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RIO Rio Tinto Plc

5,017.00
39.00 (0.78%)
28 Mar 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Rio Tinto Plc LSE:RIO London Ordinary Share GB0007188757 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  39.00 0.78% 5,017.00 5,019.00 5,020.00 5,050.00 4,980.50 5,016.00 3,147,491 16:35:22
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Miscellaneous Metal Ores,nec 54.86B 10.06B 6.1815 8.12 81.65B

Rio Tinto PLC Rio Tinto fourth quarter production results (9453B)

16/01/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMRIO

RNS Number : 9453B

Rio Tinto PLC

15 January 2018

Rio Tinto releases fourth quarter production results

16 January 2018

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "The business performed well in the fourth quarter, and we finished the year in line with guidance across all major products. We shipped 90 million tonnes of iron ore from our world-class Pilbara assets, a record quarter which demonstrates the system's growing flexibility. In 2017 we announced over $8 billion of cash returns to shareholders and continued to reshape the portfolio. Our focus on value over volume and mine-to-market productivity, along with disciplined allocation of cash, will ensure that we continue to deliver superior shareholder returns in the short, medium and the long term."

 
                               Q4 2017  vs Q4  vs Q3    2017  2016 
                                         2016   2017 
------------------------  --- 
Pilbara iron ore 
 shipments (100% basis)   Mt      90.0    +3%    +5%   330.1   +1% 
Pilbara iron ore 
 production (100% 
 basis)                   Mt      87.9    +3%    +3%   329.8   +0% 
Bauxite                   kt    13,762   +14%    +7%  50,796   +6% 
Aluminium                 kt       887    -3%    +0%   3,551   -1% 
Mined copper              kt     148.6   +11%   +23%   478.1   -9% 
Hard coking coal          kt     2,322    +6%    +3%   7,704   -5% 
Titanium dioxide 
 slag                     kt       341   +14%    +4%   1,315  +25% 
IOC iron ore pellets 
 and concentrate          Mt       2.7    -0%   -14%    11.2   +5% 
------------------------  ---  -------  -----  -----  ------  ---- 
 
 
 Key points 
 
    *    Pilbara iron ore shipments of 90.0 million tonnes in 
         the fourth quarter were three per cent higher than 
         the fourth quarter of 2016. Total shipments for 2017 
         of 330.1 million tonnes were in line with guidance. 
 
 
    *    Bauxite production of 50.8 million tonnes was six per 
         cent higher than 2016 and in line with upwardly 
         revised full year guidance. Third party shipments 
         increased by ten per cent to 32.3 million tonnes. 
 
 
    *    Aluminium production of 3.6 million tonnes was in 
         line with guidance with generally strong performance 
         slightly offset by lower production at Boyne and 
         Sohar. 
 
 
    *    Mined copper production of 478.1 thousand tonnes was 
         nine per cent lower than 2016 due primarily to the 
         impact of a 43 day strike at Escondida in the first 
         quarter. Production was in line with revised 
         guidance. 
 
 
    *    Titanium dioxide slag production of 1.3 million 
         tonnes was 25 per cent higher than 2016, reflecting 
         increased market demand, with strengthening pigment 
         prices supported by low inventory and tight supply. 
 
 
    *    Production and shipment guidance for 2018 remains 
         unchanged from the estimates provided at the investor 
         seminar held on 4 December 2017. 
 
 
    *    The major growth projects remain on track. The 
         Silvergrass iron ore mine was commissioned in the 
         fourth quarter of 2017 and will continue to ramp up 
         in 2018. Amrun is on schedule for first bauxite 
         shipment in the first half of 2019 and construction 
         of the first drawbell at Oyu Tolgoi Underground is 
         expected in mid-2020. 
 
 
    *    In November, Rio Tinto successfully completed an 
         A$750 million off-market buy-back in Rio Tinto 
         Limited shares and in December completed a $1.5 
         billion on-market buy-back of Rio Tinto plc shares. 
         An additional $1.925 billion on-market buy-back in 
         Rio Tinto plc shares commenced on 27 December 2017 
         and is to be completed no later than 31 December 
         2018. 
 
 
    *    On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced it had 
         received a binding offer for the sale of the 
         Aluminium Dunkerque smelter in France for $500 
         million, subject to final adjustments. The sale is 
         expected to complete in the second quarter of 2018, 
         subject to satisfactory completion of consultations 
         with key stakeholders. 
 
 

All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated. To allow production numbers to be compared on a like-for-like basis, production from asset divestments completed in 2016 is excluded from Rio Tinto share of production data but assets sold in 2017 remain in comparisons.

IRON ORE

Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes)

 
                           Q4 2017  vs Q4  vs Q3   2017  vs 2016 
                                     2016   2017 
------------------------- 
Pilbara Blend Lump            21.1    +3%    +2%   80.8      +4% 
Pilbara Blend Fines           31.2    +1%    +4%  116.4      -1% 
Robe Valley Lump               1.6    +1%    +5%    6.1      +0% 
Robe Valley Fines              2.9    +2%    +1%   10.4      -8% 
Yandicoogina Fines 
 (HIY)                        16.1    +6%   +11%   57.7      -1% 
                           -------                ----- 
Total Pilbara production      72.9                271.3 
                           -------                ----- 
Total Pilbara production 
 (100% basis)                 87.9                329.8 
-------------------------  -------  -----  -----  -----  ------- 
 

Pilbara operations

Pilbara operations produced 329.8 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 271.3 million tonnes) in 2017. Fourth quarter production of 87.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 72.9 million tonnes) was three per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting the implementation of productivity projects across most sites. This strong performance was achieved despite a planned two week shutdown at Hope Downs 4 in December 2017, in line with the focus on value over volume.

Sales of 330.1 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 272.0 million tonnes) were in line with 2016 sales. Strong fourth quarter sales of 90.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 74.8 million tonnes) were three per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting ongoing productivity improvements being made to the rail network, along with increased flexibility across the infrastructure system.

Approximately 17 per cent of sales in 2017 were priced with reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average or fixed on the spot market.

Approximately 67 per cent of 2017 sales were made on a cost and freight (CFR) basis, with the remainder sold free on board (FOB).

Achieved average pricing in 2017 was $59.6 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis (equivalent to $64.8 per dry metric tonne).

Pilbara projects

Commissioning of the Silvergrass conveyor system is complete and the plant had processed around two million tonnes by the end of 2017. Production ramp-up will continue in 2018.

The automation of the Pilbara train system (AutoHaul(TM) ) continues to make strong progress with greater than 60 per cent of all train kilometres now completed in autonomous mode with a driver on board for supervision. The project is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2018.

The Koodaideri project feasibility study was approved for $30.9 million in May 2017. The feasibility study will focus on obtaining necessary consent and permits and increasing orebody knowledge.

2018 guidance

Rio Tinto's Pilbara shipments in 2018 are expected to be between 330 and 340 million tonnes (100 per cent basis). This is subject to market conditions and any weather constraints, and partly reflects continued rail maintenance required in 2018.

