Op review Q1 2008
Rio Tinto PLC
16 April 2008
First quarter 2008 operations review
16 April 2008
Commenting on the first quarter's production results, chief executive Tom
Albanese said: 'Our expansion drive continues to pay off with a record-breaking
first quarter for the iron ore and aluminium product groups. Markets remain very
strong and the prices of many of our products are at record highs, bearing out
our view that the US slowdown will have little effect on global metal and
mineral supply and demand balances.
'The integration of the Alcan acquisition is going well, and our investment
assumptions for this business are already being exceeded. This year we expect to
invest at record levels across the group in bringing new production onstream, so
we can continue to benefit from economies undergoing rapid, metals intensive
phases of development.'
• Record first quarter global production of iron ore, up 16 per cent on
the first quarter of 2007.
• Record first quarter iron ore production of 43 million tonnes in the
Pilbara, Western Australia, up 15 per cent (100 per cent basis) compared
with the first quarter of 2007 as the iron ore operations deliver their
rapid expansion programme.
• Strong contribution from Rio Tinto Alcan in the quarter, with a significant
uplift in production compared to the first quarter of 2007. Bauxite
increased by 106 per cent, alumina by 236 per cent and aluminium by 386 per
cent, following a good performance from the Canadian smelters.
• On a proforma basis the respective increases for bauxite, alumina and
aluminium were 20 per cent, ten per cent and two per cent.
• Mined copper production declined by six per cent compared with the first
quarter of 2007, primarily reflecting lower grades at Kennecott Utah
Copper and Northparkes.
• Australian thermal and coking coal production was affected by heavy
rains, notably in Queensland where the coal industry generally suffered
production and logistics disruption.
• Uranium production was 20 per cent higher than the 2007 comparative
period.
• During the quarter Rio Tinto reached agreement on the first two sales
under its planned programme to divest around $10 billion of assets in 2008.
The sale of the Greens Creek silver, lead and zinc mine in Alaska for
$750 million was announced and the sale of the Cortez gold mine in Nevada
was completed for $1.695 billion. In addition, Rio Tinto will benefit from
a deferred bonus payment in the event of a significant discovery of
additional reserves and resources at the Cortez gold mine and will also
retain a contingent royalty interest in future production. Funds from these
sales will be used to pay down part of the debt raised to finance the Alcan
acquisition.
This quarterly report is published instead of any Interim Management Statement,
in accordance with the requirements of rules 4.3.2 and 4.3.6 of the Disclosure
and Transparency Rules.
All currency figures in this report are US dollars unless otherwise stated
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Hamersley 27,016 +13% -6%
Hope Downs 538 - +1587%
Robe River 7,189 +11% -5%
IOC (pellets and concentrate) 2,119 +50% -6%
Conditions in the iron ore market remain extremely tight with demand continuing
to grow strongly. Rio Tinto continued to negotiate with customers to establish
the 2008 iron ore benchmark prices and obtain a freight premium, reflecting its
proximity to major customers in Asia.
During the first quarter Rio Tinto was actively selling iron ore into the spot
market, as foreshadowed in its announcement of 18 December 2007.
Production and rail tonnages both increased steadily during the quarter, helped
by infrastructure debottlenecking and associated scheduling. Expanded rail yard
capacity and the introduction of 40 new generation locos and new rolling stock
will deliver increasing benefits during the year.
Expansion projects continued to make strong progress, with the capacity upgrade
of the Cape Lambert port from 55 million tonnes to 80 million tonnes per annum
proceeding on track, despite challenging conditions from tropical cyclones. The
feasibility study into increasing annual capacity in the Pilbara to 320 million
tonnes is advancing according to plan.
Hamersley, Hope Downs and Robe River
Production from the Pilbara operations was severely affected by cyclonic
activity during the quarter. In addition, a serious failure of gas supply in
January led to immediate power shortages throughout Western Australia, which
curtailed production and rail operations for several days. Despite these adverse
conditions, record first quarter production and sales were achieved. Production
for the quarter would have been in line with the fourth quarter 2007, but for
these conditions.
Hamersley's record first quarter production was up 13 per cent on the
corresponding quarter of 2007, following the ramp up of the Yandicoogina
capacity expansion to 52 million tonnes per annum, and the brownfield expansions
at Nammuldi and Tom Price in the West Pilbara.
The Hope Downs mine produced over one million tonnes during the quarter (on a
100 per cent basis) as it started to ramp up towards its 30 million tonnes per
annum capacity by early 2009.
Robe River first quarter production was 11 per cent up on the previous
corresponding period, reflecting improved production at Mesa J and West Angelas.
HIsmelt
HIsmelt has recorded limited production so far this year (18,073 tonnes) due to
downtime for required maintenance. The opportunity to conduct trials has yielded
strong signs that benefits from improvements will be realised, particularly to
increase time in operation.
Strong interest in the HIsmelt technology has been sustained and licence
negotiations with several steelmakers are progressing.
Iron Ore Company of Canada
Strong production of pellets and concentrates at the Iron Ore Company of Canada
reflected record mine performance for a first quarter and debottlenecking
efforts at the plant, as well as the absence of labour stoppages in 2007.
