REG - Rio Tinto - Second quarter production results
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RNS Number : 2009R Rio Tinto PLC 16 July 2025
Rio Tinto releases second quarter 2025 production results
16 July 2025
13% CuEq production uplift for Q2 YoY, and 6% for H1, as we execute our
strategy
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "We delivered excellent
operational performance from our mine operations with record production from
our bauxite business and from Oyu Tolgoi as it ramps up to become the world's
fourth largest copper mine before the end of the decade.
"We continue to make strong progress in our production and growth projects,
achieving our highest Pilbara Q2 production since 2018 and accelerating the
first shipment from the Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea.
"We will continue to drive progress towards our long-term strategy to deliver
profitable growth and build a stronger, more diversified business."
1. Executive Summary
• We're pleased to have announced Simon Trott as Chief Executive
with effect from 25 August 2025.
• Copper equivalent (CuEq) production rose 13% in Q2 YoY, and 6% YoY
for the half year, driven by strong performance in our copper business and the
contribution of the Arcadium acquisition.
• Copper production is now expected at the higher end, and copper
unit costs around the lower end, of full year guidance ranges.
• Pilbara iron ore achieved its highest Q2 production since 2018,
recovering well from Q1 extreme weather impacts.
• Bauxite achieved a second consecutive quarterly production record
and is now expected at the higher end of the full year production guidance
range.
• Lithium integration progressing to plan, in line with our strategy
to establish a world-class lithium business.
• Simandou first shipment accelerated to around November 2025, with
0.5 to 1.0 Mt of shipments expected in 2025 (SimFer scope from Blocks 3 &
4).
• Continued progress with our Iron Ore replacement strategy: Western
Range opened on time and on budget, while Hope Downs 2 received all Government
approvals in Q2.
Production(1) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1 2025 guidance(5) Guidance status
2024
2025
2025
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) Mt 79.9 -1 % +13 % 323 to 338(6) Unchanged
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) Mt 83.7 +5 % +20 % NA Unchanged
Bauxite Mt 15.6 +6 % +5 % 57 to 59 Unchanged(7)
(at higher end)
Alumina Mt 1.8 +8 % -6 % 7.4 to 7.8 Unchanged
Aluminium(2) Mt 0.84 +2 % +2 % 3.25 to 3.45 Unchanged
Copper (consolidated basis)(3) kt 229 +15 % +9 % 780 to 850 Unchanged(7)
(at higher end)
Titanium dioxide slag Mt 0.3 +13 % +21 % 1.0 to 1.2 Unchanged(8)
(at lower end)
IOC(4) iron ore pellets and concentrate Mt 2.5 +14 % +7 % 9.7 to 11.4 Unchanged
Boric oxide equivalent Mt 0.1 +6 % +13 % ~0.5 Unchanged
(1) Rio Tinto share unless otherwise stated. (2) Includes primary aluminium
only. (3) 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. (4)
Iron Ore Company of Canada. (5) See further notes in Section 2, 2025 guidance.
(6) As stated at Q1 2025 - at the lower end of guidance. (7) At the higher end
of guidance. (8) At the lower end of guidance.
2. 2025 guidance
Production guidance
• 2025 production guidance is unchanged(1).
Pilbara iron ore shipments
• We continue to expect Pilbara shipments to be at the lower end of
guidance, due to four cyclones as announced in Q1.
• Pilbara iron ore guidance remains subject to the timing of
approvals for planned mining areas and heritage clearances. The system has
limited ability to mitigate further losses from weather if incurred.
Bauxite production
• Bauxite production is expected to be at the higher end of
guidance range.
Copper production
• Copper production is expected to be at the higher end of guidance
due to our continued successful ramp up of Oyu Tolgoi underground mine and
good performance at Escondida.
Titanium dioxide slag production
• TiO(2) production is expected to be at the lower end of guidance
reflecting market demand.
(1) Guidance remains subject to weather impacts.
Unit cost guidance
• 2025 unit cost guidance is unchanged.
◦ Pilbara iron ore: H1 benefited from a weaker than expected
Australian dollar.
◦ Copper: we expect full year unit costs to be around the lower end
of the guidance range due to good cost control, production volumes at the
higher end of the full year guidance range and higher than expected gold
prices driving net costs down.
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 130-150(1)
cents per lb
(1) Expected around the lower end of guidance.
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 in 2025 was $334 million,
compared with $487 million in 2024. Approximately 33% of the spend was by
central exploration, 10% by Minerals (with the majority focusing on lithium),
36% by Copper, 19% by Iron Ore and 2% by Aluminium. Qualifying expenditure on
the Rincon project has been capitalised since 1 July 2024, accounting for most
of the decrease in expense.
Net debt
• As communicated in our First Quarter Operations Review, completion
of the Arcadium acquisition on 6 March increased the group's net debt by
approximately $7.6 billion(1). This comprises $6.3 billion paid to Arcadium's
shareholders, $0.4 billion paid to their convertible loan note holders,
consolidation of Arcadium's $0.7 billion net debt and $0.2 billion loaned by
Rio Tinto to Arcadium prior to the acquisition completing.
Working capital
• In H1 2025, we saw a cash outflow of approximately $0.6 billion
from an increase in working capital. This included optimisation of stock
levels in the Pilbara and normal seasonal movements in amounts due to JV
partners and employees.
(1) Subject to finalisation of acquisition accounting review.
4. Our markets
Global economy: improved from the end of the first quarter given US/China
tariff de-escalation. However, geopolitical tensions and trade barriers remain
near-term economic risks.
Chinese economy: industrial activity and net exports grew strongly during the
quarter on the back of China's highly competitive manufacturing sector. Trade
diversification continued as the decline in exports to the US was more than
offset by shipments to other regions. Retail sales growth was supported by
ongoing stimulus measures while the government remains committed to
infrastructure investment. However, headwinds such as trade tensions and a
soft property market continue to pose challenges.
US economy: held up given resilient household consumption and private fixed
investment. The impact of tariffs is still feeding through to inflation and
sentiment. The housing market continues to be weak and building activities
have been hampered by elevated mortgage rates and reduced labour supply.
Iron ore
• China's crude steel production maintained a high annualised
run-rate of more than one billion tonnes in Q2. However, global steel prices
and mill margins remained under pressure.
• China's steel exports for the period April to May increased to
~120Mt annualised run-rates, compared to 111Mt in 2024.
• Iron ore seaborne supply recovered strongly in Q2 from
weather-related disruption earlier in the year. However, China's inventories
at 47 major ports were drawn down by 5Mt during the quarter to 145Mt.
Copper
• The London Metal Exchange (LME) price fell amid economic
uncertainty in early April but recovered in May, driven by US-China tariff
de-escalation, a weakening dollar and strong underlying fundamentals.
• The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) cash price traded 10% above
the LME price on average over the quarter, reflecting tariff risks.
• Copper concentrate market tightness intensified in Q2, with spot
treatment and refining charges slipping further into negative territory.
While some smelters outside China have scaled back production, Chinese
smelters have ramped up refined output, further exacerbating the supply
strain.
Aluminium
• The LME quarterly average price fell during Q2 amid global trade
tensions but improved towards the end of the quarter, with rising geopolitical
risks in the Middle East and easing of trade tensions between the US and
China.
