REG - Rio Tinto - First quarter production results
20/04/2023 07:00
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RNS Number : 8388W Rio Tinto PLC 20 April 2023
Rio Tinto releases first quarter production results
20 April 2023
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "We continue to make steady
progress with our highest ever first quarter shipments achieved in the Pilbara
iron ore business. Through the ongoing deployment of our Safe Production
System we expect to see a sustainable lift in operating performance across our
global portfolio over time, in line with improvements already achieved.
"We remain focused on disciplined growth in materials the world needs for the
energy transition, delivering first sustainable production from the
underground mine at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia and progressing early works on the
Rincon lithium project in Argentina. We advanced the Simandou high grade iron
ore project in Guinea with our partners, and entered into an agreement for a
joint venture to unlock La Granja in Peru, one of the largest undeveloped
copper projects in the world.
"We continue to take action to strengthen our culture and invest in genuine
partnerships, implementing the recommendations of the Everyday Respect report
and reaching a new agreement with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach in
Canada. As we progress against our four objectives and strategy, we have a
clear long-term pathway to profitable growth and continued attractive
shareholder returns."
Production* Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) Mt 82.5 +16% -6%
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) Mt 79.3 +11% -11%
Bauxite Mt 12.1 -11% -8%
Aluminium kt 785 +7% 0%
Mined copper (consolidated basis) kt 145 0% -5%
Titanium dioxide slag kt 285 +4% -12%
IOC** iron ore pellets and concentrate Mt 2.5 +5% 0%
*Rio Tinto share unless otherwise stated
**Iron Ore Company of Canada
Q1 2023 operational highlights and other key announcements
• Our all-injury frequency rate of 0.32 was a small improvement from
the first quarter of 2022 (0.34), and an improvement against the prior quarter
(0.45). We are undertaking an investigation at the Simandou iron ore project
following a Permanently Disabling Injury (PDI). We continue to prioritise the
safety, health and wellbeing of our workforce and communities where we
operate.
• Pilbara operations produced 79.3 million tonnes (100% basis) in
the first quarter, 11% higher than the first quarter of 2022. Shipments were
82.5 million tonnes (100% basis), 16% higher than the corresponding period of
2022, and a first quarter record, with stronger mine production and a drawdown
of stocks.
• Bauxite production of 12.1 million tonnes was 11% lower than the
first quarter of 2022 as our Weipa operations were affected by
higher-than-average rainfall during the annual wet season. Production was
further affected by equipment downtime at both Weipa and Gove. We have
maintained our bauxite production guidance at 54 to 57 million tonnes as we
implement plans to recover lost production at both sites through the remainder
of the year.
• Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 7% higher than the
first quarter of 2022 as we benefited from the continued ramp-up of the
Kitimat smelter. Recovery at the Boyne and Kitimat smelters is progressing to
plan with full ramp-up expected to be completed later in the year. All our
other smelters continued to demonstrate stable performance during the quarter.
• Mined copper production of 145 thousand tonnes on a consolidated
basis, was in line with the first quarter of 2022.
◦ Kennecott mined copper production was 36% lower than the first
quarter of 2022 with lower throughput due to the combined impact of record
snowfall in the period and the failure of the conveyor belt that links the
mine to the concentrator in March. The concentrator is expected to operate at
reduced rates until the third quarter of 2023.
◦ Escondida mined copper production was 6% higher than the first
quarter of 2022 due to 10% higher throughput, which returned to normal levels
after the corresponding quarter in 2022 included impacts from the COVID-19
pandemic and extended plant maintenance. During the quarter mined copper
production was impacted compared to plan by geotechnical challenges in the
open pit. Mining has been resequenced, with continued optimisation of the pit
in light of the geotechnical risk.
◦ Oyu Tolgoi mined copper production on a 100% basis increased 41%
from the first quarter of 2022 due to concentrator maintenance in the prior
period and higher copper head grades (0.49% vs. 0.40%). First sustainable
underground production was achieved during the period with 0.7 million tonnes
of ore milled from the underground mine at an average copper head grade of
1.36%, and 9.6 million tonnes from the open pit with an average grade of
0.43%.
• Mined copper guidance for 2023 has been lowered to 590 to 640
thousand tonnes (previously 650 to 710 thousand tonnes) primarily reflecting
the impact of the conveyor outage at Kennecott, together with the geotechnical
challenges in the open pit at Escondida.
• On 31 March, we entered
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-and-first-quantum-minerals-partner-to-progress-the-la-granja-copper-project-in-peru)
into an agreement to form a joint venture that will work to unlock the
development of the La Granja copper project in Peru, one of the largest
undeveloped copper deposits in the world. Under the proposed transaction,
First Quantum Minerals will acquire a 55% stake in the project for $105
million, and commit to further invest up to $546 million into the joint
venture to sole fund capital and operational costs to take the project through
a feasibility study and toward development.
• Titanium dioxide slag production of 285 thousand tonnes was 4%
higher than the first quarter of 2022, due to continued improved performance
at Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Quebec Operations, Canada and Richards Bay
Minerals, South Africa.
• IOC production was 5% higher than the first quarter of 2022, and
in line with the prior quarter, with weather related issues impacting
operations during the period. Shipments were 6% higher than the first quarter
of 2022, and 4% lower than the prior quarter, following loading restrictions
at the rail and port.
• At our Rincon lithium project in Argentina, our $140 million
estimate and schedule to develop the starter plant is under review in response
to significant local inflation and cost escalation for equipment.
• In the first quarter, we commenced deployment of the Safe
Production System (SPS) at a further two sites, taking the total sites where
SPS is being deployed to 18. SPS focuses on continuously improving safety,
strengthening employee engagement and sustainably lifting operational
performance across our global portfolio. We remain on track for deployments
across four to eight new sites in 2023.
• On 16 February, we re-financed the $3.9 billion Oyu Tolgoi project
finance facility with a syndicate of international financial institutions,
export credit agencies and commercial lenders. The lenders have agreed to a
deferral of the principal repayments by three years to June 2026 and an
extension of the final maturity date by five years from 2030 to 2035.
• On 6 March, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-resolves-legacy-u,-d-,s,-d-,-securities-and-exchange-commission-fcpa-investigation)
the resolution of a previously self-disclosed investigation by the US
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into certain contractual payments
made to a former consultant over a decade ago in 2011, relating to the
Simandou project in Guinea.
