TIDMRIO
RNS Number : 0006N
Rio Tinto PLC
19 October 2016
Rio Tinto releases third quarter production results
20 October 2016
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We have delivered
strong quarterly production, underpinned by improving operational
performance across our Tier 1 portfolio. Output from our iron ore
and bauxite assets reflects the drive for productivity and
operational excellence. With a continued focus on value, we will
seek further productivity improvements across the business. Our
rigorous attention to cash generation, coupled with a disciplined
allocation of capital remains our key focus in delivering
shareholder value."
Q3 2016 vs Q3 vs Q2 9 mths vs 9
2015 2016 2016 mths
2015
------------------------ ---
Pilbara iron ore
shipments (100% basis) Mt 80.9 -5% -2% 239.9 +3%
Pilbara iron ore
production (100%
basis) Mt 83.2 +2% +3% 243.9 +7%
Bauxite kt 12,422 +10% +3% 35,583 +10%
Aluminium kt 924 +11% +1% 2,721 +11%
Mined copper kt 133.3 +16% -4% 409.6 +4%
Hard coking coal kt 2,175 +17% +21% 5,954 0%
Semi-soft and thermal
coal kt 5,412 -2% +4% 16,133 -1%
Titanium dioxide
slag kt 267 +10% +13% 748 -14%
------------------------ --- ------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Highlights
* Pilbara iron ore production (100 per cent basis), saw
a run-rate of 330 million tonnes a year. Shipments
were reduced by port and rail maintenance during the
quarter and annual shipment guidance is revised to
between 325 and 330 million tonnes for 2016.
* Quarterly production records at both Weipa and Gove
led to nine month bauxite production of 35.6 million
tonnes, ten per cent higher than the same period in
2015.
* Kitimat delivered its second consecutive quarter at
nameplate capacity, giving rise to an 11 per cent
increase in year to date aluminium production.
* Mined copper production for the first nine months of
2016 was four per cent higher than the same period in
2015, despite 18 per cent lower copper production at
Escondida, primarily due to lower grades. Rio Tinto
Kennecott achieved increased production from mining
an area of higher grades, whilst continuing its focus
on de-weighting to access ore from the east wall of
Bingham Canyon.
* On 5 August, the Group completed the sale of its
Mount Pleasant thermal coal assets for $221 million
plus royalties.*
All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments
refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated.
To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like
basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2015 have
been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets
sold in 2016 remain in comparisons.
*Amount is before completion adjustments.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
Q3 2016 vs Q3 vs Q2 9 mths vs 9
2015 2016 2016 mths
2015
-------------------
Pilbara Blend
Lump 20.0 +1% +7% 57.3 +8%
Pilbara Blend
Fines 29.6 +4% +3% 86.8 +10%
Robe Valley Lump 1.5 -1% +3% 4.5 -1%
Robe Valley Fines 2.7 -10% -2% 8.4 0%
Yandicoogina Fines
(HIY) 14.7 +7% +1% 42.8 +6%
------------------- ------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 243.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto
share 199.8 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2016, seven
per cent higher than the same period of 2015. Third quarter
production of 83.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 68.5 million
tonnes) was two per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015 and
set a new quarterly production record. This strong result reflects
productivity improvements and continued ramp-up of expanded mines
across our Pilbara operations.
Pilbara sales
Sales of 239.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 196.4 million
tonnes) in the first nine months were three per cent higher than
the same period of 2015, while third quarter sales of 80.9 million
tonnes (Rio Tinto share 66.6 million tonnes) were five per cent
lower than the same quarter of 2015 due primarily to maintenance at
rail and the Cape Lambert ship loader.
Approximately 20 per cent of sales in the first nine months of
2016 were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average
index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current
quarter average, current month average or on the spot market.
Pilbara projects
Development of the Silvergrass mine was approved in August 2016
and will deliver an additional ten million tonnes a year of high
grade, low phosphorus ore into the premium Pilbara Blend product by
the fourth quarter of 2017. The second phase of the Nammuldi
Incremental Tonnes (NIT) project is on schedule to deliver an
additional five million tonnes a year from the fourth quarter of
2016.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expectations for Pilbara iron ore shipments in 2016
have been revised to between 325 and 330 million tonnes (100 per
cent basis, previously around 330 million tonnes), subject to
weather conditions. 2017 production guidance remains at between 330
and 340 million tonnes, subject to final productivity and capital
expenditure plans.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q3 2016 vs Q3 vs Q2 9 mths vs 9
2015 2016 2016 mths
2015
--------------------
Rio Tinto Aluminium
Bauxite 12,422 +10% +3% 35,583 +10%
Alumina 1,981 +1% -4% 6,088 +5%
Aluminium 924 +11% +1% 2,721 +11%
-------------------- ------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Bauxite
The strong performance in bauxite was sustained into the third
quarter, with quarterly and nine month production records driven by
both Weipa and Gove.
