TIDMRIO
RNS Number : 3007U
Rio Tinto PLC
16 January 2017
Rio Tinto releases fourth quarter production results
17 January 2017
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We have delivered a
strong operational performance in 2016, underpinned by our drive
for efficiency and maximising cash flow. Our disciplined approach
remains in place in 2017, with the continued focus on productivity,
cost reduction and commercial excellence. This will ensure that we
continue to deliver value for our shareholders."
Q4 2016 vs Q4 vs Q3 2016 vs 2015
2015 2016
------------------------ ---
Pilbara iron ore
shipments (100% basis) Mt 87.7 +1% +8% 327.6 +3%
Pilbara iron ore
production (100%
basis) Mt 85.5 +4% +3% 329.5 +6%
Bauxite kt 12,120 +8% -2% 47,703 +9%
Aluminium kt 925 +7% +0% 3,646 +10%
Mined copper kt 133.8 +20% +7% 523.3 +4%
Hard coking coal kt 2,187 +15% +1% 8,141 +4%
Semi-soft and thermal
coal kt 5,223 -13% -3% 21,356 -4%
Titanium dioxide
slag kt 300 +35% +12% 1,048 -4%
------------------------ --- ------- ----- ----- ------ -------
Highlights
* Pilbara iron ore shipments of 327.6 million tonnes
(100 per cent basis) were in line with guidance and
three per cent higher than 2015.
* Record bauxite production of 47.7 million tonnes
exceeded full year guidance of 47 million tonnes,
whilst third party shipments increased to 29.3
million tonnes.
* Aluminium production was ten per cent higher than
2015, with record annual production at ten smelters,
notably at the modernised and expanded Kitimat
smelter, which has produced at nameplate capacity
since April 2016.
* Mined copper production was four per cent higher than
2015 at 523 thousand tonnes. This was below full year
guidance, with no metal share delivered from Grasberg
and lower than expected production at Kennecott.
* Rio Tinto's share of hard coking coal production was
slightly above the top end of the guidance range due
to strong operational performance, while semi-soft
coking and thermal coal production of 21.4 million
tonnes was in line.
* Titanium dioxide slag production continued to be
aligned with market demand with a four per cent
reduction on 2015.
* Production and shipments guidance for 2017 remains
unchanged from the update given at our London
investor seminar on 6 December 2016.
* On 23 November 2016, Rio Tinto announced it had
reached an agreement to sell its aluminium assets at
Lochaber, Scotland for a consideration totalling $410
million. The sale was finalised on 16 December 2016.
All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures
in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's
share of production, unless otherwise stated. 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.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
Q4 2016 vs Q4 vs Q3 2016 vs 2015
2015 2016
-------------------
Pilbara Blend
Lump 20.4 +4% +2% 77.8 +7%
Pilbara Blend
Fines 30.8 +3% +4% 117.6 +8%
Robe Valley Lump 1.6 +15% +10% 6.1 +3%
Robe Valley Fines 2.9 +0% +5% 11.2 0%
Yandicoogina Fines
(HIY) 15.2 +11% +3% 58.0 +7%
------------------- ------- ----- ----- ----- -------
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 329.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto
share 270.7 million tonnes) in 2016, six per cent higher than in
2015. Fourth quarter production of 85.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto
share 70.9 million tonnes) was four per cent higher than the same
quarter of 2015. The strong production performance in 2016 is
attributable to the ramp-up of expanded mines, operational
productivity improvements and minimal disruption from weather
events.
Pilbara sales
Sales of 327.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 268.9 million
tonnes) in 2016 were three per cent higher than 2015, attributable
to the newly expanded infrastructure and minimal disruption from
weather events. Fourth quarter sales of 87.7 million tonnes (Rio
Tinto share 72.4 million tonnes) were one per cent higher than the
same quarter of 2015.
Sales in the quarter exceeded production by 2.2 million tonnes,
primarily drawing down on inventories built at the ports in the
third quarter due to maintenance.
Approximately 20 per cent of sales in 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.
Approximately 62 per cent of 2016 sales were made on a cost and
freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board
(FOB).
Achieved average pricing in 2016 was $49.30 per wet metric tonne
on an FOB basis (equivalent to $53.60 per dry metric tonne).
Pilbara projects
The second phase of the Nammuldi Incremental Tonnes (NIT)
project was delivered in October, six weeks ahead of schedule, with
an annual mine capacity of ten million tonnes. The Silvergrass
project incrementally increases the Nammuldi operation by a further
ten million tonnes a year, delivering high grade, low phosphorus
ore into the Pilbara Blend. First ore is expected in the second
half of 2017.
