TIDMRIO
RNS Number : 0000Q
Rio Tinto PLC
16 October 2019
Rio Tinto releases third quarter production results
16 October 2019
Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "We have delivered
improved production across the majority of our products in the
third quarter, with a solid result at our Pilbara mines driving
increased sales of iron ore into robust markets. Our strong value
over volume approach, coupled with our focus on operational
performance and disciplined allocation of capital, will continue to
deliver superior returns to shareholders over the short, medium and
long term."
Q3 2019 vs Q3 vs Q2 9 mths vs 9mths
2018 2019 2019 2018
---------------------------- ---
Pilbara iron ore shipments
(100% basis) Mt 86.1 +5% +1% 240.6 -4%
Pilbara iron ore production
(100% basis) Mt 87.3 +6% +10% 243.1 -3%
Bauxite Mt 13.8 +9% +3% 40.0 +3%
Aluminium kt 789 -3% -2% 2,388 -1%
Mined copper kt 157.8 -1% +15% 437.6 -4%
Titanium dioxide slag kt 321 +8% +6% 920 +12%
IOC iron ore pellets and
concentrate Mt 3.0 +3% +17% 8.0 +30%
--- ------- ----- ----- ------ --------
Operational update
-- Pilbara iron ore shipments of 86.1 million tonnes (100% basis)
in the third quarter were 5% higher than the third quarter
of 2018. Pilbara iron ore production of 87.3 million tonnes
(100% basis) was 6% higher than the third quarter of 2018
and 10% higher than the previous quarter, reflecting a good
recovery from the operational and weather challenges experienced
earlier in the year.
-- Third quarter bauxite production and shipments to third parties
were 9% and 23% higher, respectively, than the same period
of 2018. Bauxite production from non-managed Joint Ventures
was lower than planned year to date.
-- Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 3% lower than
the third quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting a preventive
safety shutdown at one of the three pot-lines at ISAL in Iceland
and earlier than planned pot relining at Kitimat in British
Columbia, Canada.
-- Mined copper production of 158 thousand tonnes was 1% lower
than the third quarter of 2018, but 15% higher than the second
quarter, reflecting higher grades at Kennecott and improved
throughput at Escondida.
-- At the Oyu Tolgoi underground project, the primary production
shaft (shaft 2) remains on track for commissioning this month.
Since July 2019, we have completed key infrastructure, including
the central heating plant, the shaft 2 jaw crusher system
and the surface discharge conveyor. Work continues on the
mine re-design.
-- Titanium dioxide slag production of 321 thousand tonnes was
8% higher than the third quarter of 2018, reflecting a continued
improvement in operational performance and the restart of
furnaces in 2019.
-- Third quarter production at Iron Ore Company of Canada was
3% higher than the corresponding quarter of 2018 and 17% higher
than the previous quarter, reflecting a return to normal operating
conditions following the flooding incident which impacted
June.
-- Guidance is unchanged, with the exception of bauxite production,
which has been revised to around 54 million tonnes (previously
56 to 59 million tonnes), and alumina production, which has
been revised to around 7.7 million tonnes (previously 8.1
to 8.4 million tonnes).
-- On 25 September 2019, Rio Tinto announced the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding with China Baowu Steel Group and
Tsinghua University to develop and implement new methods to
reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental performance
across the steel value chain.
-- Third quarter exploration and evaluation spend was $177 million,
62% higher than the same period of 2018, primarily reflecting
increased activity on advanced projects.
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)
Q3 2019 vs Q3 2018 vs Q2 2019 9 mths vs 9mths
2019 2018
-------------------------
Pilbara Blend Lump 21.0 +2% +6% 60.8 -4%
Pilbara Blend Fines 31.7 +6% +11% 89.0 -2%
Robe Valley Lump 1.6 +12% +37% 3.5 -22%
Robe Valley Fines 3.1 +12% +44% 6.4 -24%
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14.7 +2% +5% 42.2 -1%
-------
Total Pilbara production 72.2 +4% +10% 201.9 -4%
-------
Total Pilbara production
(100% basis) 87.3 +6% +10% 243.1 -3%
-------
Total Pilbara shipments
(a) (100% basis) 86.1 +5% +1% 240.6 -4%
------- ---------- ---------- ------ --------
(a) Pilbara Blend sales include 6.7 million tonnes of alternate
products in Q3 2019 and 10.7 million tonnes in the first nine
months of 2019
Pilbara operations
Third quarter production of 87.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share
72.2 million tonnes) was 6% higher than the same quarter of 2018
and 10% higher than the previous quarter. This reflects a solid
performance in the mines, with actions progressing as planned. Our
increased focus on waste material movement and pit development will
continue over 2019 and 2020 to improve mine performance and pit
sequencing. Our cost guidance (below) reflects these additional
mining activities.