• On 7 March, we annou
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-finance-usa-plc-prices-us1,-d-,75-billion-of-fixed-rate-notes)
nced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-finance-usa-plc-prices-us1,-d-,75-billion-of-fixed-rate-notes)
the pricing of $650 million of 10-year fixed rate, and $1.1 billion of 30-year
fixed rate, SEC-registered debt securities. The 10-year notes will pay a
coupon of 5.000 per cent and will mature March 9, 2033 and the 30-year notes
will pay a coupon of 5.125 per cent and will mature March 9, 2053.
• On 16 March, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-board-changes) that
Dean Dalla Valle and Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, both Australian citizens, will join
the Board as non-executive directors on 1 June 2023. Mr Dalla Valle brings
four decades of operational and project management experience in the resources
and infrastructure sectors. Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz brings extensive leadership
experience in Australia's built environment sector. She is known for her
transformational leadership on cultural change, gender equity, diversity and
inclusion, and sustainability.
• All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures in
this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of
production, unless otherwise stated.
2023 guidance
Rio Tinto production share, unless otherwise stated 2022 Q1 2023 2023 2023
Actuals Actuals Previous Current
Pilbara iron ore (shipments, 100% basis) (Mt) 322 82.5 320 to 335 Unchanged
Bauxite (Mt) 55 12.1 54 to 57 Unchanged
Alumina (Mt) 7.5 1.9 7.7 to 8.0 Unchanged
Aluminium (Mt) 3.0 0.8 3.1 to 3.3 Unchanged
Mined copper (kt)(1) 521 145 650 to 710 590 to 640
Refined copper (kt) 209 59 180 to 210 Unchanged
Diamonds (M carats) 4.7 1.0 3.0 to 3.8 Unchanged
Titanium dioxide slag (Mt) 1.2 0.3 1.1 to 1.4 Unchanged
IOC(2) iron ore pellets and concentrate (Mt) 10.3 2.5 10.5 to 11.5 Unchanged
Boric oxide equivalent (Mt) 0.5 0.1 ~0.5 Unchanged
(1)Mined copper for 2023 guidance and actuals includes Oyu Tolgoi on a 100%
consolidated basis following Rio Tinto's acquisition of Turquoise Hill
Resources Ltd, which completed on 16 December 2022. Mined copper for 2022
includes Oyu Tolgoi on a 33.52% Rio Tinto share basis.
(2)Iron Ore Company of Canada continues to be reported at Rio Tinto share.
• Mined copper production guidance has been lowered to 590 to 640
thousand tonnes (previously 650 to 710 thousand tonnes) primarily reflecting
the conveyor outage at Kennecott, together with the geotechnical challenges in
the open pit at Escondida.
• Iron ore shipments and bauxite production guidance remain subject
to weather and market conditions. Pilbara shipments guidance remains subject
to progressing the ramp-up of production from new mines and management of
cultural heritage.
Operating costs
• Guidance for 2023 Pilbara iron ore unit cash costs is unchanged at
$21.0 to $22.5 per tonne, based on A$:US$ exchange rate of 0.70.
• Guidance for 2023 copper C1 unit costs is unchanged at 160 to 180
US cents/lb.
( )
( )
Investments, growth and development projects
• Our share of capital investment for 2023 remains unchanged at
around $8.0 billion, including growth capital of around $2.0 billion,
depending on the ramp-up of spend at Simandou.
• Exploration and evaluation expense in the first quarter of 2023
was $310 million, $142 million (85%) higher than the first quarter of 2022,
with continued ramp-up of activities in Guinea and Argentina.
Pilbara mine projects
• The ramp-up of Gudai-Darri continued to plan with the mine
expected to reach its nameplate capacity on a sustained basis during 2023.
• During the quarter, we formed the Western Range Iron Ore Joint
Venture between Rio Tinto (54 per cent) and China Baowu Steel Group Co. Ltd
(46 per cent), following receipt of the remaining regulatory approvals.
Construction for our first co-designed mine commenced following completion of
early site works and contractor mobilisation.
• We continue to progress our next tranche of Pilbara mine projects
including Hope Downs 1 Sustaining (Hope Downs 2 and Bedded Hilltop), Brockman
4 Sustaining (Brockman Syncline 1), West Angelas Sustaining and Greater
Nammuldi Sustaining.
Oyu Tolgoi underground project
• We achieved first sustainable production from Panel 0 during the
quarter. A total of 36 drawbells have been fired, including 17 drawbells
during the quarter. We also celebrated
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/underground-production-celebrated-at-oyu-tolgoi)
the commencement of underground production with the Prime Minister of
Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, in attendance to mark the occasion.
• Shaft sinking rates improved during the quarter and at the end of
March, shafts 3 and 4 reached 503 metres and 623 metres below ground level,
respectively. Final depths required for shafts 3 and 4 are 1,148 and 1,149
metres below ground level, respectively. Both shafts are expected to be
commissioned in the first half of 2024, 15 months later than the 2020
Definitive Estimate.
• Construction of conveyor to surface works continued to plan and is
now over 40% complete. We also awarded major contracts for upgrade works
planned for the concentrator, with contractors mobilising to site.
• Study work for Panels 1 and 2 remains on track to be completed in
the first half of 2023. It will incorporate any ventilation impacts due to the
shaft 3 and 4 delays as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and reprioritisation
of the mobilised workforce over the course of 2022, as previously reported.
• During the quarter, Rio Tinto, Oyu Tolgoi and the Government of
Mongolia continued to work together towards the implementation of Mongolian
Parliamentary Resolution 103 with the majority of matters now resolved. The
international arbitration remains suspended while the parties attempt to reach
an agreement on the tax matters.
Other key projects and exploration and evaluation
• At the Resolution Copper project in Arizona, the US Forest Service
(USFS) continued work to progress the Final Environmental Impact Statement
(FEIS) and complete actions necessary for the land exchange. We continued to
advance partnership discussions with several federally-recognised Native
American Tribes who are part of the formal consultation process. A hearing of
the USFS versus Apache Stronghold case was held in the US Ninth Circuit Court
of Appeals in front of a panel of judges on 21 March 2023, the outcome of
which is not expected for several months. While there is significant local
support for the project, we respect the views of groups who oppose it and will
continue our efforts to address and mitigate these concerns.
