TIDMRIO
RNS Number : 6102F
Rio Tinto PLC
16 July 2019
Rio Tinto releases second quarter production results
16 July 2019
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We saw a challenging
operational performance across our portfolio in the first half,
while also investing in future growth at Richards Bay Minerals and
Resolution. Whilst we experienced operational and weather issues at
our iron ore operations in Australia, pricing and market demand has
remained robust. We remain focused on safely improving and
optimising the performance and productivity of our assets in order
to drive future cash flow. This, combined with our value over
volume strategy and the disciplined allocation of capital, will
continue to deliver superior returns to our shareholders in the
short, medium and long term."
Q2 2019 vs Q2 vs Q1 H1 2019 vs H1
2018 2019 2018
---------------------------- ---
Pilbara iron ore shipments
(100% basis) Mt 85.4 -3% +24% 154.6 -8%
Pilbara iron ore production
(100% basis) Mt 79.7 -7% +5% 155.7 -8%
Bauxite kt 13,407 +1% +5% 26,171 +1%
Aluminium kt 803 0% +1% 1,599 0%
Mined copper kt 137.1 -13% -5% 281.0 -5%
Titanium dioxide slag kt 303 +31% +2% 599 +14%
IOC iron ore pellets and
concentrate Mt 2.5 +191% +2% 5.0 +55%
--- ------- ----- ----- ------- -----
Operational update
-- Pilbara iron ore shipments of 85.4 million tonnes (100% basis)
in the second quarter were 3% lower than the second quarter
of 2018. Shipments were impacted in April due to recovery
works following Tropical Cyclone Veronica.
-- 2019 guidance for Pilbara shipments was revised on 19 June
2019 to between 320 and 330 million tonnes, 100% basis (previously
between 333 and 343 million tonnes) due to mine operational
challenges. Unit cost guidance has been revised to $14 - $15
per tonne (previously $13 - $14 per tonne).
-- Lower iron ore production was the primary driver of a 2% reduction
in copper equivalent production in the first half compared
to the corresponding period of 2018.
-- Bauxite production of 13.4 million tonnes in the second quarter
was 1% higher than the same period of 2018.
-- Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was in line with
the second quarter of 2018.
-- Mined copper production of 137 thousand tonnes was 13% lower
than the second quarter of 2018, with lower production from
Escondida and Kennecott reflective of lower grades.
-- Titanium dioxide slag production of 303 thousand tonnes was
31% higher than the second quarter of 2018, reflecting improved
operational performance following operational challenges faced
in the corresponding period of 2018.
-- Second quarter production at Iron Ore Company of Canada was
significantly higher than the corresponding quarter of 2018,
which was impacted by a labour strike. However, guidance for
Rio Tinto's share of iron ore pellets and concentrate production
is revised to between 10.7 and 11.3 million tonnes (previously
11.3 to 12.3 million tonnes), due to adverse weather conditions
in the first quarter and a flooding incident in June.
-- Rio Tinto today released a separate announcement providing
an update on the Oyu Tolgoi underground project.
-- On 8 April 2019, Rio Tinto announced the approval of the construction
of the Zulti South project at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)
in South Africa for $463 million (Rio Tinto share $343 million).
-- On 15 April 2019, Rio Tinto announced it had committed $302
million ($166 million Rio Tinto share) of additional expenditure
to advance its Resolution Copper project in Arizona.
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 2018 is excluded from Rio Tinto
share of production data.
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)
Q2 2019 vs Q2 2018 vs Q1 2019 H1 2019 vs H1 2018
-------------------------
Pilbara Blend Lump 19.8 -9% -1% 39.8 -7%
Pilbara Blend Fines 28.5 -9% -1% 57.2 -6%
Robe Valley Lump 1.2 -16% +89% 1.8 -39%
Robe Valley Fines 2.1 -19% +72% 3.4 -41%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14.0 -2% +4% 27.4 -3%
-------
Total Pilbara production 65.6 -8% +2% 129.7 -8%
-------
Total Pilbara production
(100% basis) 79.7 -7% +5% 155.7 -8%
-------
Total Pilbara shipments
(a) (100% basis) 85.4 -3% +24% 154.6 -8%
------- ---------- ---------- ------- ----------
(a) Pilbara Blend sales include 2.4 million tonnes of alternate
products in Q2 2019 and 3.9 million tonnes in H1 2019
Pilbara operations
Pilbara operations produced 155.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto
share 129.7 million tonnes) in the first half of 2019, 8% lower
than the same period in 2018.
As highlighted in our first quarter Operations Review,
significant disruptions were caused by Tropical Cyclone Veronica,
and a fire at Cape Lambert A. The impacts of Cyclone Veronica
continued into the second quarter, with repairs to the Cape Lambert
A port facilities impacting Robe Valley and Yandicoogina shipments
and operations. All repairs are now complete.
As announced on 19 June 2019, mine operational challenges are
being experienced, particularly at our Greater Brockman hub. This
has seen shortfalls in planned material movement and impacted mine
sequencing both in the Greater Brockman hub and in the broader
system. Waste material movement will be increased over 2019 and
2020 to improve mine performance and pit sequencing. Cost guidance
(below) has been revised to include these additional mining
activities.