ALUMINIUM

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

 
                      Q4 2017  vs Q4  vs Q3    2017  vs 2016 
                                2016   2017 
-------------------- 
Rio Tinto Aluminium 
Bauxite                13,762   +14%    +7%  50,796      +6% 
Alumina                 2,077    -1%    +5%   8,131      -1% 
Aluminium                 887    -3%    +0%   3,551      -1% 
--------------------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------- 
 

Production from Lochaber in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.

Bauxite

Bauxite production of 50.8 million tonnes in 2017 was six per cent higher than 2016, reflecting strong operational performances at Gove and Weipa. Production at Gove was 23 per cent higher than 2016, benefitting from the planned production ramp-up associated with de-bottlenecking of capacity, whilst production at Weipa was five per cent higher than 2016. Fourth quarter production of 13.8 million tonnes was 14 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016.

The strong production performance enabled the Group to ship 32.3 million tonnes to third parties in 2017, ten per cent higher than 2016. Fourth quarter shipments were 25 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2016.

Amrun

The Amrun project is advancing to plan. All wharf modules are now installed and the process plant beneficiation modules and transfer tower are in location. Upcoming activities include completion of the stacker, reclaimer assembly and ship loader assembly. The project remains on schedule for first shipment in the first half of 2019.

Alumina

Alumina production for 2017 was in line with 2016, with a strong performance at Yarwun partially offset by lower production at the Queensland Alumina refinery due to major maintenance.

Aluminium

Aluminium production of 3.6 million tonnes in 2017 was one per cent lower than 2016. Strong operational performances were achieved across most sites, reflecting the implementation of productivity improvements across the business. This was offset by production curtailment at the Boyne smelter due to higher power prices in Queensland, and by lower production at the non-managed Sohar smelter due to a power interruption incident in the third quarter. Excluding these events, 2017 aluminium production was one per cent higher than 2016.

Average realised aluminium prices in 2017 were $2,231 per tonne. This includes a $221 per tonne premium for value-added product, which represented 57 per cent of aluminium sold, and the physical market premium.

On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced it had received a binding offer for the sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter in France for $500 million, subject to final adjustments. The sale is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2018, subject to satisfactory completion of consultations with key stakeholders.

2018 guidance

Rio Tinto's share of production in 2018 is expected to be between 49 and 51 million tonnes of bauxite, 8.0 to 8.2 million tonnes of alumina and 3.5 to 3.7 million tonnes of aluminium (guidance to be adjusted following completion of the sale of the Aluminium Dunkerque smelter).

COPPER & DIAMONDS

Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes)

 
                      Q4 2017  vs Q4  vs Q3    2017  vs 2016 
                                2016   2017 
-------------------- 
Mined copper 
Rio Tinto Kennecott      34.8   -23%   +35%   148.9      -3% 
Escondida                92.9   +26%   +13%   270.8     -11% 
Grasberg                  5.7    N/A    N/A     5.7      N/A 
Oyu Tolgoi               15.2    -0%   +23%    52.8     -22% 
 
Refined copper 
Rio Tinto Kennecott      22.1   -67%   -59%   125.8     -20% 
Escondida                22.8    +6%    +6%    71.4     -24% 
 
Diamonds ('000 
 carats) 
Argyle                  6,146   +71%   +29%  17,135     +23% 
Diavik                  1,060    +7%   -10%   4,492     +12% 
--------------------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------- 
 

Rio Tinto Kennecott

Mined copper production in 2017 was three per cent lower than 2016, with lower grades partially offset by higher mill throughput. Fourth quarter production was 23 per cent lower than the corresponding period of 2016 as mining entered an anticipated area of lower grade. Higher grade material is expected to be accessed in 2018.

Refined copper production in 2017 was 20 per cent lower than 2016 due to the shutdown of the smelter following the fatality in October 2017. The smelter resumed production in November 2017 and is expected to draw down the increase in concentrate inventory during the first half of 2018.

Rio Tinto Kennecott continues to toll and purchase third party concentrate, with 161.4 thousand tonnes received for processing in 2017. Tolled copper concentrate, which is smelted and returned to customers, is excluded from reported production figures.

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

Escondida

Mined copper production at Escondida in 2017 was 11 per cent lower than 2016 due to the labour union strike that impacted production in the first half of 2017. Fourth quarter production was 26 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016 due to an increase in concentrator throughput, largely driven by commissioning of the Los Colorados concentrator.

Oyu Tolgoi

Mined copper production from the open pit in 2017 was 22 per cent lower than 2016, as phases 2 and 3, which were sources of higher grade ore, were fully depleted by the end of 2016. Despite this, the operation established new records for rates of total material moved and mill throughput in the year. Copper production in the fourth quarter was 23 per cent higher than the previous quarter due to improved mill availability and reduced ore hardness.

Oyu Tolgoi LLC has received, and is evaluating, a Tax Act (tax assessment) for approximately $155 million from the Mongolian Tax Authority relating to an audit on taxes imposed and paid by Oyu Tolgoi LLC between 2013 and 2015.

Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project

New contractors continue to mobilise with the total project workforce at over 6,600 at the end of 2017, 89 per cent of whom are Mongolian nationals. Lateral development is on plan, completion of Shaft 2 sinking is imminent and completion of Shaft 5 sinking is expected by the end of first quarter of 2018. Six accommodation buildings in the Oyut II camp are now complete. An annual project review was completed in the fourth quarter, and construction of the first drawbell is expected in mid-2020.

Grasberg

Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. ("Freeport"), Rio Tinto is entitled to the cash flow associated with 40 per cent of material mined above an agreed threshold as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998.

In January and February 2017, the Indonesian government issued new mining regulations to address exports of unrefined metals, including copper concentrates, and other matters related to the mining sector. These regulations impact PT Freeport Indonesia's ("PT-FI") operating rights, including its right to continue to export concentrate without restriction, and, as a result, had a significant impact on Rio Tinto's share of production in 2017. Rio Tinto's full participation beyond 2021 is likely to be delayed due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement between Rio Tinto and PT-FI.

In March 2017, the Indonesian government amended the regulations and issued a permit to PT-FI that allowed concentrate exports to resume in April 2017. PT-FI is applying for an extension of its export permit, which expires in February 2018.

Based on the latest available forecast from Freeport, approximately 5.7 thousand tonnes of copper and no gold production in 2017 has been attributed to Rio Tinto. Freeport is expected to announce its fourth quarter and full year 2017 results on 25 January 2018. No share of production was attributed to Rio Tinto for the first three quarters of 2017, based on expected Rio Tinto share at the time.

Provisional pricing

At 31 December 2017, the Group had an estimated 250 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at 304 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the first half of 2018. This compares with 235 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2016, provisionally priced at 250 cents per pound.

Diamonds

At Argyle, 2017 carat production was 23 per cent higher than 2016 due to the additional processing of higher grade alluvial tailings.

At Diavik, carats recovered in 2017 were 12 per cent higher than 2016 due to higher recovered grades. Development of the A21 pipe remains on schedule.