• At the Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia, we continued
to strengthen our relationships and advanced agreement making over the quarter
with host Traditional Owners, the Martu and Nyangumarta groups. Drilling,
fieldwork and study activities continued over the period strengthening the
development pathway ahead of applications for regulatory and other required
approvals.
• At the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, negotiations towards
the co-development of project infrastructure progressed with the March signing
of a shareholder agreement, subject to certain conditions and the resolution
of identified outstanding issues, between Rio Tinto joint venture Simfer,
Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) and the Government of Guinea(1). The
agreement establishes the governance and operations model for la Compagnie du
Transguinéen, which is designated as the future owner and operator of the
trans-Guinean rail and port infrastructure to support the development of the
Simandou iron ore deposit. The signing of the shareholder agreement is another
step towards securing the cost estimates, schedule, fiscal regime and
regulatory authority approvals necessary to progress the co-development of
rail and port facilities. We also progressed upgrade works to camp facilities
and other early works during the period.
• We continue to believe that the Jadar lithium-borate project in
Serbia has the potential to be a world-class asset, that will support the
development of other future industries in Serbia, acting as a catalyst for
tens of thousands of jobs for current and future generations, and sustainably
producing materials critical to the energy transition. We are focused on
consultation with all stakeholders to explore options related to the project's
future.
• At the Rincon lithium project in Argentina, development of the
three thousand tonne per annum lithium carbonate starter plant is ongoing. To
optimise the process and recoveries, we continue to produce battery-grade
lithium carbonate from raw brine from the existing pilot plant operating at
site. Construction activities also progressed on the camp, airstrip and
process plant footprint for the project. Our $140 million estimate and
schedule to develop the starter plant is under review in response to
significant local inflation and cost escalation for equipment. Detailed
studies for the full scale operation are ongoing, and the exploration campaign
progressed to further understand Rincon's basin and brine reservoir. We
continue to engage with communities, the province of Salta and the Government
of Argentina to ensure an open and transparent dialogue with stakeholders
about the works underway.
( )
(1)This followed notification to Rio Tinto and the Government of Guinea, of
Baowu's earlier entry into a term sheet agreement with WCS in respect of an
investment into WCS InfraCo and WCS MineCo (blocks 1 and 2) - an agreement
welcomed by Rio Tinto. Baowu Resources Co. is a member of China Baowu Steel
Group Corporation Limited.
( )
( )
Sustainability highlights
We are implementing the 26 recommendations of the Everyday Respect report in
line with the management team's commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive
Rio Tinto. We are creating an open and transparent environment which will make
positive and lasting change and strengthen our workplace culture for the long
term. We have now expanded the scope of our Board's People and Remuneration
Committee to include an ongoing focus on people and culture.
We have trained over 90% of our 7,000 leaders in the foundations of building
psychological safety and moving from bystander to upstander, and in 2023 we
are rolling out this training to all our employees. We continue to review and
ensure that our facilities are safe and inclusive. All sites have completed a
self-assessment of their facilities and unsafe areas have been upgraded with
locks, lighting and access to amenities.
On 17 March, we anno
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-spends-more-than-a15,-d-,3-billion-with-australian-suppliers)
unced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-spends-more-than-a15,-d-,3-billion-with-australian-suppliers)
that we had increased our spend with Australian suppliers to more than A$15.3
billion in 2022, as part of the company's ongoing commitment to support
communities where it operates. This was an increase of almost 9 per cent on
the previous year and was spent with more than 6,200 businesses, including
Australian owned and operated businesses and locally owned and managed
branches of global companies. The spend helped support tens of thousands of
Australian jobs and delivered a significant economic contribution to
communities across the country.
On 22 March, we marked World Water Day 2023 by becoming the first major mining
company to publish site-by-site water usage data
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-becomes-first-major-mining-company-to-publish-site-by-site-water-usage-data)
. Through an interactive map on our website riotinto.com/water
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/sustainability/environment/water) detailed
information about annual surface water usage across our global network of
managed sites in 35 countries has been made available, delivering on our
commitment to drive good water stewardship and improve disclosure to
stakeholders.
Communities & Social Performance (CSP)
On 9 January, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-donates-2-million-to-kimberley-flood-relief-and-recovery-efforts)
a donation of A$2 million to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund to support
Kimberley communities left devastated by the catastrophic flooding event
generated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
On 18 January, IOC and the Town of Labrador City signed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/ioc-donates-34-hectares-of-land-to-town-of-labrador-city--)
an agreement whereby IOC will donate 34 hectares of land valued at
approximately C$4.2 million to the Town of Labrador City. The donated land is
made of 17 separate parcels located in different parts of the town that
together represent an area equivalent to 48 football fields. A parcel will be
developed by the Town as a green space dedicated to senior citizens, including
benches and signage. Over the next few months, the Town of Labrador City will
be assessing how the remaining land will be used for the benefit of the
community.
On 1 February, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach and IOC signed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/the-naskapi-nation-of-kawawachikamach-and-ioc-sign-the-aganow-agreement)
an agreement to establish a mutually beneficial relationship based on
dialogue, collaboration and trust between the company and the community over
the coming decades. This socio-economic agreement aims to create opportunities
for greater participation by Naskapi people in IOC's activities through
training and development, employment, collaboration on environmental projects,
and procurement. It will also protect and encourage the practice of
traditional activities and provide long-term financial benefits to the Naskapi
Nation.
On 20 March, we published
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-publishes-independent-report-on-cultural-heritage-management-performance)
an independent report based on a global audit of our Cultural Heritage
Management compliance and performance - one of a number of steps we are taking
to continue to find better ways to manage and protect heritage. The audit
identified areas where we are achieving leading cultural heritage practices
but also identified other practices where we need to improve our performance.
The report was produced by ERM, a global sustainability consultancy, following
an audit of 37 Rio Tinto assets. The audit was completed throughout 2021 and
2022 across 20 assets in Australia and 17 assets in other countries where we
operate including Canada, South Africa, the United States (US) and Mongolia.
Key highlights from the quarter are outlined above, with further information
available on our website (https://www.riotinto.com/sustainability/communities)
.
Climate change, product stewardship and our value chain
In the first quarter, we progressed initiatives to decarbonise our business
and actively develop technologies to decarbonise our value chains.
• On 13 January, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-trials-renewable-diesel-at-u,-d-,s,-d-,-operations)
the progression of plans to swap conventional diesel for renewable fuel in
haul trucks at our US operations to reduce the carbon footprint of our fleet.
