Mtpa
• The project will leverage existing West Angelas processing
Approval: August 2025 (October 2025 was government approvals) infrastructure and includes the construction of new non-process infrastructure
precincts and 22-kilometres of haul roads.
Planned first production: 2027
• Ore mined at the new deposits will be autonomously trucked to the
To note: The project is to extend the life of the West Angelas hub in WA. West Angelas hub.
Project Total Status/Milestones
capital cost
(100% unless
otherwise stated)
Iron ore
Project: Simandou $6.2bn • At the end of Q3, we had around 1.5 Mt of stockpiled ore at the
SimFer mine gate. With that, we started loading first ore at the mine for
Location: Guinea, Africa (Rio Tinto movement down the rail and to the port in October. Ore will be railed from the
SimFer mine to the main rail line via the SimFer rail spur and initially
SimFer mine ownership: SimFer (85%), Government of Guinea (GoG) (15%) share) shipped through the WCS port while construction of the SimFer port is
finalised. This marks the start of commissioning tests of the full system
SimFer mine capacity: 60 Mtpa (27 Mtpa RT share) infrastructure (mine to rail to port). Commissioning will be a complex
process, expected to continue over several months, thereafter, ramping up to
Approval: July 2024 full capacity over 30 months as planned.
Planned start date: loading of first ore at the mine started in October 2025. • First shipment - we expect to start loading a vessel around
November.
To note: Investment in the Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea in
partnership with CIOH, a Chinalco-led consortium (the SimFer joint venture) • Non-managed infrastructure - our partners confirm that
and co-development of the rail and port infrastructure with Winning Consortium construction is progressing well and is on track.
Simandou² (WCS), Baowu and the Republic of Guinea (the partners) for the
export of up to 120 million tonnes per year of iron ore mined by SimFer's and • SimFer mine(4) is progressing to plan - bulk earthworks and
WCS's respective mining concessions.³ The SimFer joint venture⁴ will permanent process facilities construction continue. First ore is expected
develop, own and operate a 60 million tonne per year⁵ mine in blocks 3 & through the permanent crushing facilities in H2 2026, on schedule and aligned
4. WCS will construct the project's ~536 kilometre shared dual track main with plan. Ore continues to be crushed and stockpiled through the temporary
line, a 16 kilometre spur connecting its mine to the mainline as well as the crushers.
WCS barge port, while SimFer will construct the ~70 kilometre spur line,
connecting its mining concession to the main rail line, and the transhipment • SimFer rail spur is progressing well - tunnel works completed in
vessel (TSV) port. August and the rail spur is now ready to deliver first ore.
• SimFer port continues to advance ahead of plan - fabrication of
the transhipment vessels is continuing at a shipyard in China.
• Workforce across all the SimFer scope of mine, rail and port has
reached 25,200 with 82% Guinean participation.
Aluminium
Project: Low-carbon AP60 aluminium smelter $1.3bn • Construction progress included completion of pot-to-pot module
fabrication and installation, structural and architectural work on the Gas
Location: Quebec, Canada Treatment Centre; and the delivery of first functional systems to Operations.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%) • Main buildings have been completed with mechanical, electrical and
potlining activities progressing according to plan.
Capacity: Project will add 96 new AP60 pots, increasing AP60 capacity by
160,000 tonnes of primary aluminium per annum • Project and commissioning remain on track.
Approval: June 2023
Planned start date: Commissioning is expected by Q1 2026, smelter fully ramped
up by end of 2026.
To note: The investment includes up to $113 million of financial support from
the Quebec government. This new capacity is expected to be in addition to
30,000 tonnes of new recycling capacity at Arvida, which will open in the
fourth quarter of 2025.
Lithium
Project: Rincon expansion $2.5bn • Regulatory milestone achieved: On 26 August, the Province of Salta
granted the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Rincon
Location: Salta province, Argentina Project, enabling commencement of construction for the battery-grade lithium
carbonate plant.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
• Construction of the camp expansion is progressing, with first
Capacity: 60ktpa (battery grade lithium carbonate) modules expected to be operational by Q4 2025.
Approval: December 2024 • Site infrastructure: concrete batch plant erected onsite and is
scheduled to start operations in October 2025. Earthworks commenced in
Planned first production: 2028 with three-year ramp-up to full capacity preparation for the first concrete foundations, expected in October 2025. 33kV
power line construction started, including route clearing and geotechnical
To note: Project consists of the 3kt starter plant and 57kt expansion program. analysis.
The mine is expected to have a 40-year(6) life and operate in the first
quartile of the cost curve.
Project Total Status/Milestones
capital cost
(100% unless
otherwise stated)
Lithium
Project: Fenix expansion (1B) $0.7bn • Project work progresses, on track for first production in H2 2026.
Location: Catamarca province, Argentina
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Capacity: 10ktpa LCE (battery grade lithium carbonate)
Planned first production: H2 2026
To note: product is carbonate, chloride
Project: Sal de Vida $0.7bn • Project work progresses, on track for first production in H2 2026.
Location: Catamarca province, Argentina
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Capacity: 15ktpa LCE
Planned first production: H2 2026
To note: product is carbonate
Project: Nemaska Lithium $1.1bn • Project work progresses.
(Rio Tinto share)
Location: Quebec, Canada
Ownership: Rio Tinto (50%), Investissement Québec (50%)
Capacity: 28ktpa LCE (100%)
Planned first production: 2028
To note: product is integrated lithium hydroxide
Copper
Project: Oyu Tolgoi underground mine $7.06bn • Concentrator conversion - fifth ball mill load commissioning
completed, which is expected to support higher recovery rates. First ore was
Location: Mongolia successfully processed on 7 September, followed by completion of full-load
commissioning tests later in the month.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (66%), Government of Mongolia (34%)
• Primary crusher #2 - construction was completed in Q3, ahead of
Capacity: from both the open pit and underground mines, average of ~500kt(7) plan, with first ore successfully delivered on 14 September.
per year from 2028 to 2036.