2018 guidance

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

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

ENERGY & MINERALS

Rio Tinto share of production

 
                    Q4 2017  vs Q4  vs Q3    2017  vs 2016 
                              2016   2017 
------------------ 
Coal 
Hard coking coal      2,322    +6%    +3%   7,704      -5% 
Semi-soft coking 
 coal (a)                 0  -100%  -100%   2,020     -51% 
Thermal coal (a)        966   -77%   -75%  13,933     -17% 
 
Iron ore pellets 
 and concentrate 
 (million tonnes) 
IOC                     2.7    -0%   -14%    11.2      +5% 
 
Minerals ('000 
 tonnes) 
Borates - B(2) 
 O(3) content           120    -1%   -14%     517      +3% 
Salt                  1,535   +11%   +25%   5,090      -2% 
Titanium dioxide 
 slag                   341   +14%    +4%   1,315     +25% 
 
Uranium ('000 
 lbs) 
Energy Resources 
 of Australia           919    +1%    -4%   3,458      -2% 
Rössing            902   +15%   +19%   3,192     +14% 
------------------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------- 
 

Production from Bengalla in 2016 has been excluded from the comparable percentages above.

(a) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied. This included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the Warkworth mine. Production from these mines until 1 September 2017 is reported here.

Coal

Hard coking coal production in 2017 was five per cent lower than 2016 due to the impact of Cyclone Debbie in the first quarter of 2017. Fourth quarter production was six per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016 reflecting strong operational performances at Kestrel and Hail Creek.

As announced on 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the sale of Coal & Allied to Yancoal Australia for total consideration of $2.69 billion, which included Coal & Allied's interests in the Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines. The sale, coupled with mine production sequencing changes at Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth, resulted in semi-soft coking coal and thermal coal production being lower than 2016 by 51 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

Hard coking coal prices achieved in the second half of 2017 averaged $164 per tonne on an FOB basis compared to $177 per tonne in the first half of 2017. Average prices realised for thermal coal were $78 per tonne on an FOB basis in both the first half and second half of 2017.

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

IOC pellet production of 10.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 6.1 million tonnes) was seven per cent higher than 2016, with pellet demand continuing to be strong and product mix being optimised to meet customer demand. Concentrate production for sale of 8.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 5.0 million tonnes) was two per cent higher than 2016.

The five per cent improvement in total production resulted in a four per cent improvement in sales to 19.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 11.2 million tonnes).

Borates

Borates production in 2017 was three per cent higher than 2016, with production aligned to market demand.

Iron and Titanium (RTIT)

Titanium dioxide slag production was 25 per cent higher in 2017, reflecting improved market demand. Market conditions for titanium dioxide continued to improve in 2017, with strengthening pigment prices supported by low inventory and tight supply. Consequently, feedstock demand has improved year-on-year.

One of nine furnaces at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) remains idle, along with one of four furnaces at Richards Bay Minerals. The focus remains on maximising the productivity of the furnaces currently in operation, and a decision to re-start idle furnaces will be based on maximising value over volume.

Salt

Salt production in 2017 was marginally lower than 2016. Fourth quarter production was 11 per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2016 as the business responded to improved market demand.

Uranium

Energy Resources of Australia continues to process existing stockpiles. 2017 production was two per cent lower than 2016.

Production at Rössing in 2017 was 14 per cent higher than 2016 due to higher grades.

2018 guidance

Guidance for Rio Tinto's expected share of 2018 production is 7.5 to 8.5 million tonnes of hard coking coal, 3.8 to 4.5 million tonnes of thermal coal, 11.5 to 12.5 million tonnes of iron ore pellets and concentrates, 0.5 million tonnes of boric oxide equivalent production, 1.2 to 1.4 million tonnes of titanium dioxide slag, and 6.2 to 7.2 million pounds of uranium.

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION

Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in 2017 was $445 million (of which $147 million was spent in the fourth quarter), compared with $497 million in 2016. Approximately 46 per cent of this expenditure was incurred by central exploration, 34 per cent by Copper & Diamonds, ten per cent by Energy & Minerals and the remainder by Iron Ore and Aluminium.

There were no significant divestments of central exploration properties in 2017.

Exploration highlights

Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 16 countries across some eight commodities. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in this quarter was focused on copper targets in Australia, Chile, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Serbia, United States and Zambia. Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron, Richards Bay Minerals, Oyu Tolgoi and Weipa.

A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:

 
Product      Evaluation              Advanced            Greenfield 
 Group        projects                projects            programmes 
-----------  ---------------------  ------------------  ------------------- 
Aluminium    Cape York, Australia   Amargosa, Brazil    Australia, Laos 
-----------  ---------------------  ------------------  ------------------- 
Copper       Copper/molybdenum:     Nickel: Tamarack,   Copper: Australia, 
 & Diamonds   Resolution, US         US                  Botswana, Chile, 
              Copper: La Granja,     Diamonds: Fort      China, Kazakhstan, 
              Peru                   a la Corne,         Mongolia, Namibia, 
              Copper/gold:           Canada              Papua New Guinea, 
              Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia                       Peru, Serbia, 
                                                         US, Zambia 
                                                         Nickel: Australia, 
                                                         Canada 
                                                         Diamonds: Canada 
-----------  ---------------------  ------------------  ------------------- 
Energy       Lithium borates:       Potash: KP405,      Uranium: Canada 
 & Minerals   Jadar, Serbia          Canada              Heavy mineral 
              Heavy mineral                              sands: Tanzania 
              sands: Mutamba, 
              Mozambique and 
              Zulti South, 
              South Africa 
              Iron Ore: Simandou, 
              Guinea 
              Uranium: Roughrider, 
              Canada 
-----------  ---------------------  ------------------  ------------------- 
Iron Ore     Pilbara, Australia     Pilbara, Australia 
-----------  ---------------------  ------------------  ------------------- 
 

Forward-looking statements

This announcement may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's production forecast or guidance, financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products and reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. The words "intend", "aim", "project", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "believes", "expects", "may", "should", "will", "target", "set to", "assumes" or similar expressions, commonly identify such forward looking statements.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual production, performance or results of Rio Tinto to be materially different from any future production, performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements could be influenced by such risk factors as identified in Rio Tinto's most recent Annual Report and Accounts in Australia and the United Kingdom and the most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form 6-Ks furnished to, or filed with, the SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Rio Tinto's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.

Classification

This announcement has been released in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange and has been voluntarily released to the London Stock Exchange.