• Aluminium market premiums rose in the US in Q2 on a duty paid
basis after implementation of Section 232 tariffs in April. The Q2 premium
increased to largely cover the tariff cost. In Europe and Japan, aluminium
market premiums fell on weak demand.
• Australian FOB alumina price rose in Q2, up from the lows in Q1,
on improved fundamentals.
• Chinese bauxite spot import prices fell in Q2 on higher Guinean
bauxite exports, despite continued risks to supply following the cancellation
of several mining permits by the Guinean government in recent months.
Lithium
• Lithium demand remains strong driven by global EV sales which were
up 29% YoY between April and May, and solid demand from stationary batteries.
However, the market remains oversupplied due to producer resilience to falling
prices while new projects ramp up.
Titanium dioxide
• Paint and pigment demand has not gained momentum, with downstream
inventories continuing to build.
Borates
• The borates market diverged earlier in Q2 as tariffs disrupted US
supply to China, while ex-China markets remained stable. Following tariff
adjustments in May, demand from China has been strong.
Index prices Start of Q2 (01/04/25) End of Q2 (30/06/25) % change start - end Q2 Q1 2025 average Q2 2025 average % change QoQ
Iron ore ($/dmt CFR China)(1) 104 94 (10) % 104 98 (6) %
Copper (LME spot, c/lb) 438 455 4 % 424 432 2 %
Aluminium (LME spot, $/t) 2,499 2,593 4 % 2,627 2,448 (7) %
Lithium carbonate (spot, $/t CIF China, Japan & Korea)(2) 9,350 8,100 (13) % 9,809 8,566 (13) %
(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% Li2CO3 battery grade.
Average realised prices achieved for our major commodities
Units H1 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 2025 H1 2024
Pilbara iron ore FOB, $/wmt 82.5 80.5 84.8 97.3
Pilbara iron ore* FOB, $/dmt 89.7 87.5 92.2 105.8
Aluminium** Metal $/t 3,125 3,040 3,223 2,746
Copper*** US c/lb 436 441 430 419
IOC pellets FOB $/wmt 130 127 133 154
*Assuming 8% moisture.
**LME plus all-in premiums (product and market).
***Average realised price for all units sold. Realised price does not include
the impact of the provisional pricing adjustments, which positively impacted
revenues in the first half by $266 million (first half 2024 positive impact of
$93 million).
5. Iron Ore (Pilbara operations)
Rio Tinto share of production (Million tonnes) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1
2024
2025
2025
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump(1) 23.2 +11 % +20 %
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines(1) 33.0 +5 % +18 %
Robe Valley Lump 1.7 +9 % +9 %
Robe Valley Fines 2.3 -14 % +14 %
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 10.9 -3 % +18 %
Total Pilbara production 71.1 +5 % +18 %
Total Pilbara production (100% basis) 83.7 +5 % +20 %
Rio Tinto share of shipments (Million tonnes) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1
2024
2025
2025
Pilbara Blend Lump 11.2 -10 % +14 %
Pilbara Blend Fines 21.5 -13 % +14 %
Robe Valley Lump 1.4 +4 % +20 %
Robe Valley Fines 2.6 -15 % +18 %
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 10.6 -6 % +14 %
SP10 Lump(1) 8.3 +64 % +3 %
SP10 Fines(1) 12.5 +52 % +9 %
Total Pilbara shipments(2) 68.1 +3 % +12 %
Total Pilbara shipments (100% basis)(2) 79.9 -1 % +13 %
Total Pilbara shipments (consolidated basis)(2, 3) 70.0 +2 % +12 %
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.
• Q2 production: strong with mine operations recovering post Q1
weather impacts to achieve the highest Q2 production since 2018.
◦ Mine health remains a focus and has improved since the wet weather
from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025. SP10 levels accounted for 29% of Pilbara shipments
(on 100% basis) and, on a standalone basis, will reduce with product strategy
changes (see below) from current levels.
• Q2 shipments: port maintenance in Q1 was postponed to Q2 due to
cyclone impacts, with some work remaining in Q3. As a result, Q2 shipments
were 3.9 million tonnes below production in Q2.
• Product strategy: as first announced in Q3 2024, we have been
undertaking a review of our product strategy. We have notified customers of
changes to specifications of the Pilbara Blend. The changes predominantly
combine the previous Pilbara Blend and SP10 products into a single blend with
the iron content moving to 60.8% Fe (average) from 61.6% Fe (average) (for the
Pilbara Blend fines product). Shipments of the new Pilbara Blend commenced in
July 2025.
• Q2 sales: 9% 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.
◦ 24% of sales were made on a free on board (FOB) basis, with
remainder sold including freight.
• Q2 portside sales in China: 7.8 million tonnes (7.5 million tonnes
in Q2 2024):
◦ 96% of our portside sales were either screened or blended in
Chinese ports. Our portside business enables us to access the onshore Chinese
iron ore market, extending our Pilbara value chain by managing the increasing
variability of our ore bodies.
◦ end-June: inventory levels at portside were 4.4 million tonnes,
including 3.8 million tonnes of Pilbara product.
• Achieved average pricing in the first half of 2025 was $82.5 per
wet metric tonne ($97.3 in the first half of 2024) on an FOB basis (equivalent
to $89.7 per dry metric tonne, with an 8% moisture assumption). This compares
to the average first half price for the monthly average Platts index for 62%
iron fines converted to a FOB basis of $92.0 per dry metric tonne.
6. Aluminium
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1
2024
2025
2025
Bauxite 15,644 +6 % +5 %
Bauxite third party shipments 11,147 +4 % +14 %
Alumina(1) 1,815 +8 % -6 %
Aluminium 842 +2 % +2 %
Recycled aluminium 74 +6 % +11 %
(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.
All produced metal has been shipped with sales pricing, product mix and
shipping destinations flexed to optimise our position in the wake of the
changing tariff environment.
Over H1 2025, we incurred around $300m of gross costs associated with US
tariffs on our primary aluminium exports from Canada. A substantial part
thereof has been compensated by the related increase in the US Midwest duty
paid premium, which rapidly adapted to the 25% tariffs level in Q1, but, at
the end of Q2, was not fully compensating for the 50% tariff.
Bauxite
• Q2: achieved record production for the quarter and for the half
year, with full year production now expected at the higher end of the guidance
range.
◦ Amrun continues to outperform its nameplate capacity, achieving
improved utilisation as the Safe Production System (SPS) matures.
◦ Gove production increased due to better plant reliability and
availability.
Alumina
• Q2: lower production due to operational challenges, in particular
with equipment reliability at Yarwun. This necessitated rescheduling of
shutdowns and maintenance in Q2 to ensure long-term reliability and
efficiency, alongside managing yield and quality.
Aluminium
• Q2: operations are stable, adapting to external factors at our New
Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) and Kitimat operations.
◦ NZAS: the call from Meridian Energy to reduce electricity usage by
50MW ended on 15 June 2025, earlier than originally planned (previously August
2025). Ramping up to full production by first week of August.
◦ Kitimat: our energy supply and production continues to be impacted
by lower reservoir levels. Despite these challenges, production rose QoQ by
optimising supply to the smelter and importing energy to mitigate the effects
of the low water levels.
