15 October 2014

Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said "We have delivered another strong quarter with record iron ore production and a solid performance in copper and aluminium. We have seen our first full quarter from the 290 Mt/a iron ore expansion in the Pilbara, with the additional tonnes going into our premium Pilbara Blend products. Our strategy of focussing on long-life, low-cost assets means we will continue to generate strong cash flows despite a lower price environment, resulting in materially increased and consistent cash returns to shareholders."

Highlights(Rio Tinto share unless stated otherwise)



Q3'14

vs Q3'13

vs Q2'14

9 mths 2014

vs 9 mths 2013

Global iron ore shipments (100% basis)

Mt

78.0

+15%

+3%

220.4

+18%

Global iron ore production (100% basis)

Mt

76.8

+12%

+5%

216.2

+11%

Mined copper

kt

151.8

+1%

-8%

474.7

+15%

Bauxite

kt

10,889

-3%

+7%

31,077

-2%

Aluminium

kt

848

-1%

1%

2,519

0%

Hard coking coal

kt

1,927

-14%

-4%

5,815

0%

Semi-soft and thermal coal

kt

6,141

-13%

-8%

19,597

-3%

Titanium dioxide feedstock

kt

365

-2%

-2%

1,127

-11%

·      Record quarterly and year to date iron ore shipments, production and rail volumes. Sales from the Pilbara continued to exceed production in the quarter, as the stocks that were built in anticipation of delivery of the infrastructure expansion were drawn down.

·      Infrastructure for the 360 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a) expansion is 75 per cent complete, with all rail, marine and wharf works in place. The 360 Mt/a project is poised to generate significant value for shareholders.

·      Rio Tinto is increasing its copper guidance for the year on the back of mined copper production being 15 per cent higher than in the first nine months of 2013, driven by improved recoveries at the Kennecott concentrator and the sustained ramp up at Oyu Tolgoi.

·      Global bauxite production in the third quarter was seven per cent higher than in the second quarter, as the Gove bauxite mine continued its ramp up following curtailment of the Gove refinery in May.

·      Aluminium production in the third quarter was broadly in line with last year. Production from the new AP60 plant and productivity gains across the smelter portfolio offset the loss of production from Shawinigan, which closed in November 2013, and the partial shutdown at Kitimat as the plant continues to prepare for full commissioning of the modernised smelter in the first half of 2015.

·      Production of hard coking coal in the first nine months of 2014 was in line with 2013. Production of thermal and semi-soft coal was down only three per cent, despite the loss of production from the Clermont mine which was sold in the second quarter of this year, due to production of thermal coal from Hail Creek and significant productivity gains achieved across other coal mines in the business.

·      Titanium dioxide production was down 11 per cent in the first nine months of the year as the business continues to match production volumes to underlying demand.

·      Exploration and evaluation expenditure was $566 million in the first nine months of 2014, sustaining the savings achieved in 2013 whilst continuing to progress the highest priority projects.

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 2013 have been excluded.

IRON ORE

Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)


Q3 2014

vs Q3 2013

vs Q2 2014

9 mths 2014

vs 9 mths 2013

Pilbara Blend Lump

15.0

+13%

+3%

42.8

+11%

Pilbara Blend Fines

24.7

+29%

+9%

67.0

+20%

Robe Valley Lump

1.6

-2%

+7%

4.5

+6%

Robe Valley Fines

3.2

+5%

+7%

9.2

+4%

Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)

13.6

-1%

+1%

40.4

+3%

IOC (pellets and concentrate)

2.3

-2%

-3%

6.4

-4%

Global iron ore production of 216.2 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 170.3 million tonnes) and global shipments of 220.4 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 173.8 million tonnes) set new nine month records. Rio Tinto's share of production in the period was 11 per cent higher than in the same period of 2013.

Pilbara operations

Production in the first nine months of 205.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 163.9 million tonnes) was 12 per cent higher than the same period in 2013 and set a new nine month record, driven by a combination of rail, haul truck and processing plant productivity improvements and achieving the 290 Mt/a run rate in May, two months ahead of schedule. Almost 90 per cent of the additional tonnes produced in the year to date has gone directly into our Pilbara Blend, the market leading iron ore product.

The third quarter marked the first full quarter of production at a 290 Mt/a run rate, delivering a 13 per cent increase in production in the quarter to 72.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 58.2 million tonnes) when compared to the same period last year.

Pilbara sales

Record sales of 209.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 167.6 million tonnes) in the first nine months were 20 per cent higher than the same period of 2013. Sales in the period exceeded production by

4.5 million tonnes due to the drawdown of stockpiled iron ore inventory built at Pilbara mine sites in previous years to facilitate a ramp up of the expanded port and rail facilities to 290 Mt/a.

The growth of our Pilbara iron ore business has enabled us to deliver additional Pilbara Blend iron ore volumes to Asian steel markets, providing our customers with reliable, long-term supply of stable quality. Our Yandicoogina and Robe Valley products remained in high demand from major steel mills in Asia.

Third quarter sales set a new quarterly record of 73.7 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 59.1 million tonnes), 15 per cent higher than the same period of 2013.

Pilbara expansion

Infrastructure for the 360 Mt/a expansion is 75 per cent complete, with all rail, marine and wharf works now in place. The infrastructure expansion is expected to be complete by the end of the first half 2015.

In November 2013, Rio Tinto set out its breakthrough pathway to optimise the growth of mine capacity towards 360 Mt/a, which freed up more than $3 billion of capital previously earmarked for the expansion.

The 360 Mt/a project is poised to generate significant value for shareholders and production from the Pilbara is expected to be 330 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in 2015.

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

Production for the first nine months was four per cent lower than the same period of 2013 due to the unusually cold winter experienced in the first quarter of 2014. While production in the third quarter was two per cent lower than the same period of 2013, sales were 14 per cent higher and shipments exceeded production in the quarter by nine per cent as previously frozen material became available for sale.

2014 shipping and production guidance

Rio Tinto expects 2014 global shipments of approximately 300 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). 2014 global production guidance is unchanged at 295 million tonnes (100 per cent basis), subject to weather constraints. Around five million tonnes of iron ore inventory is expected to be drawn down from the Pilbara mines during the year.