The AutoHaul(R) project will continue to progress during 2017
with extensive running of trains in automated mode, but with a
driver remaining on board until all safety and reliability systems
are thoroughly demonstrated.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in 2017 are expected to be between
330 and 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), subject to weather
conditions.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q4 2016 vs Q4 vs Q3 2016 vs 2015
2015 2016
--------------------
Rio Tinto Aluminium
Bauxite 12,120 +8% -2% 47,703 +9%
Alumina 2,104 +5% +6% 8,192 +5%
Aluminium 925 +7% +0% 3,646 +10%
-------------------- ------- ----- ----- ------ -------
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 47.7 million tonnes during 2016 was nine
per cent higher than 2015. Annual production records were achieved
at Weipa (up six per cent), benefiting from increased plant
throughput, as well as at Gove (up 21 per cent) through system
improvements.
The strong production performance and healthy demand from China
enabled the Group to ship 29.3 million tonnes to third parties in
2016, ten per cent higher than 2015, whilst fourth quarter
shipments were 12 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter in
2015.
Amrun
The Amrun project is advancing to schedule in both engineering
and construction. All major contracts have been committed as
planned. Site establishment continues with the construction
accommodation village operational to 470 beds. The 40 kilometre
main access road was completed in December 2016, with the river
terminals expected to be operational in the first quarter of
2017.
Alumina
Alumina production for 2016 increased five per cent compared
with 2015, primarily due to operational improvements driving record
production at the Yarwun refinery (up 11 per cent). The Jonquière
and Alumar refineries also achieved record annual production.
Aluminium
Aluminium production was ten per cent higher in 2016, due
largely to Kitimat, which produced at nameplate capacity for a
third consecutive quarter. Record annual production was achieved at
ten smelters, whilst quarterly production records at seven smelters
resulted in a seven per cent increase in production compared with
the corresponding period in 2015.
On 23 November 2016, Rio Tinto announced it had reached an
agreement to sell its assets at Lochaber, Scotland to SIMEC for
consideration totalling $410 million. The sale was finalised on 16
December 2016, with final proceeds to be received not later than 28
February 2017.
2017 guidance
Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017 is expected to be 48 to
50 million tonnes of bauxite, 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina
and 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes of aluminium.
COPPER & DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q4 2016 vs Q4 vs Q3 2016 vs 2015
2015 2016
--------------------
Mined copper
Rio Tinto Kennecott 45.1 +76% +25% 152.7 +66%
Escondida 73.4 +11% +1% 303.1 -12%
Grasberg 0.0 N/A N/A 0.0 N/A
Oyu Tolgoi 15.2 -21% -2% 67.5 0%
Refined copper
Rio Tinto Kennecott 67.0 +196% +71% 156.5 +36%
Escondida 21.5 -19% +1% 93.6 -4%
Diamonds ('000
carats)
Argyle 3,584 +6% +3% 13,958 +4%
Diavik 989 +10% +7% 3,995 +4%
-------------------- ------- ----- ----- ------ --------
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Mined copper production in 2016 was significantly higher than
2015 as mining progressed through an area of higher grades. Whilst
fourth quarter production was 25 per cent higher than the previous
quarter, it was below expectations due to lower throughput
following reduced pit access at Bingham Canyon.
The higher mined production in 2016 resulted in improved refined
copper production of 156.5 thousand tonnes, up 36 per cent.
Kennecott continues to toll third party concentrate to optimise
smelter utilisation, with 315 thousand tonnes received for
processing in 2016. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and
returned to customers, is excluded from reported production
figures.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in 2016 was 12 per cent
below 2015 due to lower grades and slightly reduced mill
throughput. For the fourth quarter, improved mill throughput
resulted in production being 11 per cent higher than the
corresponding quarter in 2015. Refined copper production in the
quarter was lower than the same period in 2015 due to lower oxide
ore treated and lower grade material leached on the sulphide leach
pad.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production for 2016 was in line with 2015, as the
impact of lower grades was offset by higher throughput, a new
record for the mill. Copper production in the fourth quarter was in
line with the previous quarter, albeit 21 per cent lower than the
corresponding quarter of 2015 as a result of lower grades and
challenges with processing and recovering copper from high pyrite
ore.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
Contractor mobilisation has continued to ramp up during the
fourth quarter, with over 2000 personnel mobilised, 87 per cent of
whom are Mongolian nationals. Works on underground mine
development, the accommodation camp, conveyor to surface decline,
sinking of shaft #2 and shaft #5 and critical facilities continue
to progress. Focus is on completing the underground crusher and
de-watering system to enable increased lateral development
rates.
Grasberg
Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
(Freeport), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40 per cent of material mined
above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and
developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. Although 20
thousand tonnes of copper were notionally attributed to Rio Tinto
for the nine months to September 2016 and reported in the third
quarter operations review, productivity issues continued in the
fourth quarter. This resulted in total 2016 copper production not
exceeding the threshold and accordingly, Rio Tinto's share of joint
venture production for 2016 was revised to zero.