$/tonne H1 H1 H1 2025 vs
2025 2024 H1 2024
Average realised prices including premiums for value-added products (VAP) 3,125 2,746 +14 %
Average LME price 2,539 2,358 +8 %
Average product premiums for VAP sales(1) 292 287 +2 %
(1) Our VAP sales increased to 46% of primary metal sold in H1 2025 (H1
2024: 45%).
H1 Q2
2025 2025
Total RTA shipments - US destination, kt 723 343
Total RTA tariff cost, $m 321 244
Average mid-west premium duty paid(1), $/tonne 855 983
Average realised tariff costs - US destination, $/tonne 444 712
(1) Mid-west premium duty paid applies to approximately 55% of our total
volumes in H1 2025 (59% in H1 2024).
Recycled aluminium
• Q2: production increased due to improved demand for domestically
produced secondary aluminium in the United States.
7. Copper
Rio Tinto production(1) ('000 tonnes) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1
2025
2024
2025
Copper
Kennecott - Refined metal(2) 40 -16 % -6 %
Escondida - Metal in concentrates 87 +4 % -2 %
Escondida - Refined metal 15 -4 % +8 %
Oyu Tolgoi - Metal in concentrates 87 +65 % +33 %
Total copper production (consolidated basis(1)) 229 +15 % +9 %
(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 11.1 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q2 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.
Kennecott
• Continued to successfully navigate challenging geotechnical
conditions impacting the south wall of the mine.
◦ Q2: cathode production from third party concentrate was higher, in
order to optimise smelter utilisation.
◦ YoY: lower ore availability, driven by geotechnical constraints,
limiting concentrate production, combined with depleted concentrate
stockpiles.
• H2 2025: planned annual maintenance at the concentrator expected
to commence in September, along with planned partial rebuild of the smelter,
with a duration of approximately 45 days.
Escondida
• Q2: slightly lower concentrate production due to a reduction in
average grade (0.95% in Q2 vs 1.09% in Q1), while refined metal volume
increased. The Full SaL project(1) achieved first production and is expected
to continue to ramp up.
• YoY: concentrate production increased mainly due to higher
throughput from improved concentrator performance, which more than offset the
slightly lower grade in line with the mine plan.
Oyu Tolgoi
• Q2: record quarter for copper production, due to the continued
underground ramp-up with improving head grade and recovery rates.
◦ New material handling records set achieving a monthly average in
June of 34ktpd and a single day record high of 47ktpd for the underground
mine.
• YoY: rising contribution from the higher grade underground mine,
with Panel 0 construction complete and the conveyor to surface - the second
largest in the world by capacity - becoming operational between these
periods.
• Engagement continues with Entrée Resources and the Government of
Mongolia on the transfer of licences to allow mining in the Panel 1 Entrée
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. Minerals
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1
2024
2025
2025
Iron ore pellets and concentrate
IOC 2.5 +14 % +7 %
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1
2024
2025
2025
Minerals
Borates - B(2)O(3) content 132 +6 % +13 %
Titanium dioxide slag 269 +13 % +21 %
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 carats) Q2 vs Q2 vs Q1
2024
2025
2025
Diavik 1,238 +76 % +31 %
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
• Q2: improved operational stability across mining operations and
processing. Significant focus on improving pit health led to Q2 record for
total material moved from the mine.
• Annual plant shutdown in June was completed and followed by
successful commissioning and ramp-up of production rates.
Borates
• Q2: the process line scaling issues experienced in Q1 have been
resolved. The operations ran with improved plant stability in Q2.
Iron and Titanium
• Q2: output increased driven by better operational stability and
improved furnace efficiency at RTIT Quebec Operations. We also benefited from
the restart of a furnace in February at our RTIT Quebec Operations, as stated
in our First Quarter Operations Review.
• On 3 July 2025, a furnace at RTIT Quebec Operations reached its
planned end-of-life, ceasing operations. We now operate six (of nine) furnaces
in Quebec and three (of four) furnaces at RBM.
• Full year production is expected to be at the lower end of the 1.0
to 1.2 million tonne range reflecting market demand.
Lithium
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) Q2 vs Q2 Q1(2) vs Q1
2024
2025
2025 2025
Total lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production(1) 12 NA 17 -29 %
(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.
(2) 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).
(• ) Q2: integration of Rio Tinto Lithium is progressing
as planned:
◦ Lithium hydroxide production and shipments increased in Q2
reflecting growing demand from our EV customers.
◦ Mt Cattlin spodumene operation in Western Australia was placed on
care and maintenance by the end of March 2025 as previously communicated by
Arcadium Lithium in September 2024.
◦ Lithium carbonate production at Fenix temporarily affected by
snowfall-related energy outages in May and transport system issues in April.
Both issues have since been resolved.
( )
9. Capital Projects
Project Total Status/Milestones
capital cost
(100% unless
otherwise stated)
Iron ore
Project: Western Range $1.3bn • Officially opened on 6 June 2025 with Western Australian Premier
Roger Cook and Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King joining Yinhawangka
Location: WA, Australia (Rio Tinto share)(1) Traditional Owners and senior representatives from Rio Tinto and joint venture
partner China Baowu Group (Baowu) to mark the milestone.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (54%) and China Baowu Steel Group Co. Ltd (46%)
• Production ramp-up over the remainder of 2025 continues, as
Capacity: 25 Mtpa planned.
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 • Enabling works continue to progress well.
• Key contractors mobilising and main bulk earthworks underway.
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 and
sustain production from iron ore operations
Project: Hope Downs 2 (incl. Bedded Hilltop) $0.8bn • Received all necessary State and Federal Government approvals.
(Rio Tinto share) • Commencement of main works construction now enabled.
Location: WA, Australia
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 Total Status/Milestones
capital cost
(100% unless
otherwise stated)
Iron ore
Project: Simandou $6.2bn • Simandou first shipment accelerated to around November 2025. Ore
will be railed from the SimFer mine to the main rail line via the SimFer rail
Location: Guinea, Africa (Rio Tinto spur and initially shipped through the WCS port while construction of the
SimFer port is finalised.
SimFer mine ownership: SimFer (85%), Government of Guinea (GoG) (15%) share)
• For 2025, we expect 0.5 to 1.0 Mt of shipments (SimFer scope from
SimFer mine capacity: 60 Mtpa (27 Mtpa RT share) Blocks 3 & 4).
Approval: July 2024 • Non-managed infrastructure - our partners confirm that
construction is progressing well and is on track. Highlights include track
Planned first production: 2025 and first shipment accelerated to around laying on the mainline rail, now complete, to enable first shipped ore from
November 2025, ramping up over 30 months to full capacity both Simandou mines through the rail system and WCS port around November 2025.
To note: Investment in the Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea in • SimFer mine(4) is on track - bulk earthworks are progressing and
partnership with CIOH, a Chinalco-led consortium (the SimFer joint venture) permanent process facilities construction has commenced. First ore is expected
and co-development of the rail and port infrastructure with Winning Consortium through the permanent crushing facilities in H2 2026, on schedule and aligned
Simandou² (WCS), Baowu and the Republic of Guinea (the partners) for the with plan. Ore continues to be crushed and stockpiled through the temporary
export of up to 120 million tonnes per year of iron ore mined by SimFer's and crushers.