• The concentrator conversion and primary crusher #2 are the last
Approval: 2016 two critical infrastructure components to be completed for the underground
project.
Planned production: 2024, ramp-up till 2028
To note: Oyu Tolgoi is set to become the world's 4th largest copper mine by
2030.
Project: Kennecott open pit extension $1.8bn • Stripping will continue through 2027, with sustainable ore
production from the second phase of the push back expected to be reached in H2
Location: Utah, United States 2027.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Approval: 2019
To note: The project scope includes mine stripping activities and some
infrastructure development, including tailings facility expansion. The project
will allow mining to continue into a new area of the orebody between 2026 and
2032.
Project: Kennecott North Rim Skarn (NRS)(8) underground development $0.6bn • Production from NRS is expected to commence at the end of 2025.
Location: Utah, United States
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Capacity: around 250,000 tonnes through to 2033(9)
Approval: June 2023
Planned first production: Q4 2025
To note: Original approval for $0.5bn with a further $0.1bn approved in
December 2024 for additional infrastructure and geotechnical controls.
1. Rio Tinto share of the Western Range capital cost includes 100% of
funding costs for Paraburdoo plant upgrades.
2. WCS is the holder of Simandou North Blocks 1 & 2 (with the
Government of Guinea holding a 15% interest in the mining vehicle and WCS
holding 85%) and associated infrastructure. WCS was originally held by WCS
Holdings, a consortium of Singaporean company, Winning International Group
(50%) and Weiqiao Aluminium (part of the China Hongqiao Group) (50%). On 19
June 2024, Baowu Resources completed the acquisition of a 49% share of WCS
mine and infrastructure projects with WCS Holdings holding the remaining 51%.
In the case of the mine, Baowu also has an option to increase to 51% during
operations. During construction, SimFer will hold 34% of the shares in the WCS
infrastructure entities with WCS holding the remaining 66%.
3. WCS holds the mining concession for Blocks 1 & 2, while SimFer
holds the mining concession for Blocks 3 & 4. SimFer and WCS will
independently develop their mines.
4. SimFer Jersey Limited is a joint venture between the Rio Tinto Group
(53%) and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings Ltd (CIOH) (47%), a Chinalco-led joint
venture of leading Chinese SOEs (Chinalco (75%), Baowu (20%), China Rail
Construction Corporation (2.5%) and China Harbour Engineering Company (2.5%)).
SimFer S.A. is the holder of the mining concession covering Simandou Blocks 3
& 4, and is owned by the Guinean State (15%) and SimFer Jersey Limited
(85%). SimFer Infraco Guinée S.A. will deliver SimFer's scope of the
co-developed rail and port infrastructure, and is co-owned by SimFer Jersey
(85%) and the Guinean State (15%). SimFer Jersey will ultimately own 42.5% of
La Compagnie du Transguinéen, which will own and operate the co-developed
infrastructure during operations.
5. The estimated annualised capacity of approximately 60 million dry
tonnes per annum iron ore for the Simandou life of mine schedule was
previously reported in a release to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
dated 6 December 2023 titled "Investor Seminar 2023". Rio Tinto confirms that
all material assumptions underpinning that production target continue to apply
and have not materially changed.
6. The production target of approximately 53 kt of battery grade lithium
carbonate per year for a period of 40 years was previously reported in a
release to the ASX dated 4 December 2024 titled "Rincon Project Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves: Table 1". Rio Tinto confirms that all material
assumptions underpinning that production target continue to apply and have not
materially changed. Plans are in place to build for a capacity of 60 kt of
battery grade lithium carbonate per year with debottlenecking and improvement
programs scheduled to unlock this additional throughput. Capacity of 60ktpa is
comprised of 3ktpa starter plant, 50ktpa full scale plant and 7ktpa additional
optimisation.
7. The 500 thousand tonne per year copper production target (stated as
recoverable metal) for the Oyu Tolgoi underground and open pit mines for the
years 2028 to 2036 was previously reported in a release to the Australian
Securities Exchange (ASX) dated 11 July 2023 "Investor site visit to Oyu
Tolgoi copper mine, Mongolia". All material assumptions underpinning that
production target continue to apply and have not materially changed.
8. The NRS Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, together with the Lower
Commercial Skarn (LCS) Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, form the
Underground Skarns Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves.
9. The 250 thousand tonne copper production target for the Kennecott
underground mines over the years 2023 to 2033 was previously reported in a
release to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) dated 20 June 2023 "Rio
Tinto invests to strengthen copper supply in US". All material assumptions
underpinning that production target continue to apply and have not materially
changed.
10. Future Projects
Project Status
Iron Ore: Pilbara brownfields
Location: WA, Australia • Three of five major replacement mines are currently ramping-up or
under construction.
Capacity: over the medium term, our Pilbara system capacity remains between
345 and 360 million tonnes per year. Meeting this range, and the planned • West Angelas Sustaining Project received all necessary State and
product mix, will require the approval and delivery of the next tranche of Federal Government approvals in October 2025.
replacement mines over the next five years.
• The Greater Nammuldi extension project continues to be optimised.
Iron Ore: Rhodes Ridge
Location: WA, Australia • Mitsui & Co completed the acquisition of a 25% interest in the
Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture from Rio Tinto's partners. Mitsui & Co's
Ownership: Rio Tinto (50%), Mitsui & Co. (40%), AMB Holdings Pty Ltd (10%) acquisition of a further 15% interest (total 40%) remains subject to
regulatory approval and other closing conditions.