In March, Rio Tinto approved a US$475 million project to increase the Iron Ore
Company of Canada's annual production of concentrate to 22 million tonnes. The
investment is the first phase of an expansion programme that may see production
increase 50 per cent by 2011.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Rio Tinto Alcan
Bauxite 8,798 +106% +13%
Alumina 2,220 +236% +20%
Aluminium 1,025 +386% +23%
Q1 08 Q1 07 vs Q1 07
Rio Tinto Alcan proforma 1 proforma 1
Bauxite 8,798 7,350 +20%
Alumina 2,220 2,017 +10%
Aluminium 1,025 1,004 2 +2%
1 Includes Alcan data from 1 January 2007.
2 Excludes Vlissingen smelter (Netherlands,) which was divested in the first
half of 2007.
Production records were set across the board in the Aluminium product group.
First quarter production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium increased sharply
compared with the same quarter of 2007 following the Alcan acquisition. Rio
Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007
and its production is included from that date. Proforma Rio Tinto Alcan
production data for 2007 was published on 12 March 2008 and can be found on the
Rio Tinto website at www.riotinto.com/media/5157_7363.asp
Bauxite
First quarter bauxite production was 106 per cent higher than the first quarter
of 2007 and 20 per cent higher on a proforma basis. First quarter bauxite
production at Weipa was 17 per cent above the same quarter of 2007, reflecting
increased capacity following the commissioning of the second shiploader.
Alumina
First quarter alumina production was 236 per cent higher than the first quarter
of 2007 and ten per cent higher on a proforma basis. The Yarwun alumina refinery
operated consistently at its rated capacity of 1.4 million tonnes per annum,
increasing production by 17 per cent when compared with the first quarter of
2007 when maintenance shutdowns occurred.
Expansion work on the Yarwun alumina refinery is progressing on budget and on
track for its first shipment of alumina in the second half of 2010. The US$1.8
billion project, announced in July 2007, will more than double annual production
of the refinery, taking output from 1.4 million tonnes to 3.4 million tonnes by
2011.
Construction of the 1.8 million tonne per annum expansion of the Gove refinery
is nearing completion. Production during the first quarter of 2008 reflected
stabilisation of the newly commissioned plant. Full capacity is anticipated to
be achieved during 2009.
Aluminium
First quarter aluminium production was 386 per cent higher than the first
quarter of 2007 and two per cent higher on a like for like basis. All the Rio
Tinto Alcan smelters operated well throughout the quarter with the Canadian
smelters raising production by four per cent compared with the proforma first
quarter 2007 levels.
COPPER
Rio Tinto share of production
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper (000 tonnes) 44.7 -17% -16%
Refined copper (000 tonnes) 52.1 -25% -12%
Molybdenum (000 tonnes) 3.4 -27% +15%
Mined gold (000 ozs) 69 -36% -24%
Refined gold (000 ozs) 81 -30% -39%
Escondida
Mined copper (000 tonnes) 117.2 +5% +13%
Refined copper (000 tonnes) 15.7 -21% -1%
Grasberg JV
Mined copper (000 tonnes) 6.9 +20% -26%
Mined gold (000 ozs) 0 -100% -100%
Kennecott Utah Copper
With the exception of molybdenum, metals' head grades for the first quarter of
2008 were lower than those of the fourth quarter of 2007 and all metal head
grades were lower than the first quarter of 2007. In addition, the processing of
harder ore decreased throughput and increased maintenance at the concentrator.
Grades at Bingham Canyon are expected to remain relatively low during the first
half of 2008 but are anticipated to return to more normal levels during the
second half.
Production decreases at the smelter and refinery, from 2007 to 2008, are
attributable to lower head grades and concentrate production, resulting in the
depletion of concentrate inventory in late 2007. A 26 day refinery shutdown is
scheduled for July 2008 and an 11 day smelter maintenance shutdown is scheduled
for August 2008.
Escondida
Mined copper for the quarter improved by five per cent compared with the
corresponding period of 2007, attributable to higher copper grades for the
leachate material. Refined copper production in the first quarter of 2008 was 21
per cent lower than the prior year due to low oxide leach production.
Grasberg
Lower copper and gold grades were a major factor in lowering Rio Tinto's share
of copper production and reducing its share of gold production to nil in the
first quarter of 2008, compared with the fourth quarter of 2007.
Mining is expected to continue in a relatively low-grade section of the Grasberg
open pit in the first half of 2008 and a higher-grade section in the second half
of 2008. Gold and silver volumes for 2008 are expected to be below the metal
strip in 2008.
Other operations
Lower copper and gold production at Northparkes was due to the treatment of
lower grade open cut stockpile material. Grade is expected to increase as the
underground production from E26 Lift 2 North ramps up to full production,
displacing the lower grade open cut material. Northparkes production for 2008 is
expected to be more than 40 per cent below 2007.
DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production (000 carats)
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Argyle 2,172 -37% -64%
Diavik 1,071 -31% -39%
Production at Argyle in the first quarter of 2008 was adversely affected by wet
weather and a slip in the main pit access ramp that together restricted access
to high grade ore zones. Pit access has been re-established and production is
expected to improve as the wet season comes to an end. Variability in feed
grades and production rates will continue as the open-pit approaches the end of
its life and the mine transitions to an underground operation.
At Diavik, the quantities of ore processed and carats recovered in the first
quarter of 2008 were 31 per cent lower than 2007. Extreme cold temperatures
experienced between January and the first half of March negatively impacted
equipment reliability resulting in lower ore recovered and processed. A decrease
in grade which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2007 continued throughout the
first quarter of 2008.