WCS's respective mining concessions.³ The SimFer joint venture⁴ will
develop, own and operate a 60 million tonne per year⁵ mine in blocks 3 & • SimFer rail spur - is progressing well, with tunnel excavation
4. WCS will construct the project's ~536 kilometre shared dual track main breakthrough achieved in June and track laying continuing ahead of plan
line, a 16 kilometre spur connecting its mine to the mainline as well as the (connects the multi-use TransGuinean railway line from our mine operations to
WCS barge port, while SimFer will construct the ~70 kilometre spur line, the port facilities). Bulk earth works and final bridge girders complete.
connecting its mining concession to the main rail line, and the transhipment
vessel (TSV) port. • SimFer port - continues to advance ahead of plan. Fabrication of
the transhipment vessels has commenced at the shipyard in China.
• Workforce across all the SimFer scope of mine, rail and port has
reached 21,800 with 81% national Guinean participation.
Aluminium
Project: Low-carbon AP60 aluminium smelter $1.3bn • Project work progresses.
Location: Quebec, Canada • Construction progress included mechanical, piping, electrical and
instrumentation activities with prioritisation on building activities.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
• Total project costs have increased by $155m to ~$1.3bn (previously
Capacity: Project will add 96 new AP60 pots, increasing AP60 capacity by $1.1bn) primarily due to contractor performance challenges, external cost
160,000 tonnes of primary aluminium per annum inflation and adjustments in delivery model, and commissioning is now expected
by Q1 2026 (previously H1 2026) four months faster.
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.
Copper
Project: Oyu Tolgoi underground mine $7.06bn • Concentrator conversion - filtration and thickener facilities have
commenced load-commissioning. Ball Mill construction is complete, and load
Location: Mongolia commissioning forecast for completion in Q3.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (66%), Government of Mongolia (34%) • Primary crusher 2 - construction progressing to plan and remains
on track to be completed during Q4 2025.
Capacity: from both the open pit and underground mines, average of ~500kt(6)
per year from 2028 to 2036.
Approval: 2016
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 Total Status/Milestones
capital cost
(100% unless
otherwise stated)
Copper
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)(7) underground development $0.6bn • Production from NRS is now expected to commence at the end of 2025
(previously H2 2025).
Location: Utah, United States
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Capacity: around 250,000 tonnes through to 2033(8)
Approval: June 2023
Planned first production: Q4 2025
To note: Original approval for $0.5bn with a further $0.1 billion approved in
December 2024 for additional infrastructure and geotechnical controls.
Lithium
Project: Rincon expansion $2.5bn • Starter plant - final system testing and commissioning completed.
Location: Salta province, Argentina • Expansion project - construction is scheduled to begin in Q3 2025,
subject to permitting.
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Capacity: 60ktpa (battery grade lithium carbonate)
Approval: Dec 2024
Planned first production: 2028 with three-year ramp-up to full capacity
To note: Project consists of the 3kt starter plant and 57kt expansion program.
The mine is expected to have a 40-year⁹ life and operate in the first
quartile of the cost curve.
Project: Fenix expansion (1B) $0.7bn • Mechanical Vapour Recompression plant commissioned, to support
planned first production.
Location: Catamarca province, Argentina
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Capacity: 10ktpa LCE (battery grade lithium carbonate)
Planned first production: 2026
To note: product is carbonate, chloride
Project: Sal de Vida $0.7bn • Project achieved liming plant mechanical completion during the
quarter.
Location: Catamarca province, Argentina
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%)
Capacity: 15ktpa
Planned first production: 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: 28kpta LCE (100%)
Planned first production: 2028
To note: product is integrated lithium hydroxide
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 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Future Projects
Project Status
Iron Ore: Pilbara brownfields
Projects: Pilbara mine replacement projects - Greater Nammuldi and West • Continue to advance our next tranche of Pilbara mine replacement
Angelas projects.
Location: WA, Australia • Environmental and heritage approvals are underway, with timelines
subject to these approvals.
Capacity: over the medium term, our Pilbara system capacity remains between
345 and 360 million tonnes per year. Meeting this range, and the planned • The Greater Nammuldi project continues to progress at a rate
product mix, will require the approval and delivery of the next tranche of behind the original development schedule.
replacement mines over the next five years.
Iron Ore: Rhodes Ridge
Location: WA, Australia • Mitsui's proposed acquisition of a 40% interest in the Rhodes
Ridge Joint Venture from Rio Tinto's partners remains subject to regulatory
Ownership: Rio Tinto (50%), Mitsui & Co. (40%), AMB Holdings Pty Ltd (10%) approvals 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.
Copper: Resolution
Location: Arizona, US • United States Forest Service (USFS) republished the Final
Environmental Impact Statement and draft Record of Decision on 20 June 2025,
Ownership: Rio Tinto (55%), BHP (45%) which starts a 45-day comment period and allows the USFS to complete the
congressionally mandated land exchange. The land exchange will enable the
To note: proposed underground copper mine in the Copper Triangle, in Arizona. future underground mine development and place thousands of acres of land into
permanent conservation.
• On 27 May 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Apache Stronghold's
appeal requesting a hearing in its case to stop the land exchange between
Resolution Copper and the federal government. Then, on 23 June 2025, Apache
Stronghold filed a petition asking the Court to reconsider its decision.
• Resolution Copper continues to engage several federally recognised
Native American Tribes to partner on co-management of cultural heritage and
advance the Emory Oak collaborative restoration program.
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
Ownership: Rio Tinto (70%), Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) (30%), once the May. The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to regulatory
transaction has closed. approvals and the satisfaction of customary conditions.
To note: In late 2017, we discovered copper-gold mineralisation at the Winu • A pre-feasibility study for the Winu project with an initial
project (Paterson Province in Western Australia). In 2021, we reported our development of processing capacity of up to 10 Mtpa is expected to be
first Indicated Mineral Resource. The pathway remains subject to regulatory completed in 2025, along with the submission of an Environmental Review
and other required approvals. The pre-feasibility study with the initial Document under the Western Australian EPA Environmental Impact Assessment
development of processing capacity of up to 10 million tonnes per year process.
continues and is expected to be completed in 2025, along with the submission
of an Environmental Review Document under the EPA Environmental Impact
Assessment process. Project Agreement negotiations with Nyangumarta and the
Martu Traditional Owner Groups remain our priority.
Copper: La Granja
Location: Cajamarca, Peru • Drilling program completed and progressing the project's
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.
Project Status
Aluminium: Arctial partnership
Location: Finland • Arctial JV was formally established in Q2 2025. Pre-feasibility
study and environmental impact study assessment have both started and are
To note: Partnership agreement with the Swedish investment company Vargas, expected to run until Q4 2025.
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.
Lithium: Jadar
Location: Serbia • On 4 June 2025, the European Union designated Jadar as a strategic
project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), confirming it is crucial
Ownership: Rio Tinto (100%) to Serbia and Europe's secure supply of materials for the energy transition.
This provides additional independent assurance that the project can be
To note: Development of the greenfield Jadar lithium-borates project in Serbia developed according to Serbian and EU standards.
will include an underground mine with associated infrastructure and equipment,
as well as a beneficiation chemical processing plant. • Continued the application process for obtaining the Exploitation
Field Licence (EFL) (the EFL is essential for commencing fieldwork, including
detailed geotechnical investigations).
• We remain focused on consultation with all key stakeholders,
including providing comprehensive factual information about the project.