Provisional pricing
At 31 December 2016, the Group had an estimated 235 million
pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 250 cents
per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during
the first half of 2017. This compares with 252 million pounds of
open shipments at 31 December 2015, provisionally priced at 217
cents per pound.
Diamonds
At Argyle, 2016 carat production was four per cent higher than
2015 following the ramp-up of the underground mine, with higher ore
throughput partially offset by a lower recovered grade.
Likewise at Diavik, carats recovered in 2016 were four per cent
higher than 2015 due to higher ore throughput offsetting lower
grades.
2017 guidance
In 2017, Rio Tinto's share of mined copper production is
expected to be between 525 and 665 thousand tonnes, with higher
production at Escondida, and an expected share of joint venture
production at Grasberg. Refined copper production is expected to be
between 185 and 225 thousand tonnes.
Diamond production guidance for 2017 is 19 to 24 million
carats.
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q4 2016 vs Q4 vs Q3 2016 vs 2015
2015 2016
------------------
Coal
Hard coking coal 2,187 +15% +1% 8,141 +4%
Semi-soft coking
coal 969 +22% -9% 4,102 +12%
Thermal coal 4,254 -18% -2% 17,254 -7%
Iron ore pellets
and concentrate
(million tonnes)
IOC 2.7 -5% -6% 10.7 +3%
Minerals ('000
tonnes)
Borates - B(2)
O(3) content 121 +13% -8% 503 +6%
Salt 1,386 -16% +12% 5,180 -6%
Titanium dioxide
slag 300 +35% +12% 1,048 -4%
Uranium ('000
lbs)
Energy Resources
of Australia 908 -10% -10% 3,544 +17%
Rössing 781 +13% +24% 2,798 +49%
------------------ ------- ----- ----- ------ -------
Coal
Hard coking coal production was four per cent higher in 2016 and
fourth quarter volumes were 15 per cent higher than the same
quarter of 2015 due to longwall and plant outperformance at
Kestrel.
Semi-soft coking coal production was 12 per cent higher than
2015 and fourth quarter volumes were 22 per cent higher than the
corresponding period of 2015 due to mine production sequencing at
Hunter Valley Operations and Mt Thorley Warkworth.
Increased thermal coal production from Hail Creek, Kestrel and
Mt Thorley Warkworth partially offset lower volumes, which resulted
from the restructure of Coal & Allied and the divestment of
Bengalla in early 2016, delivering full year production that was
seven per cent lower than 2015. Fourth quarter thermal coal
production was 18 per cent lower than the same quarter of 2015 due
primarily to these ownership changes.
Coking coal prices achieved in the second half of 2016 averaged
$152 per tonne on an FOB basis compared to $79 per tonne in the
first half of 2016. Average prices realised for thermal coal were
$69 per tonne on an FOB basis in the second half of 2016 compared
to $51 per tonne in the first half of 2016.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
IOC pellet production of 9.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 5.8
million tonnes) in 2016 was five per cent higher than 2015, while
concentrate production of 8.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 4.9
million tonnes) was in line with 2015 production.
The three per cent improvement in total production also resulted
in a two per cent improvement in sales to 18.3 million tonnes (Rio
Tinto share 10.8 million tonnes) in 2016.
Borates
Borates production in 2016 was six per cent higher than in 2015,
driven by higher market demand.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)
Titanium dioxide slag production was four per cent lower in 2016
as RTIT continues to optimise production to align to demand and
draw down remaining inventories. Fourth quarter volumes were 35 per
cent higher than the same quarter of 2015, in line with improving
sales. Two of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and one of
four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals are currently idled,
reflecting lower demand for high grade feedstocks.
Salt
Salt production in 2016 was six per cent lower than in 2015 as a
result of lower market demand.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing
stockpiles. 2016 production was 17 per cent higher than 2015 due to
higher mill throughput and recoveries.
Production at Rössing was 49 per cent higher than 2015, due to
higher throughput and grades.
2017 guidance
In 2017, Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 7.8
to 8.4 million tonnes of hard coking coal, 3.3 to 3.9 million
tonnes of semi-soft coking coal, 17 to 18 million tonnes of thermal
coal, 11.4 to 12.4 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and
concentrates, 1.1 to 1.2 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag,
0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent production, and 6.5 to
7.5 million pounds of uranium.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and
evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in 2016 was $497
million (of which $119 million was spent in the fourth quarter),
compared with $576 million in 2015. Approximately 41 per cent of
2016 expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 25 per cent
by Copper & Diamonds, 25 per cent by Energy & Minerals and
the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium.
