Rio Tinto 4QPR 2003
Rio Tinto PLC
21 January 2004
Fourth Quarter 2003 Production Report
• Iron ore - Demand for all products remained strong. Hamersley achieved
record production and shipments in the fourth quarter bringing full year
shipments to 74.3 million tonnes. West Angelas ramp-up continued ahead of
schedule and reached an annualised rate of 18 million tonnes in December.
• Copper - mined copper was 17 per cent below the previous quarter and 25 per
cent below the final quarter of 2002 largely due to the material slippage
at the Grasberg mine.
• Diamonds - the ramp-up process at Diavik continued. Production was lower
than in the preceding quarter due to the processing of stockpiled lower
grade ore and ore from the top of the A154N pipe. Production from Argyle
was also lower, reflecting lower grade material mined in line with the
mining schedules.
• Australian and Indonesian coal - excluding the effect of the new Hail Creek
coking coal mine, Australian coal production was in line with the previous
quarter but five per cent below the fourth quarter of 2002 reflecting market
conditions. Port and rail congestion in New South Wales remain an issue.
• US Coal - production was similar to the fourth quarter of 2002. Higher
volumes from both Antelope and Jacobs Ranch were offset by lower production
from Cordero Rojo where resources continue to be diverted to managing the
high wall and spoil piles.
• Aluminium - production was three per cent above the third quarter as Tiwai
Point returned to full production following power shortages earlier in the
year and improved process stability at the Boyne Island smelter.
• Gold - mined gold production was 26 per cent below the preceding quarter due
to the slippage at Grasberg. In addition, the disposal of Peak and
Alumbrera plus lower by-product grades at Kennecott Utah Copper resulted
in mined gold volumes 37 per cent below the fourth quarter of 2002.
• Industrial minerals - production of titanium dioxide feedstock was eight per
cent below the fourth quarter of 2002. The seasonal pick up in the second
half has not been seen to the extent that would normally be expected.
Borates production was in line with 2002 but lower than the previous quarter
due to a planned shutdown.
For further information, please contact:
LONDON AUSTRALIA
Media Relations Media Relations
Lisa Cullimore Ian Head
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2305 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620
Mobile: +44 (0) 7730 418 385 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101
Investor Relations Investor Relations
Peter Cunningham Dave Skinner
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2401 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628
Mobile: +44 (0) 7711 596 570 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309
Richard Brimelow Daphne Morros
Office: +44 (0) 20 7753 2326 Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3639
Mobile: +44 (0) 7753 783 825 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 764
Website: www.riotinto.com
RIO TINTO PRODUCTION SUMMARY
RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION
QUARTER FULL YEAR % CHANGE
2002 2003 2003 2002 2003 Q4 03 Q4 03 2003
Q4 Q3 Q4 vs vs vs
Principal Commodities Q3 03 Q4 02 2002
Alumina ('000 t) 479 500 526 1,947 2,014 5% 10% 3%
Aluminium ('000 t) 208.4 204.9 211.9 795.4 818.1 3% 2% 3%
Borates ('000 t) 136 142 134 528 559 -6% -1% 6%
Coal - Australian and Indonesian ('000 t) 11,245 10,319 9,330 43,830 40,573 -10% -17% -7%
Coal - US ('000 t) 28,063 27,391 28,417 105,320 108,177 4% 1% 3%
Copper - mined ('000 t) 243.8 221.4 182.9 887.1 867.0 -17% -25% -2%
Copper - refined ('000 t) 105.1 93.1 89.7 416.9 348.1 -4% -15% -17%