Year to date bauxite production was ten per cent higher than for
the same period in 2015. Weipa (up five per cent) benefited from
increased plant throughput, while Gove (up 25 per cent) continued
to deliver system improvements resulting in a ten million tonne a
year run-rate in the third quarter.
This production performance enabled the Group to ship 22 million
tonnes to third parties in the first nine months of 2016, ten per
cent above the same period of 2015.
Amrun
The Amrun Project is advancing to schedule in both engineering
and construction. Site establishment is progressing to plan, with
the construction accommodation village operational and the
permanent village under construction. The main access road is on
plan for completion in December 2016, and the river terminals are
expected to be in operation by early 2017.
Alumina
Alumina production for the first nine months was up five per
cent compared with the same period of 2015, primarily driven by
ramp-up progress and operational improvements at the Yarwun
refinery, which was up six per cent on the third quarter production
of 2015.
Aluminium
Year to date aluminium production was 11 per cent higher than
the same period of 2015 due to Kitimat, which delivered a new
quarterly production record, with a run-rate at nameplate capacity
for the second consecutive quarter.
2016 guidance
Rio Tinto's expected share of production is increased to 47
million tonnes for bauxite (previously 45 million tonnes), and
remains otherwise unchanged at 7.8 million tonnes of alumina and
3.6 million tonnes of aluminium.
COPPER & DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q3 2016 vs Q3 vs Q2 9 mths vs 9
2015 2016 2016 mths
2015
--------------------
Mined copper ('000
tonnes)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 36.2 +63% -3% 107.6 +62%
Escondida 72.6 -2% -7% 229.7 -18%
Grasberg 8.9 N/A +44% 20.0 N/A
Oyu Tolgoi 15.6 -17% -10% 52.2 +8%
Refined copper
('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 39.1 +173% +59% 89.5 -3%
Escondida 21.2 -1% -17% 72.2 +1%
Diamonds ('000
carats)
Argyle 3,493 -1% 0% 10,374 +3%
Diavik 927 +22% -2% 3,005 +2%
-------------------- ------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production for the first nine months was
significantly higher than the same period of 2015 due to mining
progressing through an area of higher grades. The focus continues
on de-weighting to increase access to ore from the lower pit and
east wall of Bingham Canyon.
Refined copper production in the first nine months of 2016 was
three per cent lower than in the same period of 2015, which
benefited from inventory drawdown. Third quarter production
benefited from higher volumes and grades compared with the
corresponding period of 2015.
To optimise smelter utilisation, Kennecott continues to toll and
purchase third party concentrate, with 240 thousand tonnes received
for processing in the first nine months of 2016. Tolled copper
concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is
excluded from reported production figures.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida for the first nine months
of 2016 was 18 per cent lower than the same period in 2015,
primarily due to lower grades.
Oyu Tolgoi
Year to date mined copper production was eight per cent higher
than the same period of 2015, attributable to improved throughput.
Copper production for the third quarter was lower than the prior
quarter with lower throughput due to the ore type processed.
Mined gold production for the first nine months was 84 thousand
ounces, as mining at one of the high gold grade areas of the pit
nears completion.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
Following approval of the underground development in May 2016,
project activities have started with the engineering, procurement
and construction management agreement awarded and mobilisation in
progress. Further contracts for underground development, decline
construction and shaft sinking have also been awarded.
Works on underground mine development, camp extension, box cut
excavation, shaft sinking and critical facilities commenced during
the quarter. The underground project assumes first drawbell
production around 2020 and full production by 2027.
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan, Rio
Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed
threshold, as a consequence of expansions and developments of the
Grasberg facilities since 1998. Rio Tinto's notional share of metal
for the first nine months was 20 thousand tonnes of mined copper
and 28 thousand ounces of mined gold based on estimated production
volumes and grades. Labour issues and operational challenges
experienced during the year may have a negative impact on Rio
Tinto's share in metal in 2016. The final determination of Rio
Tinto's share in copper and gold for 2016 will be undertaken at the
end of the year, in line with the actual full year production of
the operation.
Diamonds
Carats produced at Argyle were three per cent higher in the
first nine months compared with the corresponding period in 2015
following continued ramp-up of the underground mine resulting in
higher volumes processed, which was partially offset by lower
grades.
At Diavik, carats recovered in the third quarter were slightly
lower than the previous quarter, reflecting lower grades, offset by
higher ore availability.
2016 guidance
Mined copper production guidance for 2016 is between 535 and 565
thousand tonnes (previously 545 to 595 thousand tonnes). Refined
copper production guidance remains unchanged at 220 to 250 thousand
tonnes.
