Q4 2019 | vs Q4 2018 | vs Q3 2019 | 2019 | vs 2018 | |||||
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) | Mt | 86.8 | -1 | % | +1 | % | 327.4 | -3 | % |
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) | Mt | 83.6 | -3 | % | -4 | % | 326.7 | -3 | % |
Bauxite | Mt | 15.1 | +28 | % | +10 | % | 55.1 | +9 | % |
Aluminium | kt | 783 | -4 | % | -1 | % | 3,171 | -2 | % |
Mined copper | kt | 138.7 | -9 | % | -12 | % | 577.4 | -5 | % |
Titanium dioxide slag | kt | 286 | -3 | % | -11 | % | 1,206 | + | |
IOC iron ore pellets and concentrate | Mt | 2.6 | -10 | % | -13 | % | 10.5 | +18 | % |
Operational update | |
• | Pilbara iron ore shipments of 327 million tonnes (100% basis) were 3% lower than 2018, primarily impacted by weather and operational challenges in the first half of 2019 and our active decision to protect the quality of the Pilbara Blend. In addition to direct sales from Australia, we commenced trials of portside trading in October 2019. |
• | On 27 November 2019, we announced a $749 million investment in the Greater Tom Price operations (Western Turner Syncline Phase 2) in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, to sustain production capacity. |
• | Bauxite production of 55 million tonnes was 9% higher than 2018, underpinned by the successful ramp-up of the Amrun mine in Queensland, Australia. Third party shipments of 40 million tonnes were 21% higher than 2018. |
• | Aluminium production of 3.2 million tonnes was 2% lower than 2018, primarily reflecting a preventive safety shutdown of one of the three pot-lines at ISAL in Iceland and earlier than planned pot relining at Kitimat in British Columbia, Canada in the second half. |
• | On 23 October 2019, we announced a strategic review of our interest in the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter in New Zealand, to be completed in the first quarter of 2020. |
• | On 3 December 2019, we announced the approval of a $1.5 billion investment at Kennecott in the US, phase two of the south wall pushback project, extending operations to 2032. |
• | Mined copper production of 577 thousand tonnes was 5% lower than 2018, reflecting lower copper grades, partially offset by higher throughput. Lower copper grades at Kennecott impacted the fourth quarter in particular: this is expected to persist until we access higher grades from the end of 2020, resulting from phase one of the south wall pushback project. |
• | Following the signing of renewable power agreements in Chile, Escondida has raised a provision related to the cancellation of existing coal contracts. We have recognised a charge of approximately $200 million against 2019 underlying EBITDA. |
• | At the Oyu Tolgoi underground project in Mongolia, we completed the primary production shaft (shaft 2) in October. Work continued on the mine design and, overall, we remain within the cost and schedule ranges as announced in July 2019. We continue to expect to complete the mine design in the first half of 2020 and the Definitive Estimate of cost and schedule in the second half of 2020. |
• | Titanium dioxide slag production of 1.2 million tonnes was 8% higher than 2018, reflecting continued operational improvement and the restart of furnaces in line with market conditions. Fourth quarter production was impacted by the curtailment of operations at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in South Africa, following an escalation in violence in the surrounding communities. A phased restart commenced at the end of December. |
• | Production of pellets and concentrate at the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) was 18% higher than 2018, when strike action occurred. Fourth quarter production was 10% lower than the same quarter of 2018 due to unplanned equipment-related downtime. |
• | On 18 November 2019, we announced that we would support Energy Resources of Australia Limited’s (ERA) plans for a renounceable entitlement offer to raise $324 million for the rehabilitation of the Ranger Project Area in Australia’s Northern Territory. |
• | Exploration and evaluation spend in 2019 was $624 million, 28% higher than 2018, primarily reflecting increased activity at Resolution Copper in the US and on the Winu and Falcon advanced projects in Australia and Canada. We achieved a major permitting milestone at Resolution with the release of an independently prepared Draft Environmental Impact Statement in August 2019. |
• | In 2019, we repurchased approximately $1.6 billion of Rio Tinto plc shares (28.4 million) on-market. |
Average realised prices | ||||
2019 | vs 2018 | |||
Pilbara iron ore | $/wmt, FOB | 79.0 | + | |
Aluminium | $/t (including VAP, mid-west premium) | 2,132 | -14 | % |
Copper | US cents per lb | 274.5 | -7 | % |
2020 production guidance (Rio Tinto share, unless otherwise stated) | ||
2019 actual | 2020 guidance | |
Pilbara iron ore (shipments, 100% basis) | 327.4 Mt | 330 to 343 Mt |
Bauxite | 55.1Mt | 55 to 58 Mt |
Alumina | 7.7 Mt | 7.8 to 8.2 Mt |
Aluminium | 3.2 Mt | 3.1 to 3.3 Mt |