Contacts

media.enquiries@riotinto.com

www.riotinto.com

Follow @riotinto on Twitter

 
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 T +44 20 7781 1152                  M +61 447 028 913 
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 T +44 20 7781 2051                  M +61 417 401 018 
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Rio Tinto plc                       Rio Tinto Limited 
 6 St James's Square                 Level 7, 360 Collins Street 
 London SW1Y 4AD                     Melbourne 3000 
 United Kingdom                      Australia 
 
 T +44 20 7781 2000                  T +61 3 9283 3333 
 Registered in England               Registered in Australia 
 No. 719885                          ABN 96 004 458 404 
 
 
Rio Tinto production summary 
 
Rio Tinto share of production 
 
                                                     Quarter                 Full Year             % Change 
                                            2016     2017       2017       2016     2017    Q4 17   Q4 17    2017 
                                              Q4       Q3        Q4                           vs      vs       vs 
                                                                                             Q4 16   Q3 17    2016 
                                           -------  -------  ----------  --------  -------  ------  ------  ------ 
Principal Commodities 
                                                                         -------- 
Alumina                          ('000 t)    2,104    1,984       2,077     8,192    8,131     -1%      5%     -1% 
Aluminium                        ('000 t)      915      887         887     3,600    3,551     -3%      0%     -1% 
Bauxite                          ('000 t)   12,120   12,867      13,762    47,703   50,796     14%      7%      6% 
Borates                          ('000 t)      121      140         120       503      517     -1%    -14%      3% 
Coal - hard coking               ('000 t)    2,187    2,244       2,322     8,141    7,704      6%      3%     -5% 
Coal - semi-soft coking          ('000 t)      969      445           -     4,102    2,020   -100%   -100%    -51% 
Coal - thermal                   ('000 t)    4,254    3,791         966    16,727   13,933    -77%    -75%    -17% 
Copper - mined                   ('000 t)    133.8    120.6       148.6     523.3    478.1     11%     23%     -9% 
Copper - refined                 ('000 t)     88.4     75.2        44.9     250.1    197.2    -49%    -40%    -21% 
Diamonds                       ('000 cts)    4,574    5,933       7,207    17,953   21,627     58%     21%     20% 
Iron Ore                         ('000 t)   73,633   72,903      75,656   281,321  282,484      3%      4%      0% 
Titanium dioxide slag            ('000 t)      300      327         341     1,048    1,315     14%      4%     25% 
Uranium                        ('000 lbs)    1,690    1,718       1,821     6,342    6,650      8%      6%      5% 
                                           -------  -------  ----------  --------  -------  ------  ------  ------ 
Other Metals & Minerals 
Gold - mined                    ('000 oz)     85.1     59.1        62.6     293.5    260.1    -26%      6%    -11% 
Gold - refined                  ('000 oz)     40.6     54.1        55.4     135.4    203.7     37%      2%     50% 
Molybdenum                       ('000 t)      1.8      1.4         1.9       2.8      5.0     10%     37%     75% 
Salt                             ('000 t)    1,386    1,227       1,535     5,180    5,090     11%     25%     -2% 
Silver - mined                  ('000 oz)    1,239      959       1,172     4,210    4,194     -5%     22%      0% 
Silver - refined                ('000 oz)      465      731         516     1,815    2,378     11%    -29%     31% 
                                           -------  -------  ----------  --------  -------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was 
 previously quoted on the equivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than 
 the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter 
 figures and the year to date figures. 
 
 
Rio Tinto share of production 
 
                                              Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                                            Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                                         interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
ALUMINA 
Production ('000 tonnes) 
  Jonquière (Vaudreuil)                 100%     367     367     365     351     365   1,452   1,448 
  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 
   specialty Alumina plant                   100%      31      31      32      30      29     115     122 
  Queensland Alumina                          80%     789     739     756     720     773   3,078   2,988 
  São Luis (Alumar)                      10%      96      89      93      94      93     371     370 
  Yarwun                                     100%     821     819     778     790     816   3,176   3,203 
                                                   ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total alumina 
 production                                         2,104   2,047   2,024   1,984   2,077   8,192   8,131 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
ALUMINIUM 
Production ('000 tonnes) 
  Australia - Bell Bay                       100%      47      45      47      48      47     182     187 
  Australia - Boyne Island                    59%      87      80      73      74      74     346     302 
  Australia - Tomago                          52%      77      75      76      77      77     304     304 
  Canada - six wholly 
   owned                                     100%     405     394     397     401     405   1,582   1,596 
  Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles)          40%      61      60      60      60      60     244     239 
  Canada - Bécancour                     25%      28      28      26      28      27     111     110 
  France - Dunkerque (a)                     100%      71      70      71      71      72     280     284 
  Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik)                 100%      52      52      53      53      54     205     212 
  New Zealand - Tiwai 
   Point                                      79%      68      66      67      67      67     269     267 
  Oman - Sohar                                20%      19      19      19       7       5      77      51 
                                                   ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total aluminium 
 production                                           915     889     888     887     887   3,600   3,551 
                                                   ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
BAUXITE 
Production ('000 tonnes) 
 (b) 
  Gove                                       100%   2,169   2,388   2,780   2,809   3,224   9,091  11,201 
  Porto Trombetas                             12%     516     357     489     492     426   1,975   1,764 
  Sangaredi                                   (c)   1,735   1,665   1,791   1,670   1,809   7,210   6,934 
  Weipa                                      100%   7,700   6,893   7,805   7,895   8,304  29,427  30,898 
Rio Tinto total bauxite 
 production                                        12,120  11,303  12,865  12,867  13,762  47,703  50,796 
-------------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
 
Rio Tinto share of production 
 
                                  Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3                 Q4    Full    Full 
                                Tinto                                                       Year    Year 
                             interest    2016    2017    2017    2017               2017    2016    2017 
-------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
 
BORATES 
Production ('000 tonnes 
 B(2) O(3) content) 
  Rio Tinto Borates 
   - borates                     100%     121     123     133     140                120     503     517 
-------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
 
COAL - hard coking 
Rio Tinto Coal Australia 
 ('000 tonnes) 
  Hail Creek Coal (d)             82%   1,205     930     822   1,276              1,275   4,879   4,303 
  Kestrel Coal (d)                80%     981     653     733     968              1,048   3,262   3,402 
                                       ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total hard 
 coking coal production                 2,187   1,583   1,555   2,244              2,322   8,141   7,704 
-------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
 
COAL - semi-soft coking 
Rio Tinto Coal Australia 
 ('000 tonnes) 
  Hunter Valley (e)                0%     581     541     192     301                  -   2,540   1,034 
  Mount Thorley (e)                0%     283     269     311     119                  -   1,127     700 
  Warkworth (e)                    0%     106     149     112      25                  -     436     286 
                                       ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total semi-soft 
 coking coal production                   969     959     616     445                  -   4,102   2,020 
-------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
 
COAL - thermal 
Rio Tinto Coal Australia 
 ('000 tonnes) 
  Hail Creek Coal (d)             82%     746     874     881     851                785   3,089   3,390 
  Hunter Valley (e)                0%   1,724   1,927   2,393   1,428                  -   6,782   5,747 
  Kestrel Coal (d)                80%     217     127     141     226                180     676     674 
  Mount Thorley (e)                0%     828     450     597     562                  -   2,235   1,609 
  Warkworth (e)                    0%     739     845     943     725                  -   3,945   2,512 
                                       ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total thermal 
 coal production                        4,254   4,222   4,954   3,791                966  16,727  13,933 
 