We have successfully completed a renewable diesel trial at the US Borax mine
and we anticipate their haul truck fleet will be fully converted by the end of
2024. We are now conducting a second trial at the Kennecott copper operations
to determine the suitability of renewable diesel for open pit haulage.
• On 16 February, we completed
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-and-marubeni-partner-to-create-stronger-and-more-responsible-aluminium-supply-chains)
the first sale under a new strategic Collaboration Agreement with Marubeni
Corporation to secure a sustainable and reliable supply of Rio Tinto's
Responsible Aluminium products to Japanese downstream manufacturers. The first
sale was a batch of Rio Tinto's RenewAl(TM) high purity aluminium, from the
renewable powered New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS), to a major Japanese
motorcycle manufacturer committed to reducing carbon emissions throughout its
supply chains and manufacturing process.
• On 21 February, we announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/road-to-a-greener-future-rio-tinto-partners-with-bmw-group-on-premium-aluminium-car-parts)
a partnership to provide responsibly sourced aluminium to the BMW Group's
vehicle production plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for use in body
components from 2024. Low-carbon primary aluminium from Rio Tinto's
hydro-powered operations in Canada, combined with recycled content, could
generate a reduction of up to 70 percent in CO(2) emissions compared to the
BMW Group's benchmark for aluminium. The two companies have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding which will see technical experts working together
on how to embed these low-carbon solutions into the BMW Group's supply chain
while ensuring the highest standards of vehicle quality are maintained. The
partnership provides for the use of aluminium produced using ELYSIS™ on BMW
production vehicles.
Our markets
Commodity prices found further support during the first quarter, whilst the
global economy remained resilient. This has been supported by an improving
Chinese economic outlook, strong labour market and spending data in the US,
and falling gas prices in Europe. However, inflation remains persistently high
in the western world, and the risk of further rate hikes on the global economy
remains. The potential banking crisis has led to further tightening of
conditions both in terms of credit availability and costs, which will weigh on
economic activity across the board.
• China continues its recovery. The government is looking to spur
domestic consumption, stabilise the property sector and further support
infrastructure investments to realise its 2023 GDP target. Consumption is
expected to normalise and recover further with household incomes supported by
job creation amid government efforts to boost business.
• The US economy remained resilient during the quarter, despite
interest rate hikes and uncertainty in the banking sector. The services sector
has been holding up well, although manufacturing PMI continues to remain
contractionary. Given the lag effect of tighter monetary policy, the risk of a
recession later this year remains as consumer spending will likely be
constrained by rising interest rates and depleted savings.
• The eurozone economy continues to be challenged by weak
manufacturing activities and high core inflation, as manufacturing output and
new orders fell, while services showed an expansion. Correspondingly, core
inflation has been pushed up by services, whilst manufactured goods inflation
has tapered down.
• Iron ore prices increased 8% over the quarter, while the average
monthly price of $125/dmt (Platts CFR 62% Fe index) was higher than the fourth
quarter of 2022 by 27%. The major iron ore producers' combined shipments also
rose 4% over the same period, while Chinese steelmakers ramped up their blast
furnace capacity utilisation rates to more than 90%, a seasonal record.
China's iron ore imports hit a record 309 million tonnes in the first quarter
of 2023, effectively unchanged from the volume imported during the prior
quarter and 9% more than the first quarter of 2022. Port inventories briefly
exceeded 140 million tonnes, but subsequently drew back down towards their 130
million tonnes level as at the beginning of the year.
• The LME cash aluminium price declined by 1% over the quarter,
although the average price of $2,395/t was 3% higher than the fourth quarter
of 2022. Global ex-China aluminium demand ended 2022 on a weak note, while
China's aluminium demand has improved over the quarter. Chinese reported
inventories have declined steadily since their peak in early March, and
hydropower constraints due to low reservoir levels in Southern China have
prevented any smelter restarts.
• The copper LME price rose 7% over the quarter to $4.05/lb, driven
by a shift in sentiment associated with improved expectations on copper demand
from China after the end of its zero-Covid policy. This was reflected in a
significant increase in net long investor positions in January. Despite a
weaker dollar, concerns over interest rate hikes and fears of a bank crisis
led to increased price volatility in March. Conversely mine supply disruptions
in Chile, Peru, Panama and Indonesia provided support to prices.
• The electric vehicle (EV) sector remains robust, albeit with
falling growth rates from a higher base. Lithium carbonate spot prices fell
sharply over the quarter, driven by the termination of the EV cash subsidy and
a price war in China's auto market. Short term uncertainty remains as the
global economy slows and rising interest rates dampen consumers' discretionary
spending. Nevertheless, the long-term outlook remains favourable as
governments continue their push for EV adoption.
Iron Ore
Rio Tinto share of production (Million tonnes) Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump(1) 19.6 +15% -9%
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines(1) 30.9 +20% -12%
Robe Valley Lump 1.1 +8% -31%
Robe Valley Fines 2.0 +15% -22%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13.7 -6% -10%
Total Pilbara production 67.3 +12% -11%
Total Pilbara production (100% basis) 79.3 +11% -11%
Rio Tinto share of shipments (Million tonnes) Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Pilbara Blend Lump 15.7 +45% +4%
Pilbara Blend Fines 28.5 +31% -13%
Robe Valley Lump 1.1 +56% -16%
Robe Valley Fines 2.3 +31% -22%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13.7 -6% -7%
SP10 Lump(1) 1.7 -56% -40%
SP10 Fines(1) 6.8 -3% +35%
Total Pilbara shipments(2) 69.7 +16% -6%
Total Pilbara shipments (100% basis)(2) 82.5 +16% -6%
Total Pilbara Shipments (consolidated basis)(2, 3) 71.5 +16% -6%
(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.
Pilbara operations
We produced 79.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 67.3 million tonnes) in the
first quarter, 11% higher than the corresponding period of 2022, with steady
improvements across the system. The ramp-up of Gudai-Darri continues to
progress well.
Shipments of 82.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 69.7 million tonnes) were a
record for the first quarter and 16% higher than the first quarter of 2022
with stronger mine production and a drawdown of stocks. The Robe Valley
Circuit and Yandicoogina mine were impacted by plant reliability and materials
handling issues during the quarter.
Approximately 10% of sales in the first quarter were priced by reference to
the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold
either on current quarter average, current month average, average of two
months, forward month or on the spot market. Approximately 26% of sales in the
first quarter were made on a free on board (FOB) basis, with the remainder
sold including freight.