A planned rail maintenance shut was executed late in the third
quarter, starting on 25 September and completed on 6 October. Our
cost and shipments guidance take into account the impact of this
activity.
Third quarter sales of 86.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 71.6
million tonnes) were 5% above the third quarter of 2018 and 1%
higher than the previous quarter.
We sold 6.7 million tonnes of alternate products in the third
quarter. These are included in the above sales figures. We expect
to make additional sales of these products in the fourth
quarter.
The majority of our iron ore shipments are priced by reference
to the average index price for the month of shipment. We priced
approximately 16% of sales in the first nine months of 2019 by
reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month,
with the remainder sold either on current quarter average, current
month average or on the spot market.
Pilbara projects
The Koodaideri iron ore mine is progressing to plan with
engineering, procurement and construction activities on schedule.
Preparatory works have commenced. We expect to produce first ore
from Koodaideri in late 2021, consistent with previous
guidance.
First ore from the Robe River Joint Venture sustaining
production projects (West Angelas C&D and Mesa B, C and H at
Robe Valley) is also anticipated in 2021, consistent with previous
guidance. West Angelas received all regulatory approvals in early
October 2019, and project construction has commenced. The Robe
Valley projects continue to progress through the environmental and
heritage approval processes. We are experiencing some delays for
Mesa H environmental approvals.
2019 guidance
Our 2019 Pilbara shipments guidance is unchanged at between 320
and 330 million tonnes (100% basis), subject to weather.
Our iron ore unit cost guidance in 2019 remains at $14 - $15 per
tonne.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q3 2019 vs Q3 2018 vs Q2 2019 9 mths vs 9mths
2019 2018
--------------------
Rio Tinto Aluminium
Bauxite 13,796 +9% +3% 39,967 +3%
Bauxite third party
shipments 10,361 +23% +9% 28,680 +13%
Alumina 1,826 -7% -3% 5,713 -4%
Aluminium 789 -3% -2% 2,388 -1%
------- ---------- ---------- ------ --------
Bauxite
Third quarter bauxite production was 9% higher than the same
period of 2018, with increased production across all sites.
We shipped 10.4 million tonnes of bauxite to third parties in
the third quarter, 23% higher than the same period of 2018.
Alumina
Third quarter alumina production was 7% below the same period of
2018. Production at Yarwun was lower due to an extended 35-day
shutdown, which included a planned five-year maintenance service of
the cogeneration plant. Normal production has since resumed at
Yarwun. Production at the Queensland Alumina non-managed JV was
impacted by maintenance activities, with the site expected to ramp
back to full capacity during the fourth quarter.
A project using industry-leading filter press technology to move
to bauxite residue dry stacking and extend the life of the
Vaudreuil refinery in Quebec is being commissioned in October. The
project commenced in February 2018 and will be commissioned six
weeks ahead of plan and under its budget of $188 million (C$250
million).
Aluminium
Third quarter aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 3%
lower than the same period of 2018, reflecting reduced production
at ISAL in Iceland and Kitimat in British Columbia, Canada. Our
Quebec and Pacific smelters continue to perform well, with third
quarter and year to date production 1% higher than the same periods
last year. This excludes the non-managed Becancour JV where the
restart is progressing well, following a lock-out, with full
ramp-up expected by mid-2020.
Production at ISAL was impacted by the preventive, safety driven
shutdown of one of the three potlines due to process instability.
This issue has been resolved and will result in an estimated 21
thousand tonnes production loss compared to last year, of which 17
thousand tonnes was in the third quarter.
Third quarter production at Kitimat was 15 thousand tonnes lower
than the same period last year due to earlier than planned
pot-lining replacement. We are accelerating work to minimise
further production impacts. The estimated impact on fourth quarter
production is reflected in our guidance below, with the 2020 impact
to be determined by pot relining needs.
The aluminium industry continues to face challenging conditions
in global markets and policy uncertainty, reflected in declining
prices. We are focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of our
smelters, including discussions with our Pacific stakeholders on
energy pricing, to ensure the sustainability and global
competitiveness of our Pacific smelters.
Kemano
At the Kemano hydro-power facility at Kitimat, tunnel boring
continues to progress with a total of 1,753 metres excavated as at
30 September 2019.
2019 guidance
We now expect our share of bauxite production to be around 54
million tonnes (previously 56 to 59 million tonnes), reflecting
weather related events in the first quarter, downtime to address
commissioning items on new mines and lower production from the
Pacific refineries.
