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Form 6-K RIO TINTO PLC For: Apr 21

April 21, 2015 3:45 PM EDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

 REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

21 April 2015

 

Commission file number: 001-10533

Commission file number: 001-34121

 

 

Rio Tinto plc

Rio Tinto Limited

 

ABN 96 004 458 404

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

2 Eastbourne Terrace

Level 33, 120 Collins Street

London, W2 6LG, United Kingdom

Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of
Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F _X_  Form 40-F ___

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ___

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ___

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to

Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes ___  No _X_

 

 

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection

with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ________

 

 


 

 

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

99.1

21 April 2015

First quarter 2015 operations review

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.

 

Rio Tinto plc

Rio Tinto Limited

(Registrant)

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

By  /s/  Eleanor Evans   

By  /s/ Eleanor Evans   

Name  Eleanor Evans

Name   Eleanor Evans

Title     Company Secretary

Title     Joint Company Secretary

 

 

Date   21 April 2015

21 April 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter operations review

 

Rio Tinto releases solid first quarter production performance

 

21 April 2015

 

Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said “We continue to drive efficiency in all aspects of our business, which is reflected in our solid production performance during the first quarter. By making best use of our high quality assets, low cost base and operating and commercial capability our aim is to protect our margins in the face of declining prices and maximise returns for shareholders throughout the cycle.”

 

 

 

Q1’15

vs Q1’14

vs Q4’14

Global iron ore shipments (100% basis)

Mt

72.5

+9%

-12%

Global iron ore production (100% basis)

Mt

74.7

+12%

-6%

Bauxite

kt

10,484

+4%

-3%

Aluminium

kt

809

-

-2%

Mined copper

kt

144.1

-9%

+12%

Hard coking coal

kt

2,002

+10%

+22%

Semi-soft and thermal coal

kt

5,660

+4%

+3%

Titanium dioxide slag

kt

322

-17%

+2%

 

Highlights

  • Global iron ore shipments of 72.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 57.3 million tonnes) were nine per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2014. Production of 74.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 59.4 million tonnes) was a 12 per cent increase year on year.

  • Record first quarter bauxite production was four per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014, primarily due to a strong performance at Weipa.

  • Aluminium production in the first quarter was in line with the same period of 2014, despite the partial shutdown at Kitimat, which continues to prepare for first hot metal at the modernised smelter by mid-2015.  

  • Mined copper production was 12 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by higher throughput at Kennecott and Escondida. Lower grades at Kennecott were the primary driver of the nine per cent decline compared with the first quarter of 2014.

  • During the quarter, the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto formally celebrated the major milestone of Oyu Tolgoi shipping one million tonnes of concentrate.

  • Higher first quarter coal production was primarily driven by improved production rates at Kestrel South following the longwall ramp-up, increased semi-soft production at Mount Thorley and Warkworth and higher thermal production at Hail Creek.

  • Titanium dioxide production was 17 per cent lower than in the first quarter of 2014 as production continued to be optimised to align with market demand. 

 

 

 

 

 

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 2014 have been excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2015 remain in comparisons.

 

 

Page 1 of 25

 

 


 

IRON ORE

 

Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

 

Q1 2015

vs Q1 2014

vs Q4 2014

Pilbara Blend Lump

16.1

+21%

0%

Pilbara Blend Fines

24.6

+25%

-2%

Robe Valley Lump

1.5

+5%

-7%

Robe Valley Fines

2.5

-13%

-16%

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

12.6

-6%

-16%

IOC (pellets and concentrate)

2.1

+20%

-6%

 

Pilbara operations

First quarter production of 71.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 57.3 million tonnes) was 12 per cent higher than the same period in 2014 following commissioning of the Nammuldi wet plant and the ramp up of Hope Downs 4. First quarter production was six per cent lower than the fourth quarter of last year due to the impact of wet weather throughout the quarter.

 

Pilbara sales

Quarterly sales of 69.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 55.4 million tonnes) were eight per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2014 but 12 per cent lower than in the fourth quarter of last year. This was a result of weather impacts from Tropical Cyclone Olwyn and a train derailment which temporarily blocked the inload train circuit at Dampier. 

 

Pilbara expansion

Expansion infrastructure is nearing completion and remains on track for delivery by the end of the first half of 2015. As previously announced, all major rail, marine and wharf works are now in place.

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

First quarter concentrate and pellet production was 28 per cent and 15 per cent higher respectively, than the first quarter of last year, driven by increased asset reliability and improved performance. Operational improvements achieved in the first quarter of 2015 significantly offset the impact of winter compared to last year, resulting in first quarter concentrate and pellet production only five and seven per cent lower, respectively, than the fourth quarter of 2014.

 

The improvement in production boosted first quarter sales, with pellet shipments up 33 per cent compared to the same period of 2014 and four per cent higher than the fourth quarter of last year. Concentrate sales were up 12 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2014, with the moisture reduction project improving the amount of concentrate available for sale by preventing the product freezing.

 

2015 guidance

As previously announced, Rio Tinto expects 2015 global shipments approaching 350 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) from its operations in Australia and Canada. As part of the ongoing efficiency programme inventory draw-down will be used throughout the year to maximise cash flows. Shipments and production are each subject to weather conditions.