Diamonds ('000 cts) 9,964 10,588 8,968 33,620 33,272 -15% -10% -1%
Gold - mined ('000 ozs) 814 691 511 3,135 2,731 -26% -37% -13%
Gold - refined ('000 ozs) 105 66 81 488 308 23% -23% -37%
Iron ore ('000 t) 22,757 25,826 27,997 90,951 102,613 8% 23% 13%
Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 t) 319 291 293 1,274 1,192 1% -8% -6%
Other Metals & Minerals
Bauxite ('000 t) 3,000 3,018 3,103 11,724 12,316 3% 3% 5%
Lead - mined ('000 t) 9.8 12.0 14.1 40.4 47.5 18% 44% 18%
Molybdenum ('000 t) 1.4 1.2 1.1 6.1 4.6 -8% -21% -25%
Nickel in matte (tonnes) 2,410 1,284 1,524 6,273 5,950 19% -37% -5%
Nickel - refined (tonnes) 829 1,029 1,011 3,594 3,474 -2% 22% -3%
Salt ('000 t) 1,255 1,420 1,120 4,667 4,633 -21% -11% -1%
Silver - mined ('000 ozs) 4,269 4,983 4,954 17,207 18,306 -1% 16% 6%
Silver - refined ('000 ozs) 965 691 653 4,037 2,963 -5% -32% -27%
Talc ('000 t) 318 350 321 1,327 1,357 -8% 1% 2%
Tin (tonnes) 11 16 60 169 100 267% 468% -41%
Uranium (tonnes) 1,311 1,395 1,406 4,955 5,158 1% 7% 4%
Zinc - mined ('000 t) 24.8 26.8 31.6 94.7 114.2 18% 28% 21%
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 SHARE OF PRODUCTION
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
Interest 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Eurallumina 56% 142 139 136 150 148 567 573
Queensland Alumina 39% 337 354 358 350 378 1,380 1,440
Rio Tinto total alumina production 479 493 495 500 526 1,947 2,014
ALUMINIUM
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Anglesey 51% 18.1 18.3 18.3 18.3 19.0 71.1 73.9
Bell Bay 100% 42.1 40.7 41.8 42.3 41.9 163.9 166.6
Boyne Island (a) 59% 79.4 77.7 75.7 76.9 80.9 294.6 311.1
Tiwai Point 79% 68.8 66.1 62.7 67.5 70.2 265.9 266.5
Rio Tinto total aluminium production 208.4 202.7 198.5 204.9 211.9 795.4 818.1
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes)
Boke 4% 118 58 179 123 58 482 418
Weipa 100% 2,882 2,901 3,057 2,895 3,045 11,241 11,898
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 3,000 2,958 3,236 3,018 3,103 11,724 12,316
BORATES
Borates ('000 tonnes B2O3 content)
Rio Tinto total borate production 100% 136 139 143 142 134 528 559
COAL Coal
Australian coal operations ('000 type
tonnes)
Coal & Allied Industries (b)
Bengalla 30% S 459 393 538 340 608 1,587 1,879
Hunter Valley Operations 76% S 1,716 1,789 1,617 1,535 1,983 6,756 6,925
76% M 640 606 609 663 289 2,531 2,167
Mount Thorley Operations 61% S 386 309 219 252 262 1,451 1,042
61% M 221 216 200 223 229 1,073 868
Moura (c) 0% S - - - - - 407 -
0% M - - - - - 552 -
Narama (c) 0% S - - - - - 135 -
Ravensworth East (c) 0% S - - - - - 281 -
Warkworth 42% S 787 688 484 510 577 2,586 2,259
42% M 18 47 71 53 39 231 210
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (d)
Blair Athol Coal 71% S 2,030 2,237 1,857 2,599 2,197 8,412 8,890
Hail Creek Coal 92% M - - - 204 608 - 812
Kestrel Coal 80% S 494 285 320 263 292 1,348 1,159
80% M 536 366 459 332 342 1,925 1,499
Tarong Coal 100% S 1,695 1,451 1,738 1,635 1,713 5,685 6,538
Total Australian coal 8,981 8,386 8,112 8,608 9,139 34,960 34,246
Indonesian coal operations ('000
tonnes)
Kaltim Prima Coal (e) 0% S 2,264 2,088 2,338 1,711 191 8,870 6,327
US coal operations ('000 tonnes)
Kennecott Energy
Antelope 100% S 6,457 6,233 6,648 7,130 6,795 24,319 26,806
Colowyo (f) 100% S 1,174 1,110 1,194 1,093 1,138 4,889 4,535
Cordero Rojo 100% S 9,160 8,187 8,535 7,448 8,501 34,724 32,671
Decker 50% S 1,198 679 730 1,068 1,203 4,511 3,679
Jacobs Ranch 100% S 8,007 7,402 7,544 8,767 8,706 28,784 32,418
Spring Creek 100% S 2,067 1,814 2,293 1,887 2,074 8,093 8,069
Total US coal 28,063 25,424 26,944 27,391 28,417 105,320 108,177
Rio Tinto total coal production 39,307 35,899 37,394 37,710 37,747 149,149 148,750
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.