Mined copper | 577 kt | 530 to 570 kt |
Refined copper | 260 kt | 205 to 235 kt |
Diamonds | 17 M carats | 12 to 14 M carats |
Titanium dioxide slag | 1.2 Mt | 1.2 to 1.4 Mt |
IOC pellets and concentrate | 10.5 Mt | 10.5 to 12.0 Mt |
Boric oxide equivalent | 0.5 Mt | ~0.5 Mt |
• | Our guidance is framed by expectations of general stability in global GDP growth in 2020, tempered by negative risks, including geopolitical tensions and oil price volatility. In this environment, we will continue to monitor and adjust production levels and product mix to meet customer requirements in 2020, in line with our value over volume strategy. |
• | Iron ore shipments and bauxite production guidance are subject to weather and market conditions. |
• | Aluminium guidance reflects a continued focus on capacity creep, offset by earlier than planned pot relining at Kitimat. |
• | Mined copper guidance reflects lower grades at Kennecott as mining transitions from the east to south wall. We expect to access higher, more consistent grade ore from late 2020. |
• | Diamonds guidance reflects the expected closure of Argyle in the fourth quarter of 2020 and lower grades at Diavik. |
• | Titanium dioxide slag guidance assumes return to normal operations at RBM in early 2020. |
Million tonnes | Q4 2019 | vs Q4 2018 | vs Q3 2019 | 2019 | vs 2018 | |||
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump1 | 19.9 | -8 | % | -5 | % | 80.8 | -5 | % |
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines1 | 30.3 | -4 | % | -4 | % | 119.3 | -3 | % |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.6 | +12 | % | -5 | % | 5.1 | -14 | % |
Robe Valley Fines | 2.8 | +7 | % | -9 | % | 9.2 | -16 | % |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14.2 | -4 | % | -3 | % | 56.3 | -2 | % |
Total Pilbara production | 68.8 | -5 | % | -5 | % | 270.7 | -4 | % |
Total Pilbara production (100% basis) | 83.6 | -3 | % | -4 | % | 326.7 | -3 | % |
Million tonnes | Q4 2019 | vs Q4 2018 | vs Q3 2019 | 2019 | vs 2018 | |||
Rio Tinto share of shipments | ||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump | 16.2 | -12 | % | +1 | % | 65.9 | -11 | % |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 31.2 | -6 | % | +4 | % | 120.2 | -7 | % |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.2 | +2 | % | -3 | % | 4.0 | -17 | % |
Robe Valley Fines | 3.3 | +9 | % | -3 | % | 10.5 | -13 | % |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 15.3 | +3 | % | +7 | % | 57.1 | -1 | % |
SP10 Lump1 | 2.1 | n/a | -23 | % | 5.4 | n/a | ||
SP10 Fines1 | 2.1 | +12 | % | -49 | % | 9.4 | +180 | % |
Total Pilbara shipments | 71.3 | -2 | % | -1 | % | 272.5 | -3 | % |
Total Pilbara shipments (100% basis) | 86.8 | -1 | % | +1 | % | 327.4 | -3 | % |
Total Pilbara sales (Rio Tinto share)2 | 70.0 | -4 | % | -2 | % | 271.1 | -3 | % |
Total Pilbara sales (100% basis)2 | 85.5 | -2 | % | 0 | % | 326.0 | -4 | % |
Total Pilbara sales (consolidated basis)2, 3 | 72.2 | -3 | % | -2 | % | 278.6 | -3 | % |
Q4 2019 | vs Q4 2018 | vs Q3 2019 | 2019 | vs 2018 | ||||
Bauxite | 15,137 | +28 | % | +10 | % | 55,105 | +9 | % |
Bauxite third party shipments | 10,968 | +48 | % | +6 | % | 39,648 | +21 | % |
Alumina | 2,032 | +1 | % | +11 | % | 7,744 | -3 | % |
Aluminium | 783 | -4 | % | -1 | % | 3,171 | -2 | % |
Q4 2019 | vs Q4 2018 | vs Q3 2019 | 2019 | vs 2018 | ||||
Mined copper | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 35.4 | -39 | % | -39 | % | 186.8 | -8 | % |
Escondida | 92.3 | +16 | % | +2 | % | 341.6 | -3 | % |
Oyu Tolgoi | 11.0 | -21 | % | +16 | % | 49.1 | -8 | % |
Refined copper | ||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 51.4 | -20 | % | +27 | % | 184.6 | -5 | % |
Escondida | 20.5 | -5 | % | +22 | % | 75.0 | -6 | % |
Diamonds (‘000 carats) | ||||||||
Argyle | 3,363 | +5 | % | -5 | % | 12,999 | -8 | % |
Diavik | 840 | -22 | % | -15 | % | 4,031 | -8 | % |
Q4 2019 | vs Q4 2018 | vs Q3 2019 | 2019 | vs 2018 | ||||
Iron ore pellets and concentrate (million tonnes) | ||||||||
IOC | 2.6 | -10 | % | -13 | % | 10.5 | +18 | % |
Minerals (‘000 tonnes) | ||||||||
Borates – B2O3 content | 128 | +8 | % | -7 | % | 520 | +2 | % |
Titanium dioxide slag | 286 | -3 | % | -11 | % | 1,206 | + | |
Uranium (‘000 lbs) | ||||||||
Energy Resources of Australia | 642 | -31 | % | +10 | % | 2,640 | -12 | % |
Rössing | - | - | - | 2,114 | - |
Commodities | Studies Stage | Advanced projects | Greenfield/Brownfield programmes |
Bauxite | Cape York, Australia | Amargosa, Brazil*; Sanxai, Laos* | Cape York, Australia |
Base Metals | Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US; Winu, Australia | La Granja, Peru Nickel: Tamarack, US (third party operated) | Copper Greenfield: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia Copper Brownfield: Resolution, US; Bingham, US; Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia Nickel Greenfield: Canada, Uganda, Finland |
Diamonds | Falcon, Canada | Greenfield: Canada Brownfield: Diavik, Canada | |