 

 

ALUMINIUM

 

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)

 

Q1 2015

vs Q1 2014

vs Q4 2014

Rio Tinto Aluminium

 

 

 

Bauxite

10,484

+4%

-3%

Alumina

1,896

+2%

-2%

Aluminium

809

0%

-2%

 

Page 2 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Bauxite

Bauxite production set a new first quarter record and was four per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014, primarily due to a strong performance at Weipa which continued to ramp up. Production from the Gove mine has now reached a run-rate of seven million tonnes per annum and is gearing up to reach an eight million tonne per annum run-rate by the fourth quarter of 2015, as infrastructure constraints continue to be addressed.

Alumina

Excluding the Gove refinery, alumina production was up by two per cent compared with the first quarter of 2014, reflecting stronger production at Queensland Alumina.

 

The curtailment of the Gove refinery was completed in May 2014. It remains on care and maintenance.

 

Aluminium

First quarter aluminium production was in line with the same period of 2014, as capacity creep across the smelter portfolio, combined with restarted capacity at the Boyne smelter in Australia, offset lower production from Kitimat where preparations continue for first hot metal at the modernised smelter by mid-2015.

2015 guidance

Rio Tinto’s share of production remains unchanged and is expected to be 43 million tonnes of bauxite, 8 million tonnes of alumina and 3.3 million tonnes of aluminium.

 

 

COPPER & COAL

 

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)

 

Q1 2015

vs Q1 2014

vs Q4 2014

Mined copper

 

 

 

Kennecott Utah Copper

26.6

-61%

+30%

Escondida

106.2

+35%

+20%

Grasberg

0.0

N/A

N/A

Oyu Tolgoi

11.3

+33%

-33%

 

 

 

 

Refined copper

 

 

 

Kennecott Utah Copper

45.0

-15%

+146%

Escondida

23.2

+2%

+3%

 

 

 

 

Coal

 

 

 

Hard coking coal

2,002

+10%

+22%

Semi-soft coking coal

898

-4%

+23%

Thermal coal

4,762

+5%

0%

 

Kennecott Utah Copper

Mined copper production for the first quarter of 2015 was significantly lower than the same period in 2014, due to the anticipated impact of lower grades and the current focus on de-weighting and de-watering the east wall of Bingham Canyon. Quarter on quarter, mined copper increased by 30 per cent as production had been reduced in the fourth quarter during the scheduled smelter maintenance shutdown in 2014.

 

First quarter refined production was 15 per cent lower than in the same period of 2014 as a result of lower mined production. The significant increase in refined copper production quarter on quarter is attributable to the smelter maintenance shutdown in the fourth quarter of last year. In the first quarter, Kennecott commenced the tolling of third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation. Copper from third party concentrate is excluded from production numbers.

 

 

Page 3 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Escondida

Mined copper production at Escondida rebounded 35 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2014 primarily due to higher grades. This, combined with higher throughput and the absence of process water restrictions, contributed to a 20 per cent increase in tonnage compared with the previous quarter.

 

Oyu Tolgoi / Turquoise Hill Resources

First quarter mined copper production was 33 per cent lower than the previous quarter, due to lower grades and a scheduled major maintenance shutdown.

 

First quarter customer collections of concentrate from the Chinese bonded warehouse were also lower than the previous quarter, affected by the Chinese and Mongolian new-year holidays during which border and customs authorities were closed for extended periods. Additionally, collections were higher in the fourth quarter as inventories of finished goods built up earlier in 2014 were run down.

 

During the quarter, the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto formally celebrated the major milestone of Oyu Tolgoi shipping one million tonnes of copper concentrate.

 

In accordance with the mine plan, the open pit is expected to move to areas of higher-grade material for the remainder of 2015. Accordingly, production levels will be higher in the second half of 2015.

 

Grasberg

Rio Tinto does not expect 2015 production to exceed the metal attributable to Freeport-McMoRan Inc (Freeport) and, accordingly, expects its share of joint venture production to be zero during the year. Freeport is due to announce its first quarter results on 23 April 2015.

 

Coal

Hard coking coal production was ten per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014 as a result of improved production rates at Kestrel South as the longwall ramps up and was 22 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2014 which included a longwall panel changeover.

 

Semi-soft coking coal production was 23 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2014 reflecting mine production sequencing. Thermal coal production was five per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014 primarily due to increased tonnage at Hail Creek where production from a processing plant by-product stream was prioritised in order to deliver increased margins in current market conditions.

 

2015 guidance

In 2015, as previously announced, Rio Tinto expects its share of mined copper production to be between 500 and 535 thousand tonnes and refined copper production to be between 190 and 220 thousand tonnes.

Rio Tinto’s share of production is expected to be 18 to 19 million tonnes of thermal coal, 3 to 3.4 million tonnes of semi-soft coking coal and 7.1 to 8.1 million tonnes of hard coking coal.