Key to coal type: S = Steaming/ thermal coal, M = Metallurgical/ coking coal.
See footnotes on page 7.
RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION
(continued)
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
Interest 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Alumbrera (g) 0% 13.9 8.7 - - - 50.9 8.7
Bingham Canyon 100% 69.0 64.8 67.8 77.6 71.6 260.2 281.8
Escondida 30% 68.7 74.4 79.8 73.4 70.1 226.3 297.8
Grasberg - FCX (h) 12% 30.1 27.3 28.0 21.5 7.7 107.5 84.5
Grasberg - Joint Venture (h) 40% 40.9 33.7 34.5 28.9 11.5 148.0 108.7
Neves Corvo 49% 9.5 11.0 9.9 7.5 9.6 37.8 38.0
Northparkes 80% 6.1 5.7 5.4 5.4 5.2 30.7 21.7
Palabora 49% 5.6 5.5 6.1 7.0 7.1 25.7 25.8
Rio Tinto total mine production 243.8 231.1 231.6 221.4 182.9 887.1 867.0
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Atlantic Copper (h) 13% 10.5 10.1 10.3 8.6 8.1 41.5 37.1
Escondida 30% 10.0 10.7 11.0 11.2 11.4 41.6 44.3
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 74.6 67.4 38.5 64.8 59.9 293.7 230.6
Palabora 49% 10.0 7.8 9.4 8.5 10.3 40.2 36.1
Rio Tinto total refined production 105.1 96.0 69.2 93.1 89.7 416.9 348.1
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Argyle (i) 100% 9,936 6,909 6,004 9,690 8,307 33,503 30,910
Diavik 60% - 247 512 880 661 - 2,300
Merlin 100% 28 - 44 18 - 117 62
Rio Tinto total diamond production 9,964 7,156 6,560 10,588 8,968 33,620 33,272
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces)
Alumbrera (g) 0% 48 31 - - - 188 31
Barneys Canyon 100% 10 9 10 10 6 75 35
Bingham Canyon 100% 89 67 67 79 92 412 305
Cortez/Pipeline 40% 102 127 102 100 106 433 434
Escondida 30% 11 11 13 16 16 38 55
Grasberg - FCX (h) 12% 103 89 132 107 26 355 354
Grasberg - Joint Venture (h) 40% 227 163 241 223 96 662 722
Greens Creek 70% 18 16 19 17 17 72 70
Kelian 90% 109 166 112 71 74 485 422
Lihir (j) 14% 27 21 21 21 25 99 88
Morro do Ouro 51% 27 25 27 24 26 115 103
Northparkes 80% 7 8 7 9 15 33 39
Peak (g) 0% 20 20 - - - 97 20
Rawhide 51% 10 7 9 9 8 42 32
Rio Tinto Zimbabwe 56% 4 3 4 3 3 21 14
Others - 2 1 2 2 2 8 7
Rio Tinto total mine production 814 765 765 691 511 3,135 2,731
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 105 96 65 66 81 488 308
IRON ORE
Production ('000 tonnes)
Channar 60% 1,940 1,699 1,465 1,628 1,417 6,356 6,208
Corumba 100% 271 221 282 292 279 858 1,074
Hamersley 100% 13,121 13,616 15,900 16,079 17,462 57,563 63,056
Iron Ore Company of Canada (k) (l) 59% 1,868 1,816 2,126 2,220 2,191 7,168 8,353
Robe River 53% 5,558 5,815 5,851 5,607 6,649 19,006 23,922
Rio Tinto total mine production 22,757 23,167 25,623 25,826 27,997 90,951 102,613
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 7.
RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION
(continued)
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
Interest 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
LEAD
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Greens Creek 70% 3.8 3.8 4.0 4.0 4.1 15.7 15.8
Zinkgruvan 100% 6.0 6.2 7.5 8.0 10.0 24.7 31.7
Rio Tinto total mine production 9.8 10.0 11.5 12.0 14.1 40.4 47.5
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Bingham Canyon 100% 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.1 6.1 4.6
NICKEL
Nickel in matte (tonnes)
Fortaleza (m) 100% 2,410 2,619 523 1,284 1,524 6,273 5,950
Toll refined metal production
(tonnes)
Rio Tinto Zimbabwe - Empress 56% 829 604 830 1,029 1,011 3,594 3,474
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Dampier Salt 65% 1,255 970 1,124 1,420 1,120 4,667 4,633
SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces)
Bingham Canyon 100% 841 762 808 873 1,105 3,663 3,548
Escondida 30% 259 315 360 375 368 894 1,418
Grasberg - FCX (h) 12% 219 236 255 207 46 804 745
Grasberg - Joint Venture (h) 40% 470 111 229 320 466 1,043 1,126
Greens Creek 70% 1,724 1,750 1,968 2,472 2,035 7,668 8,226
Zinkgruvan 100% 383 363 447 460 566 1,554 1,836
Others - 372 422 343 275 366 1,582 1,407
Rio Tinto total mine production 4,269 3,960 4,410 4,983 4,954 17,207 18,306
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 965 975 644 691 653 4,037 2,963
TALC
Production ('000 tonnes)
Luzenac Group 99.9% 318 358 328 350 321 1,327 1,357
TIN
Mine production (tonnes)
Neves Corvo 49% 11 - 23 16 60 169 100
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100% 319 290 319 291 293 1,274 1,192
URANIUM
Production (tonnes U3O8)
Energy Resources of Australia 68% 977 859 1,019 775 858 3,068 3,512
Rossing 69% 335 14 465 620 548 1,887 1,647
Rio Tinto total uranium production 1,311 873 1,484 1,395 1,406 4,955 5,158
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. The nickel in matte production reflects the contained tonnage
of nickel.
See footnotes on page 7.
RIO TINTO SHARE OF PRODUCTION
(continued)
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
Interest 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
ZINC
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Greens Creek 70% 11.9 12.1 13.4 11.7 11.3 46.7 48.5
Zinkgruvan 100% 12.9 14.7 15.6 15.1 20.3 48.0 65.7
Rio Tinto total mine production 24.8 26.8 29.0 26.8 31.6 94.7 114.2
(a) Rio Tinto acquired an approximately 5% additional interest in production from the Boyne Island smelter with
effect from August 2002.
(b) Rio Tinto increased its stake in Coal & Allied from 72.7% to 75.7% on 17 September 2002.
(c) On 14 March 2002, Coal & Allied completed the sale of its interests in Narama and Ravensworth. Coal & Allied
sold its interest in the Moura coal mine with effect from 24 May 2002. Production data are shown up to the
dates of sale.
(d) In December 2003 Pacific Coal was renamed Rio Tinto Coal Australia.
(e) Rio Tinto had a 50% share in Kaltim Prima and, under the terms of its Coal Agreement, the Indonesian
Government was entitled to a 13.5% share of Kaltim Prima's production. Rio Tinto's share of production shown
is before deduction of the Government share. Rio Tinto completed the sale of its interest in PT Kaltim Prima
Coal on 10 October 2003. Production data are shown up to the date of sale.
(f) Kennecott Energy has a partnership interest in the Colowyo mine but, as it is responsible under a management
agreement for the operation of the mine, all of Colowyo's output is included in Rio Tinto's share of
production.
(g) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 25% interest in Minera Alumbrera together with its wholly owned Peak Gold
Mine on 17 March 2003. Production data are shown up to the date of sale.
(h) Through its interest in Freeport-McMoRan-Copper & Gold (FCX), Rio Tinto had, as of 31 December 2003, an 11.8%
share in the Grasberg mine and a 13.1% share in Atlantic Copper. Rio Tinto's holding in FCX reduced from 14.0%
to 13.1% during the fourth quarter of 2003 due to the conversion of convertible preferred stock into common
stock. Through a joint venture agreement with FCX, Rio Tinto is entitled, as shown separately in the above
tables, to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions of the Grasberg facilities since
1998.
(i) Rio Tinto's interest in the Argyle Diamond mine increased from 99.8% to 100% on 29 April 2002, following the
purchase of the outstanding units in the Western Australian Diamond Trust.
(j) Following a placement of shares on the 13 November 2003 Rio Tinto's interest in Lihir moved from 16.3% to
14.5%.