We now expect our share of alumina production to be around 7.7
million tonnes (previously 8.1 to 8.4 million tonnes) due primarily
to maintenance activities in the Pacific refineries.
We expect our share of aluminium production to be at the lower
end of guidance (3.2 to 3.4 million tonnes), primarily reflecting
lower than planned volumes at the ISAL, Kitimat and non-managed
Becancour smelters.
COPPER & DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)
Q3 2019 vs Q3 2018 vs Q2 2019 9 mths vs 9mths
2019 2018
-----------------------
Mined copper
Rio Tinto Kennecott 57.8 -2% +40% 151.4 +4%
Escondida 90.5 +4% +9% 248.1 -8%
Oyu Tolgoi 9.5 -28% -27% 38.0 -4%
Refined copper
Rio Tinto Kennecott 40.3 -26% -36% 133.2 +2%
Escondida 16.8 +1% -12% 54.5 -7%
Diamonds ('000 carats)
Argyle 3,558 -7% +8% 9,636 -11%
Diavik 994 -7% -16% 3,191 -3%
------- ---------- ---------- ------ --------
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Third quarter mined copper production was 2% lower than the same
period of 2018, but 40% higher than the previous quarter, as mining
activity moved to an area of higher grades following the low grades
experienced in the second quarter.
Refined copper production was lower than comparable prior
periods, reflecting reduced copper concentrate availability from
the previous quarter, a planned smelter shut-down in July and
additional unplanned maintenance which reduced furnace online
time.
Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party
concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 11.9 thousand
tonnes of concentrate received for processing in the third quarter
of 2019, compared with 6.3 thousand tonnes in the third quarter of
2018. Purchased and tolled copper concentrate are excluded from
reported production figures.
Higher molybdenum grades were sustained in the third quarter,
with production of 2.1 thousand tonnes, compared with 1.4 thousand
tonnes in the same quarter in 2018.
Escondida
Third quarter mined copper production at Escondida was 4% higher
than the same period of 2018, mainly due to higher concentrator
throughput and an increase in recoverable copper in ore stacked for
leaching.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production from the open pit in the third quarter
of 2019 was 28% lower than the same period in 2018 and 27% lower
than the prior quarter as mining activity moved to lower grade
areas of the pit, as planned.
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project
Commissioning milestones for the primary production shaft (shaft
2) remain on target for completion in October. Rope-up of the
service and production hoists was completed as planned, and testing
of the braking system has also been completed.
Since July 2019, we have also completed key infrastructure,
including the central heating plant, the shaft 2 jaw crusher system
and the surface discharge conveyor.
As previously announced on 16 July 2019, enhanced geotechnical
information and data modelling suggests there may be some stability
risks with the Feasibility Study 2016 mine design and so a number
of mine design options are under consideration. Work is focusing on
evaluating design options, including the impact of relocation or
removal of some of the planned underground infrastructure, such as
the mid-access drives and the ore handling system and options for
panel sequencing.
Work on the final design of the first panel of mining, Panel 0,
is still anticipated to continue until early 2020 and the
Definitive Estimate, which will include the final estimate of cost
and schedule for the remaining underground project, is still
expected to be delivered in the second half of 2020.
Resolution Copper
On 9 August 2019, Rio Tinto announced that the Resolution Copper
project in the US had achieved a major permitting milestone with
the release of an independently prepared Draft Environmental Impact
Statement for the project. The rigorous review, conducted by the US
Forest Service over a six year period, included broad public
engagement.
Diamonds
At Argyle, carat production in the third quarter of 2019 was 7%
lower than the same period in 2018 due to lower recovered grade,
partially offset by stronger mining and processing rates.
At Diavik, carats recovered in the third quarter were 7% lower
than the third quarter of 2018 due to lower ore availability from
both the underground and the A21 open pit.
2019 guidance
Our 2019 guidance (Rio Tinto share) is unchanged, with mined
copper production of between 550 and 600 thousand tonnes, subject
to grade availability, refined copper production of between 220 and
250 thousand tonnes and diamond production of between 15 and 17
million carats.
ENERGY & MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production
Q3 2019 vs Q3 2018 vs Q2 2019 9 mths vs 9mths
2019 2018
-----------------------
Iron ore pellets and
concentrate (million
tonnes)
IOC 3.0 +3% +17% 8.0 +30%
Minerals ('000 tonnes)
Borates - B(2) O(3)
content 138 +1% +0% 391 -1%
Titanium dioxide slag 321 +8% +6% 920 +12%
Uranium ('000 lbs)
Energy Resources of
Australia 585 -29% -6% 1,998 -4%
Rössing 170 -83% -85% 2,114 -24%
------- ---------- ---------- ------ --------
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Third quarter production available for sale at IOC was 3% higher
than the corresponding period of 2018. It was 17% higher than the
prior quarter, when production was impacted by a flooding incident
in June.