 

Page 4 of 25

 

 


 

 

DIAMONDS & MINERALS

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Q1 2015

vs Q1 2014

vs Q4 2014

Diamonds (000 carats)

 

 

 

Argyle

3,217

+31%

+77%

Diavik

899

-20%

-3%

Murowa

40

-42%

-61%

 

 

 

 

Minerals (000 tonnes)

 

 

 

Borates – B2O3 content

129

+3%

+6%

Titanium dioxide slag

322

-17%

+2%

 

 

 

 

Salt (000 tonnes)

1,418

-11%

-23%

 

 

 

 

Uranium (000 lbs)

 

 

 

Energy Resources of Australia

737

N/A

-18%

Rössing

272

-58%

-56%

 

Diamonds

At Argyle, carats recovered during the first quarter were 31 per cent higher than in the same quarter of 2014 as the ramp up of underground production continued. The 77 per cent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2014 reflects the maintenance shutdown which took place in the fourth quarter of 2014 to implement improved design modifications to both underground crushers which are now performing well.

 

Lower carats recovered in the first quarter at Diavik compared to last year reflect lower ore availability as mining progressed through an area of higher dilution as well as crusher plant upgrades which were completed in the quarter. This also accounts for the three per cent reduction in the quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.

 

Carats recovered at Murowa were significantly lower than the comparator periods due to a planned plant shutdown to reconfigure the processing plant and a decision to reduce production rates pending confirmation (subsequently received) that a new 15 per cent export tax did not apply to Murowa.

 

Minerals

Borates production was three per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2014 in response to higher sales demand and the commissioning of the new modified direct dissolving of kernite (MDDK) process plant in the second half of 2014.

 

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)

Titanium dioxide slag production was 17 per cent lower than in the first quarter of 2014 as production continued to be optimised to align with market demand. Weaker demand has resulted in a decision to take another furnace offline at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) in Quebec from April, meaning two of RTFT’s nine furnaces are now idled.

 

Salt

First quarter salt production was lower than both comparator periods as a result of weaker demand and a decision not to build working capital in the form of inventory.

 

Uranium

At Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) lower grades from processing existing stockpiles resulted in lower production in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 despite increased throughput and improved recoveries.

 

First quarter production at Rössing was lower largely as a result of lower grades in both the first and fourth quarters of 2014 due to normal mine sequencing. This was exacerbated by a fire in the final product recovery plant which impacted approximately one week of overall production.

 

 

Page 5 of 25

 

 


 

 

2015 guidance

In 2015, Rio Tinto’s share of production is now expected to be 1.3 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent and 20 million carats of diamonds.

 

Rio Tinto’s share of uranium production is unchanged and is expected to be between 5 and 6 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 quarter was $126 million compared with $155 million in the same quarter of 2014.

 

Approximately 39 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by Copper & Coal, six per cent by Iron Ore, 21 per cent by Diamonds & Minerals and the balance by central exploration.

 

There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the quarter.

 

Exploration activity

 

Copper

In the United States, field mapping, sampling and drilling continued across copper projects in Utah, Arizona and Montana. In South America, field reconnaissance, soil sampling and geophysical surveying occurred across projects in Chile and Peru. In Zambia, field reconnaissance work continued as well as preparation for the upcoming field season. In Kazakhstan, preparation for the field season commenced.

 

Nickel

In the United States, field mapping and drilling continued targeting nickel sulphides.

 

Bauxite

In Brazil, field mapping and drilling continued across several targets. In Laos, auger drilling across the project continues. In Cape York, preparation for the upcoming field season commenced.

 

Coal

In Australia, geological interpretation continues in addition to preparation for the upcoming field season.

 

Uranium

In the United States, the planned drilling programme was completed.

 

Diamonds

In India, the planned drilling programme was completed.  In Canada, data review and sampling of targets continued.

 

 

Page 6 of 25

 

 


 

 

A summary of activity for the period is as follows:

 

Product Group

Greenfield

programmes

Advanced

projects

Evaluation

projects

Aluminium

Australia, Brazil, Laos

Amargosa orbit, Brazil

South of Embley and Cape York, Australia; Amargosa, Brazil

Copper & Coal

Copper: Australia, US, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Zambia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China

Nickel: Canada

Nickel: Tamarack, US Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley Australia

 

Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US

Copper: La Granja, Peru

Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia

Coal: Mt Pleasant, Hail Creek, Australia

Diamonds & Minerals

Diamonds: India, Canada

Heavy mineral sands: Gabon

Uranium: Canada, US, Australia

 

Diamonds: Diavik, Canada; Bunder, India

Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia

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

Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea

Potash: KP405, Canada

Uranium: Ranger 3 Deeps, Australia;

Roughrider, Canada;

Rössing Z20, Namibia

Iron Ore

Botswana

Pilbara, Australia

Pilbara, Australia

 

Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including: Pilbara Iron, Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Richards Bay, Oyu Tolgoi, Weipa and Kennecott.