(k) Rio Tinto owns 20.3% of the Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Income Fund. The Fund has a shareholding in Iron Ore
Company of Canada but this has not been included in the calculation of tonnage attributable to Rio Tinto.
(l) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Iron Ore Company of Canada from 56.1% to 58.7% on 20 December 2002.
(m) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100 % interest in the Fortaleza nickel mine on 16 January 2004.
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.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto Aluminium (a)
Total production at Rio Tinto's aluminium operations: Weipa (Rio Tinto 100%) in
Queensland, Australia; Boke (Rio Tinto 4%) in Guinea; Eurallumina (Rio Tinto
56.2%) in Sardinia, Italy; Queensland Alumina (Rio Tinto 38.6%) in Queensland,
Australia; Anglesey Aluminium (Rio Tinto 51%) in the UK; Bell Bay (Rio Tinto
100%) in Tasmania, Australia; Boyne Island (Rio Tinto 59.4% (b)) in Queensland,
Australia and Tiwai Point (Rio Tinto 79.4%) in New Zealand.
(100% basis)
Weipa mine
Beneficiated bauxite production ('000 tonnes) 2,882 2,901 3,057 2,895 3,045 11,241 11,898
Metal grade bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 2,882 2,778 2,768 2,709 3,160 11,132 11,415
Calcined bauxite production ('000 tonnes) 30 41 49 42 29 142 161
Boke mine
Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) 3,124 2,365 3,077 2,970 3,648 12,041 12,060
Eurallumina refinery
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) 253 248 243 267 263 1,010 1,021
Queensland Alumina refinery
Alumina production ('000 tonnes) 873 916 928 906 980 3,574 3,731
Anglesey Aluminium smelter
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 35.6 35.8 35.9 35.9 37.2 139.3 144.8
Bell Bay smelter
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 42.1 40.7 41.8 42.3 41.9 163.9 166.6
Boyne Island smelter (b)
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 131.8 129.7 129.0 128.5 133.8 520.2 520.9
Tiwai Point smelter
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) 84.7 83.3 78.2 85.0 87.9 333.9 334.4
Sales of primary aluminium ('000 tonnes) (c) 203.4 191.1 210.6 205.1 213.1 785.3 820.0
(a) From 1 June 2003, management of Rio Tinto's 51% interest in Anglesey
Aluminium was transferred to the Aluminium product group from the Copper product
group.
(b) Rio Tinto acquired an approximately 5% additional interest in production
from the Boyne Island smelter with effect from August 2002.
(c) Rio Tinto's share of sales of primary metal from its four smelting
operations.
The Weipa mine achieved record bauxite production in the fourth quarter of 2003
and for the 2003 full year.
Production from the Eurallumina refinery in the fourth quarter of 2003 was
slightly lower than in the previous quarter due to unscheduled plant maintenance
in December.
Fourth quarter aluminium production at the Tiwai Point smelter continued to
improve following the resumption of spot power purchases in June 2003 and the
return of cells to operation at the end of the third quarter, resulting in
record production for 2003.
BORATES
Rio Tinto Borax
Total production at the Boron mine (Rio Tinto 100%) in California, US and at the
Tincalayu, Sijes, Porvenir and Maggie mines (Rio Tinto 100%) in Argentina.
(100% basis)
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 136 139 143 142 134 528 559
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.
Production in the fourth quarter of 2003 was in line with the fourth quarter of
2002 but below the third quarter of 2003 because of a planned year-end shutdown
at the Boron mine.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COAL
Coal & Allied Industries Limited (a)
Total production and sales from the mines operated by Coal & Allied Industries
in Australia: Bengalla (Rio Tinto 30%); Hunter Valley Operations (Rio Tinto
76%); Mount Thorley Operations (Rio Tinto 61%); and Warkworth (Rio Tinto 42%),
all in New South Wales.