First half sales of 154.6 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 129.6
million tonnes) were 8% lower than the first half of last year due
to lower mine production and damage to the port facilities caused
by the cyclone.
Approximately 16% of sales in the first half of 2019 were priced
by reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one
month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average,
current month average or on the spot market. We continue to
prioritise meeting our long-term customer commitments.
Approximately 33% of sales in the first half were made free on
board (FOB), with the remainder sold including freight.
Achieved average pricing in the first half of 2019 was $78.5 per
wet metric tonne on an FOB basis (2018 first half: $57.9 per wet
metric tonne) which equates to $85.3 per dry metric tonne. Pilbara
Blend sales included an additional 2.4 million tonnes of alternate
products in the second quarter, bringing the total alternate
product sales in the first half of 2019 to 3.9 million tonnes.
Pilbara projects
The Koodaideri iron ore mine is progressing to plan with
engineering, procurement and construction activities on schedule,
including the ramp-up of the mine bulk earthworks and commencement
of rail bulk earthworks. First ore from Koodaideri is expected in
late 2021, consistent with previous guidance.
The Robe River Joint Venture sustaining production projects
(West Angelas C&D and Mesa B, C and H at Robe Valley) are
progressing through the necessary environmental and heritage
approval process. Mesa H environmental approvals have experienced
some delays, with contingency plans being assessed in case
required. Consistent with previous guidance, first ore from these
projects is anticipated in 2021.
2019 guidance
As announced on 19 June 2019, Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in
2019 are expected to be between 320 and 330 million tonnes, 100%
basis (previously between 333 and 343 million tonnes). Guidance
will remain subject to weather. Major rail maintenance is scheduled
to occur in October, and is reflected in the existing guidance.
Rio Tinto's Pilbara unit cost guidance in 2019 has been revised
to $14 - $15 per tonne (previously $13 - $14 per tonne), which
incorporates costs for the additional waste movement in the mines
in the second half, and the overall reduction in shipments.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q2 2019 vs Q2 2018 vs Q1 2019 H1 2019 vs H1 2018
--------------------
Rio Tinto Aluminium
Bauxite 13,407 +1% +5% 26,171 +1%
Bauxite third party
shipments 9,477 +8% +7% 18,318 +8%
Alumina 1,878 -6% -6% 3,886 -3%
Aluminium 803 0% +1% 1,599 0%
------- ---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Bauxite
Second quarter bauxite production of 13.4 million tonnes was 1%
higher than the same period of 2018. Production at managed
operations increased by 2%, with the ramp-up of Amrun progressing
despite weather related impacts in the first quarter. This was
partly offset by lower production from the non-managed Porto
Trombetas (MRN) JV in Brazil. The expansion project at CBG, a
non-managed JV in Guinea, experienced a slower than expected
ramp-up, but is now delivering at target run-rates.
9.5 million tonnes of bauxite were shipped to third parties in
the second quarter, 8% higher than the same period of 2018.
Alumina
Alumina production in the second quarter of 2019 was 6% lower
than the same period in 2018 due primarily to major maintenance
activities at non-managed QAL and the lower bauxite supply from MRN
impacting production at Vaudreuil.
Aluminium
Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes in the second quarter
was in line with the corresponding period of 2018. Excluding the
non-managed Becancour operation, where a lock-out constrained
operations, aluminium production in the first half was 1% higher
than the corresponding period in 2018, reflecting continued
productivity improvement.
On 2 July 2019, management and unions at the Becancour smelter
agreed a new labour arrangement which will lead to restart of
production at the end of July, with full ramp-up expected by
mid-2020.
Average realised aluminium prices in the first half of 2019 were
$2,174 per tonne (H1 2018: $2,547 per tonne). This includes
premiums for value-added products (VAP), which represented 54% of
primary metal sold in the first half of 2018 (H1 2018: 58%) and
generated attractive product premiums averaging $242 per tonne of
VAP sold (H1 2018: $222 per tonne) on top of the physical market
premiums. The mid-west premium duty paid increased from $396 per
tonne in the first half of 2018 to $420 per tonne in the first half
of 2019. A 10% tariff on aluminium imports into the United States
under Section 232, which was effective for Canadian imports, was
paid until the tariffs were removed on 19 May 2019.
There was some respite from cost inflation in Aluminium compared
with 2018 for certain raw materials, in particular for caustic soda
and petroleum coke albeit with a lag effect due to the pricing
mechanism. However, this was partly offset by inflationary
pressures on other costs.
Kemano
At the Kemano hydro-power facility at Kitimat, British Columbia,
the tunnel boring machine has achieved a total of 828 metres
excavated as at 30 June 2019. Current progress is slightly behind
schedule, but cost forecasts remain on budget.
2019 guidance
2019 guidance is unchanged. Rio Tinto's expected share of
bauxite production in 2019 is between 56 and 59 million tonnes.
Aluminium production guidance is between 3.2 and 3.4 million tonnes
and alumina production guidance is 8.1 to 8.4 million tonnes.