COPPER

Rio Tinto share of production


Q3 2014

vs Q3 2013

vs Q2 2014

9 mths 2014

vs 9 mths 2013

Kennecott Utah Copper






Mined copper (000 tonnes)

52.8

-11%

-15%

183.8

+25%

Refined copper (000 tonnes)

62.7

+35%

-11%

185.9

+37%

Molybdenum (000 tonnes)

5.6

+349%

+126%

8.9

+129%

Mined gold (000 oz)

86.7

+56%

+13%

227.0

+70%

Refined gold (000 oz)

79.3

+97%

+33%

201.1

+39%

Escondida






Mined copper (000 tonnes)

84.2

+3%

-6%

252.4

0%

Refined copper (000 tonnes)

20.8

-5%

-15%

68.0

-1%

Grasberg






Mined copper (000 tonnes)

2.5

N/A

+68%

5.6

N/A

Mined gold (000 oz)

0.8

N/A

+188%

1.5

N/A

Oyu Tolgoi






Mined copper (000 tonnes)

12.3

+20%

+1%

32.9

+125%

Mined gold (000 oz)

44.2

+111%

+17%

104.1

+272%

Kennecott Utah Copper

Mined copper and gold in the first nine months improved significantly on the same period in 2013, reflecting the recovery from the pit wall slide experienced in April 2013, improved overall grades and improved recoveries at the newly expanded concentrator completed in the third quarter of 2013. Copper production in the third quarter, however, was 11 per cent lower than the same period last year due to lower grades at the mine, which was partially offset by higher throughput. This throughput, coupled with improved gold grades, has resulted in increased mined gold.

While copper cathode production for the third quarter was down by 11 per cent due to the 65-day scheduled smelter shutdown which started in early September, overall copper cathode production was 37 per cent higher in the first nine months of the year compared to 2013.

Molybdenum production improved significantly quarter on quarter due to higher grades, improved recoveries and increased throughput.

Escondida

Despite lower grades, increased mill throughput resulted in copper production up three per cent on the same period last year.

Oyu Tolgoi / Turquoise Hill Resources

Production for the first nine months of the year was 98.2 thousand tonnes of copper and 310.6 thousand ounces of gold in concentrates (Rio Tinto share 32.9 thousand tonnes and 104.1 thousand ounces, respectively). Production rose in the third quarter due to higher copper and gold grades offsetting lower throughput.

Customer collections of concentrate from the Chinese bonded warehouse continued to exceed production, with the sale of 53.6 thousand tonnes of copper and 143.7 thousand ounces of gold in concentrates (100 per cent basis) recognised in the third quarter. Warehouse inventories are expected to approach appropriate levels by the end of this year.

Grasberg

Based on the latest available forecast from Freeport-McMoran, a small proportion of copper and gold production in the quarter has been attributed to Rio Tinto. Freeport-McMoran is expected to announce its third quarter results on 28 October 2014.

2014 production guidance

Rio Tinto is increasing its copper guidance for the year. It now expects its share of mined copper production to be approximately 615,000 tonnes (previously 585,000) and refined copper production to be 300,000 tonnes (previously 260,000).

ALUMINIUM

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)


Q3 2014

vs Q3 2013

vs Q2 2014

9 mths 2014

vs 9 mths 2013

Rio Tinto Aluminium






Bauxite

10,889

-3%

+7%

31,077

-2%

Alumina

1,877

+6%

+5%

5,527

+8%

Aluminium

848

-1%

+1%

2,519

0%

Other operations






Gove alumina refinery

0

-100%

-100%

676

-58%

In May 2014, Rio Tinto completed the curtailment of alumina production at Gove. The refinery is now on care and maintenance and continues to be reported separately from Rio Tinto Aluminium.

Bauxite

Global bauxite production in the third quarter was seven per cent higher than in the second quarter as the Gove bauxite mine continued its ramp up following curtailment of the Gove refinery in May. Bauxite production and exports at Gove continued to ramp up towards 8 Mt/a which is expected to be achieved by the end of 2015 following upgrades to export infrastructure. Bauxite production in the nine months to September was lower than 2013 reflecting changes at the Gove bauxite mine as it adjusted to the staged curtailment of the Gove alumina refinery during the first half of 2014.

Alumina

Excluding the Gove alumina refinery, production in the first nine months was up by eight per cent compared to the same period in 2013 reflecting stronger production across all refineries in the period, specifically Yarwun and Queensland Alumina, which were both impacted by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in the first half of 2013.

Aluminium

Aluminium production in the third quarter was broadly in line with last year. Production from the new AP60 plant and productivity gains across the smelter portfolio offset the loss of production from Shawinigan, which closed in November 2013, and the partial shutdown at Kitimat as the plant continues to prepare for full commissioning of the modernised smelter in the first half of 2015.

In September 2014, a second potline was closed at the Kitimat smelter as part of the transition to the commissioning of the new and expanded facility.  This second closure follows the closure of the first potline in June 2014. The remaining capacity is expected to close in the first half of 2015 as the Kitimat smelter is commissioned.

On 3 July 2014, Rio Tinto Aluminium signed an agreement to sell its 50 per cent shareholding in the SØRAL aluminium smelter in Norway to its joint venture partner at the plant, Hydro Aluminium ASA. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.

On 8 October 2014, Rio Tinto Aluminium announced its intention to dispose of its 46.67% share in the Alucam smelter in Cameroon by the end of 2014.

2014 production guidance

Rio Tinto's share of bauxite and aluminium production for 2014 is unchanged and is expected to be 41 million tonnes and 3.4 million tonnes, respectively. Alumina production guidance is reduced to 7.4 million tonnes (previously 7.6 million tonnes), excluding alumina production in the year from the Gove alumina refinery.

ENERGY

Coal

Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)


Q3 2014

vs Q3 2013

vs Q2 2014

9 mths 2014

vs 9 mths 2013

Rio Tinto Coal Australia






Hard coking coal

1,773

-15%

-3%

5,416

0%

Semi-soft coking coal

645

-14%

-29%

2,484

-15%

Thermal coal

5,355

-14%

-4%

16,743

-1%







Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique






Hard coking coal

153

-5%

-18%

399

-4%

Thermal coal

141

+15%

-20%

370

+2%

Production of hard coking coal in the first nine months of 2014 was in line with 2013. Production was down by 15 per cent in the third quarter compared to the same quarter of last year due to Hail Creek prioritising the production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream to deliver increased margins in the current price environment, and Kestrel ramping up the new South longwall following completion of mining at Kestrel North in the first quarter of 2014. Kestrel completed mining the first South block in October and commenced moving the longwall to the next panel.