(100% basis)
Bengalla mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,517 1,298 1,776 1,122 2,008 5,385 6,203
Hunter Valley Operations
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,266 2,363 2,136 2,028 2,620 9,183 9,146
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 845 800 805 875 381 3,442 2,862
Mount Thorley Operations
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 637 510 361 416 433 2,465 1,720
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 365 356 330 369 377 1,827 1,432
Moura mine (b)
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 1,018 -
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 954 -
Coking coal production ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 427 -
Narama mine (b)
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 370 -
Ravensworth East mine (b)
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 387 -
Warkworth mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,871 1,634 1,152 1,212 1,371 6,314 5,369
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 42 112 168 127 93 568 500
Total Coal & Allied Industries
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 7,544 7,074 6,728 6,147 7,284 32,340 27,232
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) 7,486 7,174 6,633 6,802 7,278 31,549 27,887
(a) Rio Tinto increased its stake in Coal & Allied from 72.7% to 75.7% on 17
September 2002.
(b) The sale of Coal & Allied's share of Narama and Ravensworth was completed on
14 March 2002. Coal & Allied sold its interest in the Moura coal mine with
effect from 24 May 2002.
(c) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Production in the fourth quarter of 2003 was 18% higher than in the third
quarter of 2003 due primarily to higher production from Bengalla, where
quarterly production increased as mining progressed through higher productivity
areas of the mining sequence. Total coal production and sales for the fourth
quarter of 2003 and for the full year 2003 were down from comparable prior
periods due to the operational changes implemented in the third quarter of 2003
to reduce saleable production capacity to align with market demand. Port and
rail congestion remain an issue.
Kaltim Prima Coal
Total production and shipments from the Kaltim Prima Coal mine (Rio Tinto 0%
(a)) in Indonesia, including the share of production attributed to the
Indonesian Government (see footnote (e) on page 7).
(100% basis)
Thermal coal:
Production ('000 tonnes) 4,527 4,177 4,675 3,422 381 17,740 12,655
Shipments ('000 tonnes) 4,911 4,522 3,937 4,042 309 17,187 12,810
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 50% interest in PT Kaltim Prima Coal on
10 October 2003. Production data are shown up to the date of sale.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COAL (continued)
Kennecott Energy and Coal Company
Total production from the mines operated by Kennecott Energy and Coal Company in
the US: Antelope (Rio Tinto 100%) in Wyoming; Colowyo in Colorado, where
Kennecott Energy has a partnership interest and full management responsibility -
(see footnote (f) on page 7); Cordero Rojo (Rio Tinto 100%) in Wyoming; Decker
(Rio Tinto 50%) in Montana; Jacobs Ranch (Rio Tinto 100%) in Wyoming and Spring
Creek (Rio Tinto 100%) in Montana.
(100% basis)
Antelope mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 6,457 6,233 6,648 7,130 6,795 24,319 26,806
Colowyo mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,174 1,110 1,194 1,093 1,138 4,889 4,535
Cordero Rojo mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 9,160 8,187 8,535 7,448 8,501 34,724 32,671
Decker mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,395 1,357 1,460 2,135 2,406 9,021 7,358
Jacobs Ranch mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 8,007 7,402 7,544 8,767 8,706 28,784 32,418
Spring Creek mine
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 2,067 1,814 2,293 1,887 2,074 8,093 8,069
Total Kennecott Energy
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 29,260 26,103 27,674 28,459 29,620 109,830 111,856
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 29,260 26,103 27,674 28,459 29,620 109,830 111,856
Production in 2003 was higher than in 2002 due in part to higher market demand
for Antelope and Jacobs Ranch coal. These increases have been partially offset
by reduced production at Cordero Rojo as resources were diverted to ensuring
highwall and spoil pile stability.
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (a)
Total production and sales from the mines operated by Rio Tinto Coal Australia
in Queensland, Australia: Blair Athol Coal (Rio Tinto 71.2%), Hail Creek Coal
(Rio Tinto 92%), Kestrel Coal (Rio Tinto 80%) and Tarong Coal (Rio Tinto 100%).