Capacity: 40 Mtpa (initial capacity)
First ore: end of decade
To note: pre-feasibility study remains on track to be completed in 2025
subject to relevant approvals. The development would use Rio Tinto's rail,
port and power infrastructure.
Aluminium: Arctial partnership
Location: Finland • Arctial JV was formally established in Q2 2025. Pre-feasibility
study and environmental impact study assessment are expected to complete in Q4
2025.
To note: Partnership agreement with the Swedish investment company Vargas,
Mitsubishi Corporation and other international and local industry partners to
study a low carbon aluminium greenfield opportunity in Finland. As the
strategic industrial partner, Rio Tinto will provide the Arctial partnership
with access to its proven industry-leading AP60 technology and assist in what
would be the first AP60 deployment in an aluminium smelter outside Quebec,
Canada.
Lithium
Location: Canada and Argentina • Canada: work in progress at Galaxy.
• Argentina: work in progress at Cauchari, Fenix and Sal de Vida
next phases.
Location: Atacama region, Chile
• Expected closure dates: end of Q1 2026 (Maricunga) and H1 2026
(Altoandinos), subject to receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals and
To note: satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
• Binding agreement to form a joint venture (JV) with Codelco to
develop and operate the high-grade Salar de Maricunga project.
• Binding agreement with ENAMI to form a JV to develop the
Salares Altoandinos project.
Location: Serbia • Continued the application process for obtaining the Exploitation
Field Licence (EFL) (the EFL is essential for commencing fieldwork, including
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%) detailed geotechnical investigations).
To note: Development of the greenfield Jadar lithium-borates project in Serbia • We remain focused on consultation with all key stakeholders,
to include an underground mine with associated infrastructure and equipment, including providing comprehensive factual information about the project.
as well as a beneficiation chemical processing plant.
Project Status
Copper: Resolution
Location: Arizona, US • On 20 June 2025, the United States Forest Service (USFS)
republished the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record
of Decision (ROD). Absent a Court order, this publication would have enabled
completion of the congressionally mandated land exchange between Resolution
Ownership: Rio Tinto (55%), BHP (45%) Copper and the federal government. But, on 18 August 2025, as the land
exchange neared completion, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an
To note: proposed underground copper mine in the Copper Triangle, in Arizona. administrative order to enjoin the land exchange. Court proceedings are
ongoing. Resolution continues to seek to demonstrate to the Courts why the
land exchange should proceed as directed by Congress.
• The land exchange will enable further underground mine development
and place thousands of acres of ecologically and culturally significant land
into permanent conservation.
• On 6 October 2025, in separate litigation brought by the
non-profit Apache Stronghold, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the group's
petition for rehearing in its case seeking to prevent the land exchange.
Copper: Winu
Location: WA, Australia • Following the term sheet signed in December 2024, Rio Tinto and
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co (SMM) signed final joint venture agreements during
May. The transaction remains expected to close in 2025, subject to regulatory
approvals and the satisfaction of customary conditions.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (70%), Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) (30%), once the
transaction has closed. • A pre-feasibility study for the Winu project with an initial
development of processing capacity of up to 10 Mtpa is expected to be
To note: In late 2017, we discovered copper-gold mineralisation at the Winu completed in 2025, as planned.
project (Paterson Province in Western Australia). In 2021, we reported our
first Indicated Mineral Resource. The pathway remains subject to regulatory • Next steps will be the feasibility study and the submission of an
and other required approvals. Project Agreement negotiations with Nyangumarta Environmental Review Document under the Western Australian EPA Environmental
and the Martu Traditional Owner Groups remain our priority. Impact Assessment process.
Copper: La Granja
Location: Cajamarca, Peru • Evaluation of drill results is underway - results are expected in
Q1 2026.
• Progressing the feasibility study.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (45%), First Quantum Minerals (55%)
To note: In August 2023, we completed a transaction to form a joint venture
with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) that will work to unlock the development of
the La Granja project, one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the
world, with potential to be a large, long-life operation. FQM acquired its
stake for $105 million. It will invest up to a further $546 million into the
joint venture to sole fund capital and operational costs to take the project
through a feasibility study and toward development.
11. Exploration and evaluation
Commodities Advanced projects Greenfield/ Brownfield programs QoQ change
Bauxite East Arnhem Land, Australia NA
Lithium Greenfield: Australia, Canada, Chile, Finland & Rwanda, USA, China and Kazakhstan removed.
Copper Nuevo Cobre, Chile Greenfield: Angola, Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Peru, Comita added to advanced projects
Papua New Guinea, Serbia, USA & Zambia
Comita, Colombia
Diamonds Chiri, Angola NA
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia Greenfield and Brownfield: Pilbara, Australia NA
Other Potash: Texas, Canada. Kamiesberg (heavy mineral sands (HMS)), South Africa, removed from advanced
projects.
Finland nickel removed.
• Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of exploration projects with
activity in 17 countries across seven commodities.
• The bulk of the exploration expenditure during the quarter was
focused on copper in Angola, Chile, Kazakhstan, Peru, Serbia and USA, lithium
in Canada, Rwanda, Chile and Australia and diamonds in Angola.