Minerals | Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique (third party operated) | Heavy mineral sands: Tanzania Industrial Minerals: Serbia Industrial minerals brownfield: Boron | |
Iron Ore | Pilbara, Australia | Pilbara, Australia | Brownfield: Pilbara, Australia |
Media Relations, United Kingdom Illtud Harri M +44 7920 503 600 David Outhwaite T +44 20 7781 1623 M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Americas Matthew Klar T +1 514 608 4429 Media Relations, Asia Grant Donald T +65 6679 9290 M +65 9722 6028 | Media Relations, Australia Jonathan Rose T +61 3 9283 3088 M +61 447 028 913 Matt Chambers T +61 3 9283 3087 M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough T +61 8 6211 6013 M +61 436 653 412 |
Investor Relations, United Kingdom Menno Sanderse T +44 20 7781 1517 M +44 7825 195 178 David Ovington T +44 20 7781 2051 M +44 7920 010 978 | Investor Relations, Australia Natalie Worley T +61 3 9283 3063 M +61 409 210 462 Amar Jambaa T +61 3 9283 3627 M +61 472 865 948 |
Group Company Secretary Steve Allen Rio Tinto plc 6 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 | Joint Company Secretary Tim Paine Rio Tinto Limited Level 7, 360 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 |
Rio Tinto production summary | ||||||||||||||
Rio Tinto share of production | ||||||||||||||
Quarter | Full Year | % Change | ||||||||||||
2018 Q4 | 2019 Q3 | 2019 Q4 | 2018 | 2019 | Q4 19 vs Q4 18 | Q4 19 vs Q3 19 | 2019 vs 2018 | |||||||
Principal Commodities | ||||||||||||||
Alumina | ('000 t) | 2,020 | 1,826 | 2,032 | 7,980 | 7,744 | 1 | % | 11 | % | -3 | % | ||
Aluminium | ('000 t) | 817 | 789 | 783 | 3,231 | 3,171 | -4 | % | -1 | % | -2 | % | ||
Bauxite | ('000 t) | 11,790 | 13,796 | 15,137 | 50,421 | 55,105 | 28 | % | 10 | % | 9 | % | ||
Borates | ('000 t) | 118 | 138 | 128 | 512 | 520 | 8 | % | -7 | % | 2 | % | ||
Copper - mined | ('000 t) | 151.9 | 157.9 | 138.7 | 607.6 | 577.4 | -9 | % | -12 | % | -5 | % | ||
Copper - refined | ('000 t) | 86.1 | 57.1 | 71.9 | 274.8 | 259.6 | -17 | % | 26 | % | -6 | % | ||
Diamonds | ('000 cts) | 4,290 | 4,551 | 4,203 | 18,427 | 17,030 | -2 | % | -8 | % | -8 | % | ||
Iron Ore | ('000 t) | 75,018 | 75,117 | 71,352 | 290,800 | 281,192 | -5 | % | -5 | % | -3 | % | ||
Titanium dioxide slag | ('000 t) | 294 | 321 | 286 | 1,116 | 1,206 | -3 | % | -11 | % | 8 | % | ||
Uranium | ('000 lbs) | 1,904 | 755 | 642 | 6,764 | 4,754 | -66 | % | -15 | % | -30 | % | ||
Other Metals & Minerals | ||||||||||||||
Gold - mined | ('000 oz) | 118.4 | 87.8 | 75.0 | 372.1 | 389.7 | -37 | % | -15 | % | 5 | % | ||
Gold - refined | ('000 oz) | 58.6 | 60.8 | 63.3 | 198.0 | 218.7 | 8 | % | 4 | % | 10 | % | ||
Molybdenum | ('000 t) | 2.2 | 2.1 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 11.2 | 110 | % | 119 | % | 95 | % | ||
Salt | ('000 t) | 1,496 | 1,392 | 1,450 | 6,153 | 5,422 | -3 | % | 4 | % | -12 | % | ||
Silver - mined | ('000 oz) | 1,586 | 1,320 | 1,209 | 5,656 | 5,412 | -24 | % | -8 | % | -4 | % | ||
Silver - refined | ('000 oz) | 807 | 664 | 839 | 2,865 | 2,853 | 4 | % | 26 | % | 0 | % | ||
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page or reported for the first time. 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 | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
ALUMINA | |||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) | 100 | % | 354 | 373 | 336 | 360 | 345 | 1,444 | 1,413 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant | 100 | % | 29 | 25 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 124 | 109 |
Queensland Alumina | 80 | % | 742 | 711 | 668 | 669 | 716 | 2,958 | 2,763 |
São Luis (Alumar) | 10 | % | 92 | 86 | 86 | 99 | 97 | 351 | 368 |
Yarwun | 100 | % | 803 | 813 | 757 | 671 | 850 | 3,103 | 3,091 |
Rio Tinto total alumina production | 2,020 | 2,008 | 1,878 | 1,826 | 2,032 | 7,980 | 7,744 | ||
ALUMINIUM | |||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||
Australia - Bell Bay | 100 | % | 48 | 45 | 47 | 48 | 48 | 189 | 189 |
Australia - Boyne Island | 59 | % | 74 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 295 | 296 |
Australia - Tomago | 52 | % | 77 | 74 | 76 | 77 | 76 | 305 | 303 |
Canada - six wholly owned | 100 | % | 408 | 400 | 400 | 399 | 383 | 1,616 | 1,582 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) | 40 | % | 58 | 58 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 234 | 241 |
Canada - Bécancour | 25 | % | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 34 | 19 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) | 100 | % | 54 | 52 | 52 | 36 | 43 | 212 | 184 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point | 79 | % | 70 | 71 | 69 | 70 | 69 | 270 | 279 |
Oman - Sohar | 20 | % | 20 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 76 | 78 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production | 817 | 796 | 803 | 789 | 783 | 3,231 | 3,171 | ||
BAUXITE | |||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||||
Gove | 100 | % | 3,250 | 3,004 | 2,957 | 2,968 | 3,273 | 12,540 | 12,201 |