On 28 October 2016, Rio Tinto and Chinalco signed a non-binding
agreement to sell Rio Tinto's entire stake in the Simandou project
in Guinea to Chinalco.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration
properties in 2016.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 14
countries across some eight commodities. Exploration activities
were discontinued in China, India and Mexico during this quarter.
The bulk of the exploration spend in this quarter was focused on
copper targets in Australia, Botswana, Chile, Kazakhstan, 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 quarter 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, Kazakhstan,
Peru Mongolia, Namibia,
Copper/gold: Papua New Guinea,
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia 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
----------- --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Forward-looking statements
This announcement may include "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts
included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those
regarding Rio Tinto's production forecast or guidance, financial
position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for
future operations (including development plans and objectives
relating to Rio Tinto's products and reserve and resource
positions), are forward-looking statements. The words "intend",
"aim", "project", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "believes",
"expects", "may", "should", "will", "target", "set to", "assumes"
or similar expressions, commonly identify such forward looking
statements.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual
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. Such
forward-looking statements could be influenced by such risk factors
as identified in Rio Tinto's most recent Annual Report and Accounts
in Australia and the United Kingdom and the most recent Annual
Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form 6-Ks furnished to, or filed
with, the SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be
construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should
not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Rio
Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as
required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure
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.
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Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter Full Year % Change
2015 2016 2016 2015 2016 Q4 16 Q4 16 2016
Q4 Q3 Q4 vs vs vs
Q4 15 Q3 16 2015
------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------ ------ -----
Principal Commodities
------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------ ------ -----
Alumina ('000 t) 2,011 1,981 2,104 7,788 8,192 5% 6% 5%
Aluminium ('000 t) 864 924 925 3,322 3,646 7% 0% 10%
Bauxite ('000 t) 11,211 12,422 12,120 43,677 47,703 8% -2% 9%
Borates ('000 t) 107 132 121 476 503 13% -8% 6%
Coal - hard coking ('000 t) 1,900 2,175 2,187 7,859 8,141 15% 1% 4%
Coal - semi-soft coking ('000 t) 797 1,066 969 3,647 4,102 22% -9% 12%
Coal - thermal ('000 t) 5,182 4,346 4,254 18,638 17,254 -18% -2% -7%
Copper - mined ('000 t) 111.1 124.4 133.8 504.4 523.3 20% 7% 4%
Copper - refined ('000 t) 49.2 60.2 88.4 213.0 250.1 80% 47% 17%
Diamonds ('000 cts) 4,266 4,420 4,574 17,316 17,953 7% 3% 4%
Iron ore ('000 t) 70,427 71,431 73,633 263,048 281,321 5% 3% 7%
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 t) 223 267 300 1,089 1,048 35% 12% -4%
Uranium ('000 lbs) 1,699 1,633 1,690 4,907 6,342 -1% 3% 29%
------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------ ------ -----
Other Metals & Minerals
------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------ ------ -----
Gold - mined ('000 oz) 100.3 62.3 85.1 376.4 293.5 -15% 37% -22%
Gold - refined ('000 oz) 31.0 29.7 40.6 179.0 135.4 31% 36% -24%
Molybdenum ('000 t) 0.6 0.8 1.8 7.6 2.8 213% 121% -63%
Salt ('000 t) 1,647 1,240 1,386 5,539 5,180 -16% 12% -6%
Silver - mined ('000 oz) 707 1,011 1,239 3,311 4,210 75% 22% 27%
Silver - refined ('000 oz) 348 415 465 1,843 1,815 34% 12% -2%
------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------ ------ -----
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 Full Full
Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Year Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
ALUMINA
Production ('000
tonnes)
Jonquière
(Vaudreuil) 100% 361 377 353 355 367 1,449 1,452
Jonquière
(Vaudreuil) specialty
alumina plant 100% 26 25 29 29 31 110 115
Queensland Alumina 80% 752 763 769 758 789 2,997 3,078
São Luis
(Alumar) 10% 94 90 93 92 96 367 371
Yarwun 100% 778 785 823 747 821 2,864 3,176
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