COPPER & DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q2 2019 vs Q2 2018 vs Q1 2019 H1 2019 vs H1 2018
-----------------------
Mined copper
Rio Tinto Kennecott 41.1 -20% -22% 93.7 +8%
Escondida 82.9 -10% +9% 158.9 -13%
Oyu Tolgoi 13.1 -1% -15% 28.5 +9%
Refined copper
Rio Tinto Kennecott 63.3 +55% +114% 92.8 +22%
Escondida 19.0 -9% +2% 37.7 -10%
Diamonds ('000 carats)
Argyle 3,292 -5% +18% 6,079 -13%
Diavik 1,188 +3% +18% 2,198 -1%
------- ---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Second quarter mined copper production was 20% lower than the
same period of 2018. Lower grades experienced as mining activity
moved into lower levels of the pit were partially offset by
increased mined ore.
Refined copper production was 55% higher than the second quarter
of 2018, reflecting strong smelter performance and improved mining
rates. Production was significantly higher than the prior quarter,
when the anode furnace was shut for planned maintenance.
Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party
concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 31.8 thousand
tonnes of concentrate received for processing in the second quarter
of 2019, compared with 31.3 thousand tonnes in the second quarter
of 2018. Purchased and tolled copper concentrate are excluded from
reported production figures.
Grades were higher in the second quarter for molybdenum, with
concentrate production more than two and a half times higher than
the same quarter in 2018.
Escondida
Mined copper production at Escondida in the second quarter of
2019 was 10% lower than the same period of 2018 mainly due to lower
copper grades feeding the concentrators.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production from the open pit in the second quarter
of 2019 was 1% lower than the same period in 2018 and 15% lower
than the prior quarter as ore sources move to lower grade areas of
the pit, as planned.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
On 16 July 2019, Rio Tinto released a separate announcement
providing an update on the Oyu Tolgoi underground project.
Provisional pricing
At 30 June 2019, the Group had an estimated 287 million pounds
of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 275 cents per
pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the
second half of 2019. This compares with 240 million pounds of open
shipments at 31 December 2018, provisionally priced at 277 cents
per pound.
Resolution Copper
On 15 April 2019, Rio Tinto announced it had committed $302
million ($166 million Rio Tinto share) of additional expenditure to
advance its Resolution Copper project in Arizona. The investment
will fund additional drilling, ore-body studies, infrastructure
improvements and permitting activities as Rio Tinto looks to
progress the project to the final stage of the project's permitting
phase.
Diamonds
At Argyle, carat production in the second quarter of 2019 was 5%
lower than the same period in 2018 due to lower recovered grade,
partially offset by stronger mining rates.
At Diavik, carats recovered in the second quarter were 3% higher
than the second quarter of 2018 due to slightly higher grades and
ore processing throughput.
2019 guidance
2019 guidance is unchanged. Rio Tinto's share of mined copper
production for 2019 is expected to be between 550 and 600 thousand
tonnes, subject to grade availability. Refined copper production is
expected to be between 220 and 250 thousand tonnes.
Diamond production guidance for 2019 is between 15 and 17
million carats.
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q2 2019 vs Q2 2018 vs Q1 2019 H1 2019 vs H1 2018
-----------------------
Iron ore pellets and
concentrate (million
tonnes)
IOC 2.5 +191% +2% 5.0 +55%
Minerals ('000 tonnes)
Borates - B(2) O(3)
content 138 +4% +20% 253 -1%
Titanium dioxide slag 303 +31% +2% 599 +14%
Uranium ('000 lbs)
Energy Resources of
Australia 620 +3% -22% 1,413 +11%
Rössing 1,142 +23% +43% 1,944 +9%
------- ---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Second quarter production available for sale at IOC was
significantly higher than the corresponding period of 2018, which
was impacted by a labour strike, and 2% higher than the prior
quarter. Although 55% higher than the corresponding period of 2018,
first half production was impacted by adverse weather in the first
quarter and a flooding incident in June.
Borates
Second quarter borates production was 4% higher than the second
quarter of 2018, and production will continue to be aligned to
customer demand.
Iron and Titanium
Titanium dioxide feedstock production in the second quarter was
31% higher than the same period of 2018, reflecting improved
operational performance following challenges faced in the
corresponding period of 2018.
Eight of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) are
currently in operation, with three of four furnaces currently in
operation at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). Reconstruction of the
currently idled fourth furnace at RBM commenced in July, with the
furnace expected to be in operation by the end of 2019. A decision
to re-start the remaining idled furnace at RTFT will be based on
maximising value over volume.
On 8 April 2019, Rio Tinto announced the approval of the
construction of the Zulti South project at RBM in South Africa for
$463 million (Rio Tinto share $343 million). First production is
scheduled for late-2021.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing
stockpiles. Second quarter production was 3% higher than the same
period of 2018, with higher grade and recoveries partly offset by
lower plant throughput.
Second quarter production at Rössing Uranium was 23% higher than
the same quarter of 2018, reflecting higher grades and
recoveries.