 

 

 

Page 7 of 25

 

 


 

 

Contacts

 

[email protected]

 

www.riotinto.com

 

 Follow @riotinto on Twitter

 

 

 

Media Relations, EMEA/Americas

Illtud Harri

T +44 20 7781 1152

M +44 7920 503 600

 

David Outhwaite

T +44 20 7781 1623

M +44 7787 597 493

 

David Luff
T + 44 20 7781 1177
M + 44 7780 226 422

 

Investor Relations, EMEA/Americas

John Smelt

T +44 20 7781 1654

M +44 7879 642 675

 

David Ovington

T +44 20 7781 2051

M +44 7920 010 978

 

Grant Donald

T +44 20 7781 1262

M +44 7920 587 805

Media Relations, Australia/Asia

Ben Mitchell

T +61 3 9283 3620

M +61 419 850 212

 

Bruce Tobin

T +61 3 9283 3612

M +61 419 103 454

 

Matt Klar

T + 61 7 3625 4244
M + 61 457 525 578

 

Investor Relations, Australia/Asia

Natalie Worley

T +61 3 9283 3063

M +61 409 210 462

 

Rachel Storrs

T +61 3 9283 3628

M +61 417 401 018

 

Galina Rogova

T +86 21 6103 3550

M +86 152 2118 3942

 

 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto plc

2 Eastbourne Terrace

London W2 6LG

United Kingdom

 

T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

120 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

 

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

 

 

 

Page 8 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

 

Rio Tinto production summary

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Quarter

Full Year

% Change

2014
Q1

2014
Q4

2015
Q1

 

2014

 

Q1 15 
vs
Q1 14

Q1 15 
vs
Q4 14

Principal Commodities

 

 

Alumina

('000 t)

2,392

1,931

1,896

 

8,134

 

-21%

-2%

Aluminium

('000 t)

809

827

809

 

3,279

 

0%

-2%

Bauxite

('000 t)

10,044

10,794

10,484

 

41,871

 

4%

-3%

Borates

('000 t)

126

123

129

 

508

 

3%

6%

Coal - hard coking

('000 t)

1,814

1,639

2,002

 

7,054

 

10%

22%

Coal - semi-soft coking

('000 t)

936

728

898

 

3,213

 

-4%

23%

Coal - thermal

('000 t)

4,520

4,759

4,762

 

19,080

 

5%

0%

Copper - mined

('000 t)

158.2

128.3

144.1

 

603.1

 

-9%

12%

Copper - refined

('000 t)

75.8

40.7

68.2

 

294.6

 

-10%

67%

Diamonds

('000 cts)

3,650

2,841

4,155

 

13,872

 

14%

46%

Iron ore

('000 t)

52,339

63,239

59,412

 

233,557

 

14%

-6%

Titanium dioxide feedstock

('000 t)

389

316

322

 

1,443

 

-17%

2%

Uranium

('000 lbs)

644

1,523

1,010

 

4,089

 

57%

-34%

Other Metals & Minerals

 

 

Gold - mined

('000 oz)

94.2

131.0

79.8

 

486.8

 

-15%

-39%

Gold - refined

('000 oz)

62.0

51.1

62.2

 

252.2

 

0%

22%

Molybdenum

('000 t)

0.9

2.6

2.7

 

11.5

 

186%

5%

Salt

('000 t)

1,586

1,852

1,418

 

6,793

 

-11%

-23%

Silver - mined

('000 oz)

1,197

740

954

 

4,699

 

-20%

29%

Silver - refined

('000 oz)

598

636

698

 

2,811

 

17%

10%

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 full year figures.

 

Page 9 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

ALUMINA

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

Aluminium Product Group

 

  Jonquière (Vaudreuil)

100%

360

352

358

373

360

1,444

  Queensland Alumina

80%

697

668

741

748

739

2,854

  São Luis (Alumar)

10%

88

87

94

95

86

364

  Yarwun

100%

683

661

656

687

683

2,688

  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina   plant

100%

26

27

28

27

27

108

Aluminium Product Group total

1,856

1,795

1,877

1,931

1,896

7,458

Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a)

100%

537

139

0

0

0

676

Rio Tinto total alumina production

 

2,392

1,934

1,877

1,931

1,896

8,134

 

ALUMINIUM

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

  Australia - Bell Bay

100%

46

47

48

48

46

188

  Australia - Boyne Island

59%

76

81

85

86

84

328

  Australia - Tomago

52%

70

71

73

74

73

289

  Canada - six wholly owned

100%

322

320

320

317

306

1,279

  Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles)

40%

58

58

58

59

59

233

  Canada - Bécancour

25%

28

28

28

28

26

112

  France - Dunquerque

100%

67

67

68

68

67

270

  Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)

100%

50

52

51

52

51

206

  New Zealand - Tiwai Point

79%

64

65

65

65

65

260

  Oman - Sohar

20%

18

18

18

19

19

73

  UK - Lochaber

100%

10

10

10

11

12

42

Rio Tinto total aluminium production

 

809

817

825

827

809

3,279

 

BAUXITE

 

Production ('000 tonnes) (b)

 

   Gove

100%

1,804

1,426

1,725

1,574

1,710

6,528

   Porto Trombetas

12%

438

470

501

556

438

1,965

   Sangaredi

   (c)

1,686

1,885

1,819

1,721

1,632

7,111

   Weipa

100%

6,116

6,363

6,844

6,944

6,704

26,266

Rio Tinto total bauxite production

 

10,044

10,144

10,889

10,794

10,484

41,871

 

