Rio Tinto Plc – releases 2nd quarter production results

Rio Tinto releases second quarter production results

 17 July 2018

 

Q2 2018

vs Q2 2017

vs Q1 2018

H1 2018

vs H1 2017

Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis)

Mt

88.5

+14%

+10%

168.8

+9%

Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis)

Mt

85.5

+7%

+3%

168.7

+7%

Bauxite

kt

13,279

+3%

+5%

25,931

+7%

Aluminium

kt

858

-3%

+1%

1,704

-4%

Mined copper

kt

156.8

+26%

+13%

296.1

+42%

Hard coking coal

kt

2,174

+40%

+97%

3,276

+4%

Titanium dioxide slag

kt

232

-27%

-21%

525

-19%

IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate

Mt

0.9

-68%

-63%

3.2

-39%

 

Key points

·      Pilbara iron ore shipments of 88.5 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in the second quarter were 14 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017, benefiting from better weather and reflecting improved productivity across the system. Shipments in 2018 are expected to be at the upper end of the existing guidance range of 330 to 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis).

·      Bauxite production of 13.3 million tonnes was three per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017, due to continued operational improvements. Third party shipments increased by ten per cent to 8.7 million tonnes due to firm demand.

·      Aluminium production of 0.9 million tonnes was three per cent lower than the second quarter of 2017 due primarily to labour disruptions at the non-managed Becancour smelter in Canada and a power interruption at the Dunkerque smelter in France.

·      Mined copper production of 156.8 thousand tonnes was 26 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017, reflecting strong production at Escondida following a labour union strike in the first half of last year.

·      Hard coking coal production was 40 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017 due primarily to the impact of Cyclone Debbie last year.

·      Titanium dioxide slag production was 27 per cent lower than the second quarter of 2017. Production was suspended at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane in Sorel-Tracy following a fatality on 26 April 2018. Production at Richards Bay Minerals has been impacted by ongoing labour disputes between contractors and their employees.

·      Production at Iron Ore Company of Canada was significantly impacted in the second quarter, where operations were suspended while a new labour agreement was reached. Operations returned to normal production rates by the end of June 2018.

·      Cost inflation is being experienced, particularly in the Aluminium group with higher raw material costs.   Disruptions during the first half have also impacted unit costs at IOC and RBM.

·      The major growth projects remain on track, with first bauxite shipment from Amrun expected in the first half of 2019 and construction of the first drawbell at Oyu Tolgoi Underground anticipated in mid-2020.

·      The AutoHaulTM project achieved two major milestones, with regulatory approval on 18 May 2018 and the first loaded autonomous train journey from mine to port completed on 10 July 2018.

·      Divestments announced in the first half of 2018 totalling $5.0 billion pre-tax, subject to completion conditions, are all expected to complete by the end of 2018, including the Dunkerque and ISAL smelter sales and the Group's coking coal assets.

·      On 12 July 2018, Rio Tinto announced that it had signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement with PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum), and Freeport-McMoRan Inc. detailing the proposed principal terms for the sale of its entire interest in Grasberg to Inalum for $3.5 billion. Given the terms that remain to be agreed, there is no certainty the transaction will complete and any final agreements will be subject to regulatory approvals.

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 2017 is excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2018 remain in comparisons.

IRON ORE

 

Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

 

Q2 2018

vs Q2 2017

vs Q1 2018

H1 2018

vs H1 2017

Pilbara Blend Lump

21.9

+11%

+6%

42.6

+9%

Pilbara Blend Fines

31.2

+11%

+5%

61.0

+11%

Robe Valley Lump

1.4

-2%

-10%

3.0

+4%

Robe Valley Fines

2.6

+18%

-15%

5.7

+25%

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

14.3

+6%

+3%

28.2

+4%

Total Pilbara production

71.5

 

 

140.5

 

Total Pilbara production (100% basis)

85.5

 

 

168.7

 

 

Pilbara operations

Pilbara operations produced 168.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 140.5 million tonnes) in the first half of 2018, seven per cent higher than the same period of 2017. Second quarter production of 85.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 71.5 million tonnes) was also seven per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017, reflecting favourable weather conditions compared to last year, the ramp-up of Silvergrass and the ongoing implementation of productivity improvements across the integrated system.

 

Sales of 168.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 140.1 million tonnes) were nine per cent higher than the first half of 2017, with second quarter sales of 88.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 73.5 million tonnes) some 14 per cent higher than the same period of last year. The continued improvement in productivity and flexibility across the system enabled Rio Tinto to benefit from strong lump premiums during the first half, with record lump sales achieved in the second quarter.

 

Approximately 17 per cent of sales in the quarter 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. 

 

Approximately 31 per cent of sales in the quarter were made free on board (FOB), with the remainder sold including freight.

 

Achieved average pricing in the first half of 2018 was $57.9 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis (equivalent to $63.0 per dry metric tonne). In 2017, the full year price achieved was $59.6 per wet metric tonne (equivalent to $64.8 per dry metric tonne).

 

Pilbara projects

The automation of the Pilbara train system (AutoHaulTM) continues to advance, with approximately 65 per cent of trains at the end of the quarter having run in either a driver attended or autonomous mode and more than 3.3 million kilometres now completed in this mode of operation. AutoHaulTM received accreditation to run trains in autonomous mode from the National Rail Safety Regulator on 18 May 2018 and the first loaded autonomous train journey took place on 10 July 2018. Full implementation of the autonomous programme is expected by the end of 2018.                                                                                                                                               

 

The Koodaideri feasibility study is on track for completion in 2018.