Borates
Both the sodium borate and non-sodium borate refineries operated
below capacity during the third quarter, aligned with market
conditions. We will base any decision to increase refinery
utilisation rates on maximising value over volume.
Iron and Titanium
Titanium dioxide feedstock production in the third quarter was
8% higher than the same period of 2018, reflecting improved
operational performance and the restart of furnaces.
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). This compares with six
out of nine furnaces in operation at RTFT and three out of four at
RBM in the third quarter of 2018. We will base our decision to
re-start the remaining idled furnaces on maximising value over
volume.
Zulti South project
Construction of the $463 million Zulti South project at RBM in
South Africa, which was forecast to commence in June, has been
delayed due to ongoing negotiations with local communities.
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing
stockpiles. Third quarter production was 29% lower than the same
period of 2018, reflecting lower grades.
Production from Rössing Uranium is reported up to the date of
completion of divestment on 16 July 2019.
2019 guidance
Our 2019 guidance (Rio Tinto share) is unchanged, with iron ore
pellets and concentrate production of between 10.7 and 11.3 million
tonnes, titanium dioxide slag production of between 1.2 and 1.4
million tonnes and boric oxide equivalent production of 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 nine
months of 2019 was $464 million, compared with $341 million in the
first nine months of 2018, with increased spend at Resolution
Copper and on central exploration Order of Magnitude studies in
Australia and North America. Approximately 53% of this expenditure
was incurred by central exploration, 35% 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 third quarter of 2019.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18
countries across some seven commodities. The bulk of the
exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper in
Australia, Canada, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea,
Namibia, Peru, Serbia, United States, Zambia and diamonds projects
in Canada. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio
Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron in Australia, Oyu
Tolgoi in Mongolia, Diavik in Canada, as well as Resolution and
Boron in the US. A summary of activity for the quarter is as
follows:
Commodities Studies Stage Advanced 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:
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 Brownfield: 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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===================================== ================================
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--------------------------------
Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
Quarter 9 Months % Change
2018 2019 2019 2018 2019 Q3 Q3 9 MTHS
19 19 19
Q3 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS vs vs vs
Q3 Q2 9 MTHS
18 19 18
------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ---- ---- --------
Principal Commodities
--------
('000
Alumina t) 1,972 1,878 1,826 5,960 5,713 -7% -3% -4%
('000
Aluminium t) 814 803 789 2,414 2,388 -3% -2% -1%
('000
Bauxite t) 12,700 13,407 13,796 38,631 39,967 9% 3% 3%
('000
Borates t) 137 138 138 394 391 1% 0% -1%
('000
Copper - mined t) 159.7 137.1 157.8 455.8 437.6 -1% 15% -4%
('000
Copper - refined t) 70.8 82.3 57.1 188.6 187.7 -19% -31% 0%
('000
Diamonds cts) 4,896 4,481 4,551 14,137 12,828 -7% 2% -9%
('000
Iron Ore t) 72,010 68,141 75,117 215,782 209,839 4% 10% -3%
Titanium dioxide ('000
slag t) 297 303 321 822 920 8% 6% 12%
('000
Uranium lbs) 1,814 1,762 755 4,860 4,111 -58% -57% -15%
------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ---- ---- --------
Other Metals & Minerals
('000
Gold - mined oz) 101.4 111.6 87.8 253.7 314.8 -13% -21% 24%
('000
Gold - refined oz) 50.3 52.9 60.8 139.5 155.4 21% 15% 11%
('000
Molybdenum t) 1.4 2.6 2.1 3.5 6.6 56% -18% 86%
('000
Salt t) 1,481 1,269 1,392 4,657 3,972 -6% 10% -15%
('000
Silver - mined oz) 1,384 1,403 1,320 4,070 4,203 -5% -6% 3%
('000
Silver - refined oz) 730 734 664 2,058 2,014 -9% -10% -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 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 100% 363 354 373 336 360 1,090 1,069
Jonquière (Vaudreuil)
specialty Alumina plant 100% 31 29 25 31 28 95 85
Queensland Alumina 80% 748 742 711 668 669 2,216 2,047
São Luis (Alumar) 10% 85 92 86 86 99 259 271
Yarwun 100% 744 803 813 757 671 2,300 2,241
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total alumina
production 1,972 2,020 2,008 1,878 1,826 5,960 5,713
------------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
ALUMINIUM
Production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100% 48 48 45 47 48 141 141