 
Rio Tinto share of production 
 
                                 Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                               Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                            interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
COPPER 
Mine production ('000 
 tonnes) (b) 
  Bingham Canyon                100%    45.1    44.3    44.0    25.8    34.8   152.7   148.9 
  Escondida                      30%    73.4    27.2    68.3    82.5    92.9   303.1   270.8 
  Grasberg - Joint 
   Venture (f)                   40%     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     5.7     0.0     5.7 
  Oyu Tolgoi (g)                 34%    15.2    12.8    12.5    12.4    15.2    67.5    52.8 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total mine 
 production                            133.8    84.2   124.7   120.6   148.6   523.3   478.1 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Refined production 
 ('000 tonnes) 
  Escondida                      30%    21.5     8.2    18.8    21.6    22.8    93.6    71.4 
  Rio Tinto Kennecott           100%    67.0    29.8    20.3    53.6    22.1   156.5   125.8 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total refined 
 production                             88.4    38.0    39.1    75.2    44.9   250.1   197.2 
------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
DIAMONDS 
Production ('000 
 carats) 
  Argyle                        100%   3,584   3,016   3,216   4,757   6,146  13,958  17,135 
  Diavik                         60%     989   1,136   1,119   1,177   1,060   3,995   4,492 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total diamond 
 production                            4,574   4,152   4,335   5,933   7,207  17,953  21,627 
------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
GOLD 
Mine production ('000 
 ounces) (b) 
  Bingham Canyon                100%    57.2    54.1    54.3    33.6    35.9   153.2   177.9 
  Escondida                      30%    11.3     3.4    10.2    15.2    15.1    39.8    43.9 
  Grasberg - Joint 
   Venture (f)                   40%     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0 
  Oyu Tolgoi (g)                 34%    16.6     8.3     8.0    10.4    11.7   100.5    38.3 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total mine 
 production                             85.1    65.8    72.5    59.1    62.6   293.5   260.1 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Refined production 
 ('000 ounces) 
  Rio Tinto Kennecott           100%    40.6    51.1    43.0    54.1    55.4   135.4   203.7 
------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
 
Rio Tinto share of production 
 
                                               Rio Tinto      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4  Full Year  Full Year 
                                                interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017       2016       2017 
--------------------------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 
IRON ORE 
Production ('000 tonnes) (b) 
  Hamersley mines                                    (h)  54,848  48,664  48,674  52,921  56,501    205,902    206,760 
  Hamersley - Channar                                60%   1,119   1,635   1,903   1,596   1,345      5,839      6,479 
  Hope Downs                                         50%   5,794   5,218   6,287   5,978   5,987     23,505     23,470 
  Iron Ore Company of Canada                         59%   2,743   2,579   2,683   3,171   2,733     10,661     11,166 
  Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)           53%   4,493   3,809   3,676   4,461   4,580     17,371     16,526 
  Robe River - West Angelas                          53%   4,636   4,322   4,475   4,776   4,509     18,044     18,082 
                                                          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes)               73,633  66,226  67,699  72,903  75,656    281,321    282,484 
                                                          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Breakdown of Production: 
  Pilbara Blend Lump                                      20,443  19,207  19,780  20,700  21,082     77,761     80,770 
  Pilbara Blend Fines                                     30,795  27,026  28,049  30,113  31,172    117,560    116,359 
  Robe Valley Lump                                         1,625   1,453   1,459   1,570   1,646      6,122      6,128 
  Robe Valley Fines                                        2,868   2,357   2,217   2,891   2,934     11,250     10,398 
  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)                                15,159  13,605  13,512  14,458  16,088     57,968     57,663 
                                                          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes)                 70,890  63,647  65,016  69,732  72,922    270,660    271,318 
  IOC Concentrate                                          1,124   1,109   1,299   1,450   1,163      4,907      5,020 
  IOC Pellets                                              1,618   1,470   1,384   1,722   1,571      5,754      6,146 
                                                          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes)                      2,743   2,579   2,683   3,171   2,733     10,661     11,166 
Breakdown of Sales: 
  Pilbara Blend Lump                                      18,071  16,033  18,218  18,044  18,861     67,929     71,156 
  Pilbara Blend Fines                                     34,842  30,497  28,779  32,421  35,575    126,521    127,272 
  Robe Valley Lump                                         1,502   1,176   1,262   1,391   1,388      5,397      5,217 
  Robe Valley Fines                                        3,053   2,373   2,370   3,174   3,287     11,942     11,204 
  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)                                14,969  13,120  13,371  14,963  15,731     57,062     57,185 
                                                          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Pilbara iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)                      72,437  63,199  64,000  69,993  74,843    268,851    272,034 
  IOC Concentrate                                          1,148   1,193     939   1,362   1,559      4,899      5,053 
  IOC Pellets                                              1,764   1,415   1,489   1,590   1,615      5,862      6,108 
                                                          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
IOC Iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)                           2,912   2,608   2,428   2,952   3,173     10,761     11,161 
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes)                    75,350  65,806  66,428  72,944  78,016    279,613    283,195 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
Rio Tinto share of production 
 
                               Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                             Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                          interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
----------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
MOLYBDENUM 
Mine production ('000 
 tonnes) (b) 
  Bingham Canyon              100%     1.8     0.9     0.8     1.4     1.9     2.8     5.0 
----------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
SALT 
Production ('000 
 tonnes) 
  Dampier Salt                 68%   1,386     852   1,476   1,227   1,535   5,180   5,090 
----------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
SILVER 
Mine production ('000 
 ounces) (b) 
  Bingham Canyon              100%     751     711     669     357     418   1,943   2,156 
  Escondida                    30%     397     163     370     521     658   1,791   1,712 
  Grasberg - Joint 
   Venture (f)                 40%       0       0       0       0       0       0       0 
  Oyu Tolgoi (g)               34%      91      72      79      80      96     476     326 
                                    ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total 
 mine production                     1,239     946   1,118     959   1,172   4,210   4,194 
                                    ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Refined production 
 ('000 ounces) 
  Rio Tinto Kennecott         100%     465     402     729     731     516   1,815   2,378 
----------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE 
 SLAG 
Production ('000 
 tonnes) 
  Rio Tinto Iron & 
   Titanium (i)               100%     300     332     316     327     341   1,048   1,315 
----------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
URANIUM 
Production ('000 lbs 
 U(3) O(8) ) (j) 
  Energy Resources 
   of Australia                68%     908     900     678     962     919   3,544   3,458 
  Rössing                 69%     781     673     860     757     902   2,798   3,192 
                                    ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto total uranium 
 production                          1,690   1,573   1,538   1,718   1,821   6,342   6,650 
----------------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
 
Production data notes: 
Production figures are sometimes more precise than 
 the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences 
 may result between the total of the quarter figures 
 and the year to date figures. 
 
(a) On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding 
 offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque 
 smelter. 
(b) 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) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking 
 coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. 
 Both mines may blend coal types at ports. 
 
 (e) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the 
 sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary 
 of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production 
 from these assets is included to this date. This 
 included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the 
 Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in 
 the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the 
 Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of 
 the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 
 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied 
 and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created 
 Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to 
 restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter 
 Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth 
 mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively. 
(f) 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. 
(g) Rio Tinto owns a 33.52% indirect interest in 
 Oyu Tolgoi through its 50.79% interest in Turquoise 
 Hill Resources Ltd. 
(h) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, 
 Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, 
 Nammuldi, Silvergrass and the Eastern Range mines. 
 Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range 
 mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, 
 Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged 
 to purchase all mine production from the joint 
 venture and therefore all of the production is 
 included in Rio Tinto's share of production. 
(i) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et 
 Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards 
 Bay Minerals (RBM). 
(j) ERA and Rössing production reported are 
 drummed U(3) O(8) . 
 