On 26 November 2018, Rio Tinto announced it had entered into a
binding agreement with China National Uranium Corporation for the
sale of its entire 68.62% stake in Rössing Uranium. Approval has
now been received from the Namibian Competition Commission and
final completion occurred in July.
2019 guidance
At IOC, guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2019 iron ore
pellets and concentrate production is revised to between 10.7 and
11.3 million tonnes (previously 11.3 to 12.3 million tonnes), due
to the adverse weather conditions in the first quarter and the
flooding incident in June.
Titanium dioxide slag production guidance is unchanged between
1.2 and 1.4 million tonnes, and boric oxide equivalent production
guidance remains at 0.5 million tonnes.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and
evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first half
of 2019 was $287 million, compared with $232 million in the first
half of 2018, with increased spend on central exploration and at
Resolution Copper. Approximately 51% of this expenditure was
incurred by central exploration, 38% by Copper & Diamonds, 7%
by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and
Aluminium.
There were no significant divestments of central exploration
properties in the second quarter of 2019.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18
countries across eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration
expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper targets in
Australia, Canada, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New
Guinea, Peru, Serbia, United States, Zambia and diamond projects in
Canada. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto
managed businesses including Pilbara Iron in Australia, Oyu Tolgoi
in Mongolia, Weipa in Australia, Diavik in Canada, as well as
Bingham, Resolution and Boron in the US.
At the Winu project in Western Australia, results continue to
indicate relatively wide intersections of vein style copper
mineralisation associated with gold and silver beneath relatively
shallow cover which ranges from 50 to 100 metres. The
mineralisation remains open at depth and to the east, north, and
south. Reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling is continuing,
with RC drilling primarily focused upon defining the extent and
tenor of the supergene zone, and diamond drilling continuing to
test the extents of the deposit. Drilling is ongoing with eight
diamond rigs and three RC rigs drilling at Winu.
A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:
Product Groups Studies stage Advanced exploration Greenfield/ Brownfield
projects programmes
Aluminium Cape York, Australia Amargosa, Brazil Cape York, Australia
Sanxai, Laos
---------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
Copper & Diamonds Copper/molybdenum: Copper: Winu, Australia, Copper Greenfield:
Resolution, US La Granja, Peru Australia, Chile,
Nickel: Tamarack, China, Kazakhstan,
US Mongolia, Namibia,
Diamonds: FalCon, Papua New Guinea,
Canada Peru, Serbia, US,
Zambia
Copper Brownfield:
Bingham, Resolution,
US Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia
Nickel Greenfield:
Canada, Finland,
Uganda
Diamonds Greenfield:
Canada
Diamonds Brownfield:
Diavik, Canada
---------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
Energy & Minerals Lithium borates: Uranium: Roughrider, Heavy mineral sands:
Jadar, Serbia Canada Tanzania
Potash: KP405, Canada Industrial Minerals:
Heavy mineral sands: Serbia
Mutamba, Mozambique
---------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia Pilbara, Australia Pilbara, Australia
---------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
Forward-looking statements
This announcement may include "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the US 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.
Contacts
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===================================== ================================
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===================================== ================================
Rio Tinto plc Rio Tinto Limited
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--------------------------------
Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter Half Year % Change
2018 2019 2019 2018 2019 Q2 Q2 H1
Q2 Q1 Q2 H1 H1 19 19 19
vs vs vs
Q2 Q1 H1
18 19 18
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ----- ---- -----
Principal Commodities
--------
('000
Alumina t) 1,999 2,008 1,878 3,988 3,886 -6% -6% -3%
('000
Aluminium t) 805 796 803 1,600 1,599 0% 1% 0%
('000
Bauxite t) 13,279 12,763 13,407 25,931 26,171 1% 5% 1%
('000
Borates t) 132 115 138 256 253 4% 20% -1%
('000
Copper - mined t) 156.8 143.9 137.1 296.1 281.0 -13% -5% -5%
('000
Copper - refined t) 61.7 48.3 82.3 117.9 130.6 33% 70% 11%
('000
Diamonds cts) 4,626 3,796 4,481 9,241 8,277 -3% 18% -10%
('000
Iron Ore t) 72,336 66,581 68,141 143,773 134,723 -6% 2% -6%
Titanium dioxide ('000
slag t) 232 296 303 525 599 31% 2% 14%
('000
Uranium lbs) 1,531 1,595 1,762 3,046 3,357 15% 11% 10%
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ----- ---- -----
Other Metals & Minerals
('000
Gold - mined oz) 82.8 115.4 111.6 152.2 227.0 35% -3% 49%
('000
Gold - refined oz) 48.4 41.7 52.9 89.2 94.6 9% 27% 6%
('000
Molybdenum t) 0.7 1.9 2.6 2.2 4.4 258% 37% 104%
('000
Salt t) 1,662 1,310 1,269 3,176 2,579 -24% -3% -19%
('000
Silver - mined oz) 1,448 1,481 1,403 2,686 2,883 -3% -5% 7%
('000
Silver - refined oz) 461 617 734 1,328 1,351 59% 19% 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 Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 100% 365 363 354 373 336 727 709
Jonquière (Vaudreuil)
specialty Alumina plant 100% 32 31 29 25 31 64 57