ENERGY
US thermal coal
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Rio Tinto Energy America 30,632 +1% -8%
First quarter production was lower than the preceding quarter, but rose slightly
above the same quarter of 2007, as expansion projects at the Spring Creek and
Antelope mines neared completion, offsetting lower production at Jacobs Ranch
and Colowyo.
Australian coal
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Hard coking coal 1,043 -27% -32%
Other coal 5,711 -19% +1%
Central Queensland coal operations suffered from the heavy rains during the
quarter, and the consequent flooding disrupted production and transportation,
particularly at Hail Creek. Shipping opportunities were maximised at Blair
Athol, which was not directly affected by the Queensland floods, with an eight
per cent increase in production. Overall, the Rio Tinto coal operations in
Queensland were able to maximise opportunities from the recent floods by buying
and swapping rail and port allotments from other, worse impacted producers.
In New South Wales, reduced port throughput from coal chain infrastructure
limitations continued to restrict output from Rio Tinto subsidiary Coal &
Allied's mines.
An investment programme by the owners and operators of the coal ports at
Newcastle and Dalrymple Bay on the eastern seaboard of Australia is expected to
increase capacity in the second half of 2008 and into 2009.
Rio Tinto sold its 100 per cent share in the Tarong Coal mine in Queensland with
an effective date of 31 January 2008 and production data are shown up to that
date.
Uranium
Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs)
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Energy Resources of Australia 2,011 +33% -12%
Rossing 1,335 +3% +10%
First quarter 2008 production at ERA's Ranger mine was 33 per cent higher than
the comparative quarter of 2007 when exceptionally high rainfall was
experienced. This rainfall event also impacted 2007 throughput, and ERA entered
the 2008 wet season with lower than normal high grade stockpiles. This gave rise
to a 12 per cent reduction in production in the first quarter of 2008 compared
with the fourth quarter of 2007.
Higher grades at Rossing led to a three per cent improvement in production in
the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same quarter of 2007.
MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q1 08 vs Q1 07 vs Q4 07
Borates 153 +18% +1%
Titanium dioxide feedstocks 356 +1% -7%
First quarter borates production rose by 18 percent compared with the same
quarter of 2007, driven by strong demand in Asia Pacific and Europe.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss
account in the first quarter of 2008 was $159 million compared with $72 million
in same period of 2007.
Pre-feasibility or feasibility work progressed on a number of important projects
including Resolution (copper/gold, US), La Granja (copper, Peru), Eagle (nickel/
copper, US), Potasio Rio Colorado (potash, Argentina), Simandou (iron ore,
Guinea) and several Pilbara iron ore deposits.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group Advanced projects Greenfield programmes
Aluminium Brazil, Colombia, Australia
Copper and Diamonds Sulawesi nickel, Indonesia: Contract of Chile: two joint ventures signed with
Work negotiations progressing CODELCO
Lakeview nickel-copper, US: Order of Copper and Nickel programmes continued in:
magnitude study initiated Russia (Rio Nor JV), Kazakhstan, US,
Mexico, Peru, Argentina, southern and
Bunder diamonds, India: Order of central Africa;
magnitude study continued
Diamond programmes continued in: India,
Canada, Russia and Mauritania
Remaining interest in Corani, Peru was
divested.
Energy & Minerals Huren Gol coal, Mongolia and Landazuri Colombia, Canada, US, southern Africa,
coal, Colombia: coal measures intersected Argentina, Russia and Mongolia (coal)
in drilling;
Australia, Canada, Turkey, Serbia
Chilubane and Mutamba ilmenite (industrial minerals)
Mozambique; Jadar lithium borates,
Serbia: order of magnitude studies Zambia (Uranium)
continued
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia: delineation drilling Brazil, Argentina, Guinea, and Gabon
continued at several advanced prospects
Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including
Kennecott Utah Copper, Northparkes, Rossing, Argyle, Diavik and Pilbara Iron.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK,
combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed public company, and Rio Tinto
Limited, which is a public company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major
products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold,
industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.
Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North
America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern
Africa.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than
statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without
limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's financial position, business strategy,
plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development
plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products, production forecasts and
reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of
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results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
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Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Rio
Tinto's present and future business strategies and the environment in which Rio
Tinto will operate in the future. Among the important factors that could cause
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from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, levels of
actual production during any period, levels of demand and market prices, the
ability to produce and transport products profitably, the impact of foreign
currency exchange rates on market prices and operating costs, operational
problems, political uncertainty and economic conditions in relevant areas of the
world, the actions of competitors, activities by governmental authorities such
as changes in taxation or regulation and such other risk factors identified in
Rio Tinto's 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 the
SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such
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Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
QUARTER FULL YEAR % CHANGE
2007 2007 2008 2007 Q1 08 Q1 08
Q1 Q4 Q1 vs vs
Principal Commodities Q1 07 Q4 07
Alumina ('000 t) 661 1,853 2,220 3,877 236% 20%
Aluminium ('000 t) 210.9 833.7 1,024.9 1,473.2 386% 23%
Bauxite ('000 t) 4,272 7,797 8,798 21,022 106% 13%
Borates ('000 t) 129 151 153 560 18% 1%
Coal - hard coking coal ('000 t) 1,438 1,544 1,043 6,179 -27% -32%
Coal - other Australian ('000 t) 7,041 5,642 5,711 24,388 -19% 1%
Coal - US ('000 t) 30,357 33,384 30,632 125,083 1% -8%
Copper - mined ('000 t) 198.1 180.8 185.6 737.9 -6% 3%
Copper - refined ('000 t) 101.6 89.0 78.3 390.0 -23% -12%
Diamonds ('000 cts) 5,033 7,807 3,296 26,023 -35% -58%
Gold - mined ('000 ozs) 278 293 133 1,233 -52% -55%
Gold - refined ('000 ozs) 115 133 81 523 -30% -39%
Iron ore ('000 t) 32,245 38,956 37,371 144,707 16% -4%
Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 t) 351 384 356 1,458 1% -7%
Uranium ('000 lbs) 2,799 3,504 3,346 12,616 20% -5%
Other Metals & Minerals
Lead ('000 t) 2.9 3.0 2.8 11.9 -5% -7%
Molybdenum ('000 t) 4.7 3.0 3.4 14.9 -27% 15%
Pig Iron ('000 t) 13 27 11 69 -16% -60%
Salt ('000 t) 1,116 1,686 1,257 5,242 13% -25%
Silver - mined ('000 ozs) 3,272 2,878 2,356 13,002 -28% -18%
Silver - refined ('000 ozs) 870 1,317 929 4,365 7% -29%
Talc ('000 t) 352 284 342 1,281 -3% 21%
Zinc ('000 t) 8.8 9.8 8.7 35.7 -2% -12%
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the
equivalent page.
Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result
between the total of the quarter figures and the full year figures.
Rio Tinto production summary
FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Gardanne (a) 100% - - - 21 21 21
Gove (a) 100% - - - 405 554 405
Jonquiere (a) 100% - - - 252 327 252
Queensland Alumina (a) (b) 80% 365 362 377 662 756
1,766
Sao Luis (Alumar) (a) 10% - - - 29 38 29
Yarwun 100% 296 323 301 339 348
1,260
Speciality alumina plants (a) 100% - - - 144 176 144
Rio Tinto total alumina production 661 685 679
1,853 2,220 3,877
ALUMINIUM (c)
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100% 43.6 44.1 44.7 44.6 44.0 176.9
Australia - Boyne Island 59% 80.2 81.6 81.1 82.4 81.9 325.3
Australia - Tomago (a) 52% - - - 50.2 65.7 50.2
Cameroon - Alucam (Edea) (a) 47% - - - 8.8 9.4 8.8
Canada - seven wholly owned (a) 100% - - -
270.5 360.1 270.5
Canada - Alouette (a) 40% - - - 43.5 56.9 43.5
Canada - Becancour (a) 25% - - - 20.1 25.2 20.1
China - Ningxia (Qingtongxia) (a) 50% - - - 15.5 20.3 15.5
France - three wholly owned (a) 100% - - - 79.7 79.7
101.7
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) (a) 100% - - - 35.0 46.2 35.0
New Zealand - Tiwai Point (a) 79% 68.7 69.4 70.3 70.3 69.1 278.7
Norway - SORAL (Husnes) (a) 50% - - - 16.0 21.4 16.0
UK - two wholly owned (a) 100% - - - 41.6 55.3 41.6
UK - Anglesey 51% 18.4 18.7 18.8 18.8 18.7 74.7
USA - Sebree (a) 100% - - - 36.8 48.9 36.8
Rio Tinto total aluminium production 210.9 213.8 214.9 833.7 1,024.9 1,473.2
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes)
Awaso (a) (d) 80% - - - 173 205 173
Sangaredi (a) (e) - - -
1,248 1,770 1,248
Gove (a) 100% - - - 985 985
1,327
Porto Trombetas (a) 12% - - - 407 491 407
Weipa (f) 100% 4,272 18,209
4,278 4,676 4,984 5,005
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 4,272 21,022
4,278 4,676 7,797 8,798
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100% 129 145 134 151 153 560
COAL - HARD COKING
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
Hail Creek Coal 82% 1,124 1,032 864 1,090 663 4,110
Kestrel Coal 80% 314 601 700 454 380 2,069
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production 1,438 1,633 1,564 1,544 1,043 6,179
COAL - OTHER *
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
Bengalla 30% 398 324 422 417 319 1,561
Blair Athol Coal 71% 1,667 1,580 1,374 1,023 1,808 5,645
Hunter Valley Operations 76% 2,004 1,818 1,774 2,047 2,139 7,642
Kestrel Coal 80% 151 271 261 145 110 828
Mount Thorley Operations 61% 497 252 396 625 432 1,771
Tarong Coal (g) 0% 1,736 1,021 872 881 262 4,510
Warkworth 42% 586 584 756 504 641 2,430
Total Australian other coal 7,041 5,850 5,855 5,642 5,711 24,388
Rio Tinto Energy America ('000 tonnes)
Antelope 100% 7,691 7,682 7,601 8,292 7,958 31,267
Colowyo (h) 1,224 1,342 1,280 1,232 1,001 5,077