The Rio Tinto percentage shown above is at 31 December 
 2017. 
Rio Tinto's interest in the Lochaber aluminium 
 smelter and Bengalla mine were sold in 2016. No 
 data for these operations are included in the Share 
 of production table. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                        Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                                      Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                                   interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
 
ALUMINA 
Smelter Grade Alumina 
 - Aluminium Group 
Alumina production ('000 
 tonnes) 
Australia 
  Queensland Alumina Refinery 
   - Queensland                       80.0%     987     924     946     900     966   3,848   3,735 
  Yarwun refinery - Queensland       100.0%     821     819     778     790     816   3,176   3,203 
Brazil 
  São Luis (Alumar) 
   refinery                           10.0%     957     895     931     937     934   3,707   3,697 
Canada 
  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 
   refinery - Quebec (a)             100.0%     367     367     365     351     365   1,452   1,448 
                                             ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows 
 smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate 
 produced and used for specialty alumina. 
Specialty Alumina - Aluminium 
 Group 
Specialty alumina production 
 ('000 tonnes) 
Canada 
  Jonquière (Vaudreuil) 
   plant - Quebec                    100.0%      31      31      32      30      29     115     122 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                            Rio      Q4                 Q1                 Q2                 Q3                 Q4              Full               Full 
                          Tinto                                                                                                  Year               Year 
                       interest    2016               2017               2017               2017               2017              2016               2017 
-------------------  ----------  ------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
 
ALUMINIUM 
Primary Aluminium 
Primary aluminium 
 production ('000 
 tonnes) 
Australia 
  Bell Bay smelter 
   - Tasmania            100.0%      47                 45                 47                 48                 47               182                187 
  Boyne Island 
   smelter 
   - Queensland           59.4%     147                135                124                125                124               583                508 
  Tomago smelter - 
   New South Wales        51.6%     149                145                147                149                149               589                590 
Canada 
  Alma smelter - 
   Quebec                100.0%     117                114                112                115                116               467                457 
  Alouette 
   (Sept-Îles) 
   smelter - Quebec       40.0%     153                149                149                150                150               609                598 
  Arvida smelter - 
   Quebec                100.0%      43                 41                 43                 43                 44               172                171 
  Arvida AP60 
   smelter 
   - Quebec              100.0%      15                 15                 15                 14                 14                60                 57 
  Bécancour 
   smelter 
   - Quebec               25.1%     110                112                106                113                108               445                438 
  Grande-Baie 
   smelter 
   - Quebec              100.0%      58                 57                 57                 58                 58               227                229 
  Kitimat smelter 
   - British 
   Columbia              100.0%     109                107                109                108                110               408                433 
  Laterrière 
   smelter - Quebec      100.0%      63                 61                 61                 63                 64               247                249 
France 
  Dunkerque smelter 
   (a)                   100.0%      71                 70                 71                 71                 72               280                284 
Iceland 
  ISAL (Reykjavik) 
   smelter               100.0%      52                 52                 53                 53                 54               205                212 
New Zealand 
  Tiwai Point 
   smelter                79.4%      85                 84                 84                 84                 85               339                337 
Oman 
  Sohar smelter           20.0%      97                 96                 95                 35                 27               386                253 
United Kingdom 
  Lochaber smelter 
   (b)                     0.0%      10                  -                  -                  -                  -                46                  - 
                                 ------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
(a) On 10 January 2018, Rio Tinto announced a binding 
 offer to sell its 100% interest in the Dunkerque 
 smelter. 
 (b) On 16 December 2016, Rio Tinto completed the 
 sale of its 100% interest in the Lochaber aluminium 
 smelter. 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                   Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                                 Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                              interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
--------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
BAUXITE 
Bauxite production 
 ('000 tonnes) 
Australia 
  Gove mine - Northern 
   Territory                    100.0%   2,169   2,388   2,780   2,809   3,224   9,091  11,201 
  Weipa mine - Queensland       100.0%   7,700   6,893   7,805   7,895   8,304  29,427  30,898 
Brazil 
  Porto Trombetas 
   (MRN) mine                    12.0%   4,296   2,974   4,071   4,103   3,550  16,462  14,698 
Guinea 
  Sangaredi mine (a)             23.0%   3,856   3,699   3,979   3,711   4,020  16,023  15,409 
 
Rio Tinto share of 
 bauxite shipments 
Share of total bauxite 
 shipments ('000 tonnes)                11,996  11,605  12,164  12,913  13,557  47,575  50,240 
Share of third party 
 bauxite shipments 
 ('000 tonnes)                           7,345   6,927   7,962   8,250   9,164  29,308  32,303 
                                        ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
(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 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                         Rio                 Q4                 Q1                 Q2                 Q3                 Q4            Full               Full 
                       Tinto                                                                                                           Year               Year 
                    interest               2016               2017               2017               2017               2017            2016               2017 
----------------  ----------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  --------------  ----------------- 
 
BORATES 
Rio Tinto 
 Borates 
 - borates            100.0% 
US 
  Borates ('000 
   tonnes) 
   (a)                                      121                123                133                140                120             503                517 
(a) Production is expressed as B(2) O(3) content. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
COAL 
Rio Tinto Coal 
 Australia 
Bengalla mine 
 (a)                    0.0% 
New South Wales 
  Thermal coal                                -                  -                  -                  -                  -           1,476                  - 
  ('000 
  tonnes) 
Hail Creek Coal 
 mine                  82.0% 
Queensland 
  Hard coking 
   coal 
   ('000 tonnes)                          1,470              1,134              1,002              1,556              1,555           5,950              5,247 
  Thermal coal 
   ('000 
   tonnes)                                  910              1,065              1,074              1,037                958           3,767              4,134 
Hunter Valley 
 Operations 
 (b)                    0.0% 
New South Wales 
  Semi-soft 
   coking 
   coal ('000 
   tonnes)                                  859                800                284                445                  -           3,720              1,529 
  Thermal coal 
   ('000 
   tonnes)                                2,550              2,851              3,539              2,112                  -           9,925              8,502 
Kestrel Coal 
 mine                  80.0% 
Queensland 
  Hard coking 
   coal 
   ('000 tonnes)                          1,227                816                916              1,210              1,309           4,077              4,252 
  Thermal coal 
   ('000 
   tonnes)                                  271                159                177                282                226             846                843 
Mount Thorley 
 Operations 
 (b)                    0.0% 
New South Wales 
  Semi-soft 
   coking 
   coal ('000 
   tonnes)                                  353                337                389                149                  -           1,420                876 
  Thermal coal 
   ('000 
   tonnes)                                1,035                562                746                703                  -           2,850              2,011 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                  Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3                 Q4    Full    Full 
                                Tinto                                                       Year    Year 
                             interest    2016    2017    2017    2017               2017    2016    2017 
-------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
 
