Rio Tinto - 3QOR 2006

Rio Tinto PLC 18 October 2006 Third quarter 2006 operations review â€¢ Record iron ore production was achieved in the quarter as the Pilbara expansion programme continued to deliver additional capacity. â€¢ Higher grades and improved recovery rates at Kennecott Utah Copper delivered record molybdenum production. â€¢ Mined copper production was lower due to industrial action at Escondida and refined copper production was down due to the commencement of a scheduled smelter shutdown at Kennecott Utah Copper. â€¢ Production at the Comalco Alumina Refinery was only slightly below the record second quarter production, despite two planned major maintenance shutdowns during the quarter. â€¢ Titanium dioxide feedstock production continued to reflect the strength of current customer demand and the expansion of the UGS plant. â€¢ US coal production was at similar levels to the record production achieved in the previous quarter. â€¢ Production of hard coking coal continued to recover but year to date output remained lower than 2005 reflecting customer demand. â€¢ Diavik achieved record diamond production in the quarter. All currency figures in this report are US dollars unless otherwise stated IRON ORE AND IRON Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q3 06 vs Q3 05 vs Q2 06 9 mths 06 vs 9 mths 05 Hamersley 25,221 +14% +9% 68,634 +8% Robe River 7,570 +3% +5% 20,733 +2% IOC (pellets and concentrate) 2,412 +5% -9% 6,923 +2% Demand for iron ore remained strong in all markets during the quarter. Expansion projects in the Pilbara remained largely on schedule and within budget. Hamersley and Robe River Record quarterly iron ore production and sales in the Pilbara were achieved as the ramp up of mine and port capacity expansions started to take effect. Despite continued recovery from the impact of cyclone activity experienced earlier in the year, Hamersley production was up nine per cent on the previous quarter due to additional capacity coming on stream at the Yandicoogina mine and the first full quarter of production from the newly commissioned Nammuldi mine. Additional processing of low grade material at the West Angelas mine was the main contributor to Robe River's three per cent increase in production compared with the corresponding period last year. HIsmelt HIsmelt produced 25,800 tonnes of pig iron during the quarter as the plant continued to ramp up to nameplate capacity of 800,000 tonnes a year. During the quarter the plant achieved around 70 per cent availability, with peak production at 65 per cent of nameplate capacity. Iron Ore Company of Canada Third quarter pellet and concentrate production was below the previous quarter due to planned maintenance activities. Year to date pellet production was seven per cent lower than the corresponding period last year as a result of the extreme weather conditions experienced in the first quarter and a change in product mix in favour of concentrate production. Concentrate production in the first nine months of this year was up 60 per cent on the same period last year. ENERGY US thermal coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q3 06 vs Q3 05 vs Q2 06 9 mths 06 vs 9 mths 05 Rio Tinto Energy America 31,302 +11% -1% 92,463 +7% Third quarter production continued to reflect the recovery of rail capacity from the 2005 maintenance campaign as well as the capacity expansions underway at the Spring Creek and Antelope mines. The commissioning of a new dragline at Jacobs Ranch earlier in the year also contributed to a new quarterly production record at that mine. Australian coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q3 06 vs Q3 05 vs Q2 06 9 mths 06 vs 9 mths 05 Rio Tinto Coal Australia Hard coking coal 1,732 -1% +13% 4,393 -22% Other coal 7,665 -4% -5% 23,376 +0% Production of hard coking coal was 13 per cent higher than the previous quarter reflecting a partial recovery in customer demand. Year to date production was 22 per cent below the first nine months of last year reflecting softness in the hard coking coal market. Production from the Hunter Valley operations was aligned with the allocation set under the Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) capacity balancing system. However during the quarter, coal producers in the Hunter Valley voted not to continue with the capacity balancing system in 2007. This will allow the Port of Newcastle to operate on a take or pay basis and as a result, PWCS customers will not have their coal handling requirements reduced to match the capacity of the coal chain. Uranium Production at the Ranger mine recovered from the heavy rainfall and throughput issues experienced in the second quarter of 2006, contributing to a 35 per cent increase in uranium production in the quarter. Production at Rossing was in line with the previous quarter. INDUSTRIAL MINERALS Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q3 06 vs Q3 05 vs Q2 06 9 mths 06 vs 9 mths 05 Borates 136 -3% -4% 408 -0% Titanium dioxide feedstocks 338 +3% -4% 1,035 +6% Borates production was at similar levels to the previous quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2005. Year to date production was in line with the corresponding period last year. Titanium dioxide feedstock production in the first nine months of the year was six per cent higher than 2005 reflecting continued strength in market demand. The UGS expansion from 325,000 to 375,000 tonnes per annum is proceeding as scheduled and is due for completion at the end of the year. ALUMINIUM Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q3 06 vs Q3 05 vs Q2 06 9 mths 06 vs 9 mths 05 Rio Tinto Aluminium Bauxite 4,036 +7% +6% 11,695 +7% Alumina 821 +13% -4% 2,452 +11% Aluminium 215.2 -1% +4% 629.0 -1% Third quarter bauxite production was seven per cent higher than the corresponding period last year due to increased capacity resulting from the NeWeipa project. Production at the Comalco Alumina Refinery was only slightly below the record production achieved in the second quarter, despite two planned major shutdowns during the quarter. The Comalco Alumina Refinery is on schedule to reach nameplate capacity by the end of the year as planned. Production at Queensland Alumina and Eurallumina was in line with previous quarters. During the quarter, Rio Tinto announced the sale of its 56.2 per cent interest in the Eurallumina SpA refinery. The completion of the sale is conditional on customary joint venture partner rights. Production from all aluminium smelters was ahead of the previous quarter and, with the exception of NZAS, the corresponding quarter last year. Aluminium production from the Tiwai Point smelter was lower due to the gradual return of some cells which were out of circuit as a result of power reductions caused by low rainfall in the hydropower catchment area. COPPER Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q3 06 vs Q3 05 vs Q2 06 9 mths 06 vs 9 mths 05 Kennecott Utah Copper Mined copper (000 tonnes) 68.9 +37% +0% 199.1 +18% Refined copper (000 55.1 -19% -19% 193.7 +16% tonnes) Molybdenum (000 tonnes) 4.7 +20% +34% 12.6 +14% Mined gold (000 ozs) 135 +41% -9% 417 +32% Refined gold (000 ozs) 137 +48% -3% 395 +53% Escondida Mined copper (000 tonnes) 81.1 -20% -23% 294.2 +5% Grasberg JV Mined copper (000 tonnes) 8.3 -65% -19% 30.4 -57% Mined gold (000 ozs) 8 -94% -58% 36 -91% Kennecott Utah Copper Mined production of copper, molybdenum and gold benefited from higher grades compared with the corresponding period last year. Despite lower grades than in the previous quarter, mined copper production was unchanged due to higher throughput at the concentrator. Record molybdenum production in the third quarter was due to higher grades and improved recovery rates. Refined copper production was significantly lower than the same period last year due to a major smelter shutdown which started in early September and is expected to be completed shortly. Refined gold production was in line with the previous quarter and higher than the comparative period last year due to a reduction in inventories. Escondida Third quarter mined copper production was 23 per cent lower than the previous quarter due to strike action over wage negotiations for most of August. The strike action ended on 2 September. Grasberg Lower grades for copper, gold and silver as a result of mine sequencing led to lower production for all three metals compared with the same quarter of 2005. Rio Tinto's share of production is also affected by the metal strip, which determines the allocation of volumes between the joint venture partners. The structure of the agreement means that Rio Tinto's share of production is geared to fluctuations in total production volumes. Rio Tinto's share of production from the Grasberg mine is expected to be lower in 2006 and 2007 relative to previous years, before increasing in 2008 and beyond. Other copper operations At Palabora total mill throughput, levels of concentrate smelted and anodes produced were in line with the previous quarter. Increased production at Northparkes reflected the continued mining of higher grade ore from the Lift 2 area. DIAMONDS Rio Tinto share of production (000 carats) Q3 06 vs Q3 05 vs Q2 06 9 mths 06 vs 9 mths 05 Argyle 8,330 +39% +11% 21,052 -12% Diavik 1,697 +30% +4% 4,402 +14% Argyle Increased carat production was achieved in the third quarter due to higher grades. However continued variability in production levels is expected as the mine approaches the end of the open-pit life and transitions to an underground operation. Diavik Despite the challenges of the early closure of the ice road, Diavik achieved record carat production in the quarter. Production was four per cent higher than the previous quarter and 30 per cent higher than the same period last year, largely as a result of improvements in throughput. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION Pre-tax expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine months of 2006 was $175 million compared with $168 million in the first nine months of 2005. $38 million of this expenditure was charged against business unit earnings. Exploration drilling was sustained on copper targets in Chile, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and the US. Exploration in Russia continued as part of the RioNor Joint Venture. Diamond exploration remained focused on targets in Canada, Botswana, Mauritania, India and Brazil. Iron ore exploration continued in Western Australia and west Africa. Exploration for thermal and coking coal continued in southern Africa, North America, South America and Mongolia. At Chapudi coal in South Africa progress continued on drilling and securing land tenements. Exploration for bauxite is ongoing in Brazil. Brownfield exploration is underway at a number of Rio Tinto businesses, including the Pilbara, Kennecott Utah Copper, the Freeport and Cortez Joint Ventures, Greens Creek and Northparkes. Evaluation work continued on a number of projects including Eagle (nickel/ copper, US), Resolution (copper/gold, US), Potasio Rio Colorado (potash, Argentina), La Granja (copper, Peru) and Simandou (iron ore, Guinea). Rio Tinto is monitoring the work by Northern Dynasty Minerals at the Pebble copper-gold-molybdenum deposit in Alaska. Contract of Work negotiations continue at La Sampala nickel in Indonesia. CORPORATE ACTIVITY During the quarter Rio Tinto's shares in Ashton Mining of Canada were taken up by Stornoway Diamonds under its takeover bid for Ashton. In exchange for the shares in Ashton, Rio Tinto will receive cash totaling approximately C$29.6 million and 25.6 million Stornoway common shares. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME During the first nine months of 2006, the Group bought back $1,750 million of Rio Tinto plc shares under the 2006/2007 $2.5 billion share buyback programme announced on 2 February 2006. In addition, a special dividend of $1.5 billion was paid on 6 April, bringing the total returned to shareholders to date under the 2006/07 programme to $3,250 million. For further information, please contact: LONDON AUSTRALIA Media Relations Media Relations Nick Cobban Ian Head Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2305 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101 Investor Relations Investor Relations Nigel Jones Dave Skinner Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2401 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628 Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227 365 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309 David Ovington Susie Creswell Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2326 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3639 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010978 Mobile: +61 (0) 418 933 792 Website: www.riotinto.com High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk RIO TINTO PRODUCTION SUMMARY RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION QUARTER NINE MONTHS % CHANGE 2005 2006 2006 2005 2006 Q3 06 Q3 06 9 Mths 06 Q3 Q2 Q3 vs vs vs Principal Commodities Q2 06 Q3 05 9 Mths 05 Alumina ('000 t) 725 854 821 2,214 2,452 -4% 13% 11% Aluminium ('000 t) 216.6 206.6 215.2 638.1 629.0 4% -1% -1% Borates ('000 t) 141 142 136 409 408 -4% -3% 0% Coal - hard coking coal ('000 t) 1,755 1,535 1,732 5,610 4,393 13% -1% -22% Coal - other Australian ('000 t) 7,996 8,093 7,665 23,287 23,376 -5% -4% 0% Coal - US ('000 t) 28,290 31,680 31,302 86,446 92,463 -1% 11% 7% Copper - mined ('000 t) 195.4 207.4 182.8 573.7 593.6 -12% -6% 3% Copper - refined ('000 t) 89.2 83.9 75.6 229.0 245.1 -10% -15% 7% Diamonds ('000 cts) 7,349 9,206 10,071 28,037 25,602 9% 37% -9% Gold - mined ('000 ozs) 376 240 246 1,257 707 3% -35% -44% Gold - refined ('000 ozs) 92 141 137 258 395 -3% 48% 53% Iron ore ('000 t) 32,187 33,315 35,740 91,972 97,723 7% 11% 6% Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 t) 327 353 338 976 1,035 -4% 3% 6% Other Metals & Minerals Bauxite ('000 t) 3,781 3,815 4,036 10,898 11,695 6% 7% 7% Lead - mined ('000 t) 2.5 2.2 3.2 9.2 8.5 47% 31% -8% Molybdenum ('000 t) 3.9 3.5 4.7 11.0 12.6 34% 20% 14% Pig Iron ('000 t) - 16.6 15.5 - 34.5 -7% - - Salt ('000 t) 1,121 1,441 1,447 3,896 4,098 0% 29% 5% Silver - mined ('000 ozs) 3,197 3,270 3,354 10,943 9,803 3% 5% -10% Silver - refined ('000 ozs) 830 1,008 1,148 2,723 3,554 14% 38% 30% Talc ('000 t) 328 346 340 1,018 1,066 -2% 4% 5% Uranium (tonnes) 1,747 998 1,344 4,797 3,850 35% -23% -20% Zinc - mined ('000 t) 8.1 7.1 7.6 28.5 23.2 7% -7% -19% Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the nine month figures. RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 ALUMINA Production ('000 tonnes) Comalco Alumina Refinery 100% 191 220 257 322 302 616 880 Eurallumina (a) 56% 150 153 152 152 158 448 461 Queensland Alumina 39% 384 375 369 381 361 1,151 1,111 Rio Tinto total alumina production 725 748 778 