 

Page 10 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

BORATES

 

Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)

 

  Rio Tinto Minerals - borates

100%

126

133

127

123

129

508

 

COAL - hard coking

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)

 

  Hail Creek Coal

82%

1,190

1,338

1,277

1,520

1,189

5,324

  Kestrel Coal

80%

625

490

497

119

813

1,730

Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production

 

1,814

1,828

1,773

1,639

2,002

7,054

 

COAL - semi-soft coking

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)

 

  Hunter Valley

80%

431

385

292

440

460

1,548

  Mount Thorley

64%

355

365

317

213

311

1,250

  Warkworth

44%

151

153

36

76

128

415

Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production

 

936

903

645

728

898

3,213

 

COAL - thermal

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)

 

  Bengalla

32%

758

654

667

660

749

2,739

  Hail Creek Coal

82%

320

344

702

524

725

1,890

  Hunter Valley

80%

2,350

2,183

2,732

2,275

2,184

9,539

  Kestrel Coal

80%

70

87

45

249

94

451

  Mount Thorley

64%

382

425

499

128

353

1,434

  Warkworth

44%

641

753

711

923

658

3,027

Rio Tinto total thermal coal production

4,520

4,447

5,355

4,759

4,762

19,080

 

 

Page 11 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

COPPER

 

Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)

 

  Bingham Canyon

100%

69.2

61.9

52.8

20.5

26.6

204.3

  Escondida

30%

78.8

89.4

84.2

88.9

106.2

341.3

  Grasberg - Joint Venture (d)

40%

1.7

1.5

2.5

2.1

0.0

7.7

  Oyu Tolgoi (e)

34%

8.5

12.1

12.3

16.9

11.3

49.8

Rio Tinto total mine production

158.2

164.8

151.8

128.3

144.1

603.1

Refined production ('000 tonnes)

 

  Escondida

30%

22.7

24.5

20.8

22.5

23.2

90.5

  Kennecott Utah Copper

100%

53.1

70.1

62.7

18.3

45.0

204.1

Rio Tinto total refined production

 

75.8

94.6

83.5

40.7

68.2

294.6

 

DIAMONDS

 

Production ('000 carats)

 

  Argyle

100%

2,461

2,459

2,455

1,813

3,217

9,188

  Diavik

60%

1,119

1,290

1,004

927

899

4,340

  Murowa

78%

69

83

90

101

40

344

Rio Tinto total diamond production

 

3,650

3,832

3,549

2,841

4,155

13,872

 

GOLD

 

Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)

 

  Barneys Canyon

100%

0.0

0.4

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.4

  Bingham Canyon

100%

63.3

76.6

86.7

33.2

44.7

259.8

  Escondida

30%

8.6

8.0

6.6

3.8

6.4

27.0

  Grasberg - Joint Venture (d)

40%

0.4

0.3

0.8

0.7

0.0

2.3

  Oyu Tolgoi (e)

34%

22.0

37.9

44.2

93.2

28.7

197.3

Rio Tinto total mine production

94.2

123.2

138.4

131.0

79.8

486.8

Refined production ('000 ounces)

 

  Kennecott Utah Copper

100%

62.0

59.8

79.3

51.1

62.2

252.2

 

 

Page 12 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

IRON ORE

 

Production ('000 tonnes) (b)

 

  Hamersley mines

   (f)

36,345

39,742

41,837

45,239

42,177

163,163

  Hamersley - Channar

60%

1,642

1,642

1,763

1,501

1,287

6,548

  Hope Downs

50%

4,779

5,094

5,646

5,839

5,679

21,358

  Iron Ore Company of Canada

59%

1,764

2,365

2,299

2,247

2,109

8,676

  Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53%

4,329

4,530

4,846

4,599

4,020

18,304

  Robe River - West Angelas

53%

3,479

4,158

4,058

3,815

4,139

15,510

Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

52,339

57,530

60,450

63,239

59,412

233,557

Breakdown of Production:

 

  Pilbara Blend Lump

13,251

14,541

14,986

16,103

16,057

58,881

  Pilbara Blend Fines

19,615

22,669

24,721

25,185

24,607

92,191

  Robe Valley Lump

1,413

1,518

1,617

1,591

1,482

6,138

  Robe Valley Fines

2,916

3,012

3,229

3,008

2,538

12,165

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,379

13,425

13,597

15,105

12,618

55,507

  IOC Concentrate

629

1,130

936

845

804

3,539

  IOC Pellets

1,136

1,235

1,364

1,402

1,305

5,137

Breakdown of Sales:

 

  Pilbara Blend Lump

11,636

12,066

13,730

13,778

13,231

51,210

  Pilbara Blend Fines

21,925

26,596

26,496

30,627

26,004

105,643

  Robe Valley Lump

1,200

1,465

1,405

1,435

1,257

5,505

  Robe Valley Fines

2,878

3,311

3,246

3,453

2,568

12,888

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,732

13,712

14,198

14,628

12,336

56,270

  IOC Concentrate

372

1,118

1,343

732

417

3,565

  IOC Pellets

1,102

1,134

1,172

1,410

1,462

4,818

Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)