 

2018 guidance

As a result of the strong performance in the first half, Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in 2018 are expected to be at the upper end of the existing guidance range (330 to 340 million tonnes, 100 per cent basis). For the current year, shipments are expected to be more evenly distributed between the first and second halves compared to prior years, when shipments have typically been skewed to the second half following seasonal disruption in the first half.

 



 

ALUMINIUM

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

 

Q2 2018

vs Q2 2017

vs Q1 2018

H1 2018

vs H1 2017

Rio Tinto Aluminium

 

 

 

 

 

Bauxite

13,279

+3%

+5%

25,931

+7%

Alumina

1,999

-1%

+0%

3,988

-2%

Aluminium

858

-3%

+1%

1,704

-4%

 

Bauxite

Bauxite production of 13.3 million tonnes was three per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017, reflecting the continued implementation of operational improvements. Gove production was 18 per cent higher due to the continued debottlenecking of the materials handling system, whilst stronger production was also achieved at Weipa.

 

8.7 million tonnes of bauxite were shipped to third parties in the second quarter of 2018, ten per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017 due to firm demand.

 

Amrun

The Amrun project remains on schedule for first shipment in the first half of 2019. The stacker and reclaimer have been transported to site following completion of fabrication, whilst the shiploader assembly is also nearing completion.

 

Alumina

Alumina production for the quarter was one per cent lower than the corresponding period in 2017.

 

Although Rio Tinto is broadly balanced in alumina, it is exposed to long-term legacy alumina sales contracts, which are LME linked. The significant escalation in the alumina index price during the second quarter, as a result of industry supply disruptions, has considerably increased the financial impact of these legacy contracts.

 

Aluminium

Quarterly aluminium production was three per cent lower than the corresponding period last year, mainly due to an ongoing lock-out at the non-managed Becancour smelter, which began on 11 January 2018, as well as a power interruption at the Dunkerque smelter which occurred on 6 February 2018. Dunkerque has been progressively ramping up towards full production during the second quarter. Excluding these assets, aluminium production for the second quarter was one per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017, reflecting continued productivity creep.

 

Average realised aluminium prices in the first half of 2018 were $2,547 per tonne (H1 2017: $2,151 per tonne). This includes premiums for value-added products (VAP), which represented 58 per cent of primary metal sold in the first half of 2018 (H1 2017: 57 per cent) and generated attractive product premiums averaging $222 per tonne of VAP sold (H1 2017: $217 per tonne) on top of the physical market premiums. The mid-west premium increased from $209 per tonne in the second half of 2017 to $463 per tonne in the first half of 2018, partly reflecting the announcement on 1 March 2018 of a ten per cent tariff on aluminium imports into the United States under Section 232. The tariffs were effective from 1 June 2018 for Canada, with only Australia and Argentina remaining exempt.

 

As previously guided, significant raw material cost headwinds have been experienced by the Aluminium business, with the impact during the first half of 2018 already considerably exceeding the full year 2017 impact. This is expected to continue into the second half of 2018.

 

Furthermore, additional costs have been incurred as a result of the Becancour lock-out, whilst higher than expected power costs have been experienced in Australia due to higher coal prices impacting power contracts.

 

Following the announcement by the United States Treasury Department on 6 April 2018, that it was implementing sanctions on various Russian individuals and companies, Rio Tinto announced on 13 April 2018 that it had reviewed arrangements it had with impacted entities and was in the process of declaring force majeure on certain contracts. However, the wind-down period was extended until 23 October 2018 and no force majeure declarations have been made to date. Rio Tinto continues to monitor this situation closely.

 

Binding offers for the sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter in France for $500 million and the ISAL aluminium smelter in Iceland for $345 million were announced in the first quarter of 2018. The sales are expected to complete in the third quarter of 2018, subject to satisfactory completion of consultations with key stakeholders and applicable regulatory clearances.

 

2018 guidance

Rio Tinto's expected share of production in 2018 remains unchanged at between 49 and 51 million tonnes of bauxite and 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina. Aluminium guidance of 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes will be adjusted following completion of the sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque and ISAL smelters. 

COPPER & DIAMONDS

 

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

 

Q2 2018

vs Q2 2017

vs Q1 2018

H1 2018

vs H1 2017

Mined copper

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

51.2

+16%

+44%

86.6

-2%

Escondida

92.4

+35%

+2%

183.3

+92%

Grasberg

0.0

N/A

N/A

0.0

N/A

Oyu Tolgoi

13.2

+6%

+2%

26.2

+4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Refined copper

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

40.7

+100%

+15%

76.0

+52%

Escondida

21.0

+12%

+1%

41.9

+55%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diamonds ('000 carats)

 

 

 

 

 

Argyle

3,476

+8%

-2%

7,027

+13%

Diavik

1,150

+3%

+8%

2,214

-2%

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

Mined copper production in the second quarter of 2018 was 16 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017 as mining activity moved into a higher grade area of the pit. Refined copper was significantly higher than the corresponding period of 2017, which was affected by a 27 day smelter shutdown, with a continued draw-down in concentrate inventories. Improved productivity of the mining fleet resulted in a significant improvement in material movement compared with the corresponding period of 2017.

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, with 31.3 thousand tonnes of concentrate received for processing in the second quarter of 2018. Purchased and tolled copper concentrate are excluded from reported production figures.