Porto Trombetas | 12 | % | 489 | 285 | 287 | 385 | 371 | 1,576 | 1,327 |
Sangaredi | (b) | 1,204 | 1,558 | 1,630 | 1,749 | 1,227 | 5,868 | 6,165 | |
Weipa | 100 | % | 6,847 | 7,917 | 8,533 | 8,695 | 10,267 | 30,437 | 35,411 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production | 11,790 | 12,763 | 13,407 | 13,796 | 15,137 | 50,421 | 55,105 | ||
(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 interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
BORATES | |||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) | |||||||||
Rio Tinto Borates - borates | 100 | % | 118 | 115 | 138 | 138 | 128 | 512 | 520 |
COPPER | |||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100 | % | 58.3 | 52.5 | 41.1 | 57.8 | 35.4 | 203.9 | 186.8 |
Escondida | 30 | % | 79.7 | 76.0 | 82.7 | 90.5 | 92.3 | 350.4 | 341.6 |
Oyu Tolgoi (b) | 34 | % | 13.9 | 15.4 | 13.1 | 9.5 | 11.0 | 53.3 | 49.1 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 151.9 | 143.9 | 136.9 | 157.9 | 138.7 | 607.6 | 577.4 | ||
Refined production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||
Escondida | 30 | % | 21.6 | 18.7 | 19.0 | 16.8 | 20.5 | 80.0 | 75.0 |
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100 | % | 64.6 | 29.6 | 63.3 | 40.3 | 51.4 | 194.7 | 184.6 |
Rio Tinto total refined production | 86.1 | 48.3 | 82.3 | 57.1 | 71.9 | 274.8 | 259.6 | ||
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets. | |||||||||
(b) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. | |||||||||
DIAMONDS | |||||||||
Production ('000 carats) | |||||||||
Argyle | 100 | % | 3,211 | 2,786 | 3,292 | 3,558 | 3,363 | 14,069 | 12,999 |
Diavik | 60 | % | 1,078 | 1,010 | 1,188 | 994 | 840 | 4,358 | 4,031 |
Rio Tinto total diamond production | 4,290 | 3,796 | 4,481 | 4,551 | 4,203 | 18,427 | 17,030 | ||
GOLD | |||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) | |||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100 | % | 57.1 | 53.0 | 65.1 | 64.6 | 52.0 | 196.7 | 234.7 |
Escondida | 30 | % | 22.1 | 22.2 | 22.4 | 14.6 | 14.8 | 79.7 | 74.0 |
Oyu Tolgoi (b) | 34 | % | 39.1 | 40.2 | 24.1 | 8.6 | 8.2 | 95.7 | 81.1 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 118.4 | 115.4 | 111.6 | 87.8 | 75.0 | 372.1 | 389.7 | ||
Refined production ('000 ounces) | |||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100 | % | 58.6 | 41.7 | 52.9 | 60.8 | 63.3 | 198.0 | 218.7 |
(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. |
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
IRON ORE | |||||||||
Production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||||
Hamersley mines | (b) | 56,364 | 51,218 | 50,087 | 55,567 | 52,521 | 220,612 | 209,392 | |
Hamersley - Channar | 60 | % | 1,337 | 931 | 1,451 | 947 | 1,452 | 4,304 | 4,782 |
Hope Downs | 50 | % | 5,845 | 5,957 | 6,051 | 6,077 | 6,047 | 22,684 | 24,132 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59 | % | 2,836 | 2,481 | 2,532 | 2,960 | 2,564 | 8,952 | 10,536 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53 | % | 4,004 | 1,870 | 3,329 | 4,725 | 4,360 | 16,932 | 14,284 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53 | % | 4,631 | 4,125 | 4,692 | 4,840 | 4,409 | 17,316 | 18,066 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 75,018 | 66,581 | 68,141 | 75,117 | 71,352 | 290,800 | 281,192 | ||
Breakdown of Production: | |||||||||
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (c) | 21,674 | 19,978 | 19,842 | 21,015 | 19,930 | 84,843 | 80,766 | ||
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (c) | 31,652 | 28,779 | 28,463 | 31,713 | 30,304 | 122,582 | 119,260 | ||
Robe Valley Lump | 1,409 | 635 | 1,201 | 1,650 | 1,574 | 5,897 | 5,060 | ||
Robe Valley Fines | 2,595 | 1,235 | 2,128 | 3,075 | 2,786 | 11,035 | 9,224 | ||
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,852 | 13,473 | 13,975 | 14,704 | 14,194 | 57,491 | 56,346 | ||
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 72,182 | 64,101 | 65,610 | 72,156 | 68,788 | 281,848 | 270,655 | ||
IOC Concentrate | 1,433 | 890 | 1,193 | 1,400 | 1,146 | 3,934 | 4,629 | ||
IOC Pellets | 1,403 | 1,590 | 1,339 | 1,560 | 1,418 | 5,018 | 5,908 | ||
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | 2,836 | 2,481 | 2,532 | 2,960 | 2,564 | 8,952 | 10,536 | ||
Breakdown of Shipments: | |||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump (d) | 18,439 | 15,772 | 18,009 | 15,948 | 16,176 | 73,892 | 65,906 | ||
Pilbara Blend Fines (d) | 33,342 | 26,864 | 32,165 | 30,032 | 31,182 | 129,177 | 120,243 | ||
Robe Valley Lump | 1,219 | 457 | 1,037 | 1,290 | 1,246 | 4,881 | 4,030 | ||
Robe Valley Fines | 2,996 | 1,308 | 2,577 | 3,349 | 3,259 | 12,085 | 10,493 | ||
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,831 | 12,294 | 15,212 | 14,286 | 15,260 | 57,380 | 57,052 | ||
SP10 Lump (c) | 0 | 0 | 635 | 2,685 | 2,072 | 0 | 5,391 | ||
SP10 Fines (c) | 1,863 | 1,542 | 1,747 | 4,057 | 2,081 | 3,364 | 9,427 | ||
Pilbara iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) | 72,690 | 58,236 | 71,382 | 71,646 | 71,277 | 280,778 | 272,540 | ||