Diamond production guidance for 2016 is 18 to 20 million carats
(previously 18 to 21 million carats).
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q3 2016 vs Q3 vs Q2 9 mths vs 9
2015 2016 2016 mths
2015
-------------------
Coal ('000 tonnes)
Hard coking coal 2,175 +17% +21% 5,954 0%
Semi-soft coking
coal 1,066 +15% +19% 3,133 +10%
Thermal coal 4,346 -6% +1% 13,000 -3%
Iron ore pellets
and concentrate
(million tonnes)
IOC 2.9 +5% +14% 7.9 +5%
Minerals ('000
tonnes)
Borates - B(2)
O(3) content 132 +14% +7% 382 +4%
Salt 1,240 -3% +11% 3,794 -3%
Titanium dioxide
slag 267 +10% +13% 748 -14%
Uranium ('000
lbs)
Energy Resources
of Australia 1,004 +46% +36% 2,635 +31%
Rössing 628 +66% -10% 2,017 +69%
------------------- ------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Coal
Hard coking coal production for the first nine months was in
line with the same period last year, while third quarter volumes
were 17 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2015 primarily due
to longwall outperformance at Kestrel compared with 2015.
Semi-soft coking coal production for the first nine months was
ten per cent higher than the same period last year and third
quarter volumes were 15 per cent higher than the same quarter of
2015 due to mine production sequencing at Hunter Valley Operations
and Mount Thorley Warkworth.
Thermal coal production during the first nine months was three
per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2015. Increased
Hail Creek and Kestrel production during the year largely offset
the Group's decreased share of production at Coal & Allied
following the restructure of Coal & Allied and the divestment
of Bengalla in early 2016.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC achieved record quarterly production for concentrates in the
third quarter. Concentrates production increased by 17 per cent to
6.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 3.8 million tonnes) in the
first nine months primarily as a result of productivity
improvements. Pellet production of 7.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto
share 4.1 million tonnes) was three per cent lower than the first
nine months of 2015.
Total concentrates and pellet sales of 13.4 million tonnes (Rio
Tinto share 7.8 million tonnes) in the first nine months of 2016
were marginally higher than the same period of 2015.
Borates
Borates production in the first nine months of 2016 was four per
cent higher than in the same period of 2015 driven primarily by
higher market demand.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was 14 per cent lower in the
first nine months of 2016, although volumes in the quarter were ten
per cent higher than the third quarter of 2015. RTIT continues to
optimise production in line with demand, with two of nine furnaces
at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and one of four furnaces at Richards Bay
Minerals currently idled.
Salt
Salt production in the first nine months of 2016 was three per
cent lower than the same period of 2015 as a result of weaker
demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) continues to process
existing stockpiles. Year to date production was 31 per cent higher
than the same period of 2015, largely as a result of higher
throughput and recoveries.
Production for the first nine months at Rössing was 69 per cent
higher than the same period of 2015 due to higher throughput,
grades and recoveries.
Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC)
On 2 September 2016, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 74 per
cent interest in ZAC to Menar Holding, for an undisclosed sum.
2016 guidance
In 2016, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 17 to
18 million tonnes of thermal coal, 3.3 to 3.9 million tonnes of
semi-soft coking coal, seven to eight million tonnes of hard coking
coal, 12 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates
(equivalent to 20 million tonnes on a 100 per cent basis), one
million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, 0.5 million tonnes of
boric oxide equivalent and 5.5 to 6.0 million pounds of uranium
(previously 5.0 to 6.0 million pounds).
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and
evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine
months of 2016 was $379 million (of which $112 million was spent in
the third quarter), compared with $392 million in the same period
of 2015. Approximately 33 per cent of this expenditure was incurred
by central exploration, 31 per cent by Energy & Minerals, 27
per cent by Copper & Diamonds and the balance on Aluminium and
Iron Ore.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration
properties in the quarter.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 17
countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the
exploration spend in this quarter was focused on copper targets in
Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Namibia, Peru,
Serbia, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued
at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron,
Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi,
Kennecott and Weipa.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Evaluation Advanced Greenfield
Group projects projects programmes
----------- --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Aluminium Cape York, Australia Amargosa, Brazil Australia, Laos
----------- --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Copper Copper/molybdenum: Nickel: Tamarack, Copper: Australia,
& Diamonds Resolution, US US Botswana, Chile,
Copper: La Granja, China, Kazakhstan,
Peru Mexico, Mongolia,
Copper/gold: Namibia, Papua
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia New Guinea,
Peru, Serbia,
US, Zambia
Nickel: Australia,
Canada
Diamonds: Canada
----------- --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Energy Coal: Hail Creek, Coal: Hunter Uranium: Australia,
& Minerals Australia Valley, Australia Canada
Lithium borates: Potash: KP405,
Jadar, Serbia Canada
Heavy mineral
sands: Mutamba,
Mozambique and
Zulti South,
South Africa
Iron Ore: Simandou,
Guinea
Uranium: Roughrider,
Canada
----------- --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia Pilbara, Australia Botswana
----------- --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Forward-looking statements
This announcement may include forward looking statements. Such
forward looking statements involve known and unknown risk,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual production,
performance or results of Rio Tinto to be materially different from
any future production, performance or results expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements.