Semi-soft coking coal production was 15 per cent lower than the first nine months of last year reflecting changes made to the production mix to maximise revenue through optimising thermal coal production.

In the third quarter, Australian thermal coal production was only 0.8 million tonnes (14 per cent) lower than last year, despite the loss of 1.8 million tonnes of attributable production from the Clermont mine.  The incremental one million tonnes came from the by-product stream at Hail Creek and significant productivity gains in the Hunter Valley.

On 8 October 2014, Rio Tinto confirmed the sale of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique to International Coal Ventures Private Limited had completed following the fulfilment of all conditions and receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals.

Uranium

Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs)


Q3 2014

vs Q3 2013

vs Q2 2014

9 mths 2014

vs 9 mths 2013

Energy Resources of Australia

853

-7%

N/A

853

-77%

Rössing

615

-35%

+35%

1,714

-41%

Progression to full mill throughput at Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) was achieved in the third quarter, following the recommencement of processing operations in June 2014.

Third quarter production at Rössing was 35 per cent lower than in the same period of 2013. This was largely the result of operational changes made in response to current market conditions.

2014 production guidance

Rio Tinto is increasing its expected share of thermal coal production to 18.0 million tonnes (previously 17.5 million tonnes), excluding 2.5 million tonnes of production from the Clermont mine prior to divestment. This change is largely as a result of prioritising thermal coal production at Hail Creek and therefore the corresponding guidance for Australian hard coking coal production is now expected to be 7.0 million tonnes (previously 7.4 million tonnes). Semi-soft production guidance remains unchanged at 3.0 million tonnes.

Given production in the first nine months of 2014, Rio Tinto's share of uranium production across Rössing and ERA in 2014 is expected to be closer to the lower end of the guidance range of 4.3 to 5.1 million pounds.

DIAMONDS & MINERALS

Rio Tinto share of production


Q3 2014

vs Q3 2013

vs Q2 2014

9 mths 2014

vs 9 mths 2013

Diamonds (000 carats)






Argyle

2,455

-20%

0%

7,375

-10%

Diavik

1,004

0%

-22%

3,413

+10%

Murowa

90

+29%

+8%

243

+12%







Minerals (000 tonnes)






Borates - B2O3 content

127

0%

-5%

385

+3%

Titanium dioxide feedstock

365

-2%

-2%

1,127

-11%







Salt (000 tonnes)

1,567

-1%

-12%

4,942

+2%

Diamonds

At Argyle, carats recovered during the first nine months were ten per cent lower than in 2013 reflecting the move from open pit to underground mining and the processing of lower grade tailings in the first quarter of 2014 as underground production ramped up. The second crusher was successfully commissioned during the third quarter which saw higher throughput offsetting lower grades to keep carat production in line with the previous quarter.

Diavik had strong operational performance in the first nine months of the year with a ten per cent increase in carats produced compared to the corresponding period of 2013. This was due to improvements in mining rates, with all three pipes in full production, as well as processing plant improvements implemented over the past six months. Production in the third quarter was down compared to the previous quarter as a result of lower grades and throughput after the majority of stockpiled ore was processed in the first half.

Carats recovered at Murowa in the first nine months were 12 per cent higher than in 2013 and 29 per cent higher than in the third quarter of 2013 due to improved throughput and grades.

Minerals

Borates production in the first nine months was three per cent higher than the same period in 2013. This was in response to higher sales demand and the commissioning of the new modified direct dissolving of kernite (MDDK) process plant, which continued during the third quarter. Production in the quarter was in line with the same quarter in 2013.

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT)

Titanium dioxide feedstock production was 11 per cent lower than the nine months to September 2013 reflecting soft market demand. Production continues to be optimised to align with market demand. Third quarter production in 2014 was two per cent lower than the same quarter of 2013 as production was reduced to match shipments.

Salt

Salt production year to date was two per cent higher than the same period of 2013 due to productivity improvements and better weather conditions, but 12 per cent lower in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter due to a planned maintenance shut in the third quarter 2014.

2014 production guidance

Rio Tinto's share of production is expected to be 1.5 million tonnes of titanium dioxide feedstocks and 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent. 2014 production guidance for diamonds is 15 million carats (previously 16 million carats) which reflects a maintenance shutdown at Argyle to implement some improved design modifications to both underground crushers.

CORPORATE

On 18 August 2014, Rio Tinto announced its intention to review all options for its 53.83 per cent stake in Bougainville Copper Limited in light of developments in Papua New Guinea, including the new mining legislation passed by the Autonomous Bougainville Government earlier that month. 

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION

Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first three quarters of 2014 was $566 million compared with $774 million in 2013, sustaining the savings achieved in the same period of 2013 whilst continuing to progress the highest priority projects.

In the first nine months of 2014, approximately 35 per cent was incurred by the Copper Group, five per cent by Iron Ore, 18 per cent by Energy, 16 per cent by Diamonds and Minerals, 1 per cent by Aluminium and the balance by central exploration.

There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in the third quarter of 2014 or 2013.

Exploration highlights

Iron Ore

In the Pilbara of Western Australia drilling continued and airborne geophysical surveys were completed.  In Botswana, a drilling programme was completed.

Copper

In the United States, field mapping, sampling and drilling continued across copper projects in Utah, Arizona and Montana.  In South America field reconnaissance, geophysical surveying and drilling occurred across projects in Chile and Peru.  In Zambia mapping continued and drilling commenced.  In Uzbekistan, drilling and geophysical surveying commenced.  In China the Chinalco Rio Tinto Exploration Joint Venture continued geophysical surveys and commenced drilling.

Nickel

In Canada, field mapping and drilling continued targeting nickel sulphides.

Bauxite

In Brazil, field mapping and drilling continued across several targets.  In Laos, interpretation of bulk sample results commenced.

Coal

In the Bowen Basin (Queensland, Australia), field activities included mapping, ground geophysics and drilling.

Uranium

In Athabasca (Canada), drilling continued on a number of targets and interpretation and geological modelling of existing data progressed.  In the United States, geophysical surveying was completed.