COAL (continued) 
Warkworth mine (b)               0.0% 
New South Wales 
  Semi-soft coking 
   coal ('000 tonnes)                     190     268     202      44                  -     809     514 
  Thermal coal ('000 
   tonnes)                              1,330   1,520   1,696   1,305                  -   7,225   4,521 
                                       ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
Total hard coking 
 coal production ('000 
 tonnes)                                2,697   1,950   1,918   2,766              2,864  10,027   9,499 
Total semi-soft coking 
 coal production ('000 
 tonnes)                                1,402   1,405     875     639                  -   5,950   2,919 
Total thermal coal 
 production ('000 tonnes)               6,096   6,156   7,232   5,439              1,183  26,090  20,010 
Total coal production 
 ('000 tonnes)                         10,196   9,512  10,026   8,844              4,047  42,067  32,429 
                                       ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
 
Total coal sales 
 ('000 tonnes)                         10,241   8,792   9,871   9,298              4,092  41,773  32,053 
                                       ------  ------  ------  ------  -----------------  ------  ------ 
Rio Tinto Coal Australia 
 share (c) 
Share of hard coking 
 coal sales ('000 tonnes)               2,395   1,524   1,717   2,511              2,429   8,704   8,181 
Share of semi-soft 
 coal sales ('000 tonnes) 
 (d)                                    1,043     765     759     485                  -   4,144   2,010 
Share of thermal coal 
 sales ('000 tonnes) 
 (d)                                    3,979   3,946   4,539   3,804                896  16,484  13,186 
 
(a) Rio Tinto sold its interest in the Bengalla 
 Joint Venture with an effective date of 1 March 
 2016. 
 (b) On 1 September 2017, Rio Tinto completed the 
 sale of Coal & Allied, a wholly owned subsidiary 
 of Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) and production 
 from these assets is included to this date. This 
 included Coal & Allied's 67.6% interest in the 
 Hunter Valley Operations mine, 80% interest in 
 the Mount Thorley mine and 55.6% interest in the 
 Warkworth mine. In an earlier restructuring of 
 the Coal & Allied group completed on 3 February 
 2016, Rio Tinto had obtained 100% of Coal & Allied 
 and retained a 67.6% interest in the newly created 
 Hunter Valley Operations joint venture. Prior to 
 restructuring, Rio Tinto's interest in the Hunter 
 Valley Operations, Mount Thorley and Warkworth 
 mines was 80%, 64% and 44.46% respectively. 
 (c) Kestrel and Hail Creek produce hard coking 
 coal and thermal coal through their mining operations. 
 Both mines may blend coal types at ports. 
 (d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations 
 and exclude traded coal. 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                     Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                                   Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                                interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
----------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
COPPER & GOLD 
Escondida                          30.0% 
Chile 
Sulphide ore to concentrator 
 ('000 tonnes)                            19,866   8,054  18,777  24,080  30,260  84,746  81,171 
  Average copper grade 
   (%)                                      1.02    1.01    1.07    1.06    0.98    0.96    1.03 
Mill production (metals 
 in concentrates): 
  Contained copper ('000 
   tonnes)                                 168.6    67.7   167.0   204.1   245.7   679.3   684.5 
  Contained gold ('000 
   ounces)                                    38      11      34      51      50     133     146 
  Contained silver ('000 
   ounces)                                 1,323     543   1,234   1,737   2,193   5,971   5,707 
Recoverable copper in 
 ore stacked for leaching 
 ('000 tonnes) (a)                          76.4    22.8    60.7    70.8    63.9   331.4   218.2 
Refined production 
 from leach plants: 
  Copper cathode production 
   ('000 tonnes)                            71.5    27.2    62.8    71.9    76.1   312.1   238.0 
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined 
 for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach 
 pad. 
Freeport-McMoRan 
                                    0.0% 
Grasberg mine (a)                    (b) 
Papua, Indonesia 
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)                 15,630   7,849  11,242  15,791  18,736  60,628  53,617 
Average mill head grades: 
  Copper (%)                                1.08    1.15    1.03    0.91    1.05    0.91    1.02 
  Gold (g/t)                                0.97    1.17    1.16    0.98    1.23    0.68    1.13 
  Silver (g/t)                              3.67    5.26    4.09    3.96    2.79    3.09    3.77 
Production of metals 
 in concentrates: 
  Copper in concentrates 
   ('000 tonnes)                           153.1    81.0   103.9   130.1   180.3   499.4   495.4 
  Gold in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                             409     248     358     417     631   1,094   1,654 
  Silver in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                           1,237     667     900   1,016   1,023   3,796   3,606 
Sales of payable metals 
 in concentrates: (c) 
  Copper in concentrates 
   ('000 tonnes)                           140.6    61.7   124.6   109.6   183.7   478.0   479.6 
  Gold in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                             374     183     429     343     646   1,054   1,602 
  Silver in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                             907     404     851     666     873   2,909   2,794 
(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan 
 (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional 
 material mined as a consequence of expansions and 
 developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. 
 The Q4 2017 results show the forecast from FCX's 
 most recent five-year plan, because FCX is not 
 releasing its actual 100% operating data for Q4 
 2017 until the release of its 2017 fourth-quarter 
 results on 25 January 2018. 
 (b) Rio Tinto share of Grasberg production is 
 40% of the expansion. 
 (c) Net of smelter deductions. 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                      Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                                    Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                                 interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
-----------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
COPPER & GOLD (continued) 
Rio Tinto Kennecott 
Bingham Canyon mine                100.0% 
Utah, US 
Ore treated ('000 tonnes)                   8,827   9,508  10,709  10,092   9,074  33,423  39,382 
Average ore grade: 
  Copper (%)                                 0.56    0.51    0.47    0.29    0.43    0.50    0.43 
  Gold (g/t)                                 0.31    0.32    0.29    0.18    0.21    0.24    0.25 
  Silver (g/t)                               3.33    3.24    2.66    1.51    1.89    2.41    2.33 
  Molybdenum (%)                            0.040   0.025   0.025   0.032   0.036   0.028   0.029 
Copper concentrates 
 produced ('000 tonnes)                       190     189     205     148     162     648     704 
  Average concentrate 
   grade (% Cu)                              23.8    23.3    21.5    17.3    21.5    23.5    21.1 
Production of metals 
 in copper concentrates: 
  Copper ('000 tonnes) 
   (a)                                       45.1    44.3    44.0    25.8    34.8   152.7   148.9 
  Gold ('000 ounces)                           57      54      54      34      36     153     178 
  Silver ('000 ounces)                        751     711     669     357     418   1,943   2,156 
Molybdenum concentrates 
 produced ('000 tonnes):                      3.4     1.7     1.5     2.8     3.8     5.6     9.8 
  Molybdenum in concentrates 
   ('000 tonnes)                              1.8     0.9     0.8     1.4     1.9     2.8     5.0 
 