China Portside Trading
Our iron ore portside sales in China were 6.2 million tonnes in the first
quarter of 2023 (7.0 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2022). At the end
of the March, inventory levels were 6.5 million tonnes, including 4.4 million
tonnes of Pilbara product. In the first quarter of 2023 approximately 90% of
our portside sales were either screened or blended in Chinese ports.
Aluminium
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Bauxite 12,089 -11% -8%
Bauxite third party shipments 7,880 -22% -15%
Alumina 1,860 -2 % -4%
Aluminium 785 +7% 0%
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 12.1 million tonnes was 11% lower than the first quarter
of 2022 as our Weipa operations were affected by higher-than-average rainfall
during the annual wet season. This resulted in reduced pit access, speed
limits for mobile equipment and stockpile bottlenecks due to port closures.
Production was further affected by equipment downtime at both Weipa and Gove.
We have maintained our bauxite production guidance at 54 to 57 million tonnes
as we implement plans to recover lost production at both sites through the
remainder of the year.
The weather-related port closures at Weipa had a disproportionate impact on
our third-party shipments. We shipped 7.9 million tonnes of bauxite to third
parties in the first quarter, 22% lower than the same period of 2022.
Alumina
Alumina production of 1.9 million tonnes was 2% lower than the first quarter
of 2022 following unplanned outages at Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) and
plant reliability issues at Yarwun in Australia. Production at the Vaudreuil
refinery in Quebec, Canada, was higher than the prior year quarter due to
improved operational stability.
As the result of QAL activation of a step-in process following sanction
measures by the Australian Government, Rio Tinto has taken on 100% of capacity
for as long as the step-in continues. This results in use of Rusal's 20% share
of capacity by Rio Tinto under the tolling arrangement with QAL. 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.
Aluminium
Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 7% higher than the first
quarter of 2022 as we benefited from the continued ramp-up of the Kitimat
smelter. Recovery at the Boyne and Kitimat smelters is progressing to plan
with full ramp-up expected to be completed later in the year. All our other
smelters continued to demonstrate stable performance during the quarter.
Copper
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Mined copper
Kennecott 30.3 -36% -36%
Escondida 72.3 +6% -1%
Oyu Tolgoi (66% basis)(1) 28.1 +177% +159%
Total mined copper production 130.7 +4% 0%
Total mined copper production (consolidated basis(2)) 145.2 0% -5%
Refined copper
Kennecott 43.6 +8% +21%
Escondida 15.2 +6% 2%
(1)Oyu Tolgoi production for 2022 reported on a 33.52% equity share basis.
Following the acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd on 16 December 2022,
Oyu Tolgoi production for 2023 reported on a 66% equity share basis.
(2)Includes Oyu Tolgoi on a 100% consolidated basis, Kennecott and Escondida
on an equity share basis.
Kennecott
Mined copper production was 36% lower than the first quarter of 2022 due to a
combination of record snowfall (twice the historical Utah average) and a
failure in early March of motors that drive a conveyor belt that feeds crushed
ore to the concentrator. The concentrator is expected to operate below full
capacity until the third quarter of 2023 as contingencies are implemented
while replacement conveyor motors are sourced (reduced conveyor rates
supplemented with trucking of material). Kennecott is also managing heightened
geotechnical and flooding risk associated with spring melting of the snowpack.
Refined copper production was 8% higher than the first quarter of 2022 as
plant availability at the smelter improved and vacancy rates associated with
the COVID-19 pandemic abated. The largest rebuild of the smelter and refinery
in Kennecott's history is planned to commence in May 2023 with a duration of
approximately three months.
Escondida
Mined copper production was 6% higher than the first quarter of 2022 due to
10% higher concentrator throughput rates, which returned to normal levels
after the corresponding quarter in 2022 included impacts from the COVID-19
pandemic and extended plant maintenance. During the quarter, mined copper
production was impacted compared to plan by geotechnical challenges in the
open pit. Mining has been resequenced, with continued optimisation of the pit
in light of the geotechnical risk.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production on a 100% basis increased 41% from the first quarter
of 2022 due to concentrator maintenance in the prior period and higher copper
head grades (0.49% vs. 0.40%). First sustainable underground production was
achieved during the period with 0.7 million tonnes of ore milled from the
underground mine at an average copper head grade of 1.36%, and 9.6 million
tonnes from the open pit with an average grade of 0.43%.
Following our acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd on 16 December 2022,
our equity share of production increased from 33.52% to 66%, effective in
reporting from 1 January 2023.
Minerals
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes) Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Iron ore pellets and concentrate
IOC 2.5 +5% 0%
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Minerals
Borates - B(2)O(3) content 124 +1% -12%
Titanium dioxide slag 285 +4% -12%
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 carats) Q1 vs Q1 vs Q4
2022
2022
2023
Diavik 954 -4% -28%
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Iron ore production was 5% higher than the first quarter of 2022, and in line
with the prior quarter, with weather related issues impacting operations
during the period. Shipments were 6% higher than the first quarter of 2022,
and 4% lower than the prior quarter, following loading restrictions at the
rail and port. Safe Production System (SPS) deployment at the pellet plant
commenced during the quarter.
Borates
Borates production in the first quarter was 1% higher than the corresponding
period of 2022 as we continue to optimise the mine. We continued to see an
easing of supply chain constraints at the Port of Los Angeles in the period.
SPS deployment across the operation also commenced during the quarter.
Iron and Titanium
Titanium dioxide slag production was 4% higher than the first quarter of 2022,
due to continued improved performance at Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Quebec
Operations, Canada and Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), South Africa. Production
constraints related to nationwide electrical power loadshedding at RBM
continued in the first quarter.
Diamonds
At Diavik, our share of carats was 4% lower than the first quarter of 2022 due
to temporary restrictions accessing open pit material.
We announced
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/rio-tinto-to-proceed-with-underground-mining-of-diaviks-a21-pipe)
a $40 million investment in the first phase of underground mining below the
existing A21 open pit. Diavik is now expected to end commercial production in
the first quarter of 2026, with Phase 1 of underground mining of the A21 pipe
expected to deliver an additional 1.4 million carats of rough diamonds.
Exploration and evaluation
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged
to the profit and loss account in the first quarter of 2023 was $310 million,
compared with $168 million in the first quarter of 2022. Approximately 29% of
this expenditure was incurred by Simandou, 25% by central exploration, 22% by
Minerals, 19% by Copper and 5% by Iron Ore.