Australia - Boyne Island 59% 75 74 73 75 75 221 222
Australia - Tomago 52% 78 77 74 76 77 228 227
Canada - six wholly owned 100% 407 408 400 400 399 1,208 1,198
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) 40% 59 58 58 60 61 175 179
Canada - Bécancour 25% 8 8 4 4 4 26 12
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) 100% 53 54 52 52 36 158 141
New Zealand - Tiwai Point 79% 68 70 71 69 70 200 210
Oman - Sohar 20% 20 20 19 19 20 56 58
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total aluminium
production 814 817 796 803 789 2,414 2,388
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes)
(a)
Gove 100% 2,893 3,250 3,004 2,957 2,968 9,290 8,929
Porto Trombetas 12% 342 489 285 287 385 1,087 956
Sangaredi (b) 1,261 1,204 1,558 1,630 1,749 4,664 4,938
Weipa 100% 8,204 6,847 7,917 8,533 8,695 23,590 25,144
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 12,700 11,790 12,763 13,407 13,796 38,631 39,967
(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 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes
B(2) O(3) content)
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100% 137 118 115 138 138 394 391
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
(a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 59.1 58.3 52.5 41.1 57.8 145.7 151.4
Escondida 30% 87.4 79.7 74.8 82.9 90.5 270.7 248.1
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 34% 13.2 13.9 15.4 13.1 9.5 39.4 38.0
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total mine production 159.7 151.9 142.7 137.1 157.8 455.8 437.6
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30% 16.6 21.6 18.7 19.0 16.8 58.5 54.5
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 54.2 64.6 29.6 63.3 40.3 130.2 133.2
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total refined production 70.8 86.1 48.3 82.3 57.1 188.6 187.7
(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% 3,830 3,211 2,786 3,292 3,558 10,857 9,636
Diavik 60% 1,066 1,078 1,010 1,188 994 3,280 3,191
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total diamond
production 4,896 4,290 3,796 4,481 4,551 14,137 12,828
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces)
(a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 56.6 57.1 53.0 65.1 64.6 139.6 182.6
Escondida 30% 19.1 22.1 22.2 22.4 14.6 57.6 59.3
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 34% 25.8 39.1 40.2 24.1 8.6 56.6 72.9
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total mine production 101.4 118.4 115.4 111.6 87.8 253.7 314.8
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 50.3 58.6 41.7 52.9 60.8 139.5 155.4
(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.
(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 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------ ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes) (a)
Hamersley mines (b) 54,583 56,364 51,218 50,087 55,567 164,248 156,871
Hamersley - Channar 60% 604 1,337 931 1,451 947 2,967 3,330
Hope Downs 50% 5,713 5,845 5,957 6,051 6,077 16,839 18,085
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59% 2,880 2,836 2,481 2,532 2,960 6,116 7,972
Robe River - Pannawonica
(Mesas J and A) 53% 4,208 4,004 1,870 3,329 4,725 12,928 9,924
Robe River - West Angelas 53% 4,021 4,631 4,125 4,692 4,840 12,685 13,657
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Rio Tinto iron ore production
('000 tonnes) 72,010 75,018 66,581 68,141 75,117 215,782 209,839
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of Production:
Pilbara Blend Lump 20,554 21,674 19,978 19,842 21,015 63,169 60,836
Pilbara Blend Fines 29,921 31,652 28,779 28,463 31,713 90,930 88,955
Robe Valley Lump 1,470 1,409 635 1,201 1,650 4,488 3,486
Robe Valley Fines 2,738 2,595 1,235 2,128 3,075 8,441 6,438
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,446 14,852 13,473 13,975 14,704 42,639 42,151
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Pilbara iron ore production
('000 tonnes) 69,129 72,182 64,101 65,610 72,156 209,666 201,867
IOC Concentrate 1,131 1,433 890 1,193 1,400 2,501 3,483
IOC Pellets 1,750 1,403 1,590 1,339 1,560 3,615 4,489
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IOC iron ore production
('000 tonnes) 2,880 2,836 2,481 2,532 2,960 6,116 7,972
Breakdown of Sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump 17,967 18,439 15,772 18,644 18,633 55,453 53,049
Pilbara Blend Fines 31,432 35,205 28,406 33,912 34,088 97,336 96,406
Robe Valley Lump 1,174 1,219 457 1,037 1,290 3,661 2,784
Robe Valley Fines 2,839 2,996 1,308 2,577 3,349 9,089 7,234
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,583 14,831 12,294 15,212 14,286 42,549 41,791
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Pilbara iron ore sales
('000 tonnes) (c) 67,995 72,690 58,236 71,382 71,646 208,088 201,264
IOC Concentrate 1,521 1,558 516 1,315 1,425 2,329 3,256
IOC Pellets 1,659 1,516 1,576 1,423 1,229 3,435 4,228