 

The pushback of the south wall progressed during the quarter. It will extend the life of mine and remains on track for completion in 2020.

 

Escondida

Second quarter mined copper production at Escondida was 35 per cent higher than the same period of 2017, with first half production being 92 per cent higher than the first half of last year, which was impacted by a labour union strike. This performance also reflects the ramp-up of Escondida production to nameplate capacity following commissioning of the Los Colorados concentrator in the second half of 2017. Escondida's current labour agreement expires on 1 August 2018, and negotiations for a new agreement are in progress.

 

Oyu Tolgoi

Mined copper production from the open pit in the second quarter of 2018 was six per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2017 due to higher plant throughput.

 

Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project

Contractor numbers are approaching their peak, with a project workforce of over 7,500 at the end of June 2018, of which 89 per cent are Mongolian nationals. Shaft two equipping and headframe fit-out is in progress, and the shaft five ventilation system has been fully commissioned and is now operational. Construction of the first drawbell is still expected in mid-2020.

 

In February 2018 the Southern Region Power Sector Co-operation Agreement under which Oyu Tolgoi was committed to working with the Government of Mongolia on a Tavan Tolgoi Independent Power Provider project was cancelled. As a result the Government of Mongolia expects Oyu Tolgoi to deliver a domestic power source for the operation within four years (by February 2022).

 

Oyu Tolgoi is progressing studies and preparations for suitable power solutions and continues to discuss the provision of domestic power with the Government of Mongolia.

 

Grasberg

On 12 July 2018, Rio Tinto announced that it had signed a non-binding agreement with PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum), and Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) in relation to the future ownership of the Grasberg mine in Indonesia. The Heads of Agreement details the proposed principal terms for the sale of Rio Tinto's entire interest pursuant to a joint venture agreement with PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI) in Grasberg to Inalum, Indonesia's state mining company, for $3.5 billion.

 

Separately, the agreement sets out a proposed transaction between FCX and Inalum for the latter to buy an additional stake in Grasberg as well as additional terms relating to the future ownership and operation of Grasberg. All parties have committed to work towards agreeing and signing binding agreements before the end of the second half of 2018. Given the terms that remain to be agreed, there is no certainty that a transaction will be completed. Any final agreements will be subject to applicable government and regulatory approvals.

 

As part of the joint venture agreement, Rio Tinto is presently entitled to a 40 per cent share of production above an agreed threshold until the end of 2021 and 40 per cent of all production thereafter. Rio Tinto's full participation has been delayed due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement. The first full year in which Rio Tinto would participate to the full extent of 40 per cent of production is expected to be 2023.

 

In February 2018, PT-FI received an extension of its export permit to February 2019, with a temporary Mining Licence renewed on a short-term basis while PT-FI continues to engage with the Indonesian Government on matters pertaining to in-country processing, environmental regulation, share divestment strategy and the basis upon which operations at Grasberg will continue beyond 2021 with regard to the rights conferred by its Contract of Work.

 

Rio Tinto is reporting its metal share for the second quarter as zero and expects its metal share for 2018 to be zero.

 

Provisional pricing

At 30 June 2018, the Group had an estimated 264 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 312 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the second half of 2018. This compares with 250 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2017, provisionally priced at 304 cents per pound.

 

Diamonds

At Argyle, carat production was eight per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017 due to an increase in tonnes processed following improved plant availability.

 

At Diavik, carats recovered in the second quarter of 2018 were three per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2017 due to higher plant throughput. Development of the A21 project is ahead of schedule with first ore uncovered in March and the mine is expected to be at full production capacity during the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

2018 guidance

Rio Tinto's expected share of mined copper production for 2018 is unchanged at between 510 and 610 thousand tonnes. Refined copper production is expected to be between 225 to 265 thousand tonnes.

 

Diamond production guidance for 2018 is between 17 and 20 million carats.

 



 

ENERGY & MINERALS

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Q2 2018

vs Q2 2017

vs Q1 2018

H1 2018

vs H1 2017

Coal ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

Hard coking coal

2,174

+40%

+97%

3,276

+4%

Thermal coal (a)

1,011

-1%

-10%

2,130

+5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

IOC

0.9

-68%

-63%

3.2

-39%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minerals ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

Borates – B2O3 content

132

-1%

+7%

256

+0%

Salt

1,662

+13%

+10%

3,176

+36%

Titanium dioxide slag

232

-27%

-21%

525

-19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium ('000 lbs)

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Resources of Australia

603

-11%

-10%

1,270

-20%

Rössing

928

+8%

+9%

1,776

+16%

(a) Production from Coal & Allied of 9.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share) prior to divestment on 1 September 2017 has been excluded from the comparisons above.

 

Coal

Quarterly hard coking coal production was 40 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2017 due to the impact of Cyclone Debbie at Hail Creek in 2017, and 97 per cent above the prior quarter production due to mine resequencing at Hail Creek and the longwall changeover and maintenance works at Kestrel in the previous quarter.

 

Second quarter thermal coal production was one per cent lower than the corresponding quarter of 2017. 

Thermal coal production for 2017 has been restated for comparability excluding production of 9.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share) from the now divested Coal & Allied assets.

 

On 1 June 2018, Rio Tinto announced it completed the sale of its 75 per cent interest in the Winchester South coal development project in Queensland, Australia, to Whitehaven Coal Limited. Total consideration of $200 million is comprised of $150 million in cash received on the date of completion and an unconditional cash payment of $50 million due 12 months from the date of completion.