Our annual budget for central greenfield exploration remains around $250
million, mainly focused on copper, with a growing battery minerals programme.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18 countries
across eight commodities in early exploration and studies stages. The bulk of
the exploration expenditure in the first quarter focused on copper in
Colombia, Chile, Zambia, US and Kazakhstan, lithium in the US and diamonds in
Angola. Exploration is ongoing for nickel in Canada and Finland, and in
lithium across all regions, with opportunities emerging in the US and Africa.
Mine-lease exploration continued at Rio Tinto managed businesses including
Bingham Canyon in the US, Pilbara Iron Ore in Australia, Diavik in Canada and
Cape York in Australia. Projects in Australia experienced delays in the
quarter due to unprecedented weather.
A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:
Commodities Studies Stage Advanced projects Greenfield/ Brownfield programmes
Bauxite Amargosa, Brazil*, Melville Island, Australia
Sanxai, Laos* Cape York, Australia
Battery Materials Rincon Lithium, Argentina Nickel Greenfield: Australia, Canada, Finland, Peru
Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Lithium Greenfield: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, US
Nickel: Tamarack, US (3rd party operated) Lithium borates Brownfield: US
Copper Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper: La Granja, Peru, Pribrezhniy, Kazakhstan Copper Greenfield: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Finland,
Kazakhstan, Namibia, Laos, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Serbia, US, Zambia
Copper/Gold: Winu, Australia Calibre-Magnum, Australia
Copper Brownfield: US
Diamonds Falcon, Canada* Diamonds Greenfield: Angola
Diamonds Brownfield: Diavik
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia Pilbara, Australia Greenfield and Brownfield: Pilbara, Australia
Simandou, Guinea
Minerals Potash: KL262*, Canada Potash Greenfield: Canada
Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique Heavy mineral sands Greenfield: Australia, South Africa
*Limited activity during the quarter. The Falcon Project in Saskatchewan,
Canada, is currently in care and maintenance whilst Rio Tinto considers
alternative commercial options, including potential exit.
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 announcement, including,
without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's financial position, 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 and any statements related to the
ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), are forward-looking statements. The
words "intend", "aim", "project", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan",
"believes", "expects", "may", "would", "should", "could", "will", "target",
"set to", "seek", "risk" or similar expressions, commonly identify such
forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors which may cause the actual 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.
Among the important factors that could cause Rio Tinto's actual results,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements are levels of actual production during any period,
levels of demand and market prices, the ability to produce and transport
products profitably, the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on market
prices and operating costs, operational problems, political uncertainty and
economic conditions in relevant areas of the world, the actions of
competitors, activities by governmental authorities such as changes in
taxation or regulation, the risks and uncertainties associated with the
ongoing impacts of COVID-19 or other pandemic and such other risk factors
identified in Rio Tinto's most recent Annual report and accounts in Australia
and the United Kingdom and the most recent Annual report on Form 20-F filed
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form
6-Ks furnished to, or filed with, the SEC. The above list is not exhaustive.
Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such
risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the
significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption caused by the outbreak of
COVID-19. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this
announcement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking
(except as required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure
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.
Contacts Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
Media Relations, UK Media Relations, Australia
Matthew Klar Matt Chambers
M +44 7796 630 637 M +61 433 525 739
David Outhwaite Jesse Riseborough
M +44 7787 597 493 M +61 436 653 412
Media Relations, Americas
Simon Letendre
M +1 514 796 4973
Malika Cherry
M +1 418 592 7293
Investor Relations, UK Investor Relations, Australia
Menno Sanderse Tom Gallop
M +44 7825 195 178 M +61 439 353 948
David Ovington Amar Jambaa
M +44 7920 010 978 M +61 472 865 948
Clare Peever
M: +44 7788 967 877
Rio Tinto plc Rio Tinto Limited
6 St James's Square Level 43, 120 Collins Street
London SW1Y 4AD Melbourne 3000
United Kingdom Australia
T +44 20 7781 2000 T +61 3 9283 3333
Registered in England Registered in Australia
No. 719885 ABN 96 004 458 404
This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Steve Allen, 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
Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter Full Year % change
2022 2022 2023 2022 Q1 23 Q1 23
Q1 Q4 Q1 vs vs
Q1 22 Q4 22
Principal commodities
Alumina ('000 t) 1,901 1,941 1,860 7,544 -2% -4%
Aluminium ('000 t) 736 783 785 3,009 +7% 0%
Bauxite ('000 t) 13,625 13,181 12,089 54,618 -11% -8%
Borates ('000 t) 123 141 124 532 +1% -12%
Copper - mined ('000 t) 125.5 131.3 130.7 521.1 +4% 0%
Copper - refined ('000 t) 54.7 51.0 58.9 209.2 +8% +15%
Diamonds ('000 cts) 991 1,319 954 4,651 -4% -28%
Iron Ore ('000 t) 62,465 78,415 69,784 283,247 +12% -11%
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 t) 273 323 285 1,200 +4% -12%
Other Metals & Minerals
Gold - mined ('000 oz) 68.5 55.7 64.4 235.0 -6% +16%
Gold - refined ('000 oz) 32.2 30.3 22.0 113.9 -32% -27%
Molybdenum ('000 t) 1.1 1.1 0.1 3.3 -88% -88%
Salt ('000 t) 1,595 1,458 1,450 5,757 -9% -1%
Silver - mined ('000 oz) 1,012 1,042 935 3,940 -8% -10%
Silver - refined ('000 oz) 577 512 432 1,950 -25% -16%
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 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
interest
2022
2022
2022
2022
2023
2022
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 100% 334 325 336 368 371 1,364
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant 100% 25 30 30 29 25 114
Queensland Alumina 80% 704 697 662 678 632 2,740
São Luis (Alumar) 10% 94 91 95 97 94 377
Yarwun 100% 745 721 715 769 739 2,949
Rio Tinto total alumina production 1,901 1,864 1,838 1,941 1,860 7,544
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100% 46 44 46 48 45 185
Australia - Boyne Island 59% 73 61 65 68 70 267
Australia - Tomago 52% 75 75 76 76 75 302
Canada - six wholly owned 100% 318 323 341 360 367 1,341
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) 40% 62 63 64 63 62 251
Canada - Bécancour 25% 28 29 29 29 29 115
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) 100% 50 50 51 52 51 202
New Zealand - Tiwai Point 79% 66 66 67 68 66 267
Oman - Sohar 20% 19 20 20 20 20 79
Rio Tinto total aluminium production 736 731 759 783 785 3,009
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Gove 100% 3,093 2,637 2,905 2,874 2,579 11,510
Porto Trombetas 12% 240 308 393 391 275 1,332
Sangaredi (b) 1,765 1,946 1,953 1,588 1,744 7,252
Weipa 100% 8,527 9,240 8,429 8,328 7,492 34,525
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 13,625 14,131 13,680 13,181 12,089 54,618
(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 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
interest
2022
2022
2022
2022
2023
2022
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B(2)O(3) content)
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100% 123 137 130 141 124 532
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 47.1 33.9 50.7 47.5 30.3 179.2
Escondida 30% 68.2 82.3 75.1 73.0 72.3 298.6
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 66% 10.2 10.2 12.2 10.8 28.1 43.4
Rio Tinto total mine production 125.5 126.4 138.0 131.3 130.7 521.1
Rio Tinto total mine production - consolidated basis 145.6 146.7 162.1 152.8 145.2 607.2
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30% 14.4 16.7 14.9 14.9 15.2 60.9
Kennecott (c) 100% 40.2 32.7 39.2 36.1 43.6 148.3
Rio Tinto total refined production 54.7 49.4 54.1 51.0 58.9 209.2
(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) On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from
33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production has been updated
to reflect this change.