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Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter 9 Months % Change
2015 2016 2016 2015 2016 Q3 16 Q3 16 9 MTHS 16
Q3 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS vs vs vs
Q3 15 Q2 16 9 MTHS 15
------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ------- ------- -----------
Principal Commodities
------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ------- ------- -----------
Alumina ('000 t) 1,957 2,067 1,981 5,777 6,088 1% -4% 5%
Aluminium ('000 t) 830 911 924 2,457 2,721 11% 1% 11%
Bauxite ('000 t) 11,287 12,073 12,422 32,466 35,583 10% 3% 10%
Borates ('000 t) 115 123 132 369 382 14% 7% 4%
Coal - hard coking ('000 t) 1,856 1,798 2,175 5,959 5,954 17% 21% 0%
Coal - semi-soft coking ('000 t) 928 893 1,066 2,850 3,133 15% 19% 10%
Coal - thermal ('000 t) 4,618 4,323 4,346 13,456 13,000 -6% 1% -3%
Copper - mined ('000 t) 114.9 138.4 133.3 393.3 409.6 16% -4% 4%
Copper - refined ('000 t) 35.8 50.2 60.2 163.8 161.7 68% 20% -1%
Diamonds ('000 cts) 4,275 4,436 4,420 13,049 13,379 3% 0% 3%
Iron ore ('000 t) 69,316 68,886 71,431 192,620 207,688 3% 4% 8%
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 t) 243 236 267 866 748 10% 13% -14%
Uranium ('000 lbs) 1,068 1,439 1,633 3,209 4,653 53% 13% 45%
------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ------- ------- -----------
Other Metals & Minerals
------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ------- ------- -----------
Gold - mined ('000 oz) 79.3 69.8 75.0 276.0 236.6 -5% 8% -14%
Gold - refined ('000 oz) 34.1 35.3 29.7 148.0 94.9 -13% -16% -36%
Molybdenum ('000 t) 1.8 0.2 0.8 7.0 1.1 -55% 355% -85%
Salt ('000 t) 1,281 1,117 1,240 3,892 3,794 -3% 11% -3%
Silver - mined ('000 oz) 846 1,022 1,011 2,604 2,971 20% -1% 14%
Silver - refined ('000 oz) 296 587 415 1,495 1,350 40% -29% -10%
------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ------- ------- -----------
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was
previously quoted on the equivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than
the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter
figures and the year to date figures.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio
Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
---------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 100% 369 361 377 353 355 1,089 1,085
Jonquière (Vaudreuil)
specialty alumina plant 100% 27 26 25 29 29 84 84
Queensland Alumina 80% 765 752 763 769 758 2,245 2,289
São Luis (Alumar) 10% 93 94 90 93 92 273 275
Yarwun 100% 703 778 785 823 747 2,087 2,355
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total alumina
production 1,957 2,011 2,040 2,067 1,981 5,777 6,088
---------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100% 48 49 45 45 46 142 135
Australia - Boyne
Island 59% 87 86 86 86 87 257 259
Australia - Tomago 52% 76 75 75 76 77 224 227
Canada - six wholly
owned 100% 316 346 375 398 404 927 1,177
Canada - Alouette
(Sept-Îles) 40% 61 61 61 61 61 181 182
Canada - Bécancour 25% 27 28 28 27 29 82 84
France - Dunkerque 100% 69 70 69 69 71 205 208
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) 100% 48 50 50 52 51 151 153
New Zealand - Tiwai
Point 79% 67 67 67 67 68 197 201
Oman - Sohar 20% 19 19 19 19 19 56 58
UK - Lochaber 100% 12 12 12 12 12 35 36
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total aluminium
production 830 864 887 911 924 2,457 2,721
---------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes)
(a)
Gove 100% 1,966 1,959 2,214 2,186 2,521 5,538 6,921
Porto Trombetas 12% 522 532 457 470 533 1,407 1,460
Sangaredi (b) 1,681 1,820 1,892 1,857 1,726 4,757 5,475
Weipa 100% 7,119 6,899 6,524 7,560 7,642 20,764 21,726
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total bauxite
production 11,287 11,211 11,088 12,073 12,422 32,466 35,583
---------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio
Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes
B(2) O(3) content)
Rio Tinto Minerals
- borates 100% 115 107 127 123 132 369 382
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COAL - hard coking
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
('000 tonnes)
Hail Creek Coal 82% 1,427 1,134 1,224 1,202 1,248 3,965 3,674
Kestrel Coal 80% 429 766 758 596 926 1,994 2,280
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total hard
coking coal production 1,856 1,900 1,982 1,798 2,175 5,959 5,954
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COAL - semi-soft coking
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
('000 tonnes)
Hunter Valley (c) 68% 585 548 677 440 842 1,825 1,959
Mount Thorley (c) 80% 254 163 363 331 150 732 844
Warkworth (c) 56% 90 87 135 121 75 293 331
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total semi-soft
coking coal production 928 797 1,175 893 1,066 2,850 3,133
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COAL - thermal
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
('000 tonnes)
Bengalla (d) 0% 652 693 527 - - 1,969 527
Hail Creek Coal 82% 634 702 895 661 787 1,959 2,343
Hunter Valley (c) 68% 1,925 2,351 1,364 2,098 1,596 5,687 5,058
Kestrel Coal 80% 87 185 139 96 225 324 460