854 821 2,214 2,452 ALUMINIUM Refined production ('000 tonnes) Anglesey 51% 18.3 18.7 18.5 18.1 18.7 54.7 55.3 Bell Bay 100% 43.9 43.6 43.2 43.7 45.1 130.2 132.0 Boyne Island 59% 82.4 82.7 80.4 80.9 82.7 243.5 244.0 Tiwai Point 79% 72.0 70.6 65.0 63.9 68.8 209.8 197.7 Rio Tinto total aluminium production 216.6 215.6 207.1 206.6 215.2 638.1 629.0 BAUXITE Production ('000 tonnes) Weipa 100% 3,781 4,576 3,843 3,815 4,036 10,898 11,695 BORATES Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100% 141 151 130 142 136 409 408 COAL - HARD COKING Rio Tinto Coal Australia (b) ('000 tonnes) Hail Creek Coal 82% 1,208 1,270 617 797 1,119 3,568 2,533 Kestrel Coal 80% 547 315 508 739 613 2,042 1,860 Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production 1,755 1,585 1,126 1,535 1,732 5,610 4,393 COAL - OTHER * Rio Tinto Coal Australia (b) ('000 tonnes) Bengalla 30% 366 622 330 426 490 1,185 1,245 Blair Athol Coal 71% 1,994 1,876 1,730 1,778 1,840 5,675 5,348 Hunter Valley Operations 76% 2,259 2,293 2,124 2,639 2,161 7,076 6,924 Kestrel Coal 80% 143 89 125 232 213 530 570 Mount Thorley Operations 61% 664 491 763 549 452 1,909 1,764 Tarong Coal 100% 1,804 1,549 1,803 1,685 1,713 4,922 5,200 Warkworth 42% 766 657 744 784 796 1,991 2,324 Total Australian other coal 7,996 7,576 7,618 8,093 7,665 23,287 23,376 Rio Tinto Energy America (c) ('000 tonnes) Antelope 100% 7,287 6,413 7,501 7,849 7,760 20,761 23,109 Colowyo (d) 1,219 1,477 1,468 1,497 1,431 3,848 4,396 Cordero Rojo 100% 7,687 8,642 8,675 9,121 8,775 25,592 26,571 Decker 50% 841 890 776 807 775 2,254 2,358 Jacobs Ranch 100% 8,014 8,590 8,513 8,879 9,220 25,233 26,612 Spring Creek 100% 3,243 3,122 2,549 3,527 3,341 8,758 9,417 Total US coal 28,290 29,135 29,481 31,680 31,302 86,446 92,463 Rio Tinto total other coal production 36,286 36,710 37,099 39,773 38,967 109,732 115,839 COPPER Mine production ('000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 100% 50.2 51.6 61.6 68.7 68.9 169.0 199.1 Escondida 30% 101.7 100.4 107.2 105.9 81.1 280.7 294.2 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) 40% 23.6 38.2 11.9 10.2 8.3 71.3 30.4 Northparkes 80% 11.8 13.3 15.5 16.5 16.8 29.9 48.8 Palabora (f) 58% 8.2 7.2 7.2 6.1 7.8 22.7 21.0 Rio Tinto total mine production 195.4 210.7 203.4 207.4 182.8 573.7 593.6 Refined production ('000 tonnes) Escondida 30% 10.2 10.4 8.0 6.1 9.1 32.7 23.2 Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 68.1 65.1 70.9 67.7 55.1 166.8 193.7 Palabora (f) 58% 10.8 9.9 6.7 10.2 11.4 29.4 28.2 Rio Tinto total refined production 89.2 85.5 85.6 83.9 75.6 229.0 245.1 DIAMONDS Production ('000 carats) Argyle 100% 5,995 6,455 5,214 7,509 8,330 24,021 21,052 Diavik 60% 1,306 1,098 1,073 1,632 1,697 3,865 4,402 Murowa 78% 48 44 38 66 44 151 148 Rio Tinto total diamond production 7,349 7,598 6,324 9,206 10,071 28,037 25,602 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. * Coal - other includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal. See footnotes on page 10. RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued) Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 GOLD Mine production ('000 ounces) Barneys Canyon 100% 4 4 4 3 5 13 12 Bingham Canyon 100% 92 99 129 146 131 302 405 Cortez/Pipeline 40% 89 74 35 27 55 287 116 Escondida 30% 13 13 12 15 11 42 37 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) 40% 122 248 9 19 8 422 36 Greens Creek 70% 11 12 11 9 11 39 31 Kelian (g) 90% - - - - - 38 - Lihir (h) 0% 28 - - - - 61 - Northparkes 80% 12 13 16 16 23 33 55 Rawhide 51% 3 4 4 3 3 14 10 Others - 2 2 2 2 0 5 4 Rio Tinto total mine production 376 469 221 240 246 1,257 707 Refined production ('000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 92 110 118 141 137 258 395 IRON ORE & IRON Production ('000 tonnes) Channar 60% 1,371 980 1,211 1,486 1,591 4,206 4,288 Corumba 100% 371 290 440 455 538 1,121 1,433 Eastern Range (i) 1,897 1,536 1,756 2,021 2,326 5,024 6,102 Hamersley 100% 18,915 19,931 17,404 19,536 21,304 54,455 58,244 Iron Ore Company of Canada (j) 59% 2,292 2,424 1,871 2,640 2,412 6,764 6,923 Robe River 53% 7,341 7,362 5,986 7,178 7,570 20,402 20,733 Rio Tinto total mine production 32,187 32,522 28,668 33,315 35,740 91,972 97,723 Pig iron production ('000 tonnes) HIsmelt(R) (k) 60% - 5 2 17 15 - 34 LEAD Mine production ('000 tonnes) Greens Creek 70% 2.5 2.7 3.0 2.2 3.2 9.2 8.5 MOLYBDENUM Mine production ('000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 100% 3.9 4.6 4.4 3.5 4.7 11.0 12.6 SALT Production ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals - salt 65% 1,121 1,610 1,209 1,441 1,447 3,896 4,098 SILVER Mine production ('000 ounces) Bingham Canyon 100% 884 884 1,036 1,217 1,033 3,074 3,286 Escondida 30% 505 593 457 565 439 1,377 1,461 Grasberg - Joint Venture (e) 40% 280 718 19 30 87 646 136 Greens Creek 70% 1,313 1,562 1,451 1,231 1,794 5,229 4,476 Others - 216 226 216 228 0 617 445 Rio Tinto total mine production 3,197 3,982 3,180 3,270 3,354 10,943 