(c) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation. There was no cathode produced from purchased concentrate in 2023
year-to-date. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded from
reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes
produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Diavik 100% 991 1,149 1,192 1,319 954 4,651
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 37.8 22.8 32.5 29.7 20.6 122.7
Escondida 30% 10.9 13.7 11.5 14.5 14.7 50.6
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 66% 19.8 16.0 14.3 11.5 29.1 61.6
Rio Tinto total mine production 68.5 52.5 58.2 55.7 64.4 235.0
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott 100% 32.2 20.9 30.5 30.3 22.0 113.9
(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) On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from
33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production has been updated
to reflect this change.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2022
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Hamersley mines (b) 47,678 52,636 56,650 61,339 54,433 218,304
Hope Downs 50% 5,830 6,385 6,264 5,945 5,885 24,425
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59% 2,404 2,603 2,776 2,530 2,526 10,312
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53% 2,774 3,054 3,540 4,178 3,123 13,546
Robe River - West Angelas 53% 3,779 3,961 4,496 4,424 3,816 16,660
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 62,465 68,640 73,726 78,415 69,784 283,247
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (c) 17,081 19,309 21,317 21,443 19,612 79,152
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (c) 25,658 30,240 32,592 35,097 30,851 123,587
Robe Valley Lump 1,051 1,180 1,389 1,645 1,136 5,264
Robe Valley Fines 1,724 1,874 2,151 2,533 1,987 8,281
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,548 13,433 13,501 15,168 13,672 56,650
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 60,061 66,037 70,951 75,886 67,258 272,934
IOC Concentrate 962 1,282 1,237 1,186 1,241 4,667
IOC Pellets 1,442 1,321 1,539 1,343 1,285 5,646
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 2,404 2,603 2,776 2,530 2,526 10,312
Breakdown of Shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 10,809 12,684 15,301 15,089 15,689 53,883
Pilbara Blend Fines 21,698 25,156 31,597 32,659 28,528 111,110
Robe Valley Lump 675 971 1,281 1,244 1,051 4,171
Robe Valley Fines 1,731 2,309 2,392 2,896 2,262 9,329
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,487 14,201 13,530 14,661 13,689 56,880
SP10 Lump (c) 3,827 4,456 1,647 2,824 1,686 12,753
SP10 Fines (c) 7,067 6,775 3,766 5,062 6,832 22,672
Pilbara iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 60,295 66,552 69,515 74,435 69,738 270,798
Pilbara iron ore shipments - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes) (d) (f) 61,818 68,114 71,379 76,303 71,505 277,613
IOC Concentrate 600 1,083 1,316 1,174 984 4,174
IOC Pellets 1,412 1,484 1,443 1,036 1,143 5,375
IOC Iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 2,012 2,567 2,759 2,210 2,127 9,548
Rio Tinto iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 62,307 69,119 72,274 76,645 71,864 280,346
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) (e) 66,683 71,263 74,587 75,337 74,273 287,871
(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 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.
(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 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2022
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 1.1 0.4 0.8 1.1 0.1 3.3
(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 68% 1,595 1,030 1,674 1,458 1,450 5,757
SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 561 385 591 521 356 2,057
Escondida 30% 381 393 363 453 404 1,590
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 66% 71 67 86 68 176 292
Rio Tinto total mine production 1,012 846 1,040 1,042 935 3,940
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott 100% 577 290 571 512 432 1,950
(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) On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from
33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production has been updated
to reflect this change.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (a) 100% 273 293 310 323 285 1,200
(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 31 March 2023.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
interest
2022
2022
2022
2022
2023
2022
ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland 80% 880 871 827 847 790 3,425
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100% 745 721 715 769 739 2,949
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10% 940 910 946 975 936 3,771
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) 100% 334 325 336 368 371 1,364
(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% 25 30 30 29 25 114
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2023. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100% 46 44 46 48 45 185
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland 59% 123 103 110 114 117 450
Tomago smelter - New South Wales 52% 145 145 148 147 145 586
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100% 117 121 122 122 120 482
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec 40% 154 157 159 158 156 628
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100% 42 42 43 44 43 171
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec 100% 14 14 15 15 14 58
Bécancour smelter - Quebec 25% 111 117 116 116 115 459
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec 100% 57 58 59 58 57 232
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia 100% 25 26 38 57 72 145
Laterrière smelter - Quebec 100% 63 63 64 64 61 253
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100% 50 50 51 52 51 202
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter 79% 83 83 85 85 83 336
Oman
Sohar smelter 20% 97 98 100 100 98 395
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2023. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023
BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory 100% 3,093 2,637 2,905 2,874 2,579 11,510
Weipa mine - Queensland 100% 8,527 9,240 8,429 8,328 7,492 34,525
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine 12% 2,000 2,569 3,275 3,256 2,288 11,100
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23% 3,922 4,323 4,339 3,530 3,876 16,115
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 13,876 14,054 13,294 13,561 12,264 54,784
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 10,135 9,599 9,049 9,233 7,880 38,016
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits
from 45.0% of production.