IOC Iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) | 3,073 | 2,092 | 2,738 | 2,654 | 2,636 | 8,837 | 10,120 | ||
Rio Tinto iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) | 75,763 | 60,328 | 74,119 | 74,300 | 73,913 | 289,614 | 282,660 | ||
Breakdown of Sales: | |||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump (d) | 18,439 | 15,772 | 18,009 | 15,948 | 16,176 | 73,892 | 65,906 | ||
Pilbara Blend Fines (d) | 33,342 | 26,864 | 32,165 | 30,032 | 31,182 | 129,177 | 120,243 | ||
Robe Valley Lump | 1,219 | 457 | 1,037 | 1,290 | 1,246 | 4,881 | 4,030 | ||
Robe Valley Fines | 2,996 | 1,308 | 2,577 | 3,349 | 3,259 | 12,085 | 10,493 | ||
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,831 | 12,294 | 15,212 | 14,286 | 15,260 | 57,380 | 57,052 | ||
SP10 Lump (c) | 0 | 0 | 635 | 2,611 | 1,733 | 0 | 4,979 | ||
SP10 Fines (c) | 1,863 | 1,542 | 1,747 | 3,962 | 1,185 | 3,364 | 8,437 | ||
Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) (e) | 72,690 | 58,236 | 71,382 | 71,478 | 70,043 | 280,778 | 271,139 | ||
Pilbara iron ore sales - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes) (e) (f) | 74,711 | 59,541 | 73,230 | 73,619 | 72,166 | 288,610 | 278,557 | ||
IOC Concentrate | 1,558 | 516 | 1,315 | 1,425 | 1,223 | 3,887 | 4,479 | ||
IOC Pellets | 1,516 | 1,576 | 1,423 | 1,229 | 1,413 | 4,950 | 5,641 | ||
IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) | 3,073 | 2,092 | 2,738 | 2,654 | 2,636 | 8,837 | 10,120 | ||
(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) SP10 includes some lower grade products. SP10 fines sales also include IOC product that is further blended and sold at port in China. (d) Restatement due to separately reporting SP10 lump and SP10 fines products that include other lower grade products. (e) Differences between shipments and sales reflect tonnes held for portside trading and material purchased from IOC and sold. (f) While Rio Tinto has a 53% net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron Associates, it recognises 65% of the assets, liabilities, sales revenues and expenses in its accounts (as 30% is held through a 60% owned subsidiary and 35% is held through a 100% owned subsidiary). The consolidated basis sales reported here include Robe River Iron Associates on a 65% basis to enable comparison with revenue reported in the financial statements. |
Rio Tinto share of production | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
MOLYBDENUM | |||||||||
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) | |||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100 | % | 2.2 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 11.2 |
(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 | % | 1,496 | 1,310 | 1,269 | 1,392 | 1,450 | 6,153 | 5,422 |
SILVER | |||||||||
Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) | |||||||||
Bingham Canyon | 100 | % | 736 | 741 | 700 | 768 | 605 | 2,520 | 2,815 |
Escondida | 30 | % | 771 | 657 | 622 | 488 | 539 | 2,830 | 2,306 |
Oyu Tolgoi (b) | 34 | % | 80 | 83 | 80 | 64 | 64 | 306 | 290 |
Rio Tinto total mine production | 1,586 | 1,481 | 1,403 | 1,320 | 1,209 | 5,656 | 5,412 | ||
Refined production ('000 ounces) | |||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100 | % | 807 | 617 | 734 | 664 | 839 | 2,865 | 2,853 |
(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 | % | 294 | 296 | 303 | 321 | 286 | 1,116 | 1,206 |
(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 U3O8) (a) | |||||||||
Energy Resources of Australia | 68 | % | 924 | 793 | 620 | 585 | 642 | 3,014 | 2,640 |
Rössing (b) | 0 | % | 979 | 802 | 1,142 | 170 | - | 3,750 | 2,114 |
Rio Tinto total uranium production | 1,904 | 1,595 | 1,762 | 755 | 642 | 6,764 | 4,754 | ||
(a) ERA and Rössing production reported are drummed U3O8. (b) On 16 July 2019, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire 68.62% interest in the Rössing 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 31 December 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 interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
ALUMINA | |||||||||
Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group | |||||||||
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||
Australia | |||||||||
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland | 80.0 | % | 927 | 888 | 834 | 836 | 895 | 3,697 | 3,454 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland | 100.0 | % | 803 | 813 | 757 | 671 | 850 | 3,103 | 3,091 |
Brazil | |||||||||
São Luis (Alumar) refinery | 10.0 | % | 918 | 859 | 864 | 989 | 966 | 3,509 | 3,679 |
Canada | |||||||||
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) | 100.0 | % | 354 | 373 | 336 | 360 | 345 | 1,444 | 1,413 |
(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 | % | 29 | 25 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 124 | 109 |
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
ALUMINIUM | |||||||||
Primary Aluminium | |||||||||
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||