Mount Thorley (c) 80% 547 385 549 252 606 1,417 1,407
Warkworth (c) 56% 774 866 859 1,216 1,131 2,099 3,205
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total thermal
coal production 4,618 5,182 4,331 4,323 4,346 13,456 13,000
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio
Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COPPER
Mine production ('000
tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 22.2 25.7 34.2 37.2 36.2 66.3 107.6
Escondida 30% 73.8 66.2 79.4 77.7 72.6 278.5 229.7
Grasberg - Joint Venture
(e) (f) 40% 0.0 0.0 5.0 6.1 8.9 0.0 20.0
Oyu Tolgoi (g) 34% 18.8 19.2 19.3 17.3 15.6 48.6 52.2
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total mine
production 114.9 111.1 137.9 138.4 133.3 393.3 409.6
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Refined production
('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30% 21.5 26.6 25.4 25.6 21.2 71.3 72.2
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 14.3 22.6 25.8 24.6 39.1 92.5 89.5
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total refined
production 35.8 49.2 51.3 50.2 60.2 163.8 161.7
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Argyle 100% 3,514 3,368 3,391 3,489 3,493 10,105 10,374
Diavik 60% 761 899 1,131 948 927 2,945 3,005
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total diamond
production 4,275 4,266 4,522 4,436 4,420 13,049 13,379
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
GOLD
Mine production ('000
ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 31.0 25.6 26.2 28.3 41.5 105.2 95.9
Escondida 30% 7.1 5.4 9.4 10.8 8.3 21.2 28.5
Grasberg - Joint Venture
(e) (f) 40% 0.0 0.0 8.1 7.4 12.8 0.0 28.2
Oyu Tolgoi (g) 34% 41.1 69.4 48.1 23.3 12.5 149.6 84.0
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total mine
production 79.3 100.3 91.8 69.8 75.0 276.0 236.6
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Refined production
('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 34.1 31.0 29.8 35.3 29.7 148.0 94.9
-------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio
Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes)
(a)
Hamersley mines (h) 50,113 51,324 48,468 50,284 52,302 138,097 151,054
Hamersley - Channar 60% 1,811 1,564 1,523 1,432 1,764 4,773 4,719
Hope Downs 50% 5,589 5,845 5,900 5,924 5,888 16,528 17,711
Iron Ore Company of
Canada 59% 2,784 2,878 2,419 2,573 2,925 7,510 7,918
Robe River - Pannawonica
(Mesas J and A) 53% 4,520 4,273 4,450 4,221 4,208 12,943 12,879
Robe River - West
Angelas 53% 4,497 4,544 4,611 4,452 4,344 12,769 13,407
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Rio Tinto iron ore
production ('000 tonnes) 69,316 70,427 67,371 68,886 71,431 192,620 207,688
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend Lump 19,697 19,571 18,732 18,628 19,957 53,244 57,317
Pilbara Blend Fines 28,497 30,036 28,351 28,823 29,591 78,570 86,765
Robe Valley Lump 1,505 1,410 1,573 1,440 1,484 4,528 4,497
Robe Valley Fines 3,015 2,863 2,876 2,781 2,725 8,415 8,382
Yandicoogina Fines
(HIY) 13,818 13,669 13,420 14,640 14,750 40,353 42,809
IOC Concentrate 1,197 1,683 1,242 1,207 1,334 3,247 3,783
IOC Pellets 1,587 1,196 1,178 1,366 1,591 4,264 4,135
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of Sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump 17,178 18,001 15,291 17,552 17,014 45,029 49,858
Pilbara Blend Fines 34,922 34,098 30,522 31,025 30,132 91,126 91,679
Robe Valley Lump 1,405 1,334 1,272 1,276 1,346 3,983 3,894
Robe Valley Fines 3,246 3,256 2,893 2,927 3,069 8,610 8,889
Yandicoogina Fines
(HIY) 13,934 14,569 12,533 14,553 15,008 40,274 42,094
IOC Concentrate 1,850 1,560 1,210 1,261 1,281 3,379 3,751
IOC Pellets 1,553 1,280 1,168 1,413 1,516 4,359 4,098
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Rio Tinto iron ore
sales ('000 tonnes) 74,088 74,097 64,889 70,007 69,366 196,760 204,263
-------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio
Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000
tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 1.8 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.8 7.0 1.1
--------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Dampier Salt 68% 1,281 1,647 1,438 1,117 1,240 3,892 3,794
--------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
SILVER
Mine production ('000
ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 362 300 342 329 522 1,158 1,193
Escondida 30% 354 289 463 562 369 1,155 1,394
Grasberg - Joint Venture
(e) 40% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oyu Tolgoi (g) 34% 130 119 132 131 121 291 385
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total mine
production 846 707 938 1,022 1,011 2,604 2,971
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Refined production
('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 296 348 348 587 415 1,495 1,350
--------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
(i) 100% 243 223 246 236 267 866 748
--------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
URANIUM
Production ('000 lbs
U(3) O(8) ) (j)
Energy Resources of
Australia 68% 689 1,008 894 738 1,004 2,015 2,635
Rössing 69% 379 691 687 702 628 1,194 2,017
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total uranium