Kennecott smelter & 
 refinery                          100.0% 
Copper concentrates 
 smelted ('000 tonnes)                        207     136     160     258      90     752     644 
Copper anodes produced 
 ('000 tonnes) (b)                           42.7    33.7    32.6    50.6    12.1   163.8   129.0 
Production of refined 
 metal: 
  Copper ('000 tonnes)                       67.0    29.8    20.3    53.6    22.1   156.5   125.8 
  Gold ('000 ounces) (c)                     40.6    51.1    43.0    54.1    55.4   135.4   203.7 
  Silver ('000 ounces) 
   (c)                                        465     402     729     731     516   1,815   2,378 
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates. 
 (b) New metal excluding recycled material. 
 (c) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products. 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                   Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                                 Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                              interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
--------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
COPPER & GOLD (continued) 
Turquoise Hill Resources 
Oyu Tolgoi mine (a)              33.5% 
Mongolia 
  Ore Treated ('000 
   tonnes)                               9,819  10,087   9,637  10,615  10,838  38,152  41,177 
Average mill head 
 grades: 
  Copper (%)                              0.61    0.51    0.51    0.48    0.53    0.65    0.51 
  Gold (g/t)                              0.25    0.15    0.16    0.18    0.20    0.36    0.17 
  Silver (g/t)                            1.50    1.30    1.38    1.34    1.54    1.83    1.39 
Copper concentrates 
 produced ('000 tonnes)                  206.7   176.0   171.0   170.0   205.5   846.6   722.5 
  Average concentrate 
   grade (% Cu)                           22.0    21.6    21.8    21.7    22.0    23.8    21.8 
Production of metals 
 in concentrates: 
  Copper in concentrates 
   ('000 tonnes)                          45.5    38.1    37.2    36.9    45.3   201.3   157.4 
  Gold in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                          49.4    24.8    23.9    30.9    34.8   300.0   114.3 
  Silver in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                           273     215     236     239     285   1,420     974 
Sales of metals in 
 concentrates: 
  Copper in concentrates 
   ('000 tonnes)                          37.6    39.5    37.3    36.9    35.7   188.9   149.3 
  Gold in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                            39      32      23      28      27     347     111 
  Silver in concentrates 
   ('000 ounces)                           239     205     222     229     205   1,280     860 
(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 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                 Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                               Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                            interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
DIAMONDS 
Argyle Diamonds               100.0% 
Western Australia 
  AK1 ore processed 
   ('000 tonnes)                       1,283   1,144   1,112   1,255   1,446   5,097   4,957 
  AK1 diamonds produced 
   ('000 carats)                       3,584   3,016   3,216   4,757   6,146  13,958  17,135 
Diavik Diamonds                60.0% 
Northwest Territories, 
 Canada 
  Ore processed ('000 
   tonnes)                               539     531     556     578     525   2,214   2,190 
  Diamonds recovered 
   ('000 carats)                       1,649   1,894   1,865   1,961   1,767   6,658   7,486 
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. The data represent full production 
 and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                              Rio Tinto      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4  Full Year  Full Year 
                                               interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017       2016       2017 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 
IRON ORE 
Rio Tinto Iron Ore 
Western Australia 
Pilbara Operations 
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 
  Hamersley mines                                   (a)  54,848  48,664  48,674  52,921  56,501    205,902    206,760 
  Hamersley - Channar                             60.0%   1,866   2,725   3,172   2,661   2,241      9,731     10,798 
  Hope Downs                                      50.0%  11,588  10,435  12,575  11,956  11,975     47,010     46,941 
  Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A)        53.0%   8,477   7,188   6,936   8,416   8,642     32,776     31,182 
  Robe River - West Angelas                       53.0%   8,748   8,154   8,444   9,011   8,507     34,044     34,116 
                                                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Total production ('000 tonnes)                           85,526  77,165  79,801  84,965  87,866    329,463    329,797 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Breakdown of total production: 
  Pilbara Blend Lump                                     24,902  23,618  24,671  25,342  25,496     95,915     99,127 
  Pilbara Blend Fines                                    36,988  32,755  34,682  36,748  37,641    142,804    141,826 
  Robe Valley Lump                                        3,066   2,741   2,753   2,962   3,106     11,551     11,563 
  Robe Valley Fines                                       5,411   4,446   4,183   5,454   5,535     21,226     19,619 
  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)                               15,159  13,605  13,512  14,458  16,088     57,968     57,663 
Breakdown of total sales: 
  Pilbara Blend Lump                                     21,943  20,161  21,561  21,959  22,377     82,383     86,059 
  Pilbara Blend Fines                                    42,225  36,679  35,871  40,305  43,039    155,431    155,895 
  Robe Valley Lump                                        2,835   2,218   2,382   2,624   2,619     10,183      9,843 
  Robe Valley Fines                                       5,761   4,476   4,472   5,989   6,202     22,533     21,140 
  Yandicoogina Fines (HIY)                               14,969  13,120  13,371  14,963  15,731     57,062     57,185 
                                                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b)                            87,732  76,655  77,658  85,840  89,968    327,592    330,122 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, 
 Nammuldi, Silvergrass and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern 
 Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation 
 and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of 
 the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. 
 (b) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports. 
Iron Ore Company of Canada                        58.7% 
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada 
Saleable iron ore production: 
  Concentrates ('000 tonnes)                              1,915   1,889   2,212   2,469   1,980      8,357      8,549 
  Pellets ('000 tonnes)                                   2,756   2,504   2,356   2,932   2,675      9,798     10,467 
                                                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes)                        4,671   4,392   4,569   5,401   4,655     18,155     19,016 
Sales: 
  Concentrates ('000 tonnes)                              1,955   2,031   1,599   2,319   2,655      8,344      8,605 
  Pellets ('000 tonnes)                                   3,004   2,409   2,536   2,707   2,750      9,983     10,402 
                                                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  --------- 
IOC Total Sales ('000 tonnes)                             4,960   4,441   4,135   5,027   5,404     18,326     19,006 
Global Iron Ore Totals 
Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes)                        90,196  81,558  84,370  90,365  92,521    347,619    348,814 
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes)                             92,692  81,096  81,792  90,867  95,373    345,918    349,128 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2017. The data represent full 
 production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. 
 
 
Rio Tinto operational data 
 
                                 Rio      Q4      Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4    Full    Full 
                               Tinto                                            Year    Year 
                            interest    2016    2017    2017    2017    2017    2016    2017 
------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
SALT 
Dampier Salt                   68.4% 
Western Australia 
  Salt production ('000 
   tonnes)                             2,028   1,246   2,159   1,795   2,246   7,578   7,446 
------------------------  ----------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE 
 SLAG 
Rio Tinto Iron & 
 Titanium                     100.0% 
Canada and South 
 Africa 
  (Rio Tinto share) 
   (a) 
  Titanium dioxide 
   slag ('000 tonnes)                    300     332     316     327     341   1,048   1,315 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et 
 Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards 
 Bay Minerals' production. Ilmenite mined in Madagascar 
 is being processed in Canada. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
URANIUM 
Energy Resources 
 of Australia Ltd 
Ranger mine (a)                68.4% 
Northern Territory, 
 Australia 
  U(3) O(8) Production 
   ('000 lbs)                          1,328   1,316     991   1,407   1,343   5,182   5,056 
(a) ERA production data are drummed U(3) O(8) . 
Rössing Uranium 
 Ltd (a)                       68.6% 
Namibia 
  U3O8 Production ('000 
   lbs)                                1,138     981   1,254   1,103   1,314   4,078   4,652 
                                      ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ 
(a) Rössing production data are drummed U(3) 
 O(8) . 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 
 31 December 2017. 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

END

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January 16, 2018 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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