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IOC Iron ore sales ('000
tonnes) 3,180 3,073 2,092 2,738 2,654 5,763 7,484
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000
tonnes) 71,175 75,763 60,328 74,119 74,300 213,851 208,748
(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 6.7 million tonnes of alternate
products in Q3 2019 and 10.7 million tonnes in YTD 2019
.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
(a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 1.4 2.2 1.9 2.6 2.1 3.5 6.6
(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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Dampier Salt 68% 1,481 1,496 1,310 1,269 1,392 4,657 3,972
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces)
(a)
Bingham Canyon 100% 708 736 741 700 768 1,784 2,210
Escondida 30% 599 771 657 622 488 2,059 1,767
Oyu Tolgoi (b) 34% 77 80 83 80 64 227 227
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total mine production 1,384 1,586 1,481 1,403 1,320 4,070 4,203
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Rio Tinto Kennecott 100% 730 807 617 734 664 2,058 2,014
(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% 297 294 296 303 321 822 920
------
(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% 820 924 793 620 585 2,090 1,998
Rössing (b) 0% 994 979 802 1,142 170 2,771 2,114
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Rio Tinto total uranium production 1,814 1,904 1,595 1,762 755 4,860 4,111
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(a) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U(3)
O(8) .
(b) On 16 July 2019, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire
68.62% interest in the Rossing mine in Namibia to China National
Uranium Corporation Limited. Production is reported up to the
date of completion.
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 September 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 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
ALUMINA
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium
Group
Alumina production ('000
tonnes)
Australia
Queensland Alumina Refinery
- Queensland 80.0% 935 927 888 834 836 2,770 2,559
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100.0% 744 803 813 757 671 2,300 2,241
Brazil
São Luis (Alumar) refinery 10.0% 851 918 859 864 989 2,592 2,713
Canada
Jonquière (Vaudreuil)
refinery - Quebec (a) 100.0% 363 354 373 336 360 1,090 1,069
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(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% 31 29 25 31 28 95 85
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ --------- --------- --------- ------ ----------------
ALUMINIUM
Primary Aluminium
Primary aluminium production ('000
tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100.0% 48 48 45 47 48 141 141
Boyne Island smelter -
Queensland 59.4% 126 125 122 126 125 371 374
Tomago smelter - New South
Wales 51.6% 151 149 144 147 149 443 440
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec 100.0% 117 118 115 118 119 347 352
Alouette (Sept-Îles)
smelter - Quebec 40.0% 148 146 144 150 153 438 447
Arvida smelter - Quebec 100.0% 43 44 43 44 45 129 131
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec 100.0% 13 13 14 15 15 39 44
Bécancour smelter -
Quebec 25.1% 32 30 17 16 16 105 49
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec 100.0% 59 59 58 58 59 174 174
Kitimat smelter - British
Columbia 100.0% 110 109 106 102 96 327 304
Laterrière smelter
- Quebec 100.0% 65 65 64 64 65 191 193
France
Dunkerque smelter (a) 0% 66 57 - - - 170 -
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter 100.0% 53 54 52 52 36 158 141
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 85 88 89 87 88 252 264
Oman
Sohar smelter 20.0% 98 99 97 97 98 281 292
(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 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
--------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
BAUXITE
Bauxite production ('000
tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory 100.0% 2,893 3,250 3,004 2,957 2,968 9,290 8,929
Weipa mine - Queensland 100.0% 8,204 6,847 7,917 8,533 8,695 23,590 25,144
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine 12.0% 2,848 4,073 2,372 2,393 3,205 9,061 7,970
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) 23.0% 2,803 2,675 3,463 3,623 3,887 10,364 10,973
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments
Share of total bauxite shipments
('000 tonnes) 12,427 11,622 12,725 13,122 13,912 37,914 39,758
Share of third party bauxite shipments
('000 tonnes) 8,441 7,387 8,842 9,477 10,361 25,427 28,680
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine
but benefits from 45.0% of production.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
---------------------------- ---------- ------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------ ----------------
BORATES
Rio Tinto Borates - borates 100.0%
US