11. Exporation and evaluation
Commodities Advanced projects Greenfield/ Brownfield programs QoQ change
Bauxite East Arnhem land, Australia NA
Battery Materials Nickel Greenfield: Finland NA
Lithium Greenfield: Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Kazakhstan,
Rwanda, USA
Copper Copper: Nuevo Cobre, Chile Copper Greenfield: Angola, Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Kazakhstan, NA
Laos, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Serbia, US, Zambia
Diamonds Chiri, Angola NA
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia Greenfield and Brownfield: Pilbara, Australia NA
Minerals Potash: Texas, Canada. NA
HMS: Kamiesberg, South Africa (3rd party operated).
• Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of exploration projects with
activity in 17 countries across eight commodities.
• The bulk of the exploration expenditure during the quarter was
focused on copper in Angola, Australia, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Serbia,
lithium in Australia, Canada, Chile and Rwanda, and diamonds in Angola.
Lithium pipeline:
• Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement to form a joint venture with
Corporación Nacional Del Cobre de Chile (Codelco) to develop and operate a
high-grade lithium project in the Salar de Maricunga SpA ("the Company") in
Chile. The investment includes:
◦ $350 million(1,2) of initial funding into the Company towards
additional studies and resource analysis to progress the project through to a
final investment decision.
◦ $500 million(1) into the Company once a decision is made to
proceed with the project, towards construction costs. These milestones,
subject to further studies, are targeted to occur before the end of the
decade.
◦ $50 million into the Company if the joint venture achieves its aim
of delivering first lithium by the end of 2030.
◦ The transaction to form the joint venture is expected to close by
the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to receipt of all applicable
regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing
conditions.
• Additionally, Rio Tinto was selected as the preferred bidder to
partner with Empresa Nacional de Minería (ENAMI) to develop the Salares
Altoandinos Lithium Project(3). Rio Tinto is focused on advancing towards
binding agreements as quickly as possible.
◦ Rio Tinto will provide an estimated staged $425 million in cash
and non-cash contributions into the entity, including its Direct Lithium
Extraction (DLE) Technology. The cash contributions will include staged
spending to sole fund the pre-feasibility study and further studies to enable
a final investment decision.
(1) This payment includes Rio Tinto's 49.99% share of costs.
(2) Subject to customary closing adjustments.
(3) Under the terms of the proposal, Rio Tinto would acquire an initial 51%
stake in the project with ENAMI holding the remaining 49%.
12. Second quarter public releases
1 April 2025
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-discovers-exceptional-yellow-diamond-from-its-diavik-diamond-mine)
| Rio Tinto discovers ex
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-discovers-exceptional-yellow-diamond-from-its-diavik-diamond-mine)
ceptional yellow di
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-discovers-exceptional-yellow-diamond-from-its-diavik-diamond-mine)
amond from its Diavik Di
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-discovers-exceptional-yellow-diamond-from-its-diavik-diamond-mine)
amond Mine
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-discovers-exceptional-yellow-diamond-from-its-diavik-diamond-mine)
3 A
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/construction-begins-on-rio-tintos-first-western-australian-made-iron-ore-rail-cars)
pril 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/construction-begins-on-rio-tintos-first-western-australian-made-iron-ore-rail-cars)
Construction begins on Rio Tinto's first Western Australian-made iron ore rail
cars
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/construction-begins-on-rio-tintos-first-western-australian-made-iron-ore-rail-cars)
4 April 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-increases-australian-supplier-spend-to-a17-7-billion)
Rio Tinto increases Australian supplier spend to A$17.7 billion
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-increases-australian-supplier-spend-to-a17-7-billion)
4 April 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-spends-a10b-with-wa-suppliers)
Rio Tinto spends record A$10 billion with suppliers in Western Australia in
2024
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-spends-a10b-with-wa-suppliers)
8 April 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/primetals-mitsubishi-voestalpine-rio-partner-on-hydrogen-ironmaking)
Primetals Technologies with Strategic Partner Mitsubishi Corporation,
voestalpine, and Rio Tinto to Implement Hydrogen-Based Ironmaking Plant
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/primetals-mitsubishi-voestalpine-rio-partner-on-hydrogen-ironmaking)
17 Apr
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-amg-metals--materials-to-assess-low-carbon-aluminium-project-in-india)
il 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-amg-metals--materials-to-assess-low-carbon-aluminium-project-in-india)
Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials to assess low-carbon aluminium
project in India
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-amg-metals--materials-to-assess-low-carbon-aluminium-project-in-india)
6 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tintos-diavik-diamond-mine-recognized-with-towards-sustainable-mining-tsm-environmental-excellence-award)
Rio Tinto's Diavik Diamond Mine recognized with Towards Sustainable Mining
(TSM) Environmental Excellence Award
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tintos-diavik-diamond-mine-recognized-with-towards-sustainable-mining-tsm-environmental-excellence-award)
7 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-extracts-first-gallium-from-its-alumina-refining-process-with-partner-indium-corporation)
Rio Tinto extracts first gallium from its alumina refining process with
partner Indium Corporation
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-extracts-first-gallium-from-its-alumina-refining-process-with-partner-indium-corporation)
12 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-sumitomo-metal-mining-sign-definitive-agreement-for-winu-project-joint-venture)
Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Metal Mining sign Definitive Agreement for Winu Project
joint venture
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-sumitomo-metal-mining-sign-definitive-agreement-for-winu-project-joint-venture)
15 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-invests-r6-9-million-towards-a-farmer-support-programme-in-king-cetshwayo-district)
Rio Tinto invests R6.9 million towards a farmer support programme in King
Cetshwayo District
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-invests-r6-9-million-towards-a-farmer-support-programme-in-king-cetshwayo-district)
15 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-invests-to-modernise-century-old-hydroelectric-power-plant-in-quebec)
Rio Tinto invests to modernise century-old hydroelectric power plant in Quebec
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-invests-to-modernise-century-old-hydroelectric-power-plant-in-quebec)
19 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-partners-with-codelco-to-develop-lithium-project-in-chiles-salar-de-maricunga)
Rio Tinto partners with Codelco to develop lithium project in Chile's Salar de
Maricunga
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-partners-with-codelco-to-develop-lithium-project-in-chiles-salar-de-maricunga)
22 May
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-to-start-early-works-and-final-studies-to-increase-amrun-mines-bauxite-production-on-queenslands-cape-york-peninsula)
2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-to-start-early-works-and-final-studies-to-increase-amrun-mines-bauxite-production-on-queenslands-cape-york-peninsula)
Rio Tinto to start early works and final studies to increase Amrun mine's
bauxite production on Queensland's Cape York Peninsula
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-to-start-early-works-and-final-studies-to-increase-amrun-mines-bauxite-production-on-queenslands-cape-york-peninsula)
22 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-announces-chief-executive-succession-plan)
Rio Tinto announces Chief Executive succession plan
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-announces-chief-executive-succession-plan)
23 May 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-confirmed-as-preferred-partner-on-world-class-salares-altoandinos-lithium-project)
Rio Tinto confirmed as preferred partner on world-class Salares Altoandinos