Cordero Rojo 100% 9,060 9,034 8,622 9,996 9,200 36,712
Decker 50% 744 784 833 809 740 3,170
Jacobs Ranch 100% 8,537 8,478 8,750 8,801 7,904 34,565
Spring Creek 100% 3,100 2,999 3,938 4,254 3,829 14,291
Total US coal 30,357 30,318 31,024 33,384 30,632 125,083
Rio Tinto total other coal production 37,398 36,169 36,878 39,025 36,342 149,471
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Bingham Canyon 100% 54.1 55.6 49.5 53.0 44.7 212.2
Escondida 30% 111.5 105.2 101.2 103.8 117.2 421.6
Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 5.8 5.6 7.5 9.4 6.9 28.4
Northparkes 80% 13.7 9.9 5.6 5.3 4.1 34.5
Palabora 58% 13.0 10.2 8.7 9.3 12.8 41.2
Rio Tinto total mine production 198.1 186.5 172.5 180.8 185.6 737.9
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30% 19.9 19.7 16.1 15.8 15.7 71.5
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 69.7 67.9 68.7 59.3 52.1 265.6
Palabora 58% 12.0 13.2 13.8 13.8 10.5 52.9
Rio Tinto total refined production 101.6 100.7 98.7 89.0 78.3 390.0
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Argyle 100% 3,470 4,414 4,865 5,995 2,172 18,744
Diavik 60% 1,551 1,975 1,874 1,766 1,071 7,166
Murowa 78% 12 24 31 46 52 113
Rio Tinto total diamond production 5,033 6,413 6,770 7,807 3,296 26,023
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces)
Barneys Canyon 100% 2 3 3 2 2 11
Bingham Canyon 100% 106 117 86 88 67 397
Cortez/Pipeline (j) 0% 45 61 53 55 29 215
Escondida 30% 14 14 14 14 12 56
Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 74 97 149 103 0 423
Greens Creek (j) 70% 11 11 13 12 11 48
Northparkes 80% 20 17 12 13 8 63
Rawhide 51% 3 3 2 2 2 10
Others - 3 3 3 3 2 11
Rio Tinto total mine production 278 327 335 293 133 1,233
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 115 147 128 133 81 523
IRON ORE & IRON
Production ('000 tonnes)
Corumba 100% 460 424 528 365 508 1,777
Hamersley - six wholly owned mines 100% 20,161 24,617 23,990 25,799 23,731 94,567
Hamersley - Channar 60% 1,585 1,743 1,554 1,448 1,484 6,330
Hamersley - Eastern Range (k) 2,166 1,670 1,562 1,535 1,801 6,932
Hope Downs (l) 50% 32 538 32
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59% 1,413 1,730 2,376 2,248 2,119 7,768
Robe River 53% 6,460 6,932 6,381 7,529 7,189 27,301
Rio Tinto total mine production 32,245 37,117 36,390 38,956 37,371 144,707
Pig iron production ('000 tonnes)
HIsmelt(R) 60% 13 0 29 27 11 69
LEAD
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Greens Creek (j) 70% 2.9 2.8 3.3 3.0 2.8 11.9
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Bingham Canyon 100% 4.7 3.8 3.5 3.0 3.4 14.9
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Minerals - salt (m) 68% 1,116 958 1,480 1,686 1,257 5,242
SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces)
Bingham Canyon 100% 856 981 757 892 616 3,487
Escondida 30% 563 592 670 536 494 2,361
Grasberg - Joint Venture (i) 40% 0 114 210 154 0 477
Greens Creek (j) 70% 1,666 1,627 1,607 1,175 1,172 6,075
Others - 187 166 127 121 74 602
Rio Tinto total mine production 3,272 3,480 3,371 2,878 2,356 13,002
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 870 1,014 1,164 1,317 929 4,365
TALC
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100% 352 326 318 284 342 1,281
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100% 351 367 356 384 356 1,458
URANIUM
Production ('000 lbs U3O8)
Energy Resources of Australia 68% 1,507 2,236 1,980 2,288 2,011 8,011
Rossing 69% 1,292 971 1,126 1,216 1,335 4,605
Rio Tinto total uranium production 2,799 3,207 3,105 3,504 3,346 12,616
ZINC
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Greens Creek (j) 70% 8.8 7.5 9.6 9.8 8.7 35.7
Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced
in concentrates or dore bullion irrespective of whether
these products are then refined on-site, except for the data for iron ore which
represent production of saleable quantities of ore plus pellets.
See footnotes on page 12.
Production data notes
(a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007; production is shown as from
that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name.
(b) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; this increased to 80.0% following the Alcan
acquisition
(c) Following a review of the basis for reporting aluminium smelter production tonnes, the data reported now
reflects hot metal production rather than saleable product tonnes.
(d) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases the additional 20% of production
(e) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45% of production under the partnership
agreement.
(f) Includes beneficiated and calcined bauxite production.
(g) Rio Tinto sold its 100% share in Tarong with an effective date of 31 January 2008 and production data are shown
up to that date.
(h) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under a management agreement for the operation of the
Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo's output is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
(i) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of
additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since
1998. Rio Tinto's share of production reflects actual production for the first quarter of 2008.
(j) In February 2008 Rio Tinto reached agreement for the sale of Greens Creek and on 5 March 2008 the Group
completed the sale of its interest in the Cortez joint venture to its partner. Cortez production data are shown
up to that date.
(k) Rio Tinto's share of production includes 100% of the production from 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.
(l) Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007
(m) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals - salt to 68.4% at the beginning of July 2007.
Where Rio Tinto's beneficial interest in an operation has changed, as indicated
above, the share of production has been calculated
using the weighted average interest over the relevant periods. Rio Tinto
percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008.