alumina production 2,011 2,040 2,067 1,981 2,104 7,788 8,192
------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000
tonnes)
Australia - Bell
Bay 100% 49 45 45 46 47 191 182
Australia - Boyne
Island 59% 86 86 86 87 87 344 346
Australia - Tomago 52% 75 75 76 77 77 299 304
Canada - six
wholly owned 100% 346 375 398 404 405 1,273 1,582
Canada - Alouette
(Sept-Îles) 40% 61 61 61 61 61 242 244
Canada - Bécancour 25% 28 28 27 29 28 109 111
France - Dunkerque 100% 70 69 69 71 71 275 280
Iceland - ISAL
(Reykjavik) 100% 50 50 52 51 52 201 205
New Zealand -
Tiwai Point 79% 67 67 67 68 68 265 269
Oman - Sohar 20% 19 19 19 19 19 75 77
UK - Lochaber
(a) 0% 12 12 12 12 10 47 46
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
aluminium production 864 887 911 924 925 3,322 3,646
------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
BAUXITE
Production ('000
tonnes) (b)
Gove 100% 1,959 2,214 2,186 2,521 2,169 7,497 9,091
Porto Trombetas 12% 532 457 470 533 516 1,939 1,975
Sangaredi (c) 1,820 1,892 1,857 1,726 1,735 6,577 7,210
Weipa 100% 6,899 6,524 7,560 7,642 7,700 27,663 29,427
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
bauxite production 11,211 11,088 12,073 12,422 12,120 43,677 47,703
------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Full Full
Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Year Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
BORATES
Production ('000
tonnes B(2) O(3)
content)
Rio Tinto Minerals
- borates 100% 107 127 123 132 121 476 503
------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COAL - hard coking
Rio Tinto Coal
Australia ('000
tonnes)
Hail Creek Coal
(d) 82% 1,134 1,224 1,202 1,248 1,205 5,099 4,879
Kestrel Coal
(d) 80% 766 758 596 926 981 2,760 3,262
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
hard coking coal
production 1,900 1,982 1,798 2,175 2,187 7,859 8,141
------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COAL - semi-soft
coking
Rio Tinto Coal
Australia ('000
tonnes)
Hunter Valley
(e) 68% 548 677 440 842 581 2,373 2,540
Mount Thorley
(e) 80% 163 363 331 150 283 895 1,127
Warkworth (e) 56% 87 135 121 75 106 380 436
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
semi-soft coking
coal production 797 1,175 893 1,066 969 3,647 4,102
------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COAL - thermal
Rio Tinto Coal
Australia ('000
tonnes)
Bengalla (f) 0% 693 527 - - - 2,662 527
Hail Creek Coal
(d) 82% 702 895 661 787 746 2,661 3,089
Hunter Valley
(e) 68% 2,351 1,364 2,098 1,596 1,724 8,039 6,782
Kestrel Coal
(d) 80% 185 139 96 225 217 509 676
Mount Thorley
(e) 80% 385 549 252 606 828 1,802 2,235
Warkworth (e) 56% 866 859 1,216 1,131 739 2,965 3,945
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
thermal coal production 5,182 4,331 4,323 4,346 4,254 18,638 17,254
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Full Full
Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Year Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
COPPER
Mine production
('000 tonnes)
(b)
Bingham Canyon 100% 25.7 34.2 37.2 36.2 45.1 92.0 152.7
Escondida 30% 66.2 79.4 77.7 72.6 73.4 344.7 303.1
Grasberg - Joint
Venture (g) (h) 40% 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Oyu Tolgoi (i) 34% 19.2 19.3 17.3 15.6 15.2 67.8 67.5
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
mine production 111.1 132.9 132.2 124.4 133.8 504.4 523.3
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Refined production
('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30% 26.6 25.4 25.6 21.2 21.5 97.9 93.6
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 22.6 25.8 24.6 39.1 67.0 115.2 156.5
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
refined production 49.2 51.3 50.2 60.2 88.4 213.0 250.1
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
DIAMONDS
Production ('000
carats)
Argyle 100% 3,368 3,391 3,489 3,493 3,584 13,472 13,958
Diavik 60% 899 1,131 948 927 989 3,843 3,995
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
diamond production 4,266 4,522 4,436 4,420 4,574 17,316 17,953
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
GOLD
Mine production
('000 ounces)
(b)
Bingham Canyon 100% 25.6 26.2 28.3 41.5 57.2 130.8 153.2
Escondida 30% 5.4 9.4 10.8 8.3 11.3 26.6 39.8
Grasberg - Joint
Venture (g) (h) 40% 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Oyu Tolgoi (i) 34% 69.4 48.1 23.3 12.5 16.6 219.0 100.5
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto total
mine production 100.3 83.7 62.4 62.3 85.1 376.4 293.5
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Refined production
('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 31.0 29.8 35.3 29.7 40.6 179.0 135.4
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Full Full
Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Year Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IRON ORE
Production ('000
tonnes) (b)
Hamersley mines (j) 51,324 48,468 50,284 52,302 54,848 189,421 205,902
Hamersley - Channar 60% 1,564 1,523 1,432 1,764 1,119 6,337 5,839
Hope Downs 50% 5,845 5,900 5,924 5,888 5,794 22,373 23,505
Iron Ore Company
of Canada 59% 2,878 2,419 2,573 2,925 2,743 10,388 10,661
Robe River -
Pannawonica (Mesas
J and A) 53% 4,273 4,450 4,221 4,208 4,493 17,216 17,371
Robe River -
West Angelas 53% 4,544 4,611 4,452 4,344 4,636 17,313 18,044
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Rio Tinto iron
ore production
('000 tonnes) 70,427 67,371 68,886 71,431 73,633 263,048 281,321
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend
Lump 19,571 18,732 18,628 19,957 20,443 72,815 77,761
Pilbara Blend
Fines 30,036 28,351 28,823 29,591 30,795 108,606 117,560
Robe Valley Lump 1,410 1,573 1,440 1,484 1,625 5,937 6,122
Robe Valley Fines 2,863 2,876 2,781 2,725 2,868 11,278 11,250
Yandicoogina
Fines (HIY) 13,669 13,420 14,640 14,750 15,159 54,022 57,968
IOC Concentrate 1,683 1,242 1,207 1,334 1,124 4,929 4,907
IOC Pellets 1,196 1,178 1,366 1,591 1,618 5,459 5,754
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of Sales:
Pilbara Blend
Lump 18,001 15,291 17,552 17,014 18,071 63,030 67,929
Pilbara Blend
Fines 34,098 30,522 31,025 30,132 34,842 125,224 126,521
Robe Valley Lump 1,334 1,272 1,276 1,346 1,502 5,317 5,397
Robe Valley Fines 3,256 2,893 2,927 3,069 3,053 11,867 11,942
Yandicoogina
Fines (HIY) 14,569 12,533 14,553 15,008 14,969 54,843 57,062
IOC Concentrate 1,560 1,210 1,261 1,281 1,148 4,939 4,899
IOC Pellets 1,280 1,168 1,413 1,516 1,764 5,639 5,862
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Rio Tinto iron
ore sales ('000
tonnes) 74,097 64,889 70,007 69,366 75,350 270,858 279,613
------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Full Full
Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Year Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production
('000 tonnes)
(b)
Bingham Canyon 100% 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.8 1.8 7.6 2.8
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
SALT
Production ('000
tonnes)
Dampier Salt 68% 1,647 1,438 1,117 1,240 1,386 5,539 5,180
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
SILVER
Mine production
('000 ounces)
(b)
Bingham Canyon 100% 300 342 329 522 751 1,458 1,943
Escondida 30% 289 463 562 369 397 1,443 1,791
Grasberg - Joint
Venture (g) 40% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oyu Tolgoi (i) 34% 119 132 131 121 91 410 476
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Rio Tinto total
mine production 707 938 1,022 1,011 1,239 3,311 4,210
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Refined production
('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 348 348 587 415 465 1,843 1,815
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
TITANIUM DIOXIDE
SLAG
Production ('000
tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron
& Titanium (k) 100% 223 246 236 267 300 1,089 1,048
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
URANIUM
Production ('000
lbs U(3) O(8)
) (l)
Energy Resources
of Australia 68% 1,008 894 738 1,004 908 3,023 3,544
Rössing 69% 691 687 702 628 781 1,884 2,798
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Rio Tinto total
uranium production 1,699 1,581 1,439 1,633 1,690 4,907 6,342
--------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
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) On 16 December 2016, Rio Tinto completed the
sale of its 100% interest in the Lochaber aluminium
smelter.
(b) 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.
(c) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the
Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
(d) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking
coal and thermal coal through their mining operations.
Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(e) 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.
(f) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla
Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March
2016.
(g) 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.
(h) Fourth-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, second
and third quarters of 2016.
(i) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest
in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise
Hill Resources Ltd.
(j) 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.
(k) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer
et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards
Bay Minerals (RBM).
(l) ERA and Rössing production reported are
drummed U(3) O(8) .