 

52,844

59,402

61,590

66,063

57,276

239,900

 

MOLYBDENUM

 

Mine production ('000 tonnes) (b)

 

  Bingham Canyon

100%

0.9

2.5

5.6

2.6

2.7

11.5

 

 

 

Page 13 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto share of production

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

SALT

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

  Dampier Salt

68%

1,586

1,788

1,567

1,852

1,418

6,793

 

SILVER

 

Mine production ('000 ounces) (b)

 

  Bingham Canyon

100%

744

864

970

356

486

2,935

  Escondida

30%

398

432

348

288

407

1,465

  Grasberg - Joint Venture (d)

40%

0

0

0

0

0

0

  Oyu Tolgoi (e)

34%

54

77

72

96

62

299

Rio Tinto total mine production

1,197

1,372

1,390

740

954

4,699

Refined production ('000 ounces)

 

  Kennecott Utah Copper

100%

598

818

759

636

698

2,811

 

TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK

 

Production ('000 tonnes)

 

  Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (g)

100%

389

372

365

316

322

1,443

 

URANIUM

 

Production ('000 lbs U3O8)

 

  Energy Resources of Australia (h)

68%

0

0

853

904

737

1,757

  Rössing

69%

644

455

615

618

272

2,333

Rio Tinto total uranium production

 

644

455

1,467

1,523

1,010

4,089

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) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.

(b) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.

(c) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.

(d) 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.

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

(f) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.

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

(h) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.

 

The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 March 2015.

Rio Tinto's interest in the Benga and Clermont mines and the Alucam and SØRAL smelters were sold in 2014.  No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table.

 

Page 14 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

ALUMINA

 

Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group

 

Alumina production ('000 tonnes)

 

Australia

 

  Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland

80.0%

872

835

926

935

924

3,568

  Yarwun refinery - Queensland

100.0%

683

661

656

687

683

2,688

Brazil

 

  São Luis (Alumar) refinery

10.0%

882

865

938

953

862

3,639

Canada

 

  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)

100.0%

360

352

358

373

360

1,444


(a) Jonquière’s (Vaudreuil’s) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.

Smelter Grade Alumina - Other Aluminium

             

             

             

Alumina production ('000 tonnes)

             

             

             

Australia

             

             

             

  Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a)

100.0%

537

139

0

0

0

676


(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.

Specialty Alumina - Aluminium Group

 

Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)

 

Canada

 

  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant – Quebec

100.0%

26

27

28

27

27

108

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Page 15 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

ALUMINIUM

 

Primary Aluminium

 

Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)

 

Australia

 

  Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania

100.0%

46

47

48

48

46

188

  Boyne Island smelter - Queensland

59.4%

129

136

143

145

142

553

  Tomago smelter - New South Wales

51.6%

136

139

142

144

141

561

Cameroon

             

  Alucam (Edéa) smelter (a)

0.0%

24

23

24

22

-

93

Canada

 

  Alma smelter - Quebec

100.0%

112

111

116

116

115

455

  Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec

40.0%

144

145

146

147

147

583

  Arvida smelter - Quebec

100.0%

42

43

44

44

43

173

  Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec

100.0%

14

15

15

15

14

59

  Bécancour smelter - Quebec

25.1%

111

111

110

114

105

446

  Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec

100.0%

56

55

55

55

54

222

  Kitimat smelter - British Columbia

100.0%

38

35

28

24

20

125

  Laterrière smelter - Quebec

100.0%

60

61

62

62

60

244

France

 

  Dunkerque smelter

100.0%

67

67

68

68

67

270

Iceland

 

  ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter

100.0%

50

52

51

52

51

206

New Zealand

 

  Tiwai Point smelter

79.4%

81

82

82

82

82

327

Norway

             

  SØRAL (Husnes) smelter (b)

0.0%

23

23

23

8

-

76

Oman

 

  Sohar smelter

20.0%

88

91

92

93

93

364

United Kingdom

 

  Lochaber smelter

100.0%

10

10

10

11

12

42


(a) Rio Tinto sold its 46.7% interest in the Alucam (Edéa) smelter with an effective date of 31 December 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 50% interest in the SØRAL (Husnes) smelter with an effective date of 31 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Page 16 of 25

 

 


 

 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

BAUXITE

 

Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)

 

Australia

 

  Gove mine - Northern Territory

100.0%

1,804

1,426

1,725

1,574

1,710

6,528

  Weipa mine - Queensland

100.0%

6,116

6,363

6,844

6,944

6,704

26,266

Brazil

 

  Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine

12.0%

3,649

3,918

4,177

4,633

3,651

16,376

Guinea

 

  Sangaredi mine (a)

23.0%

3,747

4,189

4,043

3,823

3,627

15,803

 

Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments

 

Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

9,829

10,065

10,671

10,851

10,487

41,417

Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)

4,464

5,768

6,523

6,502

6,372

23,257


(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Page 17 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

BORATES

 

Rio Tinto Minerals - borates

100.0%

 

US

 

  Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)

126

133

127

123

129

508


(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.