Diamonds

In India, data compilation and interpretation continued.  In Canada, data review and sampling of targets commenced.

Heavy Mineral Sands

In Gabon, auger drilling and sampling continued over heavy mineral sands target areas.

A summary of activity for the period is as follows:

Product Group

Evaluation

projects

Advanced

projects

Greenfield

programmes

Aluminium

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

Bauxite: Amargosa orbit, Brazil

Bauxite: Australia, Brazil, Laos

Copper

Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US

Copper: La Granja, Peru

Copper/gold: Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia

Nickel: Tamarack, US

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

Nickel: Canada

Diamonds & Minerals

Diamonds: Diavik, Canada; Bunder, India

Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia

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

Iron Ore: Simandou, Guinea


Diamonds: India, Canada

Heavy mineral sands: Gabon

Energy

Coal: Mt Pleasant, Hail Creek, Australia

Uranium: Ranger 3 Deeps, Australia; Roughrider, Canada

Coal: Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley, Australia

Uranium: Canada, US, Australia

Iron Ore

Pilbara, Australia

Pilbara, Australia

Botswana

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

This report represents the Interim Management Statement for the purposes of the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

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Rio Tinto production summary





















Rio Tinto share of production

























Quarter


9 Months


% Change



2013
Q3

2014
Q2

2014
Q3


2013
9 MTHS

2014
9 MTHS


Q3 14 
vs
Q3 13

Q3 14 
vs
Q2 14

9 MTHS 14 
vs
9 MTHS 13

 Principal Commodities












Alumina

('000 t)

2,293

1,934

1,877


6,725

6,203


-18%

-3%

-8%

Aluminium

('000 t)

853

839

848


2,531

2,519


-1%

1%

0%

Bauxite

('000 t)

11,250

10,144

10,889


31,772

31,077


-3%

7%

-2%

Borates

('000 t)

127

133

127


374

385


0%

-5%

3%

Coal - hard coking

('000 t)

2,253

2,015

1,927


5,805

5,815


-14%

-4%

0%

Coal - semi-soft coking

('000 t)

750

903

645


2,936

2,484


-14%

-29%

-15%

Coal - thermal

('000 t)

6,321

5,758

5,496


17,350

17,113


-13%

-5%

-1%

Copper - mined

('000 t)

150.9

164.8

151.8


413.8

474.7


1%

-8%

15%

Copper - refined

('000 t)

68.3

94.6

83.5


204.2

253.8


22%

-12%

24%

Diamonds

('000 cts)

4,158

3,832

3,549


11,529

11,031


-15%

-7%

-4%

Iron ore

('000 t)

53,377

57,530

60,449


153,456

170,319


13%

5%

11%

Titanium dioxide feedstock

('000 t)

373

372

365


1,261

1,127


-2%

-2%

-11%

Uranium

('000 lbs)

1,868

455

1,467


6,612

2,567


-21%

222%

-61%

Other Metals & Minerals












Gold - mined

('000 oz)

83.2

123.2

138.4


182.2

355.8


66%

12%

95%

Gold - refined

('000 oz)

40.3

59.8

79.3


144.5

201.1


97%

33%

39%

Molybdenum

('000 t)

1.2

2.5

5.6


3.9

8.9


349%

126%

129%

Salt

('000 t)

1,586

1,788

1,567


4,842

4,942


-1%

-12%

2%

Silver - mined

('000 oz)

1,223

1,372

1,390


2,913

3,959


14%

1%

36%

Silver - refined

('000 oz)

395

818

759


1,525

2,175


92%

-7%

43%













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 nine month figures.



Rio Tinto share of production















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










ALUMINA









Production ('000 tonnes)









Rio Tinto Alcan









  Jonquière (Vaudreuil)

100%

353

378

360

352

358

1,061

1,070

  Queensland Alumina

80%

695

722

697

668

741

1,985

2,106

  São Luis (Alumar)

10%

85

91

88

87

94

252

269

  Yarwun

100%

608

696

683

661

656

1,751

2,001

  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty alumina plant

100%

25

23

26

27

28

80

81

Rio Tinto Alcan total


1,764

1,909

1,856

1,795

1,877

5,128

5,527

Other Aluminium - Gove refinery (a)

100%

528

673

537

139

0

1,597

676

Rio Tinto total alumina production


2,293

2,582

2,392

1,934

1,877

6,725

6,203










ALUMINIUM









Production ('000 tonnes)









Rio Tinto Alcan









  Australia - Bell Bay

100%

47

47

46

47

48

140

141

  Australia - Boyne Island

59%

84

83

76

81

85

251

242

  Australia - Tomago

52%

71

72

70

71

73

209

215

  Cameroon - Alucam (Edéa)

47%

11

11

11

11

11

24

33

  Canada - seven wholly owned (b) (c)

100%

335

331

322

320

320

1,002

962

  Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles)

40%

57

59

58

58

58

174

174

  Canada - Bécancour

25%

28

27

28

28

28

82

83

  France - Dunquerque

100%

66

68

67

67

68

190

202

  Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)

100%

49

49

50

52

51

148

153

  New Zealand - Tiwai Point

79%

64

66

64

65

65

191

194

  Norway - SØRAL (Husnes) (d)

50%

11

12

11

11

12

33

34

  Oman - Sohar

20%

18

17

18

18

18

54

54

  UK - Lochaber

100%

11

11

10

10

10

34

31

Rio Tinto total aluminium production


853

853

832

839

848

2,531

2,519










BAUXITE









Production ('000 tonnes) (e)









Rio Tinto Alcan









   Gove

100%

1,983

2,271

1,804

1,426

1,725

5,758

4,954

   Porto Trombetas

12%

506

525

438

470

501

1,362

1,409

   Sangaredi

   (f)

1,790

1,848

1,686

1,885

1,819

5,099

5,391

   Weipa

100%

6,971

6,787

6,116

6,363

6,844

19,554

19,322

Rio Tinto total bauxite production


11,250

11,432

10,044

10,144

10,889

31,772

31,077



Rio Tinto share of production















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










BORATES









Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)









Rio Tinto Minerals - borates

100%

127

121

126

133

127

374

385










COAL - hard coking









Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)