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31
December 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 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 4Q 2016 2015 2016
------------------------------------------------ --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------- --------- ---------
ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland 80.0% 940 953 961 947 987 3,747 3,848
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100.0% 778 785 823 747 821 2,864 3,176
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10.0% 937 903 931 916 957 3,667 3,707
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec
(a) 100.0% 361 377 353 355 367 1,449 1,452
----- ----- ----- ----- ------- --------- ---------
(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% 26 25 29 29 31 110 115
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100.0% 49 45 45 46 47 191 182
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland 59.4% 146 145 145 147 147 579 583
Tomago smelter - New South Wales 51.6% 146 145 147 149 149 579 589
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100.0% 118 117 116 117 117 466 467
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec 40.0% 153 152 152 152 153 606 609
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100.0% 44 43 43 43 43 173 172
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec 100.0% 15 15 15 15 15 59 60
Bécancour smelter - Quebec 25.1% 111 113 108 114 110 437 445
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec 100.0% 57 56 56 58 58 221 227
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia 100.0% 51 83 107 109 109 110 408
Laterrière smelter - Quebec 100.0% 62 61 61 62 63 244 247
France
Dunkerque smelter 100.0% 70 69 69 71 71 275 280
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100.0% 50 50 52 51 52 201 205
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 85 84 84 85 85 333 339
Oman
Sohar smelter 20.0% 96 97 97 95 97 377 386
United Kingdom
Lochaber smelter (a) 0.0% 12 12 12 12 10 47 46
(a) On 16 December 2016, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100% interest in the Lochaber
aluminium smelter.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory 100.0% 1,959 2,214 2,186 2,521 2,169 7,497 9,091
Weipa mine - Queensland 100.0% 6,899 6,524 7,560 7,642 7,700 27,663 29,427
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine 12.0% 4,437 3,805 3,920 4,441 4,296 16,162 16,462
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23.0% 4,044 4,205 4,126 3,836 3,856 14,615 16,023
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000
tonnes) 10,890 11,153 11,683 12,743 11,996 43,462 47,575
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000
tonnes) 6,576 6,768 7,101 8,093 7,345 26,569 29,308
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
(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 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
-------------------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
BORATES
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100.0%
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 107 127 123 132 121 476 503
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
(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) 2,166 1,476 - - - 8,319 1,476
Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) 1,383 1,492 1,466 1,522 1,470 6,218 5,950
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 856 1,091 806 960 910 3,245 3,767
Hunter Valley Operations (b) 67.6%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) 685 964 651 1,245 859 2,966 3,720
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 2,939 1,911 3,104 2,361 2,550 10,048 9,925
Kestrel Coal mine 80.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes) 957 948 745 1,158 1,227 3,450 4,077
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 231 173 120 281 271 637 846
Mount Thorley Operations (b) 80.0%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) 254 466 414 187 353 1,398 1,420
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 602 742 315 758 1,035 2,815 2,850
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
COAL (continued)
Warkworth mine (b) 55.6%
New South Wales
Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes) 194 267 218 135 190 853 809
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 1,945 1,672 2,188 2,035 1,330 6,663 7,225
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Total hard coking coal production ('000
tonnes) 2,340 2,440 2,210 2,680 2,697 9,668 10,027
Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000
tonnes) 1,133 1,697 1,284 1,567 1,402 5,217 5,950
Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 8,739 7,065 6,533 6,395 6,096 31,727 26,090
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 12,212 11,202 10,026 10,642 10,196 46,612 42,067
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 12,261 11,047 10,357 10,129 10,241 46,658 41,773
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 2,018 2,099 1,879 2,332 2,395 8,070 8,704
Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes)
(d) 784 1,122 1,075 904 1,043 3,609 4,144
Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 5,037 4,287 4,260 3,958 3,979 18,420 16,484
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
(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 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30.0%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 18,076 21,188 22,905 20,787 19,866 85,186 84,746
Average copper grade (%) 0.99 0.99 0.94 0.87 1.02 1.21 0.96
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 138.6 175.8 181.7 153.2 168.6 828.5 679.3
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 18 31 36 28 38 89 133
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 962 1,544 1,874 1,229 1,323 4,812 5,971
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for
leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) 81.8 88.8 77.4 88.9 76.4 320.3 331.4
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 88.7 84.8 85.3 70.5 71.5 326.3 312.1
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
(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) 14,248 14,249 14,141 16,608 18,446 59,322 63,445
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 0.75 0.69 0.84 1.02 1.29 0.67 0.98
Gold (g/t) 0.92 0.53 0.48 0.69 1.32 0.79 0.79
Silver (g/t) 2.92 2.23 2.88 3.45 3.45 2.50 3.05
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 94.5 85.8 106.5 153.8 223.0 353.3 569.2
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 355 196 179 310 651 1,270 1,336
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 778 613 776 1,170 1,247 2,818 3,805
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 88.7 86.9 96.8 153.7 206.2 337.8 543.6
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 332 207 166 307 601 1,224 1,282
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 567 510 562 928 920 2,134 2,921
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
(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 4Q 2016 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent
five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 4Q 2016 until
the release of its 2016 fourth-quarter results on 25 January 2017.