Rio Tinto operational data FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Aluminium
Rio Tinto Alcan (a)
Bauxite Mines
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove mine - Northern Territory (a) 100.0% - - - 985 1,327 985
Weipa mine - Queensland (b) 100.0% 4,272 4,278 4,676 4,984 5,005 18,209
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine (a) 12.0% - - - 3,392 4,093 3,392
Ghana
Awaso mine (a) (c) 80.0% - - - 216 256 216
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) (d) 22.9% - - - 2,774 3,934 2,774
Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipments
Share of bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 4,263 4,157 4,774 6,682 6,787 19,877
Smelter-Grade Alumina Refineries
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a) 100.0% - - - 405 554 405
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland (a) 80.0% 945 938 977 956 945 3,816
(e)
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100.0% 296 323 301 339 348 1,260
Brazil
Sao Luis (Alumar) refinery (a) 10.0% - - - 288 379 288
Canada
Jonquiere refinery - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - 252 327 252
France
Gardanne refinery (a) 100.0% - - - 21 21 21
Specialty Alumina Plants
Speciality alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Canada
Brockville plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - 3 4 3
Jonquiere plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - - - 22 31 22
France
Beyrede plant (a) 100.0% - - - 6 7 6
Gardanne plant (a) 100.0% - - - 102 116 102
La Bathie plant (a) 100.0% - - - 5 9 5
Germany
Teutschenthal plant (a) 100.0% - - - 6 8 6
(a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October
2007; production is shown as from that date.
The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio
Tinto Alcan name.
(b) For Weipa, beneficiated and calcined production, previously shown
separately, are now shown on one row
(c) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases the
additional 20% of production
(d) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45% of
production under the partnership agreement.
(e) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; this increased to
80.0% following the Alcan acquisition
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Aluminium (continued)
Aluminium Smelters (a)
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100.0% 44 44 45 45 44 177
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland 59.4% 135 137 137 139 138 548
Tomago smelter - New South Wales (b) 51.6% - - - 97 127 97
Cameroon
Alucam (Edea) smelter (b) 46.7% - - - 19 20 19
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 80 107 80
Alouette (Sept-Iles) smelter - Quebec (b) 40.0% - - - 109 142 109
Arvida smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 32 42 32
Beauharnois, smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 10 13 10
Becancour smelter - Quebec (b) 25.1% - - - 80 101 80
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 40 52 40
Kitimat smelter - British Colombia (b) 100.0% - - - 47 63 47
Laterriere smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 44 58 44
Shawinigan smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - - - 18 25 18
China
Ningxia (Qingtongxia) smelter (b) 50.0% - - - 31 41 31
France
Dunkerque smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 49 62 49
Lannemezan, smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 5 5 5
St-Jean-de Maurienne smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 25 34 25
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 35 46 35
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 87 87 89 89 87 351
Norway
SORAL (Husnes) smelter (b) 50.0% - - - 32 43 32
United Kingdom
Anglesey Aluminium smelter 51.0% 36 37 37 37 37 147
Lochaber smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 8 11 8
Lynemouth smelter (b) 100.0% - - - 33 44 33
USA
Sebree smelter - Kentucky (b) 100.0% - - - 37 49 37
Rio Tinto Alcan share of metal sales
Share of primary aluminium sales ('000 196 226 211 1,031 1,287 1,663
tonnes)
a) Following a review of the basis for reporting aluminium smelter production
tonnes, the data reported now reflects hot metal production
rather than saleable product tonnes.
b) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October
2007; production is shown as from that date.
The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio
Tinto Alcan name.
Borates
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100.0%
California, US and Argentina
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 129 145 134 151 153 560
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on
a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Coal
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Bengalla mine 30.3%
New South Wales, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,315 1,070 1,394 1,376 1,053 5,155
Blair Athol Coal mine 71.2%
Queensland, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,341 2,218 1,929 1,436 2,538 7,924
Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0%
Queensland, Australia
Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,371 1,259 1,054 1,329 808 5,012
Hunter Valley Operations 75.7%
New South Wales, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,316 2,020 1,883 2,046 2,143 8,264
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 331 381 460 657 683 1,830
tonnes)
Kestrel Coal mine 80.0%
Queensland, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 189 339 326 181 138 1,035
Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 392 751 875 567 475 2,586
Mount Thorley Operations 60.6%
New South Wales, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 657 280 261 731 382 1,929
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 163 137 393 302 332 995
tonnes)
Tarong Coal mine (a) 0.0%
Queensland, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,736 1,021 872 881 262 4,510
Warkworth mine 42.1%
New South Wales, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,343 1,172 1,663 1,197 1,522 5,376
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 51 216 133 0 1 400
tonnes)
Total hard coking coal production ('000 1,763 2,010 1,929 1,896 1,284 7,598
tonnes)
Total hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,776 1,605 1,580 1,962 1,245 6,924
Total other coal production ('000 tonnes) (b) 10,443 8,854 9,314 8,808 9,052 37,419
Total other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) (d) 11,127 9,762 9,322 9,892 9,459 40,103
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 12,206 10,864 11,243 10,704 10,336 45,017
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 12,903 11,368 10,902 11,854 10,703 47,026
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,447 1,306 1,285 1,600 1,015 5,639
Share of other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) 7,523 6,453 5,937 6,285 5,994 26,197
(d)
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 100% share in Tarong with an effective date of 31 January
2008 and production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Other coal production includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
(c) Other coal sales includes thermal coal, semi-soft coking coal and semi-hard
coking coal (a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal).