 

COAL

 

Rio Tinto Coal Australia

 

Bengalla mine

32.0%

 

New South Wales

 

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,369

2,045

2,083

2,061

2,341

8,558

Clermont Coal mine (a)

0.0%

             

             

 

Queensland

             

             

 

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,567

2,265

-

-

-

4,832

Hail Creek Coal mine

82.0%

 

Queensland

 

  Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

1,451

1,631

1,557

1,853

1,450

6,492

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

390

420

856

639

884

2,304

Hunter Valley Operations

80.0%

 

New South Wales

 

  Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

539

481

365

550

574

1,935

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

2,937

2,728

3,415

2,844

2,730

11,924

Kestrel Coal mine

80.0%

 

Queensland

 

  Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)

781

613

621

149

1,017

2,163

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

88

109

56

311

118

564

Mount Thorley Operations

64.0%

 

New South Wales

 

  Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

554

570

496

333

485

1,952

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

596

665

780

200

551

2,241

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Page 18 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

COAL (continued)

 

Warkworth mine

44.5%

 

New South Wales

 

  Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)

339

345

80

170

287

933

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)

1,439

1,692

1,598

2,073

1,478

6,803

Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

2,232

2,244

2,178

2,002

2,467

8,655

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

1,431

1,395

942

1,052

1,347

4,821

Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

10,387

9,924

8,787

8,129

8,101

37,227

Total coal production ('000 tonnes)

14,050

13,563

11,906

11,183

11,915

50,703

 

Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)

14,014

13,569

11,409

12,395

11,926

51,386

Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (b)

 

Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)

1,990

2,152

1,563

1,978

1,925

7,683

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

820

803

790

812

929

3,225

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

5,827

5,447

4,972

5,183

4,781

21,429


(a) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Kestrel produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports.
(c) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.

Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique

 

Benga mine (a)

0.0%

 

Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)

91

288

236

26

-

641

Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)

82

271

216

23

-

593

(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique and its 65% interest in the Benga mine with an effective date of 7 October 2014. Production data are shown up to that date.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Page 19 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

COPPER & GOLD

 

Escondida

30.0%

 

Chile

 

Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)

21,051

21,438

20,652

18,354

21,382

81,494

  Average copper grade (%)

1.12

1.33

1.20

1.45

1.49

1.27

Mill production (metals in concentrates):

 

  Contained copper ('000 tonnes)

195.5

235.6

205.5

215.7

270.6

852.4

  Contained gold ('000 ounces)

29

27

22

13

21

90

  Contained silver ('000 ounces)

1,326

1,439

1,159

958

1,355

4,883

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

67.1

62.3

75.3

80.5

83.5

285.2

Refined production from leach plants:

 

  Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)

75.8

81.5

69.3

75.0

77.3

301.5


(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold

 

Grasberg mine (a)

0.0% (b)

 

Papua, Indonesia

 

Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

10,617

9,368

12,488

11,512

17,199

43,985

Average mill head grades:

 

  Copper (%)

0.73

0.73

0.88

0.79

0.62

0.79

  Gold (g/t)

0.79

0.65

1.28

1.14

0.57

0.99

  Silver (g/t)

3.34

3.08

3.90

3.37

1.70

3.45

Production of metals in concentrates:

 

  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

67.5

58.7

97.7

82.3

89.9

306.3

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

215

147

439

366

235

1,167

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

558

499

913

771

518

2,740

Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)

 

  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

50.6

54.3

120.0

83.9

84.2

308.7

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

163

136

505

366

229

1,170

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

334

367

889

623

392

2,213


(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 1Q 2015 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 1Q 2015 until the release of its 2015 first-quarter results on 23 April 2015.
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.
(c) Net of smelter deductions.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

 

 

Page 20 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

COPPER & GOLD (continued)

 

Kennecott Utah Copper

 

Barneys Canyon mine (a)

100.0%

             

             

             

             

Utah, US

             

             

             

             

  Gold produced ('000 ounces)

0.0

0.4

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.4

Bingham Canyon mine

100.0%

 

Utah, US

 

Ore treated ('000 tonnes)

11,916

10,480

12,184

6,404

9,819

40,984

Average ore grade:

 

  Copper (%)

0.65

0.65

0.49

0.37

0.31

0.56

  Gold (g/t)

0.25

0.33

0.33

0.26

0.21

0.30

  Silver (g/t)

2.62

3.26

3.01

2.22

2.22

2.83

  Molybdenum (%)

0.029

0.044

0.069

0.060

0.041

0.050

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

299

225

193

82

133

799

  Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

23.1

27.5

27.2

24.8

19.9

25.5

Production of metals in copper concentrates:

 

  Copper ('000 tonnes) (b)

69.2

61.9

52.8

20.5

26.6

204.3

  Gold ('000 ounces)

63

77

87

33

45

260

  Silver ('000 ounces)

744

864

970

356

486

2,935

Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):

1.9

4.6

10.5

4.9

5.2

21.9

  Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

0.9

2.5

5.6

2.6

2.7

11.5


(a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be recovered from leach pads.
(b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.