12. Third quarter public releases
15 July
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-appoints-simon-trott-as-chief-executive)
2025
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-appoints-simon-trott-as-chief-executive)
| Rio Tinto appoints Simon Trott as Chief Executive
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-appoints-simon-trott-as-chief-executive)
24 July
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-enami-sign-binding-agreement-for-salares-altoandinos-lithium-project-in-chile)
2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-enami-sign-binding-agreement-for-salares-altoandinos-lithium-project-in-chile)
Rio Tinto and ENAMI sign binding agreement for Salares Altoandinos lithium
project in Chile
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-enami-sign-binding-agreement-for-salares-altoandinos-lithium-project-in-chile)
30 July 2025
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-very-resilient-financial-results-as-we-grow-and-diversify-our-portfolio)
| Rio Tinto:
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-very-resilient-financial-results-as-we-grow-and-diversify-our-portfolio)
Very resi
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-very-resilient-financial-results-as-we-grow-and-diversify-our-portfolio)
lient financial results as we grow
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-very-resilient-financial-results-as-we-grow-and-diversify-our-portfolio)
and diversify our port
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-very-resilient-financial-results-as-we-grow-and-diversify-our-portfolio)
folio
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-very-resilient-financial-results-as-we-grow-and-diversify-our-portfolio)
5 August 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-releases-new-tailings-facilities-disclosure-aligned-with-gistm-requirements)
Rio Tinto releases new tailings facilities disclosure aligned with GISTM
requirements
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-releases-new-tailings-facilities-disclosure-aligned-with-gistm-requirements)
7 August 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-approves-us180-million-norman-creek-project-securing-long-term-future-for-amrun-bauxite-operations-on-queenslands-cape-york-peninsula)
Rio Tinto approves US$180 million Norman Creek project, securing long-term
future for Amrun bauxite operations on Queensland's Cape York Peninsula
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-approves-us180-million-norman-creek-project-securing-long-term-future-for-amrun-bauxite-operations-on-queenslands-cape-york-peninsula)
11 A
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-strengthens-indigenous-employment-pathways)
ugust 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-strengthens-indigenous-employment-pathways)
Rio Tinto strengthens Indigenous employment pathways with work-ready
initiative
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-strengthens-indigenous-employment-pathways)
23 August 2025
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/fatal-incident-at-simandou-project)
| Fatal incid
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/fatal-incident-at-simandou-project)
ent at Simandou project
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/fatal-incident-at-simandou-project)
27 August 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-announces-operating-model-and-executive-team-updates-to-unlock-additional-shareholder-value)
Rio Tinto announces operating model and executive team updates to unlock
additional shareholder value
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-announces-operating-model-and-executive-team-updates-to-unlock-additional-shareholder-value)
15 September 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/pilbara-aboriginal-artists-mark-two-decades-of-cooc)
Pilbara Aboriginal artists mark two decades of Colours of our Country with
vibrant celebration of culture
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/pilbara-aboriginal-artists-mark-two-decades-of-cooc)
19 September 2025
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-its-final-beyond-raretm-tender-with-a-unique-collection-of-rare-pink-red-violet-yellow-and-white-diamonds)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-its-final-beyond-raretm-tender-with-a-unique-collection-of-rare-pink-red-violet-yellow-and-white-diamonds)
Rio Tinto launches its final Beyond Rare
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-its-final-beyond-raretm-tender-with-a-unique-collection-of-rare-pink-red-violet-yellow-and-white-diamonds)
(TM
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-its-final-beyond-raretm-tender-with-a-unique-collection-of-rare-pink-red-violet-yellow-and-white-diamonds)
) Tender with a unique collection of rare pink, red, violet, yellow and white
diamonds
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-its-final-beyond-raretm-tender-with-a-unique-collection-of-rare-pink-red-violet-yellow-and-white-diamonds)
Contacts Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
Media Relations, Media Relations, Media Relations,
United Kingdom Australia Americas
Matthew Klar Matt Chambers Jesse Riseborough
M +44 7796 630 637 M +61 433 525 739 M +61 436 653 412
David Outhwaite Bruce Tobin Simon Letendre
M +44 7787 597 493 M +61 419 103 454 M +1 514 796 4973
Rachel Pupazzoni Malika Cherry
M +61 438 875 469 M +1 418 592 7293
Vanessa Damha
M +1 514 715 2152
Investor Relations, Investor Relations, Australia
United Kingdom
Tom Gallop
Rachel Arellano M +61 439 353 948
M +44 7584 609 644
Phoebe Lee
David Ovington M +61 413 557 780
M +44 7920 010 978
Laura Brooks
M +44 7826 942 797
Weiwei Hu
M +44 7825 907 230
Rio Tinto plc Rio Tinto Limited
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London SW1Y 4AD Melbourne 3000
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T +44 20 7781 2000 T +61 3 9283 3333
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No. 719885 ABN 96 004 458 404
This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio
Tinto's Group Company Secretary.
riotinto.com
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Classification: 3.1 Additional regulated information required to be disclosed
under the laws of a Member State
Forward-looking statement
This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other
than statements of historical facts included in this report, including,
without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's financial position, production
guidance, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future
operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's
products, production forecasts 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" or similar expressions, commonly identify such
forward-looking statement.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of Rio Tinto, or industry results, to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on
numerous assumptions regarding Rio Tinto's present and future business
strategies and the environment in which Rio Tinto will operate in the future.
A discussion of the important factors that could cause Rio Tinto's actual
results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements can be found 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
the risk factors discussed in such documents, and undue reliance should not
be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date of this report. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any
obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the UK
Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance 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. Past performance
cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.
Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter 9 Months % change
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 2024 2025 Q3 25 Q3 25 9 MTHS 2025
2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 9 MTHS 9 MTHS vs vs vs
Q3 24 Q2 25 9 MTHS 2024
Principal commodities
Alumina ('000 t) 1,770 1,992 1,921 1,815 1,888 5,310 5,623 +7 % +4 % +6 %
Aluminium (Primary) ('000 t) 809 837 829 842 857 2,459 2,528 +6 % +2 % +3 %
Bauxite ('000 t) 15,100 15,412 14,966 15,644 16,392 43,242 47,002 +9 % +5 % +9 %
Borates ('000 t) 126 132 117 132 128 372 377 +2 % -3 % +1 %
Copper (consolidated) ('000 t) 185 228 210 229 204 565 643 +10 % -11 % +14 %
Iron Ore ('000 t) 73,160 76,102 62,408 73,548 74,168 211,574 210,124 +1 % +1 % -1 %
Lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) ('000 t) NA NA 17 12 13 NA 42 NA +3 % NA
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 t) 263 235 223 269 261 755 753 -1 % -3 % 0 %
Other Metals & Minerals
Diamonds ('000 cts) 542 775 942 1,238 1,137 1,984 3,317 +110 % -8 % +67 %
Gold - mined ('000 oz) 69.4 79.0 78.7 112.9 120.8 203.0 312.4 +74 % +7 % +54 %
Gold - refined ('000 oz) 25.7 43.1 34.0 32.1 19.4 100.7 85.4 -24 % -39 % -15 %
Molybdenum ('000 t) 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.8 3.5 +177 % +17 % +92 %
Salt ('000 t) 1,511 1,347 836 1,375 1,197 4,476 3,408 -21 % -13 % -24 %
Silver - mined ('000 oz) 1,046 1,144 1,159 1,474 1,233 3,092 3,866 +18 % -16 % +25 %
Silver - refined ('000 oz) 392 766 635 509 254 1,548 1,399 -35 % -50 % -10 %
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the
figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page or reported for the first
time. 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 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest
2024
2024
2025
2025
2025
2024
2025
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 100 % 323 350 355 340 323 1,003 1,018
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant 100 % 28 26 25 30 26 85 81
Queensland Alumina 80 % 693 737 685 699 697 1,970 2,081
São Luis (Alumar) 10 % 93 97 90 93 98 272 281
Yarwun 100 % 634 782 765 653 743 1,980 2,162
Rio Tinto total alumina production 1,770 1,992 1,921 1,815 1,888 5,310 5,623
ALUMINIUM
Primary production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100 % 47 47 46 48 49 140 142
Australia - Boyne Island (a) 74 % 76 93 92 92 94 225 277
Australia - Tomago 52 % 77 77 72 73 75 226 220
Canada - six wholly owned 100 % 395 398 387 392 397 1,199 1,176
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) 40 % 63 64 62 62 60 189 183
Canada - Bécancour 25 % 30 30 28 30 30 89 88
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) 100 % 52 51 48 51 51 152 150
New Zealand - Tiwai Point (b) 100 % 49 59 74 75 82 180 232
Oman - Sohar 20 % 20 20 20 20 20 60 60
Rio Tinto total primary aluminium production 809 837 829 842 857 2,459 2,528
Recycled production ('000 tonnes)
Matalco 50 % 62 58 66 74 68 206 207
Rio Tinto total recycled aluminium production 62 58 66 74 68 206 207
(a) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Boyne Smelters
Limited (BSL) increased from 71.04% to 73.5%. Production is reported
including this change from 1 November 2024.
(b) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Tiwai Point Smelter
(NZAS) increased from 79.36% to 100%. Production is reported including this
change from 1 November 2024.
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Gove 100 % 3,073 3,372 3,141 3,303 3,244 9,349 9,688
Porto Trombetas 22 % 737 623 519 676 690 1,912 1,884
Sangaredi (b) 1,544 1,571 2,290 2,028 1,671 4,749 5,988
Weipa 100 % 9,747 9,846 9,017 9,637 10,788 27,232 29,442
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 15,100 15,412 14,966 15,644 16,392 43,242 47,002
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal
produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré 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.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest
2024
2024
2025
2025
2025
2024
2025
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B(2)O(3) content)
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100 % 126 132 117 132 128 372 377
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 27.4 31.2 27.5 40.7 18.5 92.1 86.7
Escondida 30 % 90.4 104.8 98.7 96.4 96.7 253.9 291.8
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 33.0 43.8 43.0 57.3 58.9 98.1 159.2
Rio Tinto total mine production 150.8 179.8 169.3 194.4 174.1 444.2 537.8
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30 % 11.8 13.3 13.6 14.6 14.0 41.8 42.1
Kennecott (b) 100 % 42.5 55.4 42.3 39.8 13.0 137.8 95.2
Rio Tinto total refined production 54.3 68.7 55.9 54.4 27.0 179.6 137.3
Copper production - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes)
Kennecott (b) - Production of refined metal 42.5 55.4 42.3 39.8 13.0 137.8 95.2
Escondida - Mill production (metal in concentrates) (c) 81.0 92.9 88.7 87.3 88.3 236.4 264.2
Escondida - Refined production from leach plants 11.8 13.3 13.6 14.6 14.0 41.8 42.1
Oyu Tolgoi - Metal in concentrates 50.0 66.3 65.2 86.8 89.2 148.7 241.3
Rio Tinto total production - consolidated basis 185.3 228.0 209.8 228.5 204.4 564.6 642.8
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal
produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré 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) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 15.5 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q3 2025 (34.9 thousand tonnes YTD). Purchased and tolled copper
concentrates are excluded from reported production figures and guidance. Sales
of cathodes produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported
revenues.
(c) Mill production was previously reported together with recoverable copper
in ore stacked for leaching as mined production.