  Hail Creek Coal

82%

1,483

1,536

1,190

1,338

1,277

4,072

3,804

  Kestrel Coal

80%

608

726

625

490

497

1,316

1,611

Total Rio Tinto Coal Australia hard coking coal


2,091

2,262

1,814

1,828

1,773

5,389

5,416

Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique









  Benga (g)

65%

162

148

59

187

153

416

399

Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production


2,253

2,410

1,874

2,015

1,927

5,805

5,815










COAL - semi-soft coking









Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)









  Hunter Valley

80%

466

527

431

385

292

1,580

1,108

  Mount Thorley

64%

241

305

355

365

317

876

1,037

  Warkworth

44%

43

90

151

153

36

480

340

Rio Tinto total semi-soft coking coal production


750

922

936

903

645

2,936

2,484










COAL - thermal









Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)









  Bengalla

32%

710

638

758

654

667

1,997

2,079

  Clermont (h)

0%

1,753

1,496

1,286

1,135

-

4,407

2,421

  Hail Creek Coal (i)

82%

21

136

320

344

702

21

1,366

  Hunter Valley

80%

2,330

2,026

2,350

2,183

2,732

6,775

7,264

  Kestrel Coal

80%

53

60

70

87

45

310

202

  Mount Thorley

64%

263

350

382

425

499

1,158

1,306

  Warkworth

44%

1,069

791

641

753

711

2,319

2,105

Total Rio Tinto Coal Australia thermal coal


6,198

5,497

5,806

5,581

5,355

16,988

16,743

Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique









  Benga (g)

65%

122

127

54

176

141

363

370

Rio Tinto total thermal coal production


6,321

5,624

5,860

5,758

5,496

17,350

17,113



Rio Tinto share of production















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










COPPER









Mine production ('000 tonnes) (e)









Bingham Canyon

100%

59.1

64.5

69.2

61.9

52.8

146.5

183.8

  Escondida

30%

81.5

83.8

78.8

89.4

84.2

252.7

252.4

  Grasberg - Joint Venture (j)

40%

0.0

6.3

1.7

1.5

2.5

0.0

5.6

  Oyu Tolgoi (k)

34%

10.3

11.0

8.5

12.1

12.3

14.7

32.9

Rio Tinto total mine production


150.9

165.6

158.2

164.8

151.8

413.8

474.7

Refined production ('000 tonnes)









  Escondida

30%

22.0

23.2

22.7

24.5

20.8

68.4

68.0

  Kennecott Utah Copper

100%

46.3

57.7

53.1

70.1

62.7

135.9

185.9

Rio Tinto total refined production


68.3

81.0

75.8

94.6

83.5

204.2

253.8










DIAMONDS









Production ('000 carats)









  Argyle

100%

3,085

3,153

2,461

2,459

2,455

8,205

7,375

  Diavik

60%

1,003

1,240

1,119

1,290

1,004

3,106

3,413

  Murowa

78%

70

105

69

83

90

217

243

Rio Tinto total diamond production


4,158

4,498

3,650

3,832

3,549

11,529

11,031










GOLD









Mine production ('000 ounces) (e)









  Barneys Canyon

100%

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.4

0.0

0.4

0.4

  Bingham Canyon

100%

55.6

73.8

63.3

76.6

86.7

132.9

226.6

  Escondida

30%

6.6

7.3

8.6

8.0

6.6

21.0

23.2

  Grasberg - Joint Venture (j)

40%

0.0

0.0

0.4

0.3

0.8

0.0

1.5

  Oyu Tolgoi (k)

34%

20.9

24.7

22.0

37.9

44.2

28.0

104.1

Rio Tinto total mine production


83.2

105.7

94.2

123.2

138.4

182.2

355.8

Refined production ('000 ounces)









  Kennecott Utah Copper

100%

40.3

47.8

62.0

59.8

79.3

144.5

201.1



Rio Tinto share of production















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










IRON ORE









Production ('000 tonnes) (e)









  Hamersley mines

   (l)

36,278

38,381

36,345

39,743

41,836

104,966

117,924

  Hamersley - Channar

60%

1,528

1,615

1,642

1,642

1,763

5,013

5,047

  Hope Downs

50%

4,504

4,556

4,780

5,093

5,646

12,338

15,519

  Iron Ore Company of Canada

59%

2,353

2,321

1,764

2,365

2,299

6,703

6,429

  Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53%

4,724

4,591

4,329

4,529

4,847

13,064

13,705

  Robe River - West Angelas

53%

3,989

4,046

3,479

4,158

4,058

11,372

11,695

Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)


53,377

55,510

52,339

57,530

60,449

153,456

170,319

Breakdown of Production:









  Pilbara Blend Lump


13,269

13,665

13,251

14,541

14,986

38,483

42,778

  Pilbara Blend Fines


19,237

20,480

19,616

22,669

24,720

55,990

67,005

  Robe Valley Lump


1,658

1,631

1,413

1,517

1,618

4,297

4,548

  Robe Valley Fines


3,066

2,960

2,916

3,012

3,229

8,766

9,157

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


13,795

14,453

13,379

13,426

13,597

39,217

40,402

  IOC Concentrate


1,048

1,057

629

1,130

936

2,931

2,694

  IOC Pellets


1,305

1,264

1,136

1,235

1,364

3,772

3,735

Breakdown of Sales:









  Pilbara Blend Lump


11,125

12,471

11,635

12,067

13,730

31,277

37,432

  Pilbara Blend Fines


19,801

22,648

21,924

26,596

26,498

55,476

75,017

  Robe Valley Lump


1,481

1,641

1,200

1,464

1,405

3,601

4,070

  Robe Valley Fines


3,338

4,024

2,878

3,311

3,246

8,787

9,435

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


14,576

14,504

13,732

13,713

14,197

39,465

41,642

  IOC Concentrate


870

899

372

1,118

1,343

2,739

2,833

  IOC Pellets


1,344

1,212

1,102

1,134

1,172

3,828

3,407

Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)


52,534

57,398

52,843

59,402

61,591

145,174

173,836



Rio Tinto share of production















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










MOLYBDENUM









Mine production ('000 tonnes) (e)









Bingham Canyon

100%

1.2

1.8

0.9

2.5

5.6

3.9

8.9










SALT









Production ('000 tonnes)









  Dampier Salt

68%

1,586

1,886

1,586

1,788

1,567

4,842

4,942










SILVER









Mine production ('000 ounces) (e)