lithium project
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-confirmed-as-preferred-partner-on-world-class-salares-altoandinos-lithium-project)
2 June 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/pkkp-and-rio-tinto-sign-co-management-agreement)
PKKP and Rio Tinto sign Co-Management Agreement
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/pkkp-and-rio-tinto-sign-co-management-agreement)
6 June 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-baowu-open-western-range-iron-ore-mine-in-the-pilbara-with-yinhawangka-traditional-owners)
Rio Tinto and Baowu open Western Range iron ore mine in the Pilbara with
Yinhawangka Traditional Owners
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-baowu-open-western-range-iron-ore-mine-in-the-pilbara-with-yinhawangka-traditional-owners)
6
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/update-on-oyu-tolgoi-mine-plan)
June 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/update-on-oyu-tolgoi-mine-plan)
Update on Oyu Tolgoi mine plan
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/update-on-oyu-tolgoi-mine-plan)
9 June 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-seeks-innovative-collaborators-london-tech-week-)
Rio Tinto seeks innovative collaborators at London Tech Week
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-seeks-innovative-collaborators-london-tech-week-)
12 Jun
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-ore-sorting-demonstration-project-at-its-havre-saint-pierre-mine)
e 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-ore-sorting-demonstration-project-at-its-havre-saint-pierre-mine)
Rio Tinto launches ore sorting demonstration project at is Havre-Saint-Pierre
mine
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-launches-ore-sorting-demonstration-project-at-its-havre-saint-pierre-mine)
17 June 2025 | Ne
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
oSmelt welcomes Federal
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
Government support and signs two new
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
participants
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
for groundbreak
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
ing
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
steel decar
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
boni
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
sation project
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/neosmelt-welcomes-federal-government-support-and-signs-two-new-participants-for-groundbreaking-steel-decarbonisation-project)
18
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-ioc-invests-800000-to-expand-childcare-offering-at-lil-snowflakes-daycare)
June 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-ioc-invests-800000-to-expand-childcare-offering-at-lil-snowflakes-daycare)
Rio Tinto IOC invests $800,000 to expand childcare offering at Lil Snowflakes
daycare
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-ioc-invests-800000-to-expand-childcare-offering-at-lil-snowflakes-daycare)
24 June 2025 |
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/a5m-partnership-to-support-pilbara-aboriginal-health-alliance)
New A$5 million partnership to support Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/a5m-partnership-to-support-pilbara-aboriginal-health-alliance)
24 June 2025
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-hancock-prospecting-to-invest-1-6-billion-to-develop-the-hope-downs-2-project-in-western-australias-pilbara)
|
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-hancock-prospecting-to-invest-1-6-billion-to-develop-the-hope-downs-2-project-in-western-australias-pilbara)
Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting to invest $1.6 billion to develop the Hope
Downs 2 project in Western Australia's Pilbara
(https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2025/rio-tinto-and-hancock-prospecting-to-invest-1-6-billion-to-develop-the-hope-downs-2-project-in-western-australias-pilbara)
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Tinto's Group Company Secretary.
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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",
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such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on
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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 Half Year % change
Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 2024 2025 Q2 25 Q2 25 H1 2025
2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 H1 H1 vs vs vs
Q2 24 Q1 25 H1 2024
Principal commodities
Alumina ('000 t) 1,676 1,770 1,992 1,921 1,815 3,540 3,735 +8 % -6 % +6 %
Aluminium (Primary) ('000 t) 824 809 837 829 842 1,650 1,671 +2 % +2 % +1 %
Bauxite ('000 t) 14,723 15,100 15,412 14,966 15,644 28,142 30,610 +6 % +5 % +9 %
Borates ('000 t) 125 126 132 117 132 246 249 +6 % +13 % +1 %
Copper (consolidated) ('000 t) 199 185 228 210 229 379 438 +15 % +9 % +16 %
Iron Ore ('000 t) 69,712 73,160 76,102 62,408 73,548 138,413 135,956 +6 % +18 % -2 %
Lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) ('000 t) NA NA NA 17 12 NA 29 NA -29 % NA
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 t) 238 263 235 223 269 492 491 +13 % +21 % 0 %
Other Metals & Minerals
Diamonds ('000 cts) 702 542 775 942 1,238 1,441 2,179 +76 % +31 % +51 %
Gold - mined ('000 oz) 67.1 69.4 79.0 78.7 112.9 133.6 191.6 +68 % +44 % +43 %
Gold - refined ('000 oz) 39.7 25.7 43.1 34.0 32.1 75.0 66.0 -19 % -6 % -12 %
Molybdenum ('000 t) 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.3 2.2 +79 % +7 % +62 %
Salt ('000 t) 1,540 1,511 1,347 836 1,375 2,965 2,211 -11 % +65 % -25 %
Silver - mined ('000 oz) 1,072 1,046 1,144 1,159 1,474 2,046 2,632 +37 % +27 % +29 %
Silver - refined ('000 oz) 606 392 766 635 509 1,156 1,145 -16 % -20 % -1 %
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 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest
2024
2024
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 100 % 328 323 350 355 340 681 695
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant 100 % 30 28 26 25 30 57 55
Queensland Alumina 80 % 602 693 737 685 699 1,277 1,384
São Luis (Alumar) 10 % 93 93 97 90 93 179 183
Yarwun 100 % 624 634 782 765 653 1,346 1,418
Rio Tinto total alumina production 1,676 1,770 1,992 1,921 1,815 3,540 3,735
ALUMINIUM
Primary production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100 % 47 47 47 46 48 93 94
Australia - Boyne Island (a) 74 % 75 76 93 92 92 150 184
Australia - Tomago 52 % 75 77 77 72 73 148 145
Canada - six wholly owned 100 % 399 395 398 387 392 804 779
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) 40 % 63 63 64 62 62 126 124
Canada - Bécancour 25 % 30 30 30 28 30 59 58
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) 100 % 50 52 51 48 51 99 99
New Zealand - Tiwai Point (b) 100 % 65 49 59 74 75 131 149
Oman - Sohar 20 % 20 20 20 20 20 40 40
Rio Tinto total primary aluminium production 824 809 837 829 842 1,650 1,671
Recycled production ('000 tonnes)
Matalco 50 % 70 62 58 66 74 144 140
Rio Tinto total recycled aluminium production 70 62 58 66 74 144 140
(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 % 3,172 3,073 3,372 3,141 3,303 6,276 6,444
Porto Trombetas 22 % 667 737 623 519 676 1,176 1,194
Sangaredi (b) 1,622 1,544 1,571 2,290 2,028 3,204 4,318
Weipa 100 % 9,262 9,747 9,846 9,017 9,637 17,486 18,654
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 14,723 15,100 15,412 14,966 15,644 28,142 30,610
(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 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest
2024
2024
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B(2)O(3) content)
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100 % 125 126 132 117 132 246 249
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 32.3 27.4 31.2 27.5 40.7 64.8 68.3
Escondida 30 % 86.4 90.4 104.8 98.7 96.4 163.5 195.1
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 34.7 33.0 43.8 43.0 57.3 65.1 100.3
Rio Tinto total mine production 153.3 150.8 179.8 169.3 194.4 293.4 363.7
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30 % 15.2 11.8 13.3 13.6 14.6 29.9 28.2
Kennecott (b) 100 % 47.5 42.5 55.4 42.3 39.8 95.3 82.2
Rio Tinto total refined production 62.7 54.3 68.7 55.9 54.4 125.2 110.3
Copper production - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes)
Kennecott (b) - Production of refined metal 47.5 42.5 55.4 42.3 39.8 95.3 82.2
Escondida - Mill production (metal in concentrates) (c) 83.9 81.0 92.9 88.7 87.3 155.4 176.0
Escondida - Refined production from leach plants 15.2 11.8 13.3 13.6 14.6 29.9 28.2
Oyu Tolgoi - Metal in concentrates 52.5 50.0 66.3 65.2 86.8 98.6 152.0
Rio Tinto total production - consolidated basis 199.1 185.3 228.0 209.8 228.5 379.3 438.3
(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.