Kennecott smelter & refinery

100.0%

 

Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes)

273

309

205

122

148

908

Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)

57.4

71.7

50.2

24.9

35.1

204.2

Production of refined metal:

 

  Copper ('000 tonnes)

53.1

70.1

62.7

18.3

45.0

204.1

  Gold ('000 ounces) (b)

62.0

59.8

79.3

51.1

62.2

252.2

  Silver ('000 ounces) (b)

598

818

759

636

698

2,811


(a) New metal excluding recycled material.
(b) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

Page 21 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

COPPER & GOLD (continued)

 

Turquoise Hill Resources

 

Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)

33.5%

 

Mongolia

 

Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)

5,560

7,778

7,029

7,505

7,512

27,872

Average mill head grades:

 

  Copper (%)

0.52

0.53

0.59

0.74

0.52

0.60

  Gold (g/t)

0.49

0.60

0.80

1.46

0.48

0.86

  Silver (g/t)

1.52

1.57

1.64

1.65

1.16

1.60

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)

102.9

140.0

134.1

186.7

130.9

563.6

  Average concentrate grade (% Cu)

24.6

25.8

27.3

26.9

25.7

26.3

Production of metals in concentrates:

 

  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

25.3

36.2

36.6

50.3

33.6

148.4

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

65.6

113.0

132.0

278.2

85.6

588.7

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

163

229

216

286

184

893

Sales of metals in concentrates:

 

  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)

13.1

51.6

53.6

67.6

42.1

185.8

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)

28

126

144

263

200

561

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)

78

309

323

383

219

1,093


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

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Page 22 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

DIAMONDS

 

Argyle Diamonds

100.0%

 

Western Australia

 

  AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)

724

712

876

688

1,178

2,999

  AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)

2,461

2,459

2,455

1,813

3,217

9,188

Diavik Diamonds

60.0%

 

Northwest Territories, Canada

 

  Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

587

617

560

512

476

2,277

  Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

1,865

2,150

1,673

1,545

1,498

7,233

Murowa Diamonds

77.8%

 

Zimbabwe

 

  Ore processed ('000 tonnes)

142

135

153

160

117

590

  Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)

89

107

116

130

51

442

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Page 23 of 25

 

 


 

 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

IRON ORE

 

Rio Tinto Iron Ore

 

Western Australia

 

Pilbara Operations

 

Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)

 

  Hamersley mines

   (a)

36,345

39,742

41,837

45,239

42,177

163,163

  Hamersley - Channar

60.0%

2,737

2,737

2,938

2,502

2,145

10,913

  Hope Downs

50.0%

9,559

10,187

11,292

11,677

11,358

42,715

  Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53.0%

8,168

8,547

9,144

8,677

7,585

34,535

  Robe River - West Angelas

53.0%

6,564

7,845

7,657

7,198

7,810

29,264

Total production ('000 tonnes)

 

63,373

69,057

72,868

75,292

71,075

280,590

Breakdown of total production:

 

  Pilbara Blend Lump

17,031

18,688

19,416

20,298

20,231

75,433

  Pilbara Blend Fines

24,795

28,397

30,711

31,213

30,641

115,115

  Robe Valley Lump

2,666

2,863

3,051

3,002

2,796

11,582

  Robe Valley Fines

5,502

5,684

6,093

5,675

4,789

22,953

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

 

13,379

13,425

13,597

15,105

12,618

55,507

Breakdown of total sales:

 

  Pilbara Blend Lump

14,971

16,246

17,378

17,295

16,832

65,889

  Pilbara Blend Fines

27,821

32,871

33,380

37,370

32,904

131,441

  Robe Valley Lump

2,264

2,764

2,651

2,708

2,373

10,387

  Robe Valley Fines

5,431

6,247

6,124

6,514

4,845

24,317

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13,732

13,712

14,198

14,628

12,336

56,270

Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)

 

64,219

71,841

73,731

78,515

69,290

288,305


(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.

Iron Ore Company of Canada

58.7%

 

Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada

 

Saleable iron ore production:

 

  Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

1,071

1,924

1,593

1,439

1,370

6,026

  Pellets ('000 tonnes)

1,934

2,104

2,322

2,388

2,223

8,748

Sales:

 

  Concentrates ('000 tonnes)

633

1,904

2,288

1,246

711

6,071

  Pellets ('000 tonnes)

 

1,876

1,931

1,996

2,402

2,490

8,204

Global Iron Ore Totals

 

Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)

66,377

73,085

76,784

79,119

74,667

295,365

Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)

66,728

75,675

78,014

82,163

72,491

302,580

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

Page 24 of 25

 

 


 


 

Rio Tinto operational data

 

Rio Tinto
interest

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

4Q
2014

1Q
2015

Full Year
2014

 

SALT

 

Dampier Salt

68.4%

 

Western Australia

 

  Salt production ('000 tonnes)

 

2,320

2,616

2,293

2,709

2,074

9,938

 

TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK

 

Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium

100.0%

 

Canada and South Africa

 

  (Rio Tinto share) (a)

 

  Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 tonnes)

389

372

365

316

322

1,443


(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)

0

0

1,247

1,322

1,078

2,569


(a) ERA production reported is 'drummed' U3O8.

Rössing Uranium Ltd

68.6%

 

Namibia

 

  U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)

939

664

896

902

397

3,401

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2015. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

 

Page 25 of 25

 



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