Australia | |||||||||
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania | 100.0 | % | 48 | 45 | 47 | 48 | 48 | 189 | 189 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland | 59.4 | % | 125 | 122 | 126 | 125 | 125 | 497 | 499 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales | 51.6 | % | 149 | 144 | 147 | 149 | 148 | 592 | 588 |
Canada | |||||||||
Alma smelter - Quebec | 100.0 | % | 118 | 115 | 118 | 119 | 119 | 465 | 472 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec | 40.0 | % | 146 | 144 | 150 | 153 | 155 | 584 | 602 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec | 100.0 | % | 44 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 44 | 173 | 175 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec | 100.0 | % | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 52 | 60 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec | 25.1 | % | 30 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 28 | 136 | 77 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec | 100.0 | % | 59 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 233 | 233 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia | 100.0 | % | 109 | 106 | 102 | 96 | 81 | 436 | 385 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec | 100.0 | % | 65 | 64 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 257 | 257 |
France | |||||||||
Dunkerque smelter (a) | 0.0 | % | 57 | - | - | - | - | 227 | - |
Iceland | |||||||||
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter | 100.0 | % | 54 | 52 | 52 | 36 | 43 | 212 | 184 |
New Zealand | |||||||||
Tiwai Point smelter | 79.4 | % | 88 | 89 | 87 | 88 | 87 | 341 | 351 |
Oman | |||||||||
Sohar smelter | 20.0 | % | 99 | 97 | 97 | 98 | 98 | 380 | 391 |
(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 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
BAUXITE | |||||||||
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||
Australia | |||||||||
Gove mine - Northern Territory | 100.0 | % | 3,250 | 3,004 | 2,957 | 2,968 | 3,273 | 12,540 | 12,201 |
Weipa mine - Queensland | 100.0 | % | 6,847 | 7,917 | 8,533 | 8,695 | 10,267 | 30,437 | 35,411 |
Brazil | |||||||||
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine | 12.0 | % | 4,073 | 2,372 | 2,393 | 3,205 | 3,090 | 13,134 | 11,060 |
Guinea | |||||||||
Sangaredi mine (a) | 23.0 | % | 2,675 | 3,463 | 3,623 | 3,887 | 2,727 | 13,039 | 13,701 |
Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments | |||||||||
Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 11,622 | 12,725 | 13,122 | 13,912 | 14,849 | 49,536 | 54,607 | ||
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 7,387 | 8,842 | 9,477 | 10,361 | 10,968 | 32,813 | 39,648 | ||
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production. | |||||||||
BORATES | |||||||||
Rio Tinto Borates - borates | 100.0 | % | |||||||
US | |||||||||
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) | 118 | 115 | 138 | 138 | 128 | 512 | 520 | ||
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. | |||||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
COPPER & GOLD | |||||||||
Escondida | 30.0 | % | |||||||
Chile | |||||||||
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) | 30,507 | 32,027 | 32,519 | 33,956 | 33,659 | 124,956 | 132,161 | ||
Average copper grade (%) | 0.87 | 0.82 | 0.86 | 0.86 | 0.87 | 0.93 | 0.85 | ||
Mill production (metals in concentrates): | |||||||||
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) | 219.9 | 216.9 | 230.9 | 245.0 | 246.1 | 968.0 | 938.9 | ||
Contained gold ('000 ounces) | 74 | 74 | 75 | 49 | 49 | 266 | 247 | ||
Contained silver ('000 ounces) | 2,570 | 2,189 | 2,074 | 1,626 | 1,798 | 9,433 | 7,687 | ||
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) | 45.7 | 36.5 | 44.7 | 56.8 | 61.7 | 199.9 | 199.7 | ||
Refined production from leach plants: | |||||||||
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) | 71.9 | 62.4 | 63.5 | 55.9 | 68.4 | 266.8 | 250.2 | ||
(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) | 14,049 | - | - | - | - | 64,310 | - | ||
Average mill head grades: | |||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.73 | - | - | - | - | 0.99 | - | ||
Gold (g/t) | 1.08 | - | - | - | - | 1.59 | - | ||
Silver (g/t) | 2.09 | - | - | - | - | 4.17 | - | ||
Production of metals in concentrates: | |||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 85.4 | - | - | - | - | 569.7 | - | ||
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 402 | - | - | - | - | 2,779 | - | ||
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 545 | - | - | - | - | 5,045 | - | ||
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c) | |||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 82.7 | - | - | - | - | 556.0 | - | ||
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 399 | - | - | - | - | 2,719 | - | ||
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 426 | - | - | - | - | 3,928 | - | ||
(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 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | |||||||||