production 1,068 1,699 1,581 1,439 1,633 3,209 4,653
--------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Production data notes:
Production figures are sometimes more precise
than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences
may result between the total of the quarter figures
and the year to date figures.
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to
the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates,
leach liquor or 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.
(c) As a result of a restructure of the Coal &
Allied group, which completed on 3 February 2016,
Rio Tinto obtained 100% ownership of Coal & Allied
and Mitsubishi obtained a direct interest of 32.4%
in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations
joint venture, which owns the Hunter Valley Operations
mine. Updated ownership reflects these changes.
Historical production prior to the date of the
restructure, reflects previous ownership in the
Hunter Valley Operations, Mt Thorley and Warkworth
mines of 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(d) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla
Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March
2016.
(e) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan
(FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional
material mined as a consequence of expansions
and developments of the Grasberg facilities since
1998.
(f) Third-quarter 2016 adjustments to Grasberg
forecasted full-year 2016 production resulted
in adjustments to Rio Tinto's share of previously
reported mine production in the first and second
quarters of 2016.
(g) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest
in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise
Hill Resources Ltd.
(h) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo,
Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman,
Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio
Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under
the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley
Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase
all mine production from the joint venture and
therefore all of the production is included in
Rio Tinto's share of production.
(i) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer
et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards
Bay Minerals (RBM).
(j) ERA and Rössing production reported are
drummed U(3) O(8) .
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30
September 2016.
Rio Tinto's interest in the Murowa mine was sold
in 2015. No data for this operation are included
in the Share of Production table.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland 80.0% 956 940 953 961 947 2,806 2,861
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100.0% 703 778 785 823 747 2,087 2,355
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10.0% 928 937 903 931 916 2,730 2,750
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) 100.0% 369 361 377 353 355 1,089 1,085
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes
hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group
Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec 100.0% 27 26 25 29 29 84 84
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100.0% 48 49 45 45 46 142 135
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland 59.4% 146 146 145 145 147 433 436
Tomago smelter - New South Wales 51.6% 147 146 145 147 149 434 441
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100.0% 117 118 117 116 117 348 350
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec 40.0% 153 153 152 152 152 453 456
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100.0% 43 44 43 43 43 129 129
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec 100.0% 15 15 15 15 15 44 45
Bécancour smelter - Quebec 25.1% 108 111 113 108 114 326 335
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec 100.0% 56 57 56 56 58 165 170
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia 100.0% 23 51 83 107 109 58 299
Laterrière smelter - Quebec 100.0% 61 62 61 61 62 183 185
France
Dunkerque smelter 100.0% 69 70 69 69 71 205 208
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100.0% 48 50 50 52 51 151 153
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 84 85 84 84 85 249 253
Oman
Sohar smelter 20.0% 94 96 97 97 95 281 289
United Kingdom
Lochaber smelter 100.0% 12 12 12 12 12 35 36
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory 100.0% 1,966 1,959 2,214 2,186 2,521 5,538 6,921
Weipa mine - Queensland 100.0% 7,119 6,899 6,524 7,560 7,642 20,764 21,726
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine 12.0% 4,351 4,437 3,805 3,920 4,441 11,726 12,166
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23.0% 3,735 4,044 4,205 4,126 3,836 10,571 12,167
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 11,159 10,890 11,153 11,683 12,743 32,572 35,579
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000
tonnes) 6,773 6,576 6,768 7,101 8,093 19,993 21,962
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of
production.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