  Bingham Canyon

100%

852

930

744

864

970

1,947

2,578

  Escondida

30%

305

337

398

432

348

872

1,177

  Grasberg - Joint Venture (j)

40%

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

  Oyu Tolgoi (k)

34%

66

70

54

77

72

94

204

Rio Tinto total mine production


1,223

1,337

1,197

1,372

1,390

2,913

3,959

Refined production ('000 ounces)









  Kennecott Utah Copper

100%

395

633

598

818

759

1,525

2,175










TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK









Production ('000 tonnes)









  Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (m)

100%

373

361

389

372

365

1,261

1,127










URANIUM









Production ('000 lbs U3O8)









  Energy Resources of Australia (n)

68%

920

758

0

0

853

3,704

853

  Rössing

69%

948

735

644

455

615

2,907

1,714

Rio Tinto total uranium production


1,868

1,493

644

455

1,467

6,612

2,567












Production data notes:

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

(b) The Shawinigan smelter ceased production on 29 November 2013.

(c) Rio Tinto started production at the Arvida AP60 Technology Centre in the fourth quarter of 2013.

(d) On 3 July 2014, Rio Tinto Alcan reached a binding agreement for the sale of its 50% interest in the SØRAL (Husnes) smelter.

(e) 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.

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

(g) 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.

(h) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production is shown up to that date.

(i) Hail Creek commenced production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream following completion of a successful trial in the third quarter of 2013.

(j) 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.

(k) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. Production included in the table is from 1 May 2013.

(l) 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.

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

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

The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 30 September 2014.








Rio Tinto's interest in the Northparkes and Palabora mines and the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Sebree smelters were sold in 2013.  No data for these operations are included in the Share of Production table.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










ALUMINIUM









Rio Tinto Alcan - Bauxite









Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)









Australia









  Gove mine - Northern Territory

100.0%

1,983

2,271

1,804

1,426

1,725

5,758

4,954

  Weipa mine - Queensland

100.0%

6,971

6,787

6,116

6,363

6,844

19,554

19,322

Brazil









  Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine

12.0%

4,214

4,376

3,649

3,918

4,177

11,353

11,743

Guinea









  Sangaredi mine (a)

23.0%

3,978

4,107

3,747

4,189

4,043

11,330

11,979










Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipments









Share of bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes)


11,166

11,268

9,829

10,065

10,671

31,695

30,566


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

Rio Tinto Alcan - Smelter Grade Alumina









Alumina production ('000 tonnes)









Australia









  Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland

80.0%

868

903

872

835

926

2,481

2,632

  Yarwun refinery - Queensland

100.0%

608

696

683

661

656

1,751

2,001

Brazil









  São Luis (Alumar) refinery

10.0%

848

908

882

865

938

2,517

2,686

Canada









  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a)

100.0%

353

378

360

352

358

1,061

1,070


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

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data






Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










ALUMINIUM (continued)









Rio Tinto Alcan - Specialty Alumina









Specialty alumina production ('000 tonnes)









Canada









  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec

100.0%

25

23

26

27

28

80

81

Rio Tinto Alcan - Primary Aluminium









Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)









Australia









  Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania

100.0%

47

47

46

47

48

140

141

  Boyne Island smelter - Queensland

59.4%

142

139

129

136

143

422

408

  Tomago smelter - New South Wales

51.6%

139

139

136

139

142

405

417

Cameroon









  Alucam (Edéa) smelter

46.7%

24

24

24

23

24

51

70

Canada









  Alma smelter - Quebec

100.0%

111

113

112

111

116

327

339

  Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec

40.0%

143

147

144

145

146

435

436

  Arvida smelter - Quebec

100.0%

45

43

42

43

44

132

129

  Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec (a)

100.0%

-

9

14

15

15

-

44

  Bécancour smelter - Quebec

25.1%

110

109

111

111

110

326

332

  Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec

100.0%

56

56

56

55

55

167

166

  Kitimat smelter - British Columbia

100.0%

42

40

38

35

28

131

101

  Laterrière smelter - Quebec

100.0%

62

61

60

61

62

177

182

  Shawinigan smelter - Quebec (b)

100.0%

20

7

-

-

-

67

-

France









  Dunkerque smelter

100.0%

66

68

67

67

68

190

202

  Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne smelter (c)

0.0%

24

16

-

-

-

69

-

Iceland









  ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter

100.0%

49

49

50

52

51

148

153

New Zealand









  Tiwai Point smelter

79.4%

81

83

81

82

82

241

245

Norway









  SØRAL (Husnes) smelter (d)

50.0%

22

23

23

23

23

66

69

Oman









  Sohar smelter

20.0%

89

85

88

91

92

269

271

United Kingdom









  Lochaber smelter

100.0%

11

11

10

10

10

34

31


(a) Rio Tinto started production at the Arvida AP60 Technology Centre in the fourth quarter of 2013.
(b) The Shawinigan smelter ceased production on 29 November 2013.
(c) Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne smelter with an effective date of 16 December 2013. Production is shown up to that date.
(d) On 3 July 2014, Rio Tinto Alcan reached a binding agreement for the sale of its 50% interest in the SØRAL (Husnes) smelter.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014









ALUMINIUM (continued)








Other Aluminium - Smelter Grade Alumina








Alumina production ('000 tonnes)








Australia








  Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a)

100.0%

528

673

537

139

0

1,597

676

Other Aluminium - Primary Aluminium









Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)









USA









  Sebree smelter - Kentucky (b)

0.0%

-

-

-

-

-

87

-


(a) The curtailment of production at the Gove refinery was completed on 28 May 2014.
(b) Rio Tinto sold its 100% interest in the Sebree smelter with an effective date of 1 June 2013. Production is shown up to that date.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










BORATES









Rio Tinto Minerals - borates

100.0%








US and Argentina









  Borates ('000 tonnes) (a)


127

121

126

133

127

374

385


(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.