Rio Tinto Kennecott | |||||||||
Bingham Canyon mine | 100.0 | % | |||||||
Utah, US | |||||||||
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) | 10,853 | 10,685 | 10,123 | 10,084 | 11,141 | 40,260 | 42,033 | ||
Average ore grade: | |||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.59 | 0.55 | 0.46 | 0.64 | 0.36 | 0.56 | 0.50 | ||
Gold (g/t) | 0.26 | 0.25 | 0.33 | 0.30 | 0.23 | 0.25 | 0.28 | ||
Silver (g/t) | 2.76 | 2.76 | 2.84 | 2.74 | 2.09 | 2.60 | 2.60 | ||
Molybdenum (%) | 0.032 | 0.032 | 0.039 | 0.039 | 0.061 | 0.028 | 0.043 | ||
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 222 | 207 | 161 | 207 | 156 | 820 | 731 | ||
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 26.0 | 25.3 | 25.5 | 27.8 | 22.6 | 24.8 | 25.5 | ||
Production of metals in copper concentrates: | |||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) | 58.3 | 52.5 | 41.1 | 57.8 | 35.4 | 203.9 | 186.8 | ||
Gold ('000 ounces) | 57 | 53 | 65 | 65 | 52 | 197 | 235 | ||
Silver ('000 ounces) | 736 | 741 | 700 | 768 | 605 | 2,520 | 2,815 | ||
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): | 4.5 | 3.8 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 9.4 | 11.6 | 22.4 | ||
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 2.2 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 11.2 | ||
Kennecott smelter & refinery | 100.0 | % | |||||||
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) | 262 | 204 | 207 | 160 | 216 | 932 | 787 | ||
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) | 62.4 | 33.3 | 60.3 | 39.3 | 53.7 | 207.3 | 186.6 | ||
Production of refined metal: | |||||||||
Copper ('000 tonnes) | 64.6 | 29.6 | 63.3 | 40.3 | 51.4 | 194.7 | 184.6 | ||
Gold ('000 ounces) (c) | 58.6 | 41.7 | 52.9 | 60.8 | 63.3 | 198.0 | 218.7 | ||
Silver ('000 ounces) (c) | 807 | 617 | 734 | 664 | 839 | 2,865 | 2,853 | ||
(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 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
COPPER & GOLD (continued) | |||||||||
Turquoise Hill Resources | |||||||||
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) | 33.5 | % | |||||||
Mongolia | |||||||||
Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) | 9,361 | 9,255 | 10,394 | 10,040 | 11,088 | 38,738 | 40,777 | ||
Average mill head grades: | |||||||||
Copper (%) | 0.55 | 0.57 | 0.46 | 0.37 | 0.42 | 0.51 | 0.45 | ||
Gold (g/t) | 0.56 | 0.58 | 0.31 | 0.14 | 0.15 | 0.36 | 0.29 | ||
Silver (g/t) | 1.22 | 1.25 | 1.20 | 1.03 | 1.06 | 1.22 | 1.13 | ||
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) | 189.0 | 210.1 | 180.6 | 131.3 | 152.6 | 724.9 | 674.6 | ||
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) | 21.9 | 21.8 | 21.7 | 21.7 | 21.6 | 21.9 | 21.7 | ||
Production of metals in concentrates: | |||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 41.5 | 45.8 | 39.2 | 28.4 | 32.9 | 159.1 | 146.3 | ||
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 116.7 | 120.1 | 71.8 | 25.6 | 24.3 | 285.4 | 241.8 | ||
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 238 | 247 | 239 | 191 | 190 | 914 | 867 | ||
Sales of metals in concentrates: | |||||||||
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 40.2 | 38.5 | 46.6 | 32.5 | 32.3 | 156.7 | 149.9 | ||
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 111 | 98 | 116 | 35 | 25 | 248 | 274 | ||
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) | 216 | 200 | 245 | 207 | 244 | 873 | 896 | ||
(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) | 1,292 | 1,248 | 1,427 | 1,716 | 1,977 | 5,444 | 6,367 | ||
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) | 3,211 | 2,786 | 3,292 | 3,558 | 3,363 | 14,069 | 12,999 | ||
Diavik Diamonds | 60.0 | % | |||||||
Northwest Territories, Canada | |||||||||
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) | 651 | 620 | 671 | 628 | 516 | 2,530 | 2,435 | ||
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) | 1,797 | 1,683 | 1,980 | 1,656 | 1,400 | 7,264 | 6,719 | ||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
IRON ORE | |||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron Ore | |||||||||
Western Australia | |||||||||
Pilbara Operations | |||||||||
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||
Hamersley mines | (a) | 56,364 | 51,218 | 50,087 | 55,567 | 52,521 | 220,612 | 209,392 | |
Hamersley - Channar | 60.0 | % | 2,228 | 1,552 | 2,419 | 1,579 | 2,420 | 7,173 | 7,970 |
Hope Downs | 50.0 | % | 11,691 | 11,913 | 12,101 | 12,155 | 12,095 | 45,368 | 48,264 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53.0 | % | 7,555 | 3,529 | 6,282 | 8,914 | 8,225 | 31,947 | 26,951 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53.0 | % | 8,738 | 7,783 | 8,853 | 9,133 | 8,318 | 32,672 | 34,086 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) | 86,576 | 75,995 | 79,741 | 87,347 | 83,579 | 337,772 | 326,663 | ||
Breakdown of total production: | |||||||||
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (b) | 26,084 | 24,068 | 24,291 | 25,434 | 24,326 | 101,629 | 98,119 | ||