9,803 Refined production ('000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 830 814 1,398 1,008 1,148 2,723 3,554 TALC Production ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100% 328 346 381 346 340 1,018 1,066 TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK Production ('000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100% 327 335 344 353 338 976 1,035 URANIUM Production (tonnes U3O8) Energy Resources of Australia 68% 1,035 1,040 938 376 750 2,997 2,064 Rossing 69% 712 745 569 622 593 1,801 1,785 Rio Tinto total uranium production 1,747 1,785 1,508 998 1,344 4,797 3,850 ZINC Mine production ('000 tonnes) Greens Creek 70% 8.1 8.7 8.6 7.1 7.6 28.5 23.2 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 10. RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION (continued) Production data notes (a) Rio Tinto announced the sale of its 56.2% share in Eurallumina on 17 August 2006. The sale is conditional on customary joint venture partner rights and the numbers above reflect a full quarter's production. (b) Rio Tinto Coal Australia manages all the operations below; including the mines which were previously reported separately under the Coal & Allied name. (c) Rio Tinto Energy America was previously known as Kennecott Energy. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) During the second half of 2005, the conversion of debentures into ordinary shares resulted in a dilution of Rio Tinto's shareholding in Palabora from 49.2% to 47.2%. The conversions continued during the first nine months of 2006 and during the third quarter Rio Tinto also participated in the conversion of debentures. The Rio Tinto shareholding on 30 September 2006 was 57.67%. (g) Kelian ceased processing ore on 7 February 2005 and the final gold pour was on 27 May 2005. (h) On 30 November 2005, Rio Tinto sold its interest in Lihir Gold; it had agreed in September 2005 to relinquish the management agreement for Lihir. The production data are shown up to 30 September 2005, from which date the Rio Tinto interest in Lihir was held as an investment rather than being equity accounted. (i) 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. (j) Rio Tinto sold its 19% interest in the Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Income Fund on 23 March 2005. The Fund has a shareholding in Iron Ore Company of Canada but this was not included in the calculation of tonnage attributable to Rio Tinto. (k) HIsmelt(R) commenced production during September 2005. 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 30 September 2006. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 ALUMINIUM Rio Tinto Aluminium Weipa mine 100.0% Queensland, Australia Beneficiated bauxite production ('000 tonnes) 3,781 4,576 3,843 3,815 4,036 10,898 11,695 Metal grade bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 3,979 4,034 3,788 3,596 4,023 10,917 11,406 Calcined bauxite production ('000 tonnes) 34 22 47 40 49 108 136 Comalco Alumina Refinery 100.0% Queensland, Australia Alumina production ('000 tonnes) 191 220 257 322 302 616 880 Eurallumina refinery (a) 56.2% Sardinia, Italy Alumina production ('000 tonnes) 267 273 271 270 281 798 821 Queensland Alumina refinery 38.6% Queensland, Australia Alumina production ('000 tonnes) 995 972 956 986 936 2,980 2,877 Anglesey Aluminium smelter 51.0% United Kingdom Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 35.8 36.7 36.2 35.5 36.6 107.2 108.4 Bell Bay smelter 100.0% Tasmania, Australia Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 43.9 43.6 43.2 43.7 45.1 130.2 132.0 Boyne Island smelter 59.4% Queensland, Australia Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 137.9 138.4 134.7 135.9 138.0 406.4 408.6 Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% New Zealand Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 90.2 88.1 81.6 79.9 86.5 263.3 247.9 Rio Tinto Aluminium share Share of primary aluminium sales ('000 tonnes) 221.6 225.0 200.2 208.0 208.5 633.5 616.7 (a) Rio Tinto announced the sale of its 56.2% share in Eurallumina on 17 August 2006. The sale is conditional on customary joint venture partner rights and the numbers above reflect a full quarter's production. BORATES Rio Tinto Minerals - Borax 100.0% California, US and Argentina Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 141 151 130 142 136 409 408 (a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 COAL Rio Tinto Coal Australia (a) Bengalla mine 30.3% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,208 2,053 1,088 1,406 1,618 3,912 4,111 Blair Athol Coal mine 71.2% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,799 2,634 2,429 2,496 2,583 7,966 7,508 Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0% Queensland, Australia Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,473 1,549 753 971 1,365 4,351 3,089 Hunter Valley Operations 75.7% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,429 2,651 2,386 3,136 2,435 7,690 7,957 Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 555 378 419 350 419 1,656 1,188 Kestrel Coal mine 80.0% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 179 112 156 290 266 662 712 Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 683 393 635 923 766 2,552 2,325 Mount Thorley Operations 60.6% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 836 529 969 582 494 2,166 2,045 Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 261 281 291 325 253 986 868 Tarong Coal mine 100.0% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,804 1,549 1,803 1,685 1,713 4,922 5,200 Warkworth mine 42.1% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,736 1,495 1,759 1,766 1,803 4,451 5,328 Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 85 67 11 96 90 280 197 Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,157 1,943 1,388 1,895 2,131 6,903 5,414 Total hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,557 1,684 1,220 1,471 1,779 5,842 4,470 Total other coal production ('000 tonnes) (b) 11,891 11,746 11,309 12,133 11,673 34,691 35,115 Total other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) (d) 12,424 11,816 11,860 11,882 11,845 35,646 35,588 Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 14,048 13,689 12,698 14,027 13,804 41,595 40,529 Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 13,981 13,500 13,080 13,353 13,624 41,489 40,058 Rio Tinto Coal Australia share Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,268 1,374 994 1,196 1,450 4,757 3,639 Share of other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) (d) 8,399 7,719 7,986 8,022 7,743 23,946 23,751 (a) Rio Tinto Coal Australia manages all the operations below; the mines in New South Wales were previously reported separately under the Coal & Allied name. (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 (a) Antelope mine 100.0% Wyoming, US Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 7,287 6,413 7,501 7,849 7,760 20,761 23,109 Colowyo mine (b) Colorado, US Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,219 1,477 1,468 1,497 1,431 3,848 4,396 Cordero Rojo mine 100.0% Wyoming, US Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 7,687 8,642 8,675 9,121 8,775 25,592 26,571 Decker mine 50.0% Montana, US Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,683 1,781 1,552 1,614 1,551 4,507 4,717 Jacobs Ranch mine 100.0% Wyoming, US Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 8,014 8,590 8,513 8,879 9,220 25,233 26,612 Spring Creek mine 100.0% Montana, US Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 3,243 3,122 2,549 3,527 3,341 8,758 9,417 Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 29,131 30,025 30,257 32,487 32,077 88,699 94,821 Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 29,131 30,025 30,257 32,487 32,077 88,699 94,821 (a) Rio Tinto Energy America was previously known as Kennecott Energy. (b) 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 percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 COPPER & GOLD Escondida 30.0% Chile Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 22,255 22,161 21,843 21,473 18,258 63,893 61,573 Average copper grade (%) 1.59 1.58 1.62 1.63 1.55 1.51 1.61 Mill production (metals in concentrates): Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 304.4 304.0 302.8 295.9 234.0 823.3 832.8 Contained gold ('000 ounces) 42 43 40 49 35 140 124 Contained silver ('000 ounces) 1,682 1,975 1,522 1,882 1,464 4,590 4,869 Ore to leach ('000 tonnes) (a) 4,214 4,261 16,158 15,536 14,712 12,669 46,405 Average copper grade (%) 0.82 0.72 0.34 0.37 0.25 0.89 0.32 Contained copper in leachate/mined material ('000 tonnes) 35 31 55 57 36 112 148 Refined production from leach plants: Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 34.1 34.8 26.8 20.3 30.4 109.2 77.5 (a) Escondida has recently commenced leaching of sulphide ore. The figures for 2006 show aggregate feed to and production from both the oxide and sulphide leach processes. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (a) Grasberg mine 0.0% (40.0% of the expansion) Papua, Indonesia Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 19,899 21,791 19,512 20,353 21,170 57,116 61,035 Average mill head grades: Copper (%) 1.06 1.31 0.72 0.72 0.85 1.06 0.76 Gold (g/t) 1.16 2.33 0.92 0.67 0.83 1.40 0.81 Silver (g/t) 4.36 5.36 4.21 3.84 3.46 4.70 3.82 Production of metals in concentrates: Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 185.5 260.8 115.9 121.7 152.9 533.1 390.5 Gold in concentrates ('000 609 1,400 485 336 471 2,146 1,292 ounces) Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,662 2,489 903 1,170 1,453 5,042 3,526 Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (b) Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 179.9 249.0 114.0 108.8 155.5 517.3 378.3 Gold in concentrates ('000 594 1,342 486 294 487 2,096 1,267 ounces) Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,284 1,897 711 844 1,167 3,898 2,723 (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. (b) Net of smelter deductions. Kelian Equatorial Mining (a) 90.0% East Kalimantan, Indonesia Ore treated ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 826 - Average ore grades: Gold (g/t) - - - - - 1.68 - Silver (g/t) - - - - - 2.29 - Production: Gold ('000 ounces) - - - - - 43 - Silver ('000 ounces) - - - - - 32 - Sales: Gold ('000 ounces) - - 42 - - 100 42 Silver ('000 ounces) - - - - - 304 - (a) Kelian ceased processing ore on 7 February 2005 and the final gold pour was on 27 May 2005. Mine closure programmes including reclamation, rehabilitation and sustainable monitoring continue. Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 COPPER & GOLD (continued) Kennecott Minerals Company Cortez/Pipeline mine 40.0% Nevada, US Ore treated Milled ('000 tonnes) 759 798 756 745 956 2,449 2,456 Leached ('000 tonnes) 5,725 3,352 3,812 4,464 7,452 19,708 15,728 Sold for roasting ('000 tonnes) 90 73 35 - - 203 35 Average ore grade: gold Milled (g/t) 4.81 4.71 2.33 2.13 2.89 5.09 2.48 Leached (g/t) 0.49 0.49 0.39 0.37 0.43 0.60 0.41 Sold for roasting (g/t) 6.73 8.89 6.50 - - 6.76 6.50 Gold produced ('000 ounces) 223 186 87 68 136 718 291 Greens Creek mine 70.3% Alaska, US Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 154 151 158 157 162 500 478 Average ore grades: Gold (g/t) 4.71 5.02 4.54 3.97 4.39 5.15 4.30 Silver (g/t) 527 615 533 471 619 626 541 Zinc (%) 9.6 10.4 10.0 8.4 8.9 10.3 9.1 Lead (%) 3.6 3.9 4.0 3.1 4.0 4.0 3.7 Metals produced in concentrates: Gold ('000 ounces) 15 17 16 13 16 56 44 Silver ('000 ounces) 1,869 2,222 2,065 1,751 2,553 7,442 6,369 Zinc ('000 tonnes) 11.6 12.4 12.2 10.1 10.8 40.5 33.0 Lead ('000 tonnes) 3.5 3.8 4.3 3.1 4.6 13.1 12.1 Rawhide mine (a) 51.0% Nevada, US Metals produced in dore: Gold ('000 ounces) 7 8 7 6 7 27 20 Silver ('000 ounces) 63 67 63 55 64 254 182 (a) 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) 4 4 4 3 5 13 12 (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) 11,875 11,369 11,702 11,739 12,33 3 35,295 35,774 Average ore grade: Copper (%) 0.47 0.51 0.62 0.67 0.62 0.53 0.64 Gold (g/t) 0.34 0.38 0.52 0.56 0.47 0.37 0.51 Silver (g/t) 2.81 3.02 3.73 3.98 3.22 3.30 3.64 Molybdenum (%) 0.052 0.058 0.060 0.055 0.057 0.057 0.057 Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 193 213 242 263 269 667 774 Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 26.0 24.1 25.3 26.1 25.5 25.3 25.7 Production of metals in copper concentrates: Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) 50.2 51.6 61.6 68.7 68.9 169.0 199.1 Gold ('000 ounces) 92 99 129 146 131 302 405 Silver ('000 ounces) 884 884 1,036 1,217 1,033 3,074 3,286 Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 7.6 8.6 8.2 6.3 8.3 20.9 22.8 Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 3.9 4.6 4.4 3.5 4.7 11.0 12.6 Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0% Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 300 300 270 272 220 742 762 Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (c) 68.6 67.3 66.4 65.7 50.4 162.1 182.5 Production of refined metal: Copper ('000 tonnes) 68.1 65.1 70.9 67.7 55.1 166.8 193.7 Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 92 110 118 141 137 258 395 Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 830 814 1,398 1,008 1,148 2,723 3,554 (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 Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 COPPER & GOLD (continued) Lihir Gold (a) 0.0% Papua New Guinea Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 917 - - - - 2,771 - Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 7.15 - - - - 5.32 - Gold produced ('000 ounces) (b) 193 - - - - 424 - (a) On 30 November 2005, Rio Tinto sold its interest in Lihir Gold; it had agreed in September 2005 to relinquish the management agreement for Lihir. The production data are shown up to 30 September 2005, from which date the Rio Tinto interest in Lihir was held as an investment rather than being equity accounted. (b) Gold production represents quantity of gold poured. Northparkes Joint Venture 80.0% New South Wales, Australia Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,372 1,421 1,425 1,438 1,427 4,032 4,290 Average ore grades: Copper (%) 1.17 1.27 1.45 1.53 1.57 1.07 1.52 Gold (g/t) 0.47 0.49 0.56 0.58 0.69 0.45 0.61 Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 39.5 43.9 48.4 52.5 52.4 103.3 153.2 Contained copper in concentrates: Saleable production ('000 tonnes) 14.7 16.7 19.4 20.7 21.0 37.3 61.1 Sales ('000 tonnes) (a) 11.0 13.1 14.3 17.1 14.4 30.3 45.8 Contained gold in concentrates: Saleable production ('000 ounces) 15.0 16.1 19.6 19.9 29.3 40.9 68.7 Sales ('000 ounces) (a) 10.6 14.7 13.3 16.4 16.1 35.2 45.7 (a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture. Palabora (a) 57.7% Palabora mine South Africa Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 2,572 2,349 2,646 2,633 2,668 7,187 7,947 Average ore grade: copper (%) 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.70 0.72 0.71 0.71 Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 52.9 47.8 51.5 43.0 53.4 149.3 147.9 Average concentrate grade: copper (%) 31.3 31.2 29.9 30.5 29.4 31.0 29.9 Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 16.6 14.9 15.4 13.1 15.7 46.2 44.1 Palabora smelter/refinery New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes) 75.2 82.2 42.0 83.3 87.7 222.2 213.0 New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) 22.7 22.4 10.0 24.0 22.4 62.0 56.4 Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes) 22.1 20.6 14.3 21.9 22.9 59.8 59.1 By-products: Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes) 267 231 251 296 299 657 846 Refined nickel sulphate (tonnes) 37 57 35 28 25 129 88 Vermiculite plant Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes) 53 55 48 48 52 155 148 (a) During the second half of 2005, the conversion of debentures into ordinary shares resulted in a dilution of Rio Tinto's shareholding in Palabora from 49.2% to 47.2%. The conversions continued during the first nine months of 2006 and during the third quarter Rio Tinto also participated in the conversion of debentures. The Rio Tinto shareholding on 30 September 2006 was 57.67%. DIAMONDS Argyle Diamonds 100.0% Western Australia AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) 2,111 2,158 1,956 2,131 2,162 6,811 6,249 AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) 5,995 6,455 5,214 7,509 8,330 24,021 21,052 Diavik Diamonds 60.0% Northwest Territories, Canada Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 619 497 492 608 722 1,725 1,822 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 2,177 1,831 1,788 2,720 2,829 6,441 7,337 Murowa Diamonds 77.8% Zimbabwe Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 49 73 66 61 44 106 170 Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 61 57 48 85 57 194 190 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 IRON ORE & IRON Hamersley Iron Western Australia Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes): Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman and Nammuldi 100.0% 18,915 19,931 17,404 19,536 21,304 54,455 58,244 Channar 60.0% 2,284 1,634 2,018 2,476 2,652 7,010 7,147 Eastern Range (a) 1,897 1,536 1,756 2,021 2,326 5,024 6,102 Total production ('000 tonnes) 23,097 23,101 21,178 24,033 26,282 66,489 71,493 Total sales ('000 tonnes) (b) 22,387 25,793 20,982 22,611 26,680 64,297 70,273 (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) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports. HIsmelt(R) (a) 60.0% Western Australia Pig iron production ('000 tonnes) - 9 4 28 26 - 57 (a) HIsmelt(R) commenced production during September 2005. Iron Ore Company of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada Carol Lake operations 58.7% Saleable iron ore production: Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 581 683 341 1,291 983 1,633 2,615 Pellets ('000 tonnes) 3,322 3,445 2,846 3,205 3,124 9,886 9,175 Sales: Concentrate ('000 tonnes) 552 755 316 555 651 1,368 1,522 Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,951 4,230 2,150 3,282 3,198 8,621 8,630 Rio Tinto Brasil Corumba mine 100.0% Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) (a) 371 290 440 455 538 1,121 1,433 Sales ('000 tonnes) 391 276 418 413 462 1,027 1,292 (a) Production includes by-product fines. Robe River Iron Associates Pannawonica mine 53.0% Western Australia Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 8,076 7,998 6,481 7,273 7,501 22,983 21,255 Sales ('000 tonnes) 7,802 8,203 6,756 7,135 7,619 22,859 21,511 West Angelas mine 53.0% Western Australia Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 5,775 5,891 4,813 6,270 6,781 15,512 17,864 Sales ('000 tonnes) 5,902 6,187 4,745 5,833 6,117 15,303 16,695 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2006. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated. RIO TINTO OPERATIONAL DATA Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS interest 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 SALT Rio Tinto Minerals - Salt 64.9% Western Australia Salt production ('000 tonnes) 1,726 2,480 1,862 2,219 2,229 6,000 6,310 TALC Rio Tinto Minerals - Talc 100.0% Australia, Europe, and North America Talc production ('000 tonnes) 328 346 381 346 340 1,018 1,066 TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0% Canada and South Africa (Rio Tinto share) Titanium dioxide feedstock production 327 335 344 353 338 976 1,035 ('000 tonnes) URANIUM Energy Resources of Australia Ltd Ranger mine 68.4% Northern Territory, Australia Production (tonnes U3O8) 1,514 1,521 1,372 550 1,097 4,382 3,019 Rossing Uranium Ltd 68.6% Namibia Production (tonnes U3O8) 1,038 1,086 830 908 865 2,625 2,603 Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2006. 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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