COAL









Rio Tinto Coal Australia









Bengalla mine

32.0%








New South Wales









  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


2,220

1,992

2,369

2,045

2,083

6,239

6,497

Clermont Coal mine (a)

0.0%







Queensland








  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


3,499

2,986

2,567

2,265

-

8,797

4,832

Hail Creek Coal mine

82.0%








Queensland









  Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)


1,808

1,873

1,451

1,631

1,557

4,966

4,639

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes) (b)


25

166

390

420

856

25

1,665

Hunter Valley Operations

80.0%








New South Wales









  Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)


582

659

539

481

365

1,975

1,385

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


2,912

2,533

2,937

2,728

3,415

8,469

9,080

Kestrel Coal mine

80.0%








Queensland









  Hard coking coal ('000 tonnes)


760

908

781

613

621

1,646

2,014

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


66

75

88

109

56

388

253

Mount Thorley Operations

64.0%








New South Wales









  Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)


377

477

554

570

496

1,369

1,620

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


411

547

596

665

780

1,810

2,041

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










COAL (continued)









Warkworth mine

44.5%








New South Wales









  Semi-soft coking coal ('000 tonnes)


96

202

339

345

80

1,079

763

  Thermal coal ('000 tonnes)


2,403

1,779

1,439

1,692

1,598

5,216

4,729

Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)


2,568

2,780

2,232

2,244

2,178

6,612

6,653

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


1,055

1,338

1,431

1,395

942

4,423

3,768

Total thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)


11,537

10,078

10,387

9,924

8,787

30,945

29,098

Total coal production ('000 tonnes)


15,161

14,196

14,050

13,563

11,906

41,980

39,519










Total coal sales ('000 tonnes)


14,481

15,027

14,014

13,569

11,409

40,797

38,992

Rio Tinto Coal Australia share (c)









Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes)


1,846

2,289

1,990

2,152

1,563

5,157

5,705

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


806

1,048

820

803

790

2,902

2,413

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


5,952

5,750

5,827

5,447

4,972

16,565

16,246


(a) Rio Tinto sold its 50.1% interest in the Clermont mine with an effective date of 29 May 2014. Production is shown up to that date.
(b) Hail Creek commenced production of thermal coal from a processing plant by-product stream following completion of a successful trial in the third quarter of 2013.
(c) Kestrel produces hard coking coal and thermal coal through its mining operations. These coals may be blended at ports.
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.

Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique









Benga mine (a)

65.0%








Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes)


249

228

91

288

236

640

615

Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes)


188

196

82

271

216

558

570


(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.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










COPPER & GOLD









Escondida

30.0%








Chile









Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes)


18,276

19,584

21,051

21,438

20,652

56,535

63,140

  Average copper grade (%)


1.37

1.30

1.12

1.33

1.20

1.41

1.22

Mill production (metals in concentrates):









  Contained copper ('000 tonnes)


210.6

214.4

195.5

235.6

205.5

671.8

636.7

  Contained gold ('000 ounces)


22

24

29

27

22

70

77

  Contained silver ('000 ounces)


1,017

1,124

1,326

1,439

1,159

2,908

3,924

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


61.0

64.9

67.1

62.3

75.3

170.4

204.7

Refined production from leach plants:









Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes)


73.2

77.5

75.8

81.5

69.3

227.8

226.6


(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)


18,235

18,837

10,617

9,368

12,683

46,581

32,669

Average mill head grades:









  Copper (%)


0.74

0.87

0.73

0.73

0.90

0.71

0.79

  Gold (g/t)


0.65

0.99

0.79

0.65

1.33

0.57

0.96

  Silver (g/t)


2.68

3.72

3.34

3.08

2.62

2.69

2.99

Production of metals in concentrates:









  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


119.2

148.9

67.5

58.7

99.6

287.4

225.8

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


306

517

215

147

431

660

793

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


1,069

1,479

558

499

604

2,389

1,661

Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (c)









  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


107.5

138.3

50.6

54.3

108.8

269.0

213.7

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


278

475

163

136

431

620

729

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


761

1,090

334

367

599

1,775

1,299


(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 3Q 2014 results show the forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not releasing its actual 100% operating data for 3Q 2014 until the release of its 2014 third-quarter results on 28 October 2014.
(b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 40% of the expansion.
(c) Net of smelter deductions.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










COPPER & GOLD (continued)









Kennecott Utah Copper









Barneys Canyon mine (a)

100.0%




Utah, US





  Gold produced ('000 ounces)


0.0

0.0

0.0

0.4

0.0

0.4

0.4

Bingham Canyon mine

100.0%








Utah, US









Ore treated ('000 tonnes)


10,593

13,088

11,916

10,480

12,184

30,518

34,579

Average ore grade:









  Copper (%)


0.62

0.56

0.65

0.65

0.49

0.54

0.59

  Gold (g/t)


0.22

0.28

0.25

0.33

0.33

0.19

0.30

  Silver (g/t)


4.16

3.12

2.62

3.26

3.01

2.96

2.95

  Molybdenum (%)


0.034

0.032

0.029

0.044

0.069

0.030

0.048

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)


235

257

299

225

193

627

717

  Average concentrate grade (% Cu)


25.2

25.1

23.1

27.5

27.2

23.3

25.6

Production of metals in copper concentrates:









  Copper ('000 tonnes) (b)


59.1

64.5

69.2

61.9

52.8

146.5

183.8

  Gold ('000 ounces)


56

74

63

77

87

133

227

  Silver ('000 ounces)


852

930

744

864

970

1,947

2,578

Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes):


2.4

3.5

1.9

4.6

10.5

7.6

17.0

  Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


1.2

1.8

0.9

2.5

5.6

3.9

8.9


(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)


256

266

273

309

205

624

787

Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a)


54.3

56.9

57.4

71.7

50.2

135.1

179.3

Production of refined metal:









  Copper ('000 tonnes)


46.3

57.7

53.1

70.1

62.7

135.9

185.9

  Gold ('000 ounces) (b)


40.3

47.8

62.0

59.8

79.3

144.5

201.1

  Silver ('000 ounces) (b)


395

633

598

818

759

1,525

2,175


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

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










COPPER & GOLD (continued)









Northparkes Joint Venture (a)

0.0%








New South Wales, Australia









Ore treated ('000 tonnes)


1,528

989

-

-

-

4,488

-

Average ore grade:









  Copper (%)


1.04

1.03

-

-

-

1.04

-

  Gold (g/t)


0.45

0.44

-

-

-

0.47

-

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)


44.2

27.1

-

-

-

126.6

-

Contained copper in concentrates:









   Saleable production ('000 tonnes)


14.3

9.0

-

-

-

41.6

-

   Sales ('000 tonnes) (b)


8.9

11.6

-

-

-

30.8

-

Contained gold in concentrates:









   Saleable production ('000 ounces)


17

10

-

-

-

52

-

   Sales ('000 ounces) (b)


11.0

14.1

-

-

-

39.3

-


(a) Rio Tinto sold its 80% interest in Northparkes with an effective date of 1 December 2013. Production is shown up to that date.
(b) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.