Queensland Alumina 80% 752 748 742 711 668 1,469 1,378
São Luis (Alumar) 10% 87 85 92 86 86 174 172
Yarwun 100% 763 744 803 813 757 1,556 1,570
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total alumina
production 1,999 1,972 2,020 2,008 1,878 3,988 3,886
------------------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100% 47 48 48 45 47 94 92
Australia - Boyne Island 59% 74 75 74 73 75 146 147
Australia - Tomago 52% 76 78 77 74 76 151 150
Canada - six wholly owned 100% 402 407 408 400 400 800 800
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) 40% 58 59 58 58 60 116 118
Canada - Bécancour 25% 9 8 8 4 4 19 8
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) 100% 53 53 54 52 52 105 105
New Zealand - Tiwai Point 79% 67 68 70 71 69 133 140
Oman - Sohar 20% 19 20 20 19 19 37 39
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total aluminium
production 805 814 817 796 803 1,600 1,599
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes)
(a)
Gove 100% 3,274 2,893 3,250 3,004 2,957 6,398 5,960
Porto Trombetas 12% 393 342 489 285 287 745 572
Sangaredi (b) 1,657 1,261 1,204 1,558 1,630 3,403 3,189
Weipa 100% 7,955 8,204 6,847 7,917 8,533 15,386 16,450
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 13,279 12,700 11,790 12,763 13,407 25,931 26,171
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity
of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré
bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined
onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent
production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates
and pellets.
(b) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine
but benefits from 45.0% of production.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------------------ ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B(2) O(3)
content)
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100% 132 137 118 115 138 256 253
------------------------------------------ ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 51.2 59.1 58.3 52.5 41.1 86.6 93.7
Escondida 30% 92.4 87.4 79.7 76.0 82.9 183.3 158.9
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 34% 13.2 13.2 13.9 15.4 13.1 26.2 28.5
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total mine production 156.8 159.7 151.9 143.9 137.1 296.1 281.0
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30% 21.0 16.6 21.6 18.7 19.0 41.9 37.7
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 40.7 54.2 64.6 29.6 63.3 76.0 92.8
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total refined production 61.7 70.8 86.1 48.3 82.3 117.9 130.6
(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 owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Argyle 100% 3,476 3,830 3,211 2,786 3,292 7,027 6,079
Diavik 60% 1,150 1,066 1,078 1,010 1,188 2,214 2,198
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total diamond production 4,626 4,896 4,290 3,796 4,481 9,241 8,277
------------------------------------------ ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 45.6 56.6 57.1 53.0 65.1 83.0 118.0
Escondida 30% 20.5 19.1 22.1 22.2 22.4 38.5 44.6
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 34% 16.8 25.8 39.1 40.2 24.1 30.8 64.3
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total mine production 82.8 101.4 118.4 115.4 111.6 152.2 227.0
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 48.4 50.3 58.6 41.7 52.9 89.2 94.6
(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 owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
---------------------------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Hamersley mines (b) 56,034 54,583 56,364 51,218 50,087 109,665 101,304
Hamersley - Channar 60% 1,227 604 1,337 931 1,451 2,363 2,382
Hope Downs 50% 5,783 5,713 5,845 5,957 6,051 11,126 12,007
Iron Ore Company of
Canada 59% 871 2,880 2,836 2,481 2,532 3,236 5,012
Robe River - Pannawonica
(Mesas J and A) 53% 4,048 4,208 4,004 1,870 3,329 8,720 5,200
Robe River - West Angelas 53% 4,373 4,021 4,631 4,125 4,692 8,663 8,817
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------
Rio Tinto iron ore production
('000 tonnes) 72,336 72,010 75,018 66,581 68,141 143,773 134,723
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend Lump 21,901 20,554 21,674 19,978 19,842 42,615 39,821
Pilbara Blend Fines 31,239 29,921 31,652 28,779 28,463 61,009 57,242
Robe Valley Lump 1,431 1,470 1,409 635 1,201 3,017 1,836
Robe Valley Fines 2,617 2,738 2,595 1,235 2,128 5,703 3,363
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,277 14,446 14,852 13,473 13,975 28,193 27,448
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------
Pilbara iron ore production
('000 tonnes) 71,465 69,129 72,182 64,101 65,610 140,537 129,711
IOC Concentrate 572 1,131 1,433 890 1,193 1,370 2,083
IOC Pellets 299 1,750 1,403 1,590 1,339 1,865 2,929
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------
IOC iron ore production
('000 tonnes) 871 2,880 2,836 2,481 2,532 3,236 5,012
Breakdown of Sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump 19,424 17,967 18,439 15,772 18,644 37,485 34,416
Pilbara Blend Fines 35,158 31,432 35,205 28,406 33,912 65,904 62,318
Robe Valley Lump 1,264 1,174 1,219 457 1,037 2,487 1,494
Robe Valley Fines 3,255 2,839 2,996 1,308 2,577 6,250 3,885
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,388 14,583 14,831 12,294 15,212 27,966 27,505
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------
Pilbara iron ore sales
('000 tonnes) (c) 73,489 67,995 72,690 58,236 71,382 140,093 129,618
IOC Concentrate 62 1,521 1,558 516 1,315 808 1,830
IOC Pellets 202 1,659 1,516 1,576 1,423 1,776 2,999
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------
IOC Iron ore sales ('000
tonnes) 263 3,180 3,073 2,092 2,738 2,584 4,830