----------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------
BORATES
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100.0%
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 115 107 127 123 132 369 382
------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------
(a) Production is expressed as B(2) O(3) content.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COAL
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Bengalla mine (a) 0.0%
New South Wales
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 2,036 2,166 1,476 - - 6,153 1,476
Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) 1,740 1,383 1,492 1,466 1,522 4,835 4,480
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 773 856 1,091 806 960 2,390 2,857
Hunter Valley Operations (b) 67.6%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) 731 685 964 651 1,245 2,281 2,861
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 2,406 2,939 1,911 3,104 2,361 7,109 7,375
Kestrel Coal mine 80.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) 536 957 948 745 1,158 2,493 2,850
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 109 231 173 120 281 405 574
Mount Thorley Operations (b) 80.0%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) 396 254 466 414 187 1,144 1,067
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 854 602 742 315 758 2,214 1,815
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
COAL (continued)
Warkworth mine (b) 55.6%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) 201 194 267 218 135 659 620
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 1,740 1,945 1,672 2,188 2,035 4,717 5,895
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,277 2,340 2,440 2,210 2,680 7,328 7,331
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000
tonnes) 1,329 1,133 1,697 1,284 1,567 4,084 4,547
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 7,918 8,739 7,065 6,533 6,395 22,988 19,993
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 11,524 12,212 11,202 10,026 10,642 34,400 31,871
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 11,455 12,261 11,047 10,357 10,129 34,397 31,532
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,722 2,018 2,099 1,879 2,332 6,052 6,309
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 932 784 1,122 1,075 904 2,825 3,101
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 4,689 5,037 4,287 4,260 3,958 13,383 12,505
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(a) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla Joint Venture with an effective date of 1
March 2016.
(b) As a result of a restructure of the Coal & Allied group, which completed on 3 February
2016, Rio Tinto obtained 100% ownership of Coal & Allied and Mitsubishi obtained a direct
interest of 32.4% in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture, which owns
the Hunter Valley Operations mine. Updated ownership reflects these changes. Historical production
prior to the date of the restructure, reflects previous ownership in the Hunter Valley Operations,
Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines of 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining
operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30.0%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 22,820 18,076 21,188 22,905 20,787 67,111 64,881
Average copper grade (%) 1.00 0.99 0.99 0.94 0.87 1.27 0.94
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 169.7 138.6 175.8 181.7 153.2 690.0 510.6
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 24 18 31 36 28 71 95
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,181 962 1,544 1,874 1,229 3,850 4,648
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes)
(a) 76.5 81.8 88.8 77.4 88.9 238.5 255.0
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 71.5 88.7 84.8 85.3 70.5 237.6 240.6
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the
leach pad.
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Grasberg mine (a) 0.0% (b)
Papua, Indonesia
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 14,855 14,248 14,249 14,141 18,487 45,074 46,878
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 0.68 0.75 0.69 0.84 1.19 0.65 0.93
Gold (g/t) 0.71 0.92 0.53 0.48 0.93 0.76 0.67
Silver (g/t) 2.50 2.92 2.23 2.88 2.97 2.36 2.72
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 90.1 94.5 85.8 106.5 203.0 258.8 395.4
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 282 355 196 179 459 915 835
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 723 778 613 776 1,065 2,040 2,453
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 89.9 88.7 86.9 96.8 195.2 249.1 378.9
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 286 332 207 166 437 891 810
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 574 567 510 562 825 1,567 1,898
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled
to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the
Grasberg facilities since 1998. The 3Q 2016 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent
five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 3Q 2016 until
the release of its 2016 third-quarter results on 25 October 2016.
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.