Turquoise Hill Resources









Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)

33.5%








Mongolia









Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)


8,052

7,835

5,560

7,778

7,029

12,482

20,367

Average mill head grades:









  Copper (%)


0.47

0.49

0.52

0.53

0.59

0.45

0.55

  Gold (g/t)


0.36

0.41

0.49

0.60

0.80

0.33

0.64

  Silver (g/t)


1.39

1.44

1.52

1.57

1.64

1.36

1.58

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)


110.3

129.5

102.9

140.0

134.1

160.5

377.0

  Average concentrate grade (% Cu)


27.7

25.4

24.6

25.8

27.3

27.2

26.0

Production of metals in concentrates:









  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


30.6

32.9

25.3

36.2

36.6

43.7

98.2

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


62.4

73.7

65.6

113.0

132.0

83.4

310.6

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


196

208

163

229

216

281

608

Sales of metals in concentrates:








  Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


-

6.1

13.1

51.6

53.6

-

118.3

  Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces)


-

10

28

126

144

-

298

  Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces)


-

36

78

309

323

-

710


(a) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise Hill Resources. Production included in the table is from 1 May 2013.

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










COPPER & GOLD (continued)









Palabora (a)

0.0%








Palabora Mine









South Africa









Ore Treated ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

4,360

-

   Average ore grade: copper (%)


-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

83.2

-

   Average concentrate grade: copper (%)


-

-

-

-

-

26.7

-

   Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

22.2

-

Palabora smelter/refinery









New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

111.3

-

New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

27.3

-

Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

25.8

-

Gold in Anode Slimes ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

5.5

-

By-products:









   Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

2,628

-

    Nickel contained in products (tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

17

-

Vermiculite plant









   Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes)


-

-

-

-

-

73

-


(a) The sale of Rio Tinto's 57.7% interest in Palabora Mining Company was completed on 31 July 2013; production data have been reported up to 30 June 2013.










DIAMONDS









Argyle Diamonds (a)

100.0%








Western Australia









  AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes)


2,088

1,728

724

712

876

5,550

2,311

  AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats)


3,085

3,153

2,461

2,459

2,455

8,205

7,375


(a) Rio Tinto officially opened the Argyle underground mine on 30 April 2013.

Diavik Diamonds

60.0%








Northwest Territories, Canada









  Ore processed ('000 tonnes)


548

539

587

617

560

1,577

1,765

  Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)


1,672

2,066

1,865

2,150

1,673

5,176

5,688

Murowa Diamonds

77.8%








Zimbabwe









  Ore processed ('000 tonnes)


145

144

142

135

153

420

430

  Diamonds recovered ('000 carats)


90

135

89

107

116

279

312

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.



Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










IRON ORE









Rio Tinto Iron Ore









Western Australia









Pilbara Operations









Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes)









Hamersley mines

   (a)

36,278

38,381

36,345

39,743

41,837

104,966

117,925

  Hamersley - Channar

60.0%

2,546

2,692

2,737

2,736

2,938

8,355

8,411

  Hope Downs

50.0%

9,007

9,112

9,559

10,187

11,292

24,676

31,038

  Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)

53.0%

8,912

8,661

8,168

8,546

9,144

24,647

25,858

  Robe River - West Angelas

53.0%

7,528

7,635

6,564

7,845

7,657

21,458

22,066

Total production ('000 tonnes)


64,271

66,481

63,373

69,057

72,868

184,102

205,298

Breakdown of total production:









  Pilbara Blend Lump


16,845

17,374

17,031

18,688

19,416

48,585

55,135

  Pilbara Blend Fines


24,719

25,993

24,795

28,397

30,711

71,653

83,903

  Robe Valley Lump


3,129

3,076

2,666

2,863

3,051

8,108

8,580

  Robe Valley Fines


5,783

5,585

5,502

5,683

6,093

16,539

17,278

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


13,795

14,453

13,379

13,426

13,597

39,217

40,402

Breakdown of total sales:









  Pilbara Blend Lump


14,408

15,628

14,969

16,247

17,378

40,236

48,594

  Pilbara Blend Fines


26,177

28,999

27,822

32,870

33,379

72,367

94,071

  Robe Valley Lump


2,794

3,096

2,265

2,763

2,652

6,795

7,680

  Robe Valley Fines


6,298

6,592

5,431

6,247

6,125

16,580

17,803

  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)


14,576

14,504

13,732

13,713

14,197

39,465

41,642

Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)


64,253

68,819

64,219

71,840

73,731

175,443

209,790


(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)


1,785

1,801

1,071

1,924

1,593

4,991

4,588

  Pellets ('000 tonnes)


2,222

2,152

1,934

2,104

2,322

6,424

6,360

Sales:









  Concentrates ('000 tonnes)


1,481

1,530

633

1,904

2,288

4,665

4,825

  Pellets ('000 tonnes)


2,289

2,064

1,876

1,931

1,996

6,519

5,802

Global Iron Ore Totals









Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)


68,278

70,434

66,378

73,084

76,784

195,517

216,246

Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)


68,023

72,414

66,728

75,674

78,014

186,627

220,417

Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

Rio Tinto operational data















Rio Tinto
interest

3Q
2013

4Q
2013

1Q
2014

2Q
2014

3Q
2014

9 MTHS
2013

9 MTHS
2014










SALT









Dampier Salt

68.4%








Western Australia









  Salt production ('000 tonnes)


2,320

2,759

2,320

2,616

2,293

7,082

7,229










TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK









Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium

100.0%








Canada and South Africa









  (Rio Tinto share) (a)









  Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 tonnes)


373

361

389

372

365

1,261

1,127


(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)


1,345

1,108

0

0

1,247

5,416

1,247


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

Rössing Uranium Ltd

68.6%








Namibia









  U3O8 Production ('000 lbs)


1,383

1,072

939

664

896

4,239

2,500










Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2014. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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