 

The sale of Rio Tinto's interests in the Kestrel and Hail Creek coal mines and Valeria coal development project are expected to complete during the second half of 2018, subject to satisfaction of completion conditions, with gross proceeds of $3.95 billion.

 



 

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

Operations were suspended on 27 March 2018 whilst collective bargaining negotiations took place with the local union workforce. During the second quarter, a new labour agreement was reached, the workforce returned to work on 28 May 2018, and IOC achieved a safe and successful restart and ramp-up of operations to normal production rates by the end of June 2018.

 

During the period of suspended operations there was no production, with focus placed on asset care and maintenance and planning for the safe restart of operations. Over this period, IOC continued to incur costs associated with maintaining the mine and plant assets and infrastructure, resulting in higher unit costs in the first half of 2018.

 

Production was significantly impacted in the second quarter, with pellet production of 0.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 0.3 million tonnes) and concentrate production for sale of 1.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 0.6 million tonnes). Sales were also significantly lower, with 0.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 0.3 million tonnes) of concentrate and pellets sold during the quarter.

 

Borates

Borates production was one per cent lower than the second quarter of 2017, with production aligned to customer demand.

 

Iron and Titanium (RTIT)

Titanium dioxide slag production for the quarter was 27 per cent lower compared to the second quarter of 2017.

 

On 26 April 2018 an employee suffered fatal injuries during an incident at the Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) facility at Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, Canada. As a result, operations were suspended for a period of ten days while the incident was investigated and operations were confirmed to be safe to recommence. The safe restart and ramp-up to normal operations was achieved by 2 July 2018.

 

Slag production at Richard's Bay Minerals (RBM) continues to be impacted by ongoing labour disputes between contractors and their employees. Following a suspension in the first quarter, mine and smelter operations restarted on 11 April 2018, but due to equipment damage the mine will reach full capacity later this year. RBM declared force majeure on deliveries to its titanium dioxide feedstock customers, which will be lifted once the operation returns to normal capacity.

 

On 9 July 2018, a serious incident occurred at RBM's mining operation, resulting in the fatality of a security contractor. The incident is now the subject of a police investigation. Rio Tinto's highest priority is the safety of its people, and operations at RBM were temporarily suspended.

 

Two of nine furnaces at RTFT remain idle, one of which is currently being rebuilt, along with one of four furnaces at RBM. The focus remains on maximising the productivity of the furnaces currently in operation, and a decision to restart idle furnaces will be based on maximising value over volume.

 

Salt

Salt production in the second quarter of 2018 was 13 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2017.

 

Uranium

Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing low grade stockpiles. 2018 second quarter production was 11 per cent lower than the same period of 2017 due to a planned plant shutdown and declining grades as laterite stocks are largely exhausted.

 

Production at Rössing in the second quarter of 2018 was eight per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017 due to higher mill grades which were partially offset by lower throughput due to water supply interruptions.

 

2018 guidance

Coal production guidance remains at 7.5 to 8.5 million tonnes of hard coking coal and 3.8 to 4.5 million tonnes of thermal coal. This assumes continued ownership of the coal assets until the end of 2018, and will be adjusted following completion of the asset disposals.

 

At IOC, the revised guidance for 2018 production is 9.0 to 10.0 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates (previously 10.3 to 11.3 million tonnes) to take into consideration the full impact of the extension of the strike and associated suspension of operations in the second quarter.

 

Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of titanium dioxide slag production in 2018 is revised to 1.1 to 1.2 million tonnes (previously 1.1 to 1.3 million tonnes), to reflect the operational and labour disruptions encountered in the first half. Guidance may be further updated to reflect the ongoing disruptions mentioned above. 

 

Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of boric oxide equivalent production in 2018 is unchanged at 0.5 million tonnes and guidance for uranium production in 2018 is unchanged at 6.2 to 7.2 million pounds.

 



EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION

 

Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first half of 2018 was $232 million, compared with $175 million in the first half of 2017, driven primarily by increased activity at Resolution. Approximately 44 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 34 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, 13 per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium.

 

There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the first half of 2018.

 

Exploration highlights

Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 17 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Botswana, Canada, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, Uganda, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, RTIT in Canada, Oyu Tolgoi and Weipa.

 

A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:

 

Product Group

Evaluation

projects

Advanced

projects

Greenfield

programmes

Aluminium

Cape York, Australia

Amargosa, Brazil

Australia, Laos

Copper & Diamonds

Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US

Copper: La Granja, Peru

Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia

Nickel: Tamarack, US

Diamonds: FalCon[1], Canada

Copper: Australia, Botswana, Chile, China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia

Nickel: Canada, Uganda

Diamonds: Canada

Energy & Minerals

Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia

Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique and Zulti South, South Africa

Uranium: Roughrider, Canada

Potash: KP405, Canada

Uranium: Canada

Heavy mineral sands: Tanzania

Iron Ore

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. 