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 137 118 115 138 138 394 391
(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) 396 - - - - 2,700 -
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 449 - - - - 2,760 -
Kestrel Coal mine (b) 0.0%
Queensland
Hard coking coal ('000
tonnes) 484 - - - - 2,217 -
Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) 35 - - - - 329 -
Total hard coking coal production
('000 tonnes) 880 - - - - 4,917 -
Total thermal coal production
('000 tonnes) 485 - - - - 3,089 -
--------- --------- --------- ----------------
Total coal production ('000
tonnes) 1,365 - - - - 8,007 -
------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------ ----------------
Total coal sales ('000
tonnes) 1,725 - - - - 8,492 -
------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------ ----------------
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
share (c)
Share of hard coking coal sales
('000 tonnes) 650 - - - - 4,246 -
Share of thermal coal sales ('000
tonnes) (d) 754 - - - - 2,664 -
(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 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ --------- --------- --------- ------ ----------------
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30.0%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000
tonnes) 30,513 30,507 32,027 32,519 33,956 94,449 98,502
Average copper grade (%) 0.94 0.87 0.82 0.86 0.86 0.95 0.85
Mill production (metals
in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000
tonnes) 241.9 219.9 212.4 231.7 245.1 748.1 689.2
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 64 74 74 75 49 192 198
Contained silver ('000
ounces) 1,997 2,570 2,189 2,074 1,626 6,863 5,889
Recoverable copper in ore stacked
for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) 49.4 45.7 36.8 44.5 56.7 154.2 137.9
Refined production from
leach plants:
Copper cathode production
('000 tonnes) 55.4 71.9 62.4 63.5 55.9 194.9 181.8
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching
is based on ore stacked at the leach pad.
Freeport-McMoRan
0.0%
Grasberg mine (a) (b)
Papua, Indonesia
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 17,535 14,049 - - - 50,261 -
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 1.00 0.73 - - - 1.06 -
Gold (g/t) 1.77 1.08 - - - 1.73 -
Silver (g/t) 4.49 2.09 - - - 4.75 -
Production of metals in
concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000
tonnes) 158.7 85.4 - - - 484.3 -
Gold in concentrates ('000
ounces) 842 402 - - - 2,377 -
Silver in concentrates ('000
ounces) 1,439 545 - - - 4,500 -
Sales of payable metals in concentrates:
(c)
Copper in concentrates ('000
tonnes) 170.6 82.7 - - - 473.3 -
Gold in concentrates ('000
ounces) 903 399 - - - 2,320 -
Silver in concentrates ('000
ounces) 1,221 426 - - - 3,502 -
(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 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
----------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Rio Tinto Kennecott
Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 11,173 10,853 10,685 10,123 10,084 29,407 30,892
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.58 0.59 0.55 0.46 0.64 0.55 0.55
Gold (g/t) 0.26 0.26 0.25 0.33 0.30 0.25 0.29
Silver (g/t) 2.62 2.76 2.76 2.84 2.74 2.53 2.78
Molybdenum (%) 0.030 0.032 0.032 0.039 0.039 0.027 0.037
Copper concentrates produced ('000
tonnes) 233 222 207 161 207 598 575
Average concentrate grade
(% Cu) 25.3 26.0 25.3 25.5 27.8 24.3 26.3
Production of metals in copper
concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 59.1 58.3 52.5 41.1 57.8 145.7 151.4
Gold ('000 ounces) 57 57 53 65 65 140 183
Silver ('000 ounces) 708 736 741 700 768 1,784 2,210
Molybdenum concentrates produced
('000 tonnes): 2.8 4.5 3.8 5.0 4.3 7.0 13.0
Molybdenum in concentrates
('000 tonnes) 1.4 2.2 1.9 2.6 2.1 3.5 6.6
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%
Copper concentrates smelted ('000
tonnes) 246 262 204 207 160 670 571
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes)
(b) 58.1 62.4 33.3 60.3 39.3 144.9 132.9
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) 54.2 64.6 29.6 63.3 40.3 130.2 133.2
Gold ('000 ounces) (c) 50.3 58.6 41.7 52.9 60.8 139.5 155.4
Silver ('000 ounces) (c) 730 807 617 734 664 2,058 2,014
(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 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
--------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Turquoise Hill Resources
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) 33.5%
Mongolia
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) 9,652 9,361 9,255 10,394 10,040 29,377 29,689
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 0.51 0.55 0.57 0.46 0.37 0.50 0.46
Gold (g/t) 0.38 0.56 0.58 0.31 0.14 0.29 0.34
Silver (g/t) 1.19 1.22 1.25 1.20 1.03 1.22 1.16
Copper concentrates produced ('000
tonnes) 179.8 189.0 210.1 180.6 131.3 535.9 522.1
Average concentrate grade
(% Cu) 21.9 21.9 21.8 21.7 21.7 21.9 21.7