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (b) | 38,085 | 34,924 | 35,194 | 38,296 | 36,833 | 146,705 | 145,247 | ||
Robe Valley Lump | 2,659 | 1,198 | 2,266 | 3,113 | 2,969 | 11,126 | 9,547 | ||
Robe Valley Fines | 4,896 | 2,331 | 4,015 | 5,802 | 5,256 | 20,821 | 17,404 | ||
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,852 | 13,473 | 13,975 | 14,704 | 14,194 | 57,491 | 56,346 | ||
Breakdown of total shipments: | |||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump (c) | 22,161 | 18,968 | 21,653 | 19,329 | 19,680 | 88,215 | 79,630 | ||
Pilbara Blend Fines (c) | 40,633 | 33,016 | 39,358 | 36,947 | 39,186 | 157,191 | 148,508 | ||
Robe Valley Lump | 2,301 | 863 | 1,957 | 2,433 | 2,350 | 9,209 | 7,603 | ||
Robe Valley Fines | 5,652 | 2,468 | 4,862 | 6,318 | 6,149 | 22,801 | 19,797 | ||
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,831 | 12,294 | 15,212 | 14,286 | 15,260 | 57,380 | 57,052 | ||
SP10 Lump (b) | 0 | 0 | 635 | 2,685 | 2,072 | 0 | 5,391 | ||
SP10 Fines (b) | 1,863 | 1,542 | 1,747 | 4,057 | 2,081 | 3,364 | 9,427 | ||
Total shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) | 87,442 | 69,150 | 85,423 | 86,055 | 86,779 | 338,160 | 327,408 | ||
Breakdown of total sales: | |||||||||
Pilbara Blend Lump (c) | 22,161 | 18,968 | 21,653 | 19,329 | 19,680 | 88,215 | 79,630 | ||
Pilbara Blend Fines (c) | 40,633 | 33,016 | 39,358 | 36,947 | 39,186 | 157,191 | 148,508 | ||
Robe Valley Lump | 2,301 | 863 | 1,957 | 2,433 | 2,350 | 9,209 | 7,603 | ||
Robe Valley Fines | 5,652 | 2,468 | 4,862 | 6,318 | 6,149 | 22,801 | 19,797 | ||
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14,831 | 12,294 | 15,212 | 14,286 | 15,260 | 57,380 | 57,052 | ||
SP10 Lump (b) | 0 | 0 | 635 | 2,611 | 1,733 | 0 | 4,979 | ||
SP10 Fines (b) | 1,863 | 1,542 | 1,747 | 3,962 | 1,185 | 3,364 | 8,437 | ||
Total sales ('000 tonnes) | 87,442 | 69,150 | 85,423 | 85,888 | 85,545 | 338,160 | 326,006 | ||
(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) SP10 includes some lower grade products. SP10 fines sales also include IOC product that is further blended and sold at port in China. (c) Restatement due to separately reporting SP10 lump and SP10 fines products that include other lower grade products. (d) Shipments represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports: a portion of this material is shipped for portside trading to be further blended and subsequently sold. | |||||||||
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |
Rio Tinto operational data | |||||||||
Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q2 2019 | Q3 2019 | Q4 2019 | Full Year 2018 | Full Year 2019 | ||
IRON ORE (continued) | |||||||||
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 58.7 | % | |||||||
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada | |||||||||
Saleable iron ore production: | |||||||||
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 2,441 | 1,516 | 2,031 | 2,384 | 1,951 | 6,700 | 7,883 | ||
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,389 | 2,709 | 2,280 | 2,657 | 2,415 | 8,545 | 10,061 | ||
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes) | 4,830 | 4,225 | 4,311 | 5,041 | 4,366 | 15,245 | 17,943 | ||
Shipments: | |||||||||
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) | 2,653 | 878 | 2,239 | 2,427 | 2,083 | 6,619 | 7,628 | ||
Pellets ('000 tonnes) | 2,581 | 2,684 | 2,424 | 2,093 | 2,406 | 8,430 | 9,607 | ||
IOC Total Shipments ('000 tonnes) | 5,234 | 3,562 | 4,663 | 4,520 | 4,490 | 15,049 | 17,235 | ||
IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes) | 5,234 | 3,562 | 4,663 | 4,520 | 4,490 | 15,049 | 17,235 | ||
Global Iron Ore Totals | |||||||||
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) | 91,406 | 80,219 | 84,052 | 92,389 | 87,945 | 353,017 | 344,606 | ||
Iron Ore Shipments ('000 tonnes) | 92,676 | 72,712 | 90,085 | 90,576 | 91,269 | 353,209 | 344,642 | ||
SALT | |||||||||
Dampier Salt | 68.4 | % | |||||||
Western Australia | |||||||||
Salt production ('000 tonnes) | 2,188 | 1,917 | 1,856 | 2,036 | 2,121 | 9,001 | 7,931 | ||
TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG | |||||||||
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium | 100.0 | % | |||||||
Canada and South Africa | |||||||||
(Rio Tinto share) (a) | |||||||||
Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) | 294 | 296 | 303 | 321 | 286 | 1,116 | 1,206 | ||
(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) | 1,351 | 1,160 | 906 | 855 | 939 | 4,407 | 3,860 | ||
(a) ERA production data are drummed U3O8. | |||||||||
Rössing Uranium Ltd (a) (b) | 0.0 | % | |||||||
Namibia | |||||||||
U3O8 Production ('000 lbs) | 1,427 | 1,168 | 1,665 | 247 | - | 5,465 | 3,080 | ||
(a) Rössing production data are drummed U3O8. (b) On 16 July 2019, Rio Tinto completed the sale of its entire 68.62% interest in the Rössing 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 31 December 2019. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. |