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest
2024
2024
2025
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DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Diavik 100 % 542 775 942 1,238 1,137 1,984 3,317
GOLD
Metal in concentrates production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 22.1 24.0 24.7 36.5 19.0 71.2 80.2
Escondida 30 % 14.1 11.2 13.4 12.1 10.6 39.4 36.1
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 33.3 43.8 40.6 64.4 91.2 92.4 196.2
Rio Tinto total mine production 69.4 79.0 78.7 112.9 120.8 203.0 312.4
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott (b) 100 % 25.7 43.1 34.0 32.1 19.4 100.7 85.4
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal
produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré 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) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 15.5 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q3 2025 (34.9 thousand tonnes YTD). Purchased and tolled copper
concentrates are excluded from reported production figures and guidance. Sales
of cathodes produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported
revenues.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
2025
interest 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Hamersley mines (b) 57,096 59,656 49,637 57,422 58,574 165,160 165,633
Hope Downs 50 % 5,753 5,100 3,608 5,206 4,742 15,878 13,556
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59 % 2,116 2,532 2,317 2,488 2,348 6,914 7,152
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53 % 3,844 4,549 3,538 3,960 3,588 12,274 11,086
Robe River - West Angelas 53 % 4,352 4,265 3,308 4,472 4,917 11,347 12,697
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 73,160 76,102 62,408 73,548 74,168 211,574 210,124
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (c) 22,460 23,460 19,385 23,186 24,003 63,173 66,574
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (c) 33,320 35,158 27,860 32,970 33,357 94,434 94,187
Robe Valley Lump 1,488 1,825 1,536 1,679 1,663 4,567 4,879
Robe Valley Fines 2,356 2,723 2,002 2,280 1,924 7,707 6,207
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,421 10,402 9,309 10,944 10,873 34,779 31,125
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 71,045 73,570 60,091 71,060 71,820 204,660 202,972
IOC Concentrate 842 1,062 948 1,179 936 2,902 3,063
IOC Pellets 1,274 1,470 1,369 1,309 1,411 4,012 4,089
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 2,116 2,532 2,317 2,488 2,348 6,914 7,152
Breakdown of Shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 14,240 13,079 9,775 11,159 17,668 39,547 38,602
Pilbara Blend Fines 26,626 23,351 18,825 21,520 33,353 74,496 73,697
Robe Valley Lump 1,166 1,508 1,159 1,385 1,330 3,726 3,874
Robe Valley Fines 2,565 3,055 2,232 2,638 2,233 8,602 7,103
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,794 10,585 9,350 10,636 10,764 35,386 30,749
SP10 Lump (c) 5,715 7,341 8,117 8,324 2,938 15,259 19,379
SP10 Fines (c) 10,366 13,421 11,405 12,459 3,155 27,804 27,019
Pilbara iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 72,471 72,341 60,862 68,120 71,441 204,821 200,423
Pilbara iron ore shipments - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes) (d) (f) 74,211 74,213 62,537 69,985 73,431 210,402 205,954
IOC Concentrate 1,228 1,140 646 1,276 1,056 3,375 2,978
IOC Pellets 1,157 1,357 1,356 1,382 1,306 4,088 4,044
IOC Iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 2,385 2,497 2,001 2,658 2,363 7,462 7,022
Rio Tinto iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 74,856 74,838 62,863 70,778 73,804 212,283 207,445
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) (e) 74,078 77,648 64,828 74,335 76,719 215,354 215,882
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal
produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré 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) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Western Turner
Syncline, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass, Channar,
Gudai-Darri, Eastern Range and Western Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns
54% of the Eastern Range and the Western Range mines, 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.
(c) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(d) Shipments includes material shipped to our portside trading facility in
China which may not be sold onwards in the same period.
(e) Represents the difference between amounts shipped to portside trading and
onward sales from portside trading, and third party volumes sold.
(f) While Rio Tinto has a 53% net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron
Associates, it recognises 65% of the assets, liabilities, sales revenues and
expenses in its accounts (as 30% is held through a 60% owned subsidiary and
35% is held through a 100% owned subsidiary). The consolidated basis sales
reported here include Robe River Iron Associates on a 65% basis to enable
comparison with revenue reported in the financial statements.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
2025
interest 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024
LITHIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Lithium carbonate (a) NA NA 12 11 11 NA 35
Lithium hydroxide 100 % NA NA 4 5 6 NA 16
Spodumene 100 % NA NA 34 - 0 NA 34
Other lithium specialIties (LCE) 100 % NA NA 1 1 2 NA 4
Total lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production (b) NA NA 17 (c) 12 13 NA 42
(a) Lithium carbonate quantities reflect Rio Tinto's 66.5% ownership in
Olaroz, 100% ownership in Fenix
(b) The lithium value chain is vertically integrated and as a result
production volumes are not additive. Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) is
derived from volumes of lithium carbonate, lithium chloride, and spodumene
concentrate. These compounds are used as feedstock in downstream production.
(c) Full first quarter lithium carbonate equivalent production from Arcadium
was 17kt (20kt on a 100% basis) of which 6kt was produced since completion of
the acquisition in March (7kt on a 100% basis). Full first quarter lithium
carbonate equivalent shipments from Arcadium was 12kt (15kt on a 100% basis)
of which 4kt was shipped since completion of the acquisition in March (5kt on
a 100% basis).
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.8 3.5
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal
produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré 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.
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Dampier Salt (a) 68 % 1,511 1,347 836 1,375 1,197 4,476 3,408
(a) In December 2024, we completed the sale of Dampier Salt Limited's Lake
MacLeod operation to Leichhardt Industrial Group. Following this divestment,
we continue to operate solar salt sites at Dampier and Port Hedland.