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) 73,752 71,175 75,763 60,328 74,119 142,677 134,448
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates,
leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined
onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable
quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman,
Nammuldi, Silvergrass and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern
Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation
and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of
the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(c) Pilbara Blend sales include 2.4 million tonnes of alternate products in Q2 2019 and 3.9
million tonnes in H1 2019
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------------ ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 0.7 1.4 2.2 1.9 2.6 2.2 4.4
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates,
leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined
onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable
quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Dampier Salt 68% 1,662 1,481 1,496 1,310 1,269 3,176 2,579
------------------------------------ ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 615 708 736 741 700 1,076 1,442
Escondida 30% 758 599 771 657 622 1,460 1,279
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 34% 75 77 80 83 80 149 163
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total mine production 1,448 1,384 1,586 1,481 1,403 2,686 2,883
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 461 730 807 617 734 1,328 1,351
(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 owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (a) 100% 232 297 294 296 303 525 599
-------
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards
Bay Minerals (RBM).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
URANIUM
Production ('000 lbs U(3) O(8) ) (a)
Energy Resources of Australia 68% 603 820 924 793 620 1,270 1,413
Rössing (b) 69% 928 994 979 802 1,142 1,776 1,944
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto total uranium production 1,531 1,814 1,904 1,595 1,762 3,046 3,357
--------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------
(a) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U(3) O(8) .
(b) On 26 November 2018, Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement to sell its 68.62% interest
in the Rossing mine in Namibia to China National Uranium Corporation Limited.
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.
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 June 2019.
Rio Tinto's interest in the Kestrel, Hail Creek, Dunkerque and Grasberg operations were sold
in 2018. No data for these operations are included in the Share of production table.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland 80.0% 940 935 927 888 834 1,836 1,723
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100.0% 763 744 803 813 757 1,556 1,570
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10.0% 869 851 918 859 864 1,740 1,723
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery -
Quebec (a) 100.0% 365 363 354 373 336 727 709
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(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% 32 31 29 25 31 64 57
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2019. The data represent full production
and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
---------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production
('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter -
Tasmania 100.0% 47 48 48 45 47 94 92
Boyne Island smelter
- Queensland 59.4% 124 126 125 122 126 246 248
Tomago smelter - New
South Wales 51.6% 148 151 149 144 147 293 292
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100.0% 116 117 118 115 118 231 233
Alouette (Sept-Îles)
smelter - Quebec 40.0% 146 148 146 144 150 290 294
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100.0% 43 43 44 43 44 86 86
Arvida AP60 smelter
- Quebec 100.0% 13 13 13 14 15 26 29
Bécancour smelter
- Quebec 25.1% 35 32 30 17 16 74 33
Grande-Baie smelter
- Quebec 100.0% 58 59 59 58 58 115 116
Kitimat smelter -
British Columbia 100.0% 109 110 109 106 102 217 208
Laterrière smelter
- Quebec 100.0% 64 65 65 64 64 127 128
France
Dunkerque smelter
(a) 0% 52 66 57 - - 104 -
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100.0% 53 53 54 52 52 105 105
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 84 85 88 89 87 167 176
Oman
Sohar smelter 20.0% 97 98 99 97 97 183 194
(a) On 14 December 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its
100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter. Production is reported
up to the date of completion.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2019.
The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis
unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
-------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
BAUXITE
Bauxite production
('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern
Territory 100.0% 3,274 2,893 3,250 3,004 2,957 6,398 5,960
Weipa mine - Queensland 100.0% 7,955 8,204 6,847 7,917 8,533 15,386 16,450
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN)
mine 12.0% 3,273 2,848 4,073 2,372 2,393 6,212 4,765
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23.0% 3,683 2,803 2,675 3,463 3,623 7,561 7,087
Rio Tinto share of bauxite
shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments
('000 tonnes) 12,936 12,427 11,622 12,725 13,122 25,487 25,847
Share of third party bauxite
shipments ('000 tonnes) 8,738 8,441 7,387 8,842 9,477 16,986 18,318
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(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 June 2019.