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
interest
2022
2022
2022
2022
2023
2022
BORATES
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100%
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 123 137 130 141 124 532
(a) Production is expressed as B(2)O(3) content.
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 30,235 34,318 32,894 33,911 33,309 131,358
Average copper grade (%) 0.81 0.87 0.83 0.76 0.78 0.82
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 191.5 239.5 214.6 212.8 210.0 858.4
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 36.3 45.8 38.2 48.4 49.0 168.7
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,270 1,311 1,210 1,510 1,346 5,301
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) 35.9 34.8 35.8 30.4 31.0 136.9
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 48.1 55.7 49.6 49.7 50.8 203.1
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore
stacked at the leach pad.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2023. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 10,130 6,862 10,125 10,449 7,405 37,565
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.51 0.55 0.56 0.52 0.47 0.53
Gold (g/t) 0.19 0.17 0.16 0.14 0.12 0.16
Silver (g/t) 2.36 2.39 2.50 2.20 2.16 2.36
Molybdenum (%) 0.021 0.017 0.021 0.020 0.012 0.020
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 176 136 192 184 116 688
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 26.8 24.9 26.2 25.6 26.1 26.0
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 47.1 33.9 50.7 47.5 30.3 179.2
Gold ('000 ounces) 37.8 22.8 32.5 29.7 20.6 122.7
Silver ('000 ounces) 561 385 591 521 356 2,057
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 2.1 0.9 1.8 2.0 0.1 6.8
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1.1 0.4 0.8 1.1 0.1 3.3
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100%
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 213 152 166 194 200 725
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) 45.8 27.9 46.2 24.5 55.1 144.5
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (c) 40.2 32.7 39.2 36.1 43.6 148.3
Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 32.2 20.9 30.5 30.3 22.0 113.9
Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 577 290 571 512 432 1,950
(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. There was no cathode produced from purchased concentrate in 2023
year-to-date. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded from
reported production figures and production 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 31 March 2023. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) 66%
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Open Pit 9,320 9,225 10,141 8,900 9,613 37,586
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Underground 261 460 544 510 675 1,776
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Total 9,581 9,685 10,685 9,411 10,288 39,361
Average mill head grades:
Open Pit
Copper (%) 0.40 0.39 0.40 0.41 0.43 0.40
Gold (g/t) 0.33 0.26 0.22 0.20 0.21 0.25
Silver (g/t) 1.26 1.12 1.28 1.14 1.16 1.20
Underground
Copper (%) 0.40 0.57 0.82 1.03 1.36 0.75
Gold (g/t) 0.20 0.24 0.22 0.29 0.35 0.24
Silver (g/t) 1.06 1.73 2.16 2.54 3.26 2.00
Total
Copper (%) 0.40 0.40 0.42 0.45 0.49 0.42
Gold (g/t) 0.32 0.26 0.22 0.21 0.22 0.25
Silver (g/t) 1.25 1.15 1.32 1.21 1.30 1.24
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 144.3 146.0 173.6 151.9 201.8 615.8
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 21.0 20.9 20.9 21.3 21.1 21.0
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 30.3 30.6 36.3 32.3 42.6 129.5
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 59.2 47.6 42.7 34.2 44.1 183.8
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 211 201 256 204 266 871
Sales of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 29.9 35.3 41.8 25.3 41.4 132.3
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 57.4 67.9 56.0 26.2 44.0 207.5
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 179 224 282 152 242 836
(a) On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from
33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production has been updated
to reflect this change.
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
interest 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023
DIAMONDS
Diavik Diamonds 100%
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 496 537 590 535 427 2,158
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 991 1,149 1,192 1,319 954 4,651
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2023. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
2022
2023
2022
interest 2022 2022
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 47,678 52,636 56,650 61,339 54,433 218,304
Hope Downs 50% 11,660 12,771 12,529 11,891 11,771 48,850
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53% 5,234 5,762 6,679 7,882 5,892 25,558
Robe River - West Angelas 53% 7,130 7,474 8,484 8,347 7,200 31,435
Total production ('000 tonnes) 71,703 78,643 84,342 89,458 79,296 324,146
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (b) 20,827 23,228 25,452 25,251 23,196 94,758
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (b) 31,094 36,220 38,709 41,158 36,537 147,180
Robe Valley Lump 1,982 2,226 2,621 3,103 2,143 9,932
Robe Valley Fines 3,252 3,536 4,058 4,779 3,748 15,625
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,548 13,433 13,501 15,168 13,672 56,650
Breakdown of total shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 13,626 16,043 18,860 18,153 18,733 66,682
Pilbara Blend Fines 27,915 32,243 38,186 38,835 35,349 137,179
Robe Valley Lump 1,273 1,832 2,417 2,348 1,983 7,870
Robe Valley Fines 3,266 4,357 4,514 5,464 4,268 17,602
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,487 14,201 13,530 14,661 13,689 56,880
SP10 Lump (b) 3,827 4,456 1,647 2,824 1,686 12,753
SP10 Fines (b) 7,067 6,775 3,766 5,062 6,832 22,672
Total shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 71,462 79,907 82,920 87,347 82,540 321,636
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
2022
2023
2022
interest 2022 2022
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59%
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada
Saleable iron ore production:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1,638 2,183 2,106 2,020 2,113 7,947
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,456 2,250 2,621 2,288 2,189 9,615
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes) 4,094 4,433 4,727 4,308 4,302 17,562
Shipments:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1,022 1,845 2,241 1,999 1,676 7,108
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,405 2,527 2,457 1,764 1,947 9,153
IOC Total Shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 3,427 4,372 4,699 3,763 3,622 16,261
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) 75,797 83,076 89,069 93,766 83,599 341,708
Iron Ore Shipments ('000 tonnes) 74,889 84,279 87,619 91,110 86,162 337,897
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 79,194 86,108 89,689 89,650 88,490 344,641
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Western Turner
Syncline, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass, Channar,
Gudai-Darri 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) 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 31 March 2023. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Full Year
2022
2022
2023
2022
interest 2022 2022
SALT
Dampier Salt 68%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 2,333 1,507 2,449 2,133 2,121 8,422
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share) (a)
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) 273 293 310 323 285 1,200
(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 31 March 2023. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
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