(b) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter
utilisation, including 11.1 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q2 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.
(c) Mill production was previously reported together with recoverable copper
in ore stacked for leaching as mined production.
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest
2024
2024
2024
2025
2025
2024 2025
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Diavik 100 % 702 542 775 942 1,238 1,441 2,179
GOLD
Metal in concentrates production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100 % 22.5 22.1 24.0 24.7 36.5 49.2 61.2
Escondida 30 % 13.6 14.1 11.2 13.4 12.1 25.3 25.4
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 30.9 33.3 43.8 40.6 64.4 59.2 105.0
Rio Tinto total mine production 67.1 69.4 79.0 78.7 112.9 133.6 191.6
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott (b) 100 % 39.7 25.7 43.1 34.0 32.1 75.0 66.0
(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 11.1 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q2 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.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2024
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Hamersley mines (b) 54,691 57,096 59,656 49,637 57,422 108,064 107,059
Hope Downs 50 % 5,044 5,753 5,100 3,608 5,206 10,125 8,814
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59 % 2,185 2,116 2,532 2,317 2,488 4,798 4,805
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53 % 4,186 3,844 4,549 3,538 3,960 8,431 7,498
Robe River - West Angelas 53 % 3,607 4,352 4,265 3,308 4,472 6,995 7,780
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 69,712 73,160 76,102 62,408 73,548 138,413 135,956
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (c) 20,828 22,460 23,460 19,385 23,186 40,714 42,571
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (c) 31,277 33,320 35,158 27,860 32,970 61,114 60,830
Robe Valley Lump 1,546 1,488 1,825 1,536 1,679 3,080 3,216
Robe Valley Fines 2,640 2,356 2,723 2,002 2,280 5,351 4,282
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,235 11,421 10,402 9,309 10,944 23,357 20,253
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 67,527 71,045 73,570 60,091 71,060 133,615 131,151
IOC Concentrate 930 842 1,062 948 1,179 2,060 2,127
IOC Pellets 1,255 1,274 1,470 1,369 1,309 2,738 2,678
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 2,185 2,116 2,532 2,317 2,488 4,798 4,805
Breakdown of Shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 12,463 14,240 13,079 9,775 11,159 25,307 20,933
Pilbara Blend Fines 24,702 26,626 23,351 18,825 21,520 47,870 40,345
Robe Valley Lump 1,337 1,166 1,508 1,159 1,385 2,560 2,544
Robe Valley Fines 3,095 2,565 3,055 2,232 2,638 6,038 4,870
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,364 11,794 10,585 9,350 10,636 23,592 19,986
SP10 Lump (c) 5,071 5,715 7,341 8,117 8,324 9,544 16,441
SP10 Fines (c) 8,218 10,366 13,421 11,405 12,459 17,439 23,864
Pilbara iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 66,250 72,471 72,341 60,862 68,120 132,350 128,982
Pilbara iron ore shipments - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes) (d) (f) 68,281 74,211 74,213 62,537 69,985 136,191 132,523
IOC Concentrate 986 1,228 1,140 646 1,276 2,147 1,922
IOC Pellets 1,438 1,157 1,357 1,356 1,382 2,931 2,737
IOC Iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 2,423 2,385 2,497 2,001 2,658 5,078 4,659
Rio Tinto iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) 68,673 74,856 74,838 62,863 70,778 137,428 133,641
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) (e) 71,920 74,078 77,648 64,828 74,335 141,275 139,163
(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 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2024
Lithium
Production ('000 tonnes)
Lithium carbonate (a) NA NA NA 12 11 NA 24
Lithium hydroxide 100 % NA NA NA 4 5 NA 10
Spodumene 100 % NA NA NA 34 0 NA 34
Other lithium specialIties (LCE) 100 % NA NA NA 1 1 NA 3
Total lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production (b) NA NA NA 17 (c) 12 NA 29
(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 % 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.3 2.2
(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.
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Dampier Salt (a) 68 % 1,540 1,511 1,347 836 1,375 2,965 2,211
(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 % 368 368 377 357 539 738 896
Escondida 30 % 465 464 486 536 572 863 1,108
Oyu Tolgoi 66 % 239 214 281 266 363 444 629
Rio Tinto total mine production 1,072 1,046 1,144 1,159 1,474 2,046 2,632
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott (b) 100 % 606 392 766 635 509 1,156 1,145
(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 11.1 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q2 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.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (a) 100 % 238 263 235 223 269 492 491
(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 June 2025.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest
2024
2024
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland 80 % 752 866 921 856 874 1,597 1,730
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100 % 624 634 782 765 653 1,346 1,418
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10 % 926 927 967 901 926 1,793 1,827
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) 100 % 328 323 350 355 340 681 695
(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 % 30 28 26 25 30 57 55
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100 % 47 47 47 46 48 93 94
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland (a) 74 % 126 127 128 125 125 252 250
Tomago smelter - New South Wales 52 % 146 150 149 140 141 288 282
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100 % 119 120 122 119 120 240 239
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec 40 % 158 158 159 155 154 315 309
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100 % 37 36 37 36 36 80 71
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec 100 % 15 15 15 15 15 31 30
Bécancour smelter - Quebec 25 % 119 119 120 113 120 235 233
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec 100 % 57 57 58 56 56 114 113
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia 100 % 107 103 102 100 102 214 202
Laterrière smelter - Quebec 100 % 63 64 64 62 62 124 124
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100 % 50 52 51 48 51 99 99
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter (b) 100 % 82 62 63 74 75 165 149
Oman
Sohar smelter 20 % 99 100 101 99 101 198 200
Recycled Aluminium
Recycled aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Matalco 50 % 139 125 116 132 147 288 279
(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 June 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025
BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory 100 % 3,172 3,073 3,372 3,141 3,303 6,276 6,444
Weipa mine - Queensland 100 % 9,262 9,747 9,846 9,017 9,637 17,486 18,654
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine 22 % 3,034 3,348 2,831 2,357 3,071 5,344 5,428
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23 % 3,604 3,432 3,491 5,089 4,506 7,121 9,595
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 15,177 15,511 15,513 14,390 15,670 27,892 30,060
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 10,691 11,120 10,627 9,807 11,147 19,187 20,954
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits
from 45.0% of production.
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest
2024
2024
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
BORATES
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100 %
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 125 126 132 117 132 246 249
(a) Production is expressed as B(2)O(3) content.