 



 

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Rio Tinto production summary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Half Year

 

% Change

 

 

2017
Q2

2018
Q1

2018
Q2

 

2017
H1

2018
H1

 

Q2 18
vs
Q2 17

Q2 18
vs
Q1 18

H1 18
vs
H1 17

Principal Commodities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina

('000 t)

2,024

1,990

1,999

 

4,070

3,988

 

-1%

0%

-2%

Aluminium

('000 t)

888

846

858

 

1,777

1,704

 

-3%

1%

-4%

Bauxite

('000 t)

12,865

12,653

13,279

 

24,167

25,931

 

3%

5%

7%

Borates

('000 t)

133

124

132

 

256

256

 

-1%

7%

0%

Coal – hard coking

('000 t)

1,555

1,102

2,174

 

3,138

3,276

 

40%

97%

4%

Coal – thermal

('000 t)

1,022

1,119

1,011

 

2,022

2,130

 

-1%

-10%

5%

Copper – mined

('000 t)

124.7

139.3

156.8

 

208.9

296.1

 

26%

13%

42%

Copper – refined

('000 t)

39.1

56.1

61.7

 

77.1

117.9

 

58%

10%

53%

Diamonds

('000 cts)

4,335

4,616

4,626

 

8,487

9,241

 

7%

0%

9%

Iron Ore

('000 t)

67,699

71,436

72,336

 

133,925

143,773

 

7%

1%

7%

Titanium dioxide slag

('000 t)

316

294

232

 

647

525

 

-27%

-21%

-19%

Uranium

('000 lbs)

1,538

1,515

1,531

 

3,111

3,046

 

0%

1%

-2%

Other Metals & Minerals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold – mined

('000 oz)

72.5

69.4

82.8

 

138.3

152.2

 

14%

19%

10%

Gold – refined

('000 oz)

43.0

40.8

48.4

 

94.2

89.2

 

12%

19%

-5%

Molybdenum

('000 t)

0.8

1.5

0.7

 

1.6

2.2

 

-6%

-51%

33%

Salt

('000 t)

1,476

1,514

1,662

 

2,327

3,176

 

13%

10%

36%

Silver – mined

('000 oz)

1,118

1,237

1,448

 

2,064

2,686

 

30%

17%

30%

Silver – refined

('000 oz)

729

867

461

 

1,131

1,328

 

-37%

-47%

17%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonquière (Vaudreuil)

100%

365

351

365

362

365

732

727

Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant

100%

32

30

29

31

32

63

64

Queensland Alumina

80%

756

720

773

717

752

1,496

1,469

São Luis (Alumar)

10%

93

94

93

87

87

183

174

Yarwun

100%

778

790

816

793

763

1,597

1,556

Rio Tinto total alumina production

 

2,024

1,984

2,077

1,990

1,999

4,070

3,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINIUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia – Bell Bay

100%

47

48

47

47

47

91

94

Australia – Boyne Island

59%

73

74

74

72

74

154

146

Australia – Tomago

52%

76

77

77

75

76

151

151

Canada – six wholly owned

100%

397

401

405

398

402

791

800

Canada – Alouette (Sept-Îles)

40%

60

60

60

58

58

119

116

Canada – Bécancour

25%

26

28

27

10

9

55

19

France – Dunkerque (a)

100%

71

71

72

51

52

141

104

Iceland – ISAL (Reykjavik) (b)

100%

53

53

54

52

53

104

105

New Zealand – Tiwai Point

79%

67

67

67

66

67

133

133

Oman – Sohar

20%

19

7

5

17

19

38

37

Rio Tinto total aluminium production

 

888

887

887

846

858

1,777

1,704

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAUXITE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes) (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gove

100%

2,780

2,809

3,224

3,124

3,274

5,168

6,398

Porto Trombetas

12%

489

492

426

353

393

845

745

Sangaredi

   (d)

1,791

1,670

1,809

1,745

1,657

3,455

3,403

Weipa

100%

7,805

7,895

8,304

7,431

7,955

14,699

15,386

Rio Tinto total bauxite production

12,865

12,867

13,762

12,653

13,279

24,167

25,931



 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BORATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Borates – borates

100%

133

140

120

124

132

256

256

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL – hard coking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hail Creek Coal (e) (g)

82%

822

1,276

1,275

758

1,131

1,752

1,889

Kestrel Coal (f) (g)

80%

733

968

1,048

344

1,043

1,386

1,387

Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

1,555

2,244

2,322

1,102

2,174

3,138

3,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL – thermal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hail Creek Coal (e) (g)

82%

881

851

785

1,060

835

1,754

1,895

Kestrel Coal (f) (g)

80%

141

226

180

59

176

268

235

Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

1,022

1,076

966

1,119

1,011

2,022

2,130



 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 tonnes) (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

44.0

25.8

34.8

35.4

51.2

88.2

86.6

Escondida

30%

68.3

82.5

92.9

90.9

92.4

95.5

183.3

Grasberg – Joint Venture (h)

40%

0.0

0.0

5.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Oyu Tolgoi (i)

34%

12.5

12.4

15.2

13.0

13.2

25.2

26.2

Rio Tinto total mine production

 

124.7

120.6

148.6

139.3

156.8

208.9

296.1

Refined production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Escondida

30%

18.8

21.6

22.8

20.8

21.0

27.0

41.9

Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

20.3

53.6

22.1

35.3

40.7

50.1

76.0

Rio Tinto total refined production

39.1

75.2

44.9

56.1

61.7

77.1

117.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIAMONDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 carats)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argyle

100%

3,216

4,757

6,146

3,551

3,476

6,232

7,027

Diavik

60%

1,119

1,177

1,060

1,065

1,150

2,255

2,214

Rio Tinto total diamond production

 

4,335

5,933

7,207

4,616

4,626

8,487

9,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 ounces) (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

54.3

33.6

35.9

37.4

45.6

108.4

83.0

Escondida

30%

10.2

15.2

15.1

18.0

20.5

13.6

38.5

Grasberg – Joint Venture (h)