SILVER
Metal in concentrates production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 368 377 357 539 282 1,106 1,178
Escondida 30 % 464 486 536 572 583 1,327 1,690
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 214 281 266 363 369 659 998
Rio Tinto total mine production 1,046 1,144 1,159 1,474 1,233 3,092 3,866
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott (b) 100 % 392 766 635 509 254 1,548 1,399
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal
produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré 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) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 15.5 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q3 2025 (34.9 thousand tonnes YTD). Purchased and tolled copper
concentrates are excluded from reported production figures and guidance. Sales
of cathodes produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported
revenues.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (a) 100 % 263 235 223 269 261 755 753
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74%
interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
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 percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest
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ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland 80 % 866 921 856 874 871 2,463 2,601
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100 % 634 782 765 653 743 1,980 2,162
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10 % 927 967 901 926 984 2,720 2,812
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) 100 % 323 350 355 340 323 1,003 1,018
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and
excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
Speciality Alumina - Aluminium Group
Speciality alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec 100 % 28 26 25 30 26 85 81
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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interest 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100 % 47 47 46 48 49 140 142
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland (a) 74 % 127 128 125 125 127 379 377
Tomago smelter - New South Wales 52 % 150 149 140 141 145 438 426
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100 % 120 122 119 120 122 361 362
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec 40 % 158 159 155 154 149 473 458
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100 % 36 37 36 36 34 116 106
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec 100 % 15 15 15 15 15 46 45
Bécancour smelter - Quebec 25 % 119 120 113 120 118 353 351
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec 100 % 57 58 56 56 58 171 171
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia 100 % 103 102 100 102 103 317 305
Laterrière smelter - Quebec 100 % 64 64 62 62 64 188 188
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100 % 52 51 48 51 51 152 150
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter (b) 100 % 62 63 74 75 82 227 232
Oman
Sohar smelter 20 % 100 101 99 101 101 299 301
Recycled Aluminium
Recycled aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Matalco 50 % 125 116 132 147 135 413 415
(a) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Boyne Smelters
Limited (BSL) increased from 71.04% to 73.5%. Production is reported
including this change from 1 November 2024.
(b) On 1 November 2024, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Tiwai Point Smelter
(NZAS) increased from 79.36% to 100%. Production is reported including this
change from 1 November 2024.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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interest 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025
BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory 100 % 3,073 3,372 3,141 3,303 3,244 9,349 9,688
Weipa mine - Queensland 100 % 9,747 9,846 9,017 9,637 10,788 27,232 29,442
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine 22 % 3,348 2,831 2,357 3,071 3,134 8,692 8,563
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23 % 3,432 3,491 5,089 4,506 3,712 10,552 13,307
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 15,511 15,513 14,390 15,670 16,396 43,403 46,456
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 11,120 10,627 9,807 11,147 11,600 30,307 32,555
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits
from 45.0% of production.
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest
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BORATES
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100 %
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 126 132 117 132 128 372 377
(a) Production is expressed as B(2)O(3) content.
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30 %
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 32,488 35,293 32,889 36,490 36,721 98,518 106,100
Average copper grade (%) 1.00 1.06 1.09 0.95 0.94 0.97 0.99
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 269.9 309.8 295.6 291.0 294.2 788.1 880.8
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 47.0 37.3 44.5 40.3 35.3 131.3 120.2
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,546 1,619 1,787 1,906 1,942 4,423 5,634
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) 31.4 39.5 33.5 30.3 28.1 58.4 91.9
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 39.4 44.4 45.2 48.7 46.5 139.2 140.4
Sales of metals:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) (b) 273 275 309 286 258 738 853
Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 38 43 47 53 38 137 138
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) 47 37 45 40 35 131 120
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) 1,546 1,619 1,787 1,906 1,942 4,423 5,634
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore
stacked at the leach pad.
(b) Payable metals in concentrates
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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interest 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100 %
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 9,149 10,487 9,339 10,630 5,928 27,677 25,897
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.45 0.37 0.38 0.40
Gold (g/t) 0.12 0.12 0.14 0.17 0.16 0.12 0.15
Silver (g/t) 2.02 1.78 1.81 2.21 2.11 1.92 2.04
Molybdenum (%) 0.019 0.020 0.029 0.031 0.047 0.020 0.034
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 121 144 131 175 75 383 381
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 22.0 21.6 21.0 23.3 24.6 23.9 22.7
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 27.4 31.2 27.5 40.7 18.5 92.1 86.7
Gold ('000 ounces) 22.1 24.0 24.7 36.5 19.0 71.2 80.2
Silver ('000 ounces) 368 377 357 539 282 1,106 1,178
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 1.1 2.2 2.4 2.7 3.3 4.3 8.5
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.8 3.5
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100 %
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 156 187 163 123 131 554 417
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) 42.8 43.2 36.2 33.6 27.8 154.0 97.5
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (c) 42.5 55.4 42.3 39.8 13.0 137.8 95.2
Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 25.7 43.1 34.0 32.1 19.4 100.7 85.4
Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 392 766 635 509 254 1,548 1,399
Sales of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (c) 42.3 52.1 40.7 41.7 10.2 140.4 92.7
Gold ('000 ounces) 28.3 33.2 33.6 30.8 17.7 105.3 82.2
Silver ('000 ounces) 396 611 625 500 230 1,584.7 1,355.4
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 15.5 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q3 2025. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded
from reported production figures and guidance. Sales of cathodes produced from
purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
(d) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Oyu Tolgoi mine 66 %
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Open Pit 7,352 8,881 7,469 6,836 7,282 25,647 21,588
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Underground 1,521 2,144 2,434 3,198 2,870 4,366 8,503
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Total 8,873 11,025 9,903 10,034 10,153 30,013 30,090
Average mill head grades:
Open Pit
Copper (%) 0.39 0.43 0.42 0.47 0.54 0.38 0.48
Gold (g/t) 0.22 0.24 0.25 0.37 0.58 0.19 0.40
Silver (g/t) 0.97 1.08 1.02 1.07 1.13 1.12 1.07
Underground
Copper (%) 2.05 1.96 2.03 2.13 2.16 1.92 2.11
Gold (g/t) 0.61 0.55 0.55 0.61 0.63 0.56 0.60
Silver (g/t) 4.76 4.59 4.47 4.75 4.87 4.31 4.71
Total
Copper (%) 0.67 0.73 0.82 1.00 1.00 0.61 0.94
Gold (g/t) 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.44 0.59 0.25 0.45
Silver (g/t) 1.62 1.77 1.87 2.24 2.19 1.59 2.10
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 232.0 307.3 303.4 381.6 394.9 686.7 1,079.9
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 21.6 21.6 21.5 22.7 22.6 21.6 22.3
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 50.0 66.3 65.2 86.8 89.2 148.7 241.3
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 50.4 66.3 61.5 97.5 138.2 140.0 297.2
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 325 426 403 550 559 998 1,512
Sales of metals in concentrates (a):
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 43.6 62.6 57.7 86.4 80.9 135.6 225.0
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 42.1 63.6 55.8 92.8 121.2 126.9 269.9
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 273 382 338 514 474 861 1,326.6
(a) Sales of metals in concentrates refer to the payable metals in
concentrates collected by customers from the Mongolia/China border.