The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis
unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
-------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
BORATES
Rio Tinto Borates
- borates 100.0%
US
Borates ('000 tonnes)
(a) 132 137 118 115 138 256 253
(a) Production is expressed as B(2) O(3) content.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COAL
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Hail Creek Coal mine
(a) 0.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000
tonnes) 1,380 396 - - - 2,304 -
Thermal coal ('000
tonnes) 1,018 449 - - - 2,311 -
Kestrel Coal mine
(b) 0.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000
tonnes) 1,303 484 - - - 1,733 -
Thermal coal ('000
tonnes) 220 35 - - - 293 -
Total hard coking coal production
('000 tonnes) 2,683 880 - - - 4,037 -
Total thermal coal production
('000 tonnes) 1,238 485 - - - 2,605 -
------- ------- ------- -------
Total coal production
('000 tonnes) 3,921 1,365 - - - 6,642 -
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total coal sales ('000
tonnes) 3,717 1,725 - - - 6,767 -
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
share (c)
Share of hard coking coal
sales ('000 tonnes) 2,228 650 - - - 3,596 -
Share of thermal coal sales
('000 tonnes) (d) 791 754 - - - 1,910 -
(a) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 82%
interest in the Hail Creek mine. Production is reported up to
the date of completion.
(b) On 1 August 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 80%
interest in the Kestrel mine. Production is reported up to the
date of completion.
(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 June 2019.
The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis
unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30.0%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000
tonnes) 31,732 30,513 30,507 32,027 32,519 63,936 64,546
Average copper grade
(%) 0.96 0.94 0.87 0.82 0.86 0.96 0.84
Mill production (metals
in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000
tonnes) 253.6 241.9 219.9 216.9 231.7 506.2 448.6
Contained gold ('000
ounces) 68 64 74 74 75 128 149
Contained silver ('000
ounces) 2,527 1,997 2,570 2,189 2,074 4,866 4,263
Recoverable copper in ore stacked
for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) 54.4 49.4 45.7 36.5 44.5 104.8 81.0
Refined production from
leach plants:
Copper cathode production
('000 tonnes) 70.1 55.4 71.9 62.4 63.5 139.5 125.8
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based
on ore stacked at the leach pad.
Freeport-McMoRan
Grasberg mine (a) 0.0% (b)
Papua, Indonesia
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 17,101 17,535 14,049 - - 32,725 -
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 1.06 1.00 0.73 - - 1.09 -
Gold (g/t) 1.77 1.77 1.08 - - 1.71 -
Silver (g/t) 5.09 4.49 2.09 - - 4.89 -
Production of metals
in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates
('000 tonnes) 165.7 158.7 85.4 - - 325.6 -
Gold in concentrates
('000 ounces) 842 842 402 - - 1,535 -
Silver in concentrates
('000 ounces) 1,548 1,439 545 - - 3,061 -
Sales of payable metals in concentrates:
(c)
Copper in concentrates
('000 tonnes) 145.3 170.6 82.7 - - 302.7 -
Gold in concentrates
('000 ounces) 740 903 399 - - 1,417 -
Silver in concentrates
('000 ounces) 1,098 1,221 426 - - 2,282 -
(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 Q4 2018 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year
plan. On 21 December 2018, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire
interest in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia to PT Indonesia Asahan
Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum). Production is reported up to the date
of completion.
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.
(c) Net of smelter deduction
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2019. The
data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise
stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
Tinto
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------ ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 8,974 11,173 10,853 10,685 10,123 18,234 20,808
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.63 0.58 0.59 0.55 0.46 0.53 0.50
Gold (g/t) 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.25 0.33 0.25 0.29
Silver (g/t) 2.73 2.62 2.76 2.76 2.84 2.49 2.80
Molybdenum (%) 0.025 0.030 0.032 0.032 0.039 0.025 0.035
Copper concentrates produced
('000 tonnes) 194 233 222 207 161 365 368
Average concentrate grade
(% Cu) 26.4 25.3 26.0 25.3 25.5 23.7 25.4
Production of metals in copper
concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes)
(a) 51.2 59.1 58.3 52.5 41.1 86.6 93.7
Gold ('000 ounces) 46 57 57 53 65 83 118
Silver ('000 ounces) 615 708 736 741 700 1,076 1,442
Molybdenum concentrates produced
('000 tonnes): 1.5 2.8 4.5 3.8 5.0 4.3 8.7
Molybdenum in concentrates
('000 tonnes) 0.7 1.4 2.2 1.9 2.6 2.2 4.4
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%
Copper concentrates smelted
('000 tonnes) 224 246 262 204 207 425 411
Copper anodes produced ('000
tonnes) (b) 44.4 58.1 62.4 33.3 60.3 86.9 93.6
Production of refined
metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) 40.7 54.2 64.6 29.6 63.3 76.0 92.8
Gold ('000 ounces) (c) 48.4 50.3 58.6 41.7 52.9 89.2 94.6
Silver ('000 ounces)
(c) 461 730 807 617 734 1,328 1,351
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2019.