40%

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Oyu Tolgoi (i)

34%

8.0

10.4

11.7

14.0

16.8

16.3

30.8

Rio Tinto total mine production

 

72.5

59.1

62.6

69.4

82.8

138.3

152.2

Refined production ('000 ounces)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

43.0

54.1

55.4

40.8

48.4

94.2

89.2



 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRON ORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes) (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hamersley mines

   (j)

48,674

52,921

56,501

53,631

56,034

97,338

109,665

Hamersley – Channar

60%

1,903

1,596

1,345

1,136

1,227

3,538

2,363

Hope Downs

50%

6,287

5,978

5,987

5,342

5,783

11,505

11,126

Iron Ore Company of Canada

59%

2,683

3,171

2,733

2,364

871

5,262

3,236

Robe River – Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53%

3,676

4,461

4,580

4,672

4,048

7,486

8,720

Robe River – West Angelas

53%

4,475

4,776

4,509

4,290

4,373

8,797

8,663

Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

67,699

72,903

75,656

71,436

72,336

133,925

143,773

Breakdown of Production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

19,780

20,700

21,082

20,714

21,901

38,987

42,615

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

28,049

30,113

31,172

29,769

31,239

55,074

61,009

Robe Valley Lump

 

1,459

1,570

1,646

1,587

1,431

2,912

3,017

Robe Valley Fines

 

2,217

2,891

2,934

3,086

2,617

4,574

5,703

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

13,512

14,458

16,088

13,916

14,277

27,116

28,193

Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

65,016

69,732

72,922

69,072

71,465

128,663

140,537

IOC Concentrate

 

1,299

1,450

1,163

799

572

2,408

1,370

IOC Pellets

 

1,384

1,722

1,571

1,566

299

2,854

1,865

IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

2,683

3,171

2,733

2,364

871

5,262

3,236

Breakdown of Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

18,218

18,044

18,861

18,062

19,424

34,251

37,485

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

28,779

32,421

35,575

30,746

35,158

59,276

65,904

Robe Valley Lump

 

1,262

1,391

1,388

1,223

1,264

2,438

2,487

Robe Valley Fines

 

2,370

3,174

3,287

2,996

3,255

4,743

6,250

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

13,371

14,963

15,731

13,578

14,388

26,491

27,966

Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

 

64,000

69,993

74,843

66,604

73,489

127,199

140,093

IOC Concentrate

 

939

1,362

1,559

746

62

2,132

808

IOC Pellets

 

1,489

1,590

1,615

1,574

202

2,904

1,776

IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

 

2,428

2,952

3,173

2,320

263

5,036

2,584

Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

66,428

72,944

78,016

68,925

73,752

132,234

142,677



 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOLYBDENUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 tonnes) (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

0.8

1.4

1.9

1.5

0.7

1.6

2.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dampier Salt

68%

1,476

1,227

1,535

1,514

1,662

2,327

3,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SILVER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine production ('000 ounces) (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon

100%

669

357

418

461

615

1,380

1,076

Escondida

30%

370

521

658

702

758

533

1,460

Grasberg – Joint Venture (h)

40%

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Oyu Tolgoi (i)

34%

79

80

96

74

75

151

149

Rio Tinto total mine production

 

1,118

959

1,172

1,237

1,448

2,064

2,686

Refined production ('000 ounces)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

100%

729

731

516

867

461

1,131

1,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (k)

100%

316

327

341

294

232

647

525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

URANIUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production ('000 lbs U3O8) (l)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Resources of Australia

68%

678

962

919

667

603

1,577

1,270

Rössing

69%

860

757

902

848

928

1,534

1,776

Rio Tinto total uranium production

1,538

1,718

1,821

1,515

1,531

3,111

3,046

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Production data notes:

Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter.
(b) On 26 February 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the ISAL smelter.

(e) On 20 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 82% interest in the Hail Creek mine.
(f) On 27 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 80% interest in the Kestrel mine.
(g) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.

(h) 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.

(i) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.

(j) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, 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.

(k) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).

(l) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U3O8.

 

The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 June 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto's interest in the Coal and Allied mines were sold in 2017. No data for these operations are included in the Share of production table.

 



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smelter Grade Alumina – Aluminium Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumina production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queensland Alumina Refinery – Queensland

80.0%

946

900

966

896

940

1,870

1,836

Yarwun refinery – Queensland

100.0%

778

790

816

793

763

1,597

1,556

Brazil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

São Luis (Alumar) refinery

10.0%

931

937

934

871

869

1,826

1,740

Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery – Quebec (a)

100.0%

365

351

365

362

365

732

727

(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

30

29

31

32

63

64

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINIUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Aluminium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bell Bay smelter – Tasmania

100.0%

47

48

47

47

47

91

94

Boyne Island smelter – Queensland

59.4%

124

125

124

122

124

259

246

Tomago smelter – New South Wales

51.6%

147

149

149

145

148

292

293

Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alma smelter – Quebec

100.0%

112

115

116

115

116

226

231

Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter – Quebec

40.0%

149

150

150

144

146

298

290

Arvida smelter – Quebec

100.0%

43

43

44

43

43

84

86

Arvida AP60 smelter – Quebec

100.0%

15

14

14

13

13

29

26

Bécancour smelter – Quebec

25.1%

106

113

108

39

35

218

74

Grande-Baie smelter – Quebec

100.0%

57

58

58

57

58

114

115

Kitimat smelter – British Columbia

100.0%

109

108

110

108

109

216

217

Laterrière smelter – Quebec

100.0%

61

63

64

63

64

122

127

France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dunkerque smelter (a)