Production of metals in
concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000
tonnes) 39.4 41.5 45.8 39.2 28.4 117.6 113.4
Gold in concentrates ('000
ounces) 77.0 116.7 120.1 71.8 25.6 168.8 217.5
Silver in concentrates ('000
ounces) 230 238 247 239 191 676 677
Sales of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000
tonnes) 36.0 40.2 38.5 46.6 32.5 116.4 117.6
Gold in concentrates ('000
ounces) 55 111 98 116 35 137 249
Silver in concentrates ('000
ounces) 201 216 200 245 207 657 652
(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) 1,465 1,292 1,248 1,427 1,716 4,153 4,390
AK1 diamonds produced ('000
carats) 3,830 3,211 2,786 3,292 3,558 10,857 9,636
Diavik Diamonds 60.0%
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 670 651 620 671 628 1,879 1,919
Diamonds recovered ('000
carats) 1,776 1,797 1,683 1,980 1,656 5,467 5,319
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Western Australia
Pilbara Operations
Saleable iron ore production ('000
tonnes)
Hamersley mines (a) 54,583 56,364 51,218 50,087 55,567 164,248 156,871
Hamersley - Channar 60.0% 1,007 2,228 1,552 2,419 1,579 4,945 5,549
Hope Downs 50.0% 11,426 11,691 11,913 12,101 12,155 33,677 36,169
Robe River - Pannawonica
(Mesas J and A) 53.0% 7,940 7,555 3,529 6,282 8,914 24,393 18,725
Robe River - West Angelas 53.0% 7,587 8,738 7,783 8,853 9,133 23,933 25,768
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Total production ('000 tonnes) 82,542 86,576 75,995 79,741 87,347 251,196 243,083
------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Breakdown of total production:
Pilbara Blend Lump 24,461 26,084 24,068 24,291 25,434 75,545 73,793
Pilbara Blend Fines 35,696 38,085 34,924 35,194 38,296 108,620 108,413
Robe Valley Lump 2,774 2,659 1,198 2,266 3,113 8,467 6,578
Robe Valley Fines 5,166 4,896 2,331 4,015 5,802 15,926 12,148
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,446 14,852 13,473 13,975 14,704 42,639 42,151
Breakdown of total sales:
Pilbara Blend Lump 21,644 22,161 18,968 22,287 22,014 66,054 63,269
Pilbara Blend Fines 38,100 42,497 34,558 41,105 41,004 118,058 116,667
Robe Valley Lump 2,215 2,301 863 1,957 2,433 6,908 5,253
Robe Valley Fines 5,356 5,652 2,468 4,862 6,318 17,149 13,648
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) 14,583 14,831 12,294 15,212 14,286 42,549 41,791
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Total sales ('000 tonnes)
(b) (c) 81,898 87,442 69,150 85,423 86,055 250,718 240,628
------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
(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 6.7 million tonnes of alternate
products in Q3 2019 and 10.7 million tonnes in the first nine
months of 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) 1,926 2,441 1,516 2,031 2,384 4,260 5,932
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,979 2,389 2,709 2,280 2,657 6,156 7,646
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IOC Total production ('000
tonnes) 4,905 4,830 4,225 4,311 5,041 10,416 13,577
Sales:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 2,590 2,653 878 2,239 2,427 3,966 5,544
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,825 2,581 2,684 2,424 2,093 5,849 7,201
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes) 5,415 5,234 3,562 4,663 4,520 9,815 12,745
Global Iron Ore Totals
Iron Ore Production ('000
tonnes) 87,448 91,406 80,219 84,052 92,389 261,612 256,660
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) 87,314 92,676 72,712 90,085 90,576 260,533 253,373
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September
2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
Rio Tinto Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2018 2019
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
SALT
Dampier Salt 68.4%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 2,167 2,188 1,917 1,856 2,036 6,813 5,810
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share) (a)
Titanium dioxide slag ('000
tonnes) 297 294 296 303 321 822 920
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(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) 1,199 1,351 1,160 906 855 3,056 2,921
(a) ERA production data are drummed U(3) O(8)
.
Rössing Uranium Ltd
(a) (b) 0.0%
Namibia
U(3) O(8) Production ('000
lbs) 1,449 1,427 1,168 1,665 247 4,038 3,080
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(a) Rössing production data are drummed U(3) O(8) .
(b) On 16 July 2019, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire
68.62% interest in the Rossing mine in Namibia to China National
Uranium Corporation Limited. Production is reported up to the
date of completion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September
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
MSCMABBTMBABTFL
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 16, 2019 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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