The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis
unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
Tinto
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
---------------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Turquoise Hill Resources
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) 33.5%
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) 10,164 9,652 9,361 9,255 10,394 19,725 19,649
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 0.48 0.51 0.55 0.57 0.46 0.50 0.51
Gold (g/t) 0.26 0.38 0.56 0.58 0.31 0.25 0.44
Silver (g/t) 1.17 1.19 1.22 1.25 1.20 1.24 1.23
Copper concentrates produced
('000 tonnes) 178.8 179.8 189.0 210.1 180.6 356.1 390.7
Average concentrate grade
(% Cu) 22.0 21.9 21.9 21.8 21.7 22.0 21.8
Production of metals
in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates
('000 tonnes) 39.4 39.4 41.5 45.8 39.2 78.2 85.0
Gold in concentrates
('000 ounces) 50.0 77.0 116.7 120.1 71.8 91.7 191.9
Silver in concentrates
('000 ounces) 225 230 238 247 239 446 486
Sales of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates
('000 tonnes) 46.1 36.0 40.2 38.5 46.6 80.4 85.1
Gold in concentrates
('000 ounces) 51 55 111 98 116 82 213
Silver in concentrates
('000 ounces) 250 201 216 200 245 456 445
(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through
its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources.
DIAMONDS
Argyle Diamonds 100.0%
Western Australia
AK1 ore processed ('000
tonnes) 1,428 1,465 1,292 1,248 1,427 2,688 2,674
AK1 diamonds produced
('000 carats) 3,476 3,830 3,211 2,786 3,292 7,027 6,079
Diavik Diamonds 60.0%
Northwest Territories,
Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 652 670 651 620 671 1,208 1,291
Diamonds recovered ('000
carats) 1,916 1,776 1,797 1,683 1,980 3,690 3,663
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2019.
The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis
unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
Tinto
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
-------------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production
('000 tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 56,034 54,583 56,364 51,218 50,087 109,665 101,304
Hamersley - Channar 60.0% 2,045 1,007 2,228 1,552 2,419 3,939 3,971
Hope Downs 50.0% 11,567 11,426 11,691 11,913 12,101 22,252 24,015
Robe River - Pannawonica
(Mesas J and A) 53.0% 7,637 7,940 7,555 3,529 6,282 16,453 9,811
Robe River - West Angelas 53.0% 8,252 7,587 8,738 7,783 8,853 16,346 16,635
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total production ('000
tonnes) 85,534 82,542 86,576 75,995 79,741 168,654 155,736
-------------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend Lump 26,253 24,461 26,084 24,068 24,291 51,084 48,359
Pilbara Blend Fines 37,368 35,696 38,085 34,924 35,194 72,924 70,118
Robe Valley Lump 2,699 2,774 2,659 1,198 2,266 5,693 3,465
Robe Valley Fines 4,937 5,166 4,896 2,331 4,015 10,760 6,346
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,277 14,446 14,852 13,473 13,975 28,193 27,448
Breakdown of total sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump 22,954 21,644 22,161 18,968 22,287 44,410 41,255
Pilbara Blend Fines 42,638 38,100 42,497 34,558 41,105 79,957 75,663
Robe Valley Lump 2,386 2,215 2,301 863 1,957 4,693 2,820
Robe Valley Fines 6,141 5,356 5,652 2,468 4,862 11,793 7,330
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,388 14,583 14,831 12,294 15,212 27,966 27,505
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total sales ('000 tonnes)
(b) (c) 88,506 81,898 87,442 69,150 85,423 168,820 154,573
-------------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price,
Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass 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) Pilbara Blend sales include 2.4 million tonnes of alternate
products in Q2 2019 and 3.9 million tonnes in H1 2019
(c) 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) 974 1,926 2,441 1,516 2,031 2,334 3,547
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 510 2,979 2,389 2,709 2,280 3,177 4,989
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
IOC Total production ('000
tonnes) 1,484 4,905 4,830 4,225 4,311 5,510 8,536
Sales:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 105 2,590 2,653 878 2,239 1,376 3,117
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 343 2,825 2,581 2,684 2,424 3,024 5,108
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
IOC Total Sales ('000
tonnes) 449 5,415 5,234 3,562 4,663 4,400 8,225
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000
tonnes) 87,018 87,448 91,406 80,219 84,052 174,164 164,272
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) 88,954 87,314 92,676 72,712 90,085 173,220 162,798
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2019.
The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless
otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 H1 H1
Tinto
interest 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
--------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
SALT
Dampier Salt 68.4%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000
tonnes) 2,431 2,167 2,188 1,917 1,856 4,646 3,773
--------------------------- ----------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share)
(a)
Titanium dioxide slag
('000 tonnes) 232 297 294 296 303 525 599
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(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.
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URANIUM
Energy Resources of
Australia Ltd
Ranger mine (a) 68.4%
Northern Territory,
Australia
U(3) O(8) Production
('000 lbs) 881 1,199 1,351 1,160 906 1,856 2,066
(a) ERA production data are drummed U(3) O(8)
.
Rössing Uranium
Ltd (a) (b) 68.6%
Namibia
U(3) O(8) Production
('000 lbs) 1,352 1,449 1,427 1,168 1,665 2,589 2,833
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(a) Rössing production data are drummed U(3) O(8) .
(b) On 26 November 2018, Rio Tinto signed a binding agreement
to sell its 68.62% interest in the Rossing mine in Namibia
to China National Uranium Corporation Limited.
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2019.
The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis
unless otherwise stated.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
UPDUVRORKUABAUR
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 16, 2019 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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