(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 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
------------------------------------------------ --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 8,224 7,386 7,512 9,698 8,827 34,831 33,423
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.35 0.51 0.55 0.41 0.56 0.30 0.50
Gold (g/t) 0.15 0.19 0.18 0.25 0.31 0.18 0.24
Silver (g/t) 1.45 1.85 1.70 2.56 3.33 1.95 2.41
Molybdenum (%) 0.023 0.015 0.023 0.031 0.040 0.037 0.028
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 136 153 152 154 190 470 648
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 18.8 22.4 24.5 23.4 23.8 19.5 23.5
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 25.7 34.2 37.2 36.2 45.1 92.0 152.7
Gold ('000 ounces) 26 26 28 41 57 131 153
Silver ('000 ounces) 300 342 329 522 751 1,458 1,943
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 1.2 0.2 0.3 1.6 3.4 14.9 5.6
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.8 1.8 7.6 2.8
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 143 158 167 220 207 503 752
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) 24.7 32.0 33.1 56.1 42.7 96.0 163.8
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) 22.6 25.8 24.6 39.1 67.0 115.2 156.5
Gold ('000 ounces) (b) 31.0 29.8 35.3 29.7 40.6 179.0 135.4
Silver ('000 ounces) (b) 348 348 587 415 465 1,843 1,815
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
------------------------------------------- --------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Turquoise Hill Resources
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) 33.5%
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) 9,369 9,662 9,525 9,146 9,819 34,537 38,152
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 0.69 0.70 0.64 0.66 0.61 0.67 0.65
Gold (g/t) 0.92 0.63 0.33 0.21 0.25 0.78 0.36
Silver (g/t) 1.67 1.92 1.92 1.99 1.50 1.56 1.83
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 231.8 229.5 207.1 203.2 206.7 788.5 846.6
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 24.7 25.1 24.9 22.9 22.0 25.6 23.8
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 57.3 57.6 51.7 46.6 45.5 202.2 201.3
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 207.1 143.5 69.6 37.4 49.4 653.4 300.0
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 355 395 391 361 273 1,223 1,420
Sales of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 54.7 51.2 54.4 45.7 37.6 201.3 188.9
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 160 175 95 38 39 737 347
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 360 305 395 341 239 1,158 1,280
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
(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 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------- ---------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
DIAMONDS
Argyle Diamonds 100.0%
Western Australia
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) 1,127 1,151 1,314 1,349 1,283 4,843 5,097
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) 3,368 3,391 3,489 3,493 3,584 13,472 13,958
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
Diavik Diamonds 60.0%
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 465 557 535 582 539 1,984 2,214
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 1,498 1,885 1,579 1,545 1,649 6,406 6,658
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- ---------
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 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 51,324 48,468 50,284 52,302 54,848 189,421 205,902
Hamersley - Channar 60.0% 2,606 2,539 2,386 2,941 1,866 10,561 9,731
Hope Downs 50.0% 11,690 11,799 11,847 11,775 11,588 44,745 47,010
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) 53.0% 8,062 8,395 7,964 7,940 8,477 32,482 32,776
Robe River - West Angelas 53.0% 8,573 8,700 8,400 8,196 8,748 32,665 34,044
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Total production ('000 tonnes) 82,255 79,902 80,882 83,154 85,526 309,876 329,463
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend Lump 24,116 23,355 23,180 24,478 24,902 90,643 95,915
Pilbara Blend Fines 36,408 34,732 35,098 35,986 36,988 132,728 142,804
Robe Valley Lump 2,660 2,969 2,717 2,799 3,066 11,202 11,551
Robe Valley Fines 5,402 5,427 5,248 5,141 5,411 21,280 21,226
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 13,669 13,420 14,640 14,750 15,159 54,022 57,968
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Breakdown of total sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump 21,960 19,149 20,914 20,377 21,943 78,574 82,383
Pilbara Blend Fines 41,266 37,199 38,807 37,200 42,225 152,706 155,431
Robe Valley Lump 2,516 2,400 2,408 2,540 2,835 10,031 10,183
Robe Valley Fines 6,144 5,459 5,523 5,790 5,761 22,390 22,533
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,569 12,533 14,553 15,008 14,969 54,843 57,062
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) 86,454 76,739 82,205 80,916 87,732 318,544 327,592
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
(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) 2,865 2,114 2,056 2,272 1,915 8,394 8,357
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,036 2,006 2,326 2,710 2,756 9,297 9,798
Sales:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 2,656 2,060 2,147 2,182 1,955 8,411 8,344
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,180 1,990 2,407 2,582 3,004 9,603 9,983
--------------------------------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ---------
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) 87,157 84,022 85,265 88,136 90,196 327,567 347,619
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) 91,291 80,789 86,759 85,679 92,692 336,558 345,918
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2016. The data represent full
production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Full Year Full Year
interest 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2016
----------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- --------- ---------
SALT
Dampier Salt 68.4%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 2,409 2,103 1,634 1,813 2,028 8,103 7,578
----------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- --------- ---------
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share) (a)
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) 223 246 236 267 300 1,089 1,048
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- --------- ---------
(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) 1,474 1,307 1,078 1,468 1,328 4,421 5,182
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- --------- ---------
(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U(3) O(8) .
Rössing Uranium Ltd 68.6%
Namibia
U(3) O(8) Production ('000 lbs) 1,007 1,001 1,023 916 1,138 2,747 4,078
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- --------- ---------
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 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
STROKADBDBKBPDD
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 17, 2017 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
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