(c) Net of smelter deductions.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
------------------------------------------------ --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 8,581 8,224 7,386 7,512 9,698 26,607 24,596
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.30 0.35 0.51 0.55 0.41 0.29 0.48
Gold (g/t) 0.17 0.15 0.19 0.18 0.25 0.18 0.21
Silver (g/t) 2.07 1.45 1.85 1.70 2.56 2.10 2.09
Molybdenum (%) 0.035 0.023 0.015 0.023 0.031 0.041 0.024
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 116 136 153 152 154 334 458
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 18.9 18.8 22.4 24.5 23.4 19.7 23.4
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 22.2 25.7 34.2 37.2 36.2 66.3 107.6
Gold ('000 ounces) 31 26 26 28 41 105 96
Silver ('000 ounces) 362 300 342 329 522 1,158 1,193
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 3.4 1.2 0.2 0.3 1.6 13.7 2.2
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1.8 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.8 7.0 1.1
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 113 143 158 167 220 360 545
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) 17.1 24.7 32.0 33.1 56.1 71.3 121.1
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) 14.3 22.6 25.8 24.6 39.1 92.5 89.5
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) 34.1 31.0 29.8 35.3 29.7 148.0 94.9
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) 296 348 348 587 415 1,495 1,350
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------- ---------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Turquoise Hill Resources
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) 33.5%
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) 8,632 9,369 9,662 9,525 9,146 25,168 28,333
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 0.75 0.69 0.70 0.64 0.66 0.66 0.67
Gold (g/t) 0.56 0.92 0.63 0.33 0.21 0.73 0.39
Silver (g/t) 1.90 1.67 1.92 1.92 1.99 1.52 1.95
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 210.3 231.8 229.5 207.1 203.2 556.7 639.8
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 26.6 24.7 25.1 24.9 22.9 26.0 24.4
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 56.0 57.3 57.6 51.7 46.6 144.9 155.9
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 122.6 207.1 143.5 69.6 37.4 446.4 250.6
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 388 355 395 391 361 869 1,147
Sales of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 58.2 54.7 51.2 54.4 45.7 146.5 151.3
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 200 160 175 95 38 577 307
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 334 360 305 395 341 798 1,041
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in
Turquoise Hill Resources.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
----------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------
DIAMONDS
Argyle Diamonds 100.0%
Western Australia
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) 1,339 1,127 1,151 1,314 1,349 3,716 3,814
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) 3,514 3,368 3,391 3,489 3,493 10,105 10,374
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Diavik Diamonds 60.0%
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 478 465 557 535 582 1,519 1,675
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 1,269 1,498 1,885 1,579 1,545 4,908 5,009
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Murowa Diamonds (a) 0.0%
Zimbabwe
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 212 -
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) - - - - - 99 -
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 77.8% interest in Murowa Diamonds with an effective date of 17 June
2015. Production data are shown up to that date.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 50,113 51,324 48,468 50,284 52,302 138,097 151,054
Hamersley - Channar 60.0% 3,019 2,606 2,539 2,386 2,941 7,955 7,866
Hope Downs 50.0% 11,179 11,690 11,799 11,847 11,775 33,055 35,422
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53.0% 8,529 8,062 8,395 7,964 7,940 24,420 24,300
Robe River - West Angelas 53.0% 8,485 8,573 8,700 8,400 8,196 24,092 25,296
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Total production ('000 tonnes) 81,325 82,255 79,902 80,882 83,154 227,621 243,938
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend Lump 24,306 24,116 23,355 23,180 24,478 66,527 71,014
Pilbara Blend Fines 34,672 36,408 34,732 35,098 35,986 96,320 105,816
Robe Valley Lump 2,840 2,660 2,969 2,717 2,799 8,543 8,485
Robe Valley Fines 5,690 5,402 5,427 5,248 5,141 15,878 15,815
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13,818 13,669 13,420 14,640 14,750 40,353 42,809
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of total sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump 21,147 21,960 19,149 20,914 20,377 56,615 60,440
Pilbara Blend Fines 41,695 41,266 37,199 38,807 37,200 111,440 113,206
Robe Valley Lump 2,651 2,516 2,400 2,408 2,540 7,515 7,348
Robe Valley Fines 6,124 6,144 5,459 5,523 5,790 16,246 16,772
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13,934 14,569 12,533 14,553 15,008 40,274 42,094
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) 85,552 86,454 76,739 82,205 80,916 232,090 239,860
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman,
Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine,
under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is
obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production
is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.
Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7%
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada
Saleable iron ore production:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 2,039 2,865 2,114 2,056 2,272 5,529 6,442
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,703 2,036 2,006 2,326 2,710 7,261 7,042
Sales:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 3,150 2,656 2,060 2,147 2,182 5,755 6,388
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,644 2,180 1,990 2,407 2,582 7,423 6,978
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) 86,067 87,157 84,022 85,265 88,136 240,410 257,422
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) 91,346 91,291 80,789 86,759 85,679 245,268 253,226
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------------------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------- -------
SALT
Dampier Salt 68.4%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 1,874 2,409 2,103 1,634 1,813 5,694 5,550
-------------------------------------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------- -------
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share) (a)
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) 243 223 246 236 267 866 748
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------- -------
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards
Bay Minerals' production. Ilmenite mined in Madagascar is being processed in Canada.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
URANIUM
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Ranger mine (a) 68.4%
Northern Territory, Australia
U(3) O(8) Production ('000 lbs) 1,008 1,474 1,307 1,078 1,468 2,946 3,853
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------- -------
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U(3) O(8) .
Rössing Uranium Ltd 68.6%
Namibia
U(3) O(8) Production ('000 lbs) 552 1,007 1,001 1,023 916 1,740 2,940
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------- -------
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
DRLUKUARNUARAUA
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 20, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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