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30 %
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 34,377 32,488 35,293 32,889 36,490 66,030 69,379
Average copper grade (%) 0.99 1.00 1.06 1.09 0.95 0.96 1.01
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 279.5 269.9 309.8 295.6 291.0 518.2 586.6
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 45.4 47.0 37.3 44.5 40.3 84.4 84.8
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,549 1,546 1,619 1,787 1,906 2,877 3,693
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) 8.4 31.4 39.5 33.5 30.3 27.0 63.8
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 50.7 39.4 44.4 45.2 48.7 99.8 93.9
Sales of metals:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) (b) 261 273 275 309 286 465 595
Copper cathode ('000 tonnes) 55 38 43 47 53 99 100
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) 45 47 37 45 40 84 85
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) 1,549 1,546 1,619 1,787 1,906 2,877 3,693
(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 June 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100 %
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 10,257 9,149 10,487 9,339 10,630 18,528 19,969
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.45 0.39 0.40
Gold (g/t) 0.11 0.12 0.12 0.14 0.17 0.12 0.15
Silver (g/t) 1.79 2.02 1.78 1.81 2.21 1.87 2.03
Molybdenum (%) 0.020 0.019 0.020 0.029 0.031 0.020 0.030
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 135 121 144 131 175 262 306
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 23.9 22.0 21.6 21.0 23.3 24.7 22.3
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 32.3 27.4 31.2 27.5 40.7 64.8 68.3
Gold ('000 ounces) 22.5 22.1 24.0 24.7 36.5 49.2 61.2
Silver ('000 ounces) 368 368 377 357 539 738 896
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 1.6 1.1 2.2 2.4 2.7 3.2 5.1
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.3 2.2
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100 %
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 227 156 187 163 123 398 286
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) 54.4 42.8 43.2 36.2 33.6 111.2 69.7
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (c) 47.5 42.5 55.4 42.3 39.8 95.3 82.2
Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 39.7 25.7 43.1 34.0 32.1 75.0 66.0
Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 606 392 766 635 509 1,156 1,145
Sales of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (c) 50.8 42.3 52.1 40.7 41.7 98.1 82.4
Gold ('000 ounces) 41.7 28.3 33.2 33.6 30.8 77.1 64.5
Silver ('000 ounces) 637 396 611 625 500 1,189.1 1,125.3
(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 11.1 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased
concentrate in Q2 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 June 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Oyu Tolgoi mine 66 %
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Open Pit 9,284 7,352 8,881 7,469 6,836 18,295 14,305
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Underground 1,533 1,521 2,144 2,434 3,198 2,845 5,632
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) - Total 10,817 8,873 11,025 9,903 10,034 21,140 19,937
Average mill head grades:
Open Pit
Copper (%) 0.37 0.39 0.43 0.42 0.47 0.38 0.44
Gold (g/t) 0.17 0.22 0.24 0.25 0.37 0.18 0.30
Silver (g/t) 1.12 0.97 1.08 1.02 1.07 1.18 1.04
Underground
Copper (%) 2.02 2.05 1.96 2.03 2.13 1.86 2.09
Gold (g/t) 0.62 0.61 0.55 0.55 0.61 0.53 0.58
Silver (g/t) 4.75 4.76 4.59 4.47 4.75 4.07 4.63
Total
Copper (%) 0.61 0.67 0.73 0.82 1.00 0.58 0.91
Gold (g/t) 0.24 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.44 0.23 0.38
Silver (g/t) 1.64 1.62 1.77 1.87 2.24 1.57 2.05
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 246.2 232.0 307.3 303.4 381.6 454.7 684.9
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 21.3 21.6 21.6 21.5 22.7 21.7 22.2
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 52.5 50.0 66.3 65.2 86.8 98.6 152.0
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 46.9 50.4 66.3 61.5 97.5 89.6 159.0
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 363 325 426 403 550 673 952
Sales of metals in concentrates (a):
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 48.3 43.6 62.6 57.7 86.4 92.0 144.0
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 43.3 42.1 63.6 55.8 92.8 84.8 148.7
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 317 273 382 338 514 588 852.4
(a) Sales of metals in concentrates refer to the payable metals in
concentrates collected by customers from the Mongolia/China border.
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025
DIAMONDS
Diavik Diamonds 100 %
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 361 232 330 394 511 705 905
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 702 542 775 942 1,238 1,441 2,179
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 54,691 57,096 59,656 49,637 57,422 108,064 107,059
Hope Downs 50 % 10,087 11,507 10,200 7,216 10,413 20,250 17,629
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53 % 7,898 7,252 8,583 6,676 7,471 15,907 14,148
Robe River - West Angelas 53 % 6,805 8,211 8,048 6,242 8,437 13,198 14,679
Total production ('000 tonnes) 79,481 84,066 86,486 69,771 83,743 157,420 153,514
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (b) 24,416 26,604 27,273 22,452 27,374 47,802 49,826
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (b) 35,932 38,788 40,228 31,334 37,954 70,354 69,288
Robe Valley Lump 2,916 2,807 3,444 2,899 3,169 5,811 6,067
Robe Valley Fines 4,982 4,445 5,139 3,778 4,303 10,096 8,080
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,235 11,421 10,402 9,309 10,944 23,357 20,253
Breakdown of total shipments:
Pilbara Blend Lump 15,832 17,498 16,223 11,997 12,967 31,467 24,964
Pilbara Blend Fines 31,336 31,870 29,042 22,434 25,849 59,811 48,283
Robe Valley Lump 2,522 2,200 2,846 2,187 2,614 4,830 4,800
Robe Valley Fines 5,839 4,839 5,764 4,211 4,977 11,392 9,188
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 11,364 11,794 10,585 9,350 10,636 23,592 19,986
SP10 Lump (b) 5,141 5,790 7,567 8,806 9,216 9,753 18,022
SP10 Fines (b) 8,275 10,559 13,650 11,755 13,629 17,496 25,385
Total shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 80,309 84,550 85,678 70,740 79,887 158,342 150,627
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59 %
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada
Saleable iron ore production:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1,584 1,434 1,809 1,614 2,008 3,508 3,622
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,137 2,169 2,503 2,331 2,229 4,663 4,560
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes) 3,721 3,603 4,312 3,945 4,237 8,171 8,182
Shipments:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1,678 2,090 1,942 1,100 2,173 3,657 3,273
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,449 1,971 2,310 2,308 2,353 4,991 4,662
IOC Total Shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) 4,127 4,061 4,252 3,408 4,526 8,647 7,935
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) 83,203 87,669 90,798 73,716 87,980 165,591 161,697
Iron Ore Shipments ('000 tonnes) 84,436 88,611 89,931 74,148 84,414 166,989 158,562
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 87,479 87,349 92,063 75,339 86,474 170,270 161,813
(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 June 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
2024
2025
2025
2024
2025
interest 2024 2024
Lithium production ('000 tonnes)
Lithium carbonate (a) (a) NA NA NA 15 14 NA 29
Lithium hydroxide 100 % NA NA NA 4 5 NA 10
Spodumene 100 % NA NA NA 34 0 NA 34
Other lithium specialities (LCE) 100 % NA NA NA 1 1 NA 3
Total lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production (b) NA NA NA 20 (c) 15 NA 35
Third party shipments ('000 tonnes)
Lithium carbonate (a) (a) NA NA NA 10 6 NA 16
Lithium hydroxide 100 % NA NA NA 3 5 NA 8
Spodumene 100 % NA NA NA 20 23 NA 42
Other lithium specialities (LCE) 100 % NA NA NA 0 1 NA 1
Total lithium carbonate equivalent shipments ('000 LCE) NA NA NA 15 (c) 14 NA 29
(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) 2,253 2,211 1,970 1,223 2,012 4,337 3,235
(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) 238 263 235 223 269 492 491
(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 June 2025. The data
represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
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