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto Energy America
Antelope mine 100.0%
Wyoming, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 7,691 7,682 7,601 8,292 7,958 31,267
Colowyo mine (a)
Colorado, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,224 1,342 1,280 1,232 1,001 5,077
Cordero Rojo mine 100.0%
Wyoming, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 9,060 9,034 8,622 9,996 9,200 36,712
Decker mine 50.0%
Montana, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,488 1,568 1,666 1,618 1,480 6,340
Jacobs Ranch mine 100.0%
Wyoming, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 8,537 8,478 8,750 8,801 7,904 34,565
Spring Creek mine 100.0%
Montana, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 3,100 2,999 3,938 4,254 3,829 14,291
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 31,101 31,103 31,857 34,192 31,372 128,253
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 31,101 31,103 32,165 33,891 31,393 128,260
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
(a) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America's responsibilities under a management
agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine,
all of Colowyo's output is included in Rio Tinto's share of production.
Rio Tinto operational data
FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Copper and gold
Escondida 30.0%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 23,450 23,064 22,406 21,777 22,029 90,697
Average copper grade (%) 1.62 1.58 1.63 1.72 1.56 1.64
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 319.1 305.6 305.2 316.8 284.7 1,246.7
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 45 48 48 45 39 187
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,877 1,973 2,234 1,786 1,647 7,870
Ore to leach ('000 tonnes) (a) 15,509 8,435 7,329 3,723 19,156 34,996
Average copper grade (%) 0.34 0.53 0.44 0.78 0.55 0.45
Contained copper in leachate/mined material 52 45 32 29 106 159
('000 tonnes)
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 66 66 54 53 52 238
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Grasberg mine (a) 0.0%
Papua, Indonesia
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 20,563 19,568 18,267 19,195 16,648 77,593
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 1.21 0.82 0.58 0.65 0.67 0.82
Gold (g/t) 2.01 1.63 0.70 0.52 0.37 1.24
Silver (g/t) 4.75 3.56 2.91 2.77 2.23 3.53
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 225.6 145.9 90.8 107.1 95.7 569.4
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,182 916 336 254 149 2,689
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 2,273 1,397 693 875 663 5,238
Sales of payable metals in concentrates:
(b)
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 194.2 157.4 96.9 91.5 94.0 540.0
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,010 978 383 220 155 2,591
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,571 1,202 598 585 545 3,957
(a) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX),
Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material
mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg
facilities since 1998. The 1Q 2008 results show the
forecast from FCX's most recent five-year plan because FCX is not releasing
its actual 100% operating data for 1Q 2008 until
the release of its 2008 first-quarter results on April 23, 2008.
(b) Net of smelter deductions.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100%
basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Copper and gold (continued)
Kennecott Minerals Company
Cortez/Pipeline mine (a) 0.0%
Nevada, US
Ore treated
Milled ('000 tonnes) 763 697 914 648 491 3,023
Leached ('000 tonnes) 11,007 5,956 4,775 8,510 1,839 30,248
Sold for roasting ('000 tonnes) - - - - - -
Average ore grade: gold
Milled (g/t) 2.49 2.80 2.83 4.18 3.40 3.02
Leached (g/t) 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51
Sold for roasting (g/t) - - - - - -
Gold produced ('000 ounces) 113 154 134 138 72 538
Greens Creek mine (a) 70.3%
Alaska, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 166 148 178 172 153 664
Average ore grades:
Gold (g/t) 4.44 4.57 4.85 4.86 5.20 4.69
Silver (g/t) 562 624 533 416 465 530
Zinc (%) 9.5 9.1 9.6 10.3 10.3 9.7
Lead (%) 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.5 3.7 3.6
Metals produced in concentrates:
Gold ('000 ounces) 16 15 19 18 16 68
Silver ('000 ounces) 2,371 2,316 2,287 1,672 1,668 8,646
Zinc ('000 tonnes) 12.5 10.6 13.7 13.9 12.3 50.8
Lead ('000 tonnes) 4.2 3.9 4.6 4.3 4.0 17.0
Rawhide mine (b) 51.0%
Nevada, US
Metals produced in dore:
Gold ('000 ounces) 5 6 4 4 3 19
Silver ('000 ounces) 51 54 34 21 26 160
(a) In February 2008 Rio Tinto reached agreement for the sale of Greens Creek
and on 5 March 2008 the Group completed the sale
of its interest in the Cortez joint venture to its partner. Cortez
production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Mining operations were completed in October 2002 and processing of
stockpiled ores was completed in May 2003. Residual gold
and silver production continues from the leach pads.
Kennecott Utah Copper
Barneys Canyon mine (a) 100.0%
Utah, US
Gold produced ('000 ounces) 2 3 3 2 2 11
(a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be
recovered from leach pads.
Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 11,922 12,499 10,988 12,116 10,867 47,525
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.56 0.53 0.52 0.51 0.49 0.53
Gold (g/t) 0.43 0.42 0.36 0.31 0.30 0.38
Silver (g/t) 3.14 3.07 2.87 2.93 2.43 3.00
Molybdenum (%) 0.056 0.050 0.050 0.043 0.050 0.050
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 202 234 222 230 193 889
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 26.7 23.6 22.2 23.0 23.0 23.8
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) 54.1 55.6 49.5 53.0 44.7 212.2
Gold ('000 ounces) 106 117 86 88 67 397
Silver ('000 ounces) 856 981 757 892 616 3,487
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 8.3 6.7 6.2 5.4 6.2 26.6
tonnes):
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 4.7 3.8 3.5 3.0 3.4 14.9
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 272 297 263 272 237 1,103
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (c) 69.0 73.7 61.8 56.7 49.7 261.2
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) 69.7 67.9 68.7 59.3 52.1 265.6
Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 115 147 128 133 81 523
Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 870 1,014 1,164 1,317 929 4,365
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on
a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
(b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(c) New metal excluding recycled material.
(d) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto operational data FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Copper and gold (continued)
Northparkes Joint Venture 80.0%
New South Wales, Australia
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,367 1,363 1,264 1,304 1,234 5,297
Average ore grades:
Copper (%) 1.38 1.01 0.65 0.59 0.49 0.91
Gold (g/t) 0.78 0.67 0.50 0.51 0.35 0.62
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 42.2 32.4 21.4 19.6 16.1 115.7
Contained copper in concentrates:
Saleable production ('000 tonnes) 17.2 12.4 7.0 6.6 5.1 43.1
Sales ('000 tonnes) (a) 16.3 13.6 9.5 8.2 2.7 47.6
Contained gold in concentrates:
Saleable production ('000 ounces) 25.6 21.8 15.1 16.3 10.0 78.8
Sales ('000 ounces) (a) 19.1 16.2 23.3 16.7 6.0 75.4
(a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.
Palabora 57.7%
Palabora mine
South Africa
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 2,886 3,025 3,046 3,958 3,181 12,915
Average ore grade: copper (%) 0.71 0.70 0.68 0.69 0.71 0.70
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 82.1 56.0 48.6 52.5 73.9 239.2
Average concentrate grade: copper (%) 27.4 31.5 31.0 30.7 29.9 29.8
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 22.5 17.6 15.0 16.1 22.1 71.4
Palabora smelter/refinery
New concentrate smelted on site ('000 73.6 74.2 73.9 74.1 66.4 295.8
tonnes)
New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) 21.2 22.9 24.0 22.7 18.1 90.7
Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes) 20.8 22.9 24.0 24.0 18.3 91.7
By-products:
Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes) 262 321 361 363 446 1,306
Nickel contained in products (tonnes) (a) 5 12 43 45 42 104
Vermiculite plant
Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes) 50 50 50 50 50 200
(a) Nickel production is now reported as contained nickel in product.
Diamonds
Argyle Diamonds 100.0%
Western Australia
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) 2,168 2,178 2,362 1,917 1,549 8,625
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) 3,470 4,414 4,865 5,995 2,172 18,744
Diavik Diamonds 60.0%
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 520 643 656 581 435 2,400
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 2,585 3,291 3,123 2,944 1,785 11,943
Murowa Diamonds 77.8%
Zimbabwe
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 30 46 55 72 88 203
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 15 31 40 59 67 145
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a
100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Iron ore and iron
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Pilbara Operations
Western Australia
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes):
Hamersley - Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, 100.0% 20,161 24,617 23,990 25,799 23,731 94,567
Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman and
Nammuldi
Hamersley - Channar 60.0% 2,641 2,905 2,589 2,413 2,474 10,549
Hamersley - Eastern Range (a) 2,166 1,670 1,562 1,535 1,801 6,932
Hope Downs (b) 50.0% - - - 64 1,076 64
Robe River - Pannawonica 53.0% 6,168 6,901 5,608 6,812 6,811 25,489
Robe River - West Angelas 53.0% 6,020 6,178 6,432 7,393 6,753 26,023
Total production ('000 tonnes) 37,156 42,271 40,180 44,016 42,646 163,624
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (c) 34,851 41,340 40,444 44,465 42,691 161,100
(a) 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) Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007
(c) 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) 82 613 723 505 360 1,923
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,325 2,334 3,323 3,324 3,249 11,306
Sales:
Concentrate ('000 tonnes) 436 296 820 855 262 2,407
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 1,791 2,727 3,327 3,146 2,547 10,991
Rio Tinto Brasil
Corumba mine 100.0%
Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 460 424 528 365 508 1,777
(a)
Sales ('000 tonnes) 347 245 401 112 369 1,105
(a) Production includes by-product fines.
HIsmelt(R) 60.0%
Western Australia
Pig iron production ('000 tonnes) 21 0 49 45 18 115
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a
100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data FULL
Rio Tinto 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q YEAR
interest 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2007
Salt
Rio Tinto Minerals - salt (a) 68.4%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 1,719 1,476 2,165 2,467 1,840 7,827
(a) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals - salt to 68.4%
at the beginning of July 2007.
Talc
Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100.0%
Australia, Europe, and North America
Talc production ('000 tonnes) 352 326 318 284 342 1,281
Titanium dioxide feedstock
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share)
Titanium dioxide feedstock production ('000 351 367 356 384 356 1,458
tonnes)
Uranium
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Ranger mine 68.4%
Northern Territory, Australia
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) 2,204 3,269 2,895 3,346 2,940 11,713
Rossing Uranium Ltd 68.6%
Namibia
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) 1,884 1,417 1,641 1,773 1,947 6,714
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 March 2008. 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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