(100% basis)
Blair Athol Coal mine
Thermal coal:
Production ('000 tonnes) 2,849 3,140 2,607 3,649 3,084 11,809 12,480
Sales ('000 tonnes) 2,913 3,237 2,689 3,179 3,473 12,304 12,577
Hail Creek Coal mine
Coking coal:
Production ('000 tonnes) - - - 221 661 - 883
Sales ('000 tonnes) - - - 114 622 - 736
Kestrel Coal mine
Thermal coal:
Production ('000 tonnes) 617 356 400 328 365 1,685 1,449
Sales ('000 tonnes) 135 404 163 145 177 505 889
Coking coal:
Production ('000 tonnes) 670 458 574 415 427 2,406 1,873
Sales ('000 tonnes) 394 122 274 331 357 1,478 1,084
Semi-hard coking coalLb)
Sales ('000 tonnes) 380 449 475 353 461 1,628 1,739
Tarong Coal mine
Thermal coal:
Production ('000 tonnes) 1,695 1,451 1,738 1,635 1,713 5,685 6,538
Sales ('000 tonnes) 1,503 1,635 1,614 1,623 1,749 5,422 6,620
Total Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 5,831 5,405 5,319 6,248 6,250 21,585 23,222
(a) In December 2003 Pacific Coal was renamed Rio Tinto Coal Australia.
(b) Semi-hard coking coal is a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal. The
product mix is customer dependent.
Hail Creek continued to ramp up production during the fourth quarter of 2003.
Lower Kestrel production in 2003 was due to mining a thinner seam and shorter
blocks resulting in additional longwall changeovers. Tarong sales were higher
following the commissioning of the Tarong North Power Station in the first
quarter of 2003.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER & GOLD
Alumbrera
Total production and sales at the Bajo de la Alumbrera mine (Rio Tinto 0% (a))
in Argentina.
(100% basis)
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 8,704 7,053 - - - 31,558 7,053
Average ore grades:
Copper (%) 0.69 0.54 - - - 0.70 0.54
Gold (g/t) 0.85 0.69 - - - 0.93 0.69
Concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 204.7 130.9 - - - 743.5 130.9
Copper in concentrates: -
Production ('000 tonnes) 55.6 34.9 - - - 203.7 34.9
Sales ('000 tonnes) 53.0 37.0 - - - 194.0 37.0
Production of gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 176 108 - - - 694 108
Production of gold in dore ('000 ounces) 17 16 - - - 60 16
Total gold sales ('000 ounces) 187 132 - - - 729 132
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 25% holding in Minera Alumbrera on 17
March 2003.
Escondida
Total production at the Escondida mine (Rio Tinto 30%) in
Chile.
(100% basis)
Sulphide ore treated ('000 tonnes) 14,631 16,744 16,416 18,888 18,299 46,536 70,347
Average copper grade (%) 1.59 1.49 1.62 1.33 1.31 1.58 1.43
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 191.8 210.8 230.9 208.2 197.1 622.6 847.0
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 35 37 43 52 52 126 184
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 864 1,050 1,200 1,251 1,227 2,981 4,728
Oxide ore treated ('000 tonnes) 3,164 3,408 3,188 3,569 3,537 12,774 13,702
Average copper grade (%) 1.18 1.10 1.11 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.06
Contained copper in leachate/mined material ('000 37 37 35 37 37 132 146
tonnes)
Refined production:
Oxide plant production ('000 tonnes) 33.3 35.5 36.8 37.3 38.0 138.7 147.6
Escondida mill production in 2003 reflected the start of the new Laguna Seca
concentrator in the fourth quarter of 2002. Lower ore grades during 2003
compared with 2002 were in line with the previously announced plan to constrain
copper production at Escondida.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Total production and sales at Grasberg (Rio Tinto 11.8% (a)) in Papua,
Indonesia, and Atlantic Copper (Rio Tinto 13.1%) in Spain.
(100% basis)
Grasberg mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 21,996 21,438 20,141 19,453 13,071 86,001 74,103
Average mill head grades:
Copper (%) 1.23 1.15 1.24 1.08 0.77 1.14 1.09
Gold (g/t) 1.44 1.26 1.95 1.79 1.00 1.24 1.54
Silver (g/t) 4.05 3.88 4.18 3.90 4.26 3.60 4.03
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 241.6 216.5 223.1 189.3 86.9 864.4 715.8
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 913 760 1,126 1,007 369 3,030 3,262
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,928 1,692 1,944 1,857 981 6,402 6,474
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (b)
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 234.6 210.7 212.1 184.7 85.5 833.2 693.0
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 902 742 1,080 980 369 2,934 3,171
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 1,487 1,315 1,485 1,431 763 4,916 4,994
(a) See note (h) on page 7 for details of Rio Tinto's