100.0%

71

71

72

51

52

141

104

Iceland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter (b)

100.0%

53

53

54

52

53

104

105

New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tiwai Point smelter

79.4%

84

84

85

83

84

168

167

Oman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sohar smelter

20.0%

95

35

27

87

97

191

183

(a) On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque smelter.
(b) On 26 February 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 100% interest in the ISAL smelter.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAUXITE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gove mine – Northern Territory

100.0%

2,780

2,809

3,224

3,124

3,274

5,168

6,398

Weipa mine – Queensland

100.0%

7,805

7,895

8,304

7,431

7,955

14,699

15,386

Brazil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine

12.0%

4,071

4,103

3,550

2,939

3,273

7,045

6,212

Guinea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sangaredi mine (a)

23.0%

3,979

3,711

4,020

3,878

3,683

7,678

7,561

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

12,164

12,913

13,557

12,551

12,936

23,769

25,487

Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

7,962

8,250

9,164

8,248

8,738

14,890

16,986

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BORATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Borates – borates

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

133

140

120

124

132

256

256

(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hail Creek Coal mine (a)

82.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queensland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

1,002

1,556

1,555

924

1,380

2,136

2,304

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

1,074

1,037

958

1,293

1,018

2,139

2,311

Hunter Valley Operations (b)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New South Wales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

284

445

                 –

                 –

                 –

1,084

                 –

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

3,539

2,112

                 –

                 –

                 –

6,390

                 –

Kestrel Coal mine (c)

80.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queensland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

916

1,210

1,309

430

1,303

1,732

1,733

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

177

282

226

74

220

335

293

Mount Thorley Operations (b)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New South Wales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

389

149

                 –

                 –

                 –

726

                 –

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

746

703

                 –

                 –

                 –

1,308

                 –

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COAL (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warkworth mine (b)

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New South Wales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

 

202

44

                 –

                 –

                 –

470

                 –

Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

 

1,696

1,305

                 –

                 –

                 –

3,216

                 –

Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

1,918

2,766

2,864

1,354

2,683

3,869

4,037

Total semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

875

639

                 –

                 –

                 –

2,280

                 –

Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

7,232

5,439

1,183

1,367

1,238

13,388

2,605

Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

 

10,026

8,844

4,047

2,721

3,921

19,538

6,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

 

9,871

9,298

4,092

3,050

3,717

18,664

6,767

Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

1,717

2,511

2,429

1,368

2,228

3,241

3,596

Share of semi-soft coal sales ('000 tonnes) (e)

759

485

                 –

                 –

                 –

1,525

                 –

Share of thermal coal sales ('000 tonnes) (e)

4,539

3,804

896

1,119

791

8,486

1,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) On 20 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 82% interest in the Hail Creek mine.
(b) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production from these assets is included to this date. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively.
(c) On 27 March 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding offer to sell its 80% interest in the Kestrel mine.
(d) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. Both mines may blend coal types at ports.
(e) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER & GOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Escondida

30.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

18,777

24,080

30,260

32,203

31,732

26,831

63,936

Average copper grade (%)

 

1.07

1.06

0.98

0.96

0.96

1.05

0.96

Mill production (metals in concentrates):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

 

167.0

204.1

245.7

252.6

253.6

234.7

506.2

Contained gold ('000 ounces)

 

34

51

50

60

68

45

128

Contained silver ('000 ounces)

 

1,234

1,737

2,193

2,339

2,527

1,777

4,866

Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a)

60.7

70.8

63.9

50.4

54.4

83.5

104.8

Refined production from leach plants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

 

62.8

71.9

76.1

69.4

70.1

90.0

139.5

(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)

 

11,242

15,791

16,381

15,625

17,452

19,090

33,077

Average mill head grades:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (%)

 

1.03

0.91

1.03

1.12

1.04

1.08

1.08

Gold (g/t)

 

1.16

0.98

1.28

1.63

1.76

1.17

1.70

Silver (g/t)

 

4.09

3.96

4.36

4.68

2.57

4.57

3.57

Production of metals in concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

103.9

130.1

153.2

159.9

164.8

184.9

324.7

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

358

417

579

693

845

606

1,538

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

900

1,016

1,293

1,513

877

1,567

2,390

Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

124.6

109.6

154.3

157.4

160.4

186.3

317.8

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

429

343

584

676

825

613

1,501

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

851

666

1,044

1,184

698

1,255

1,882

(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 Q2 2018 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for Q2 2018 until the release of its 2018 second-quarter results on 25 July 2018.
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.
(c) Net of smelter deductions.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER & GOLD (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingham Canyon mine

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utah, US

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

 

10,709

10,092

9,074

9,260

8,974

20,216

18,234

Average ore grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (%)

 

0.47

0.29

0.43

0.43

0.63

0.49

0.53

Gold (g/t)

 

0.29

0.18

0.21

0.23

0.26

0.30

0.25

Silver (g/t)

 

2.66

1.51

1.89

2.25

2.73

2.93

2.49

Molybdenum (%)

 

0.025

0.032

0.036

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

205

148

162

171

194

394

365

Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

 

21.5

17.3

21.5

20.7

26.4

22.4

23.7

Production of metals in copper concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper ('000 tonnes) (a)

 