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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DIAMONDS
Diavik Diamonds 100 %
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 232 330 394 511 515 937 1,419
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 542 775 942 1,238 1,137 1,984 3,317
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 57,096 59,656 49,637 57,422 58,574 165,160 165,633
Hope Downs 50 % 11,507 10,200 7,216 10,413 9,484 31,757 27,112
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53 % 7,252 8,583 6,676 7,471 6,769 23,159 20,917
Robe River - West Angelas 53 % 8,211 8,048 6,242 8,437 9,276 21,409 23,956
Total production ('000 tonnes) 84,066 86,486 69,771 83,743 84,104 241,486 237,618
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (b) 26,604 27,273 22,452 27,374 28,545 74,406 78,371
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (b) 38,788 40,228 31,334 37,954 37,917 109,142 107,205
Robe Valley Lump 2,807 3,444 2,899 3,169 3,138 8,617 9,206
Robe Valley Fines 4,445 5,139 3,778 4,303 3,631 14,542 11,711
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,421 10,402 9,309 10,944 10,873 34,779 31,125
Breakdown of total shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 17,498 16,223 11,997 12,967 21,142 48,965 46,106
Pilbara Blend Fines 31,870 29,042 22,434 25,849 38,477 91,681 86,760
Robe Valley Lump 2,200 2,846 2,187 2,614 2,510 7,031 7,310
Robe Valley Fines 4,839 5,764 4,211 4,977 4,214 16,231 13,402
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,794 10,585 9,350 10,636 10,764 35,386 30,749
SP10 Lump (b) 5,790 7,567 8,806 9,216 3,643 15,543 21,665
SP10 Fines (b) 10,559 13,650 11,755 13,629 3,597 28,055 28,982
Total shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 84,550 85,678 70,740 79,887 84,346 242,892 234,973
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
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Iron Ore Company of Canada 59 %
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada
Saleable iron ore production:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1,434 1,809 1,614 2,008 1,594 4,941 5,216
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,169 2,503 2,331 2,229 2,403 6,833 6,964
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes) 3,603 4,312 3,945 4,237 3,998 11,774 12,180
Shipments:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 2,090 1,942 1,100 2,173 1,799 5,747 5,072
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 1,971 2,310 2,308 2,353 2,225 6,961 6,886
IOC Total Shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 4,061 4,252 3,408 4,526 4,024 12,708 11,958
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) 87,669 90,798 73,716 87,980 88,102 253,260 249,798
Iron Ore Shipments ('000 tonnes) 88,611 89,931 74,148 84,414 88,369 255,600 246,931
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 87,349 92,063 75,339 86,474 90,808 257,618 252,620
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Western Turner
Syncline, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass, Channar,
Gudai-Darri, Eastern Range and Western Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns
54% of the Eastern Range and the Western Range mines, 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) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(c) Shipments includes material shipped to our portside trading facility in
China which may not be sold onwards in the same period.
(d) Include Pilbara and IOC sales adjusted for portside trading movements and
third party volumes sold.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
interest 2024 2025
LITHIUM
Lithium production ('000 tonnes)
Lithium carbonate (a) (a) NA NA 15 14 14 NA 43
Lithium hydroxide 100 % NA NA 4 5 6 NA 16
Spodumene 100 % NA NA 34 0 0 NA 34
Other lithium specialities (LCE) 100 % NA NA 1 1 2 NA 5
Total lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production (b) NA NA 20 (c) 15 15 NA 50
Third party shipments ('000 tonnes)
Lithium carbonate (a) (a) NA NA 10 6 11 NA 27
Lithium hydroxide 100 % NA NA 3 5 5 NA 12
Spodumene 100 % NA NA 20 23 31 NA 73
Other lithium specialities (LCE) 100 % NA NA - 1 0 NA 1
Total lithium carbonate equivalent shipments ('000 LCE) NA NA 15 (c) 14 20 NA 50
(a) Lithium carbonate quantities reflect our 100% share of Olaroz shipments,
of which Rio Tinto's ownership is 66.5%.
(b) The lithium value chain is vertically integrated and as a result
production volumes are not additive. Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) is
derived from volumes of lithium carbonate, lithium chloride, and spodumene
concentrate. These compounds are used as feedstock in downstream production.
(c) Full first quarter lithium carbonate equivalent production from Arcadium
was 17kt (20kt on a 100% basis) of which 6kt was produced since completion of
the acquisition in March (7kt on a 100% basis). Full first quarter lithium
carbonate equivalent shipments from Arcadium was 12kt (15kt on a 100% basis)
of which 4kt was shipped since completion of the acquisition in March (5kt on
a 100% basis).
SALT
Dampier Salt (a) 68 %
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 2,211 1,970 1,223 2,012 1,751 6,548 4,986
(a) In December 2024, we completed the sale of Dampier Salt Limited's Lake
MacLeod operation to Leichhardt Industrial Group. Following this divestment,
we continue to operate solar salt sites at Dampier and Port Hedland.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100 %
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share) (a)
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) 263 235 223 269 261 755 753
(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.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
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