44.0

25.8

34.8

35.4

51.2

88.2

86.6

Gold ('000 ounces)

 

54

34

36

37

46

108

83

Silver ('000 ounces)

 

669

357

418

461

615

1,380

1,076

Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

1.5

2.8

3.8

2.8

1.5

3.2

4.3

Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

0.8

1.4

1.9

1.5

0.7

1.6

2.2

 

Kennecott smelter & refinery

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)

160

258

90

200

224

296

425

Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b)

32.6

50.6

12.1

42.4

44.4

66.3

86.9

Production of refined metal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper ('000 tonnes)

 

20.3

53.6

22.1

35.3

40.7

50.1

76.0

Gold ('000 ounces) (c)

 

43.0

54.1

55.4

40.8

48.4

94.2

89.2

Silver ('000 ounces) (c)

 

729

731

516

867

461

1,131

1,328

(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 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COPPER & GOLD (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turquoise Hill Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)

33.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mongolia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

 

9,637

10,615

10,838

9,561

10,164

19,724

19,725

Average mill head grades:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper (%)

 

0.51

0.48

0.53

0.51

0.48

0.51

0.50

Gold (g/t)

 

0.16

0.18

0.20

0.25

0.26

0.15

0.25

Silver (g/t)

 

1.38

1.34

1.54

1.32

1.17

1.34

1.24

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

171.0

170.0

205.5

177.3

178.8

347.0

356.1

Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

 

21.8

21.7

22.0

21.9

22.0

21.7

22.0

Production of metals in concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

37.2

36.9

45.3

38.8

39.4

75.3

78.2

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

23.9

30.9

34.8

41.8

50.0

48.6

91.7

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

236

239

285

221

225

450

446

Sales of metals in concentrates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

37.3

36.9

35.7

34.3

46.1

76.7

80.4

Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

23

28

27

31

51

55

82

Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

 

222

229

205

206

250

427

456

(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIAMONDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argyle Diamonds

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

 

1,112

1,255

1,446

1,260

1,428

2,256

2,688

AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

 

3,216

4,757

6,146

3,551

3,476

6,232

7,027

Diavik Diamonds

60.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northwest Territories, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

 

556

578

525

556

652

1,086

1,208

Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

 

1,865

1,961

1,767

1,774

1,916

3,758

3,690

 

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRON ORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Iron Ore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hamersley mines

   (a)

48,674

52,921

56,501

53,631

56,034

97,338

109,665

Hamersley – Channar

60.0%

3,172

2,661

2,241

1,893

2,045

5,896

3,939

Hope Downs

50.0%

12,575

11,956

11,975

10,685

11,567

23,010

22,252

Robe River – Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53.0%

6,936

8,416

8,642

8,816

7,637

14,124

16,453

Robe River – West Angelas

53.0%

8,444

9,011

8,507

8,094

8,252

16,598

16,346

Total production ('000 tonnes)

 

79,801

84,965

87,866

83,120

85,534

156,966

168,654

Breakdown of total production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

24,671

25,342

25,496

24,831

26,253

48,288

51,084

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

34,682

36,748

37,641

35,556

37,368

67,437

72,924

Robe Valley Lump

 

2,753

2,962

3,106

2,993

2,699

5,494

5,693

Robe Valley Fines

 

4,183

5,454

5,535

5,823

4,937

8,630

10,760

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

13,512

14,458

16,088

13,916

14,277

27,116

28,193

Breakdown of total sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilbara Blend Lump

 

21,561

21,959

22,377

21,457

22,954

41,723

44,410

Pilbara Blend Fines

 

35,871

40,305

43,039

37,320

42,638

72,551

79,957

Robe Valley Lump

 

2,382

2,624

2,619

2,307

2,386

4,600

4,693

Robe Valley Fines

 

4,472

5,989

6,202

5,652

6,141

8,948

11,793

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

13,371

14,963

15,731

13,578

14,388

26,491

27,966

Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

 

77,658

85,840

89,968

80,314

88,506

154,313

168,820

(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) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.

Iron Ore Company of Canada

58.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saleable iron ore production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

2,212

2,469

1,980

1,360

974

4,101

2,334

Pellets ('000 tonnes)

 

2,356

2,932

2,675

2,667

510

4,860

3,177

IOC Total production ('000 tonnes)

 

4,569

5,401

4,655

4,027

1,484

8,961

5,510

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

 

1,599

2,319

2,655

1,271

105

3,630

1,376

Pellets ('000 tonnes)

 

2,536

2,707

2,750

2,681

343

4,945

3,024

IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes)

 

4,135

5,027

5,404

3,951

449

8,575

4,400

Global Iron Ore Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

 

84,370

90,365

92,521

87,146

87,018

165,927

174,164

Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

 

81,792

90,867

95,373

84,265

88,954

162,888

173,220

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto
interest

Q2
2017

Q3
2017

Q4
2017

Q1
2018

Q2
2018

H1
2017

H1
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dampier Salt

68.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salt production ('000 tonnes)

 

2,159

1,795

2,246

2,215

2,431

3,405

4,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada and South Africa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Rio Tinto share) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes)

 

316

327

341

294

232

647

525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

 

991

1,407

1,343

975

881

2,306

1,856

(a) ERA production data are drummed U3O8.

 

 

 

 

Rössing Uranium Ltd (a)

68.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Namibia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

 

1,254

1,103

1,314

1,236

1,352

2,235

2,589

(a) Rössing production data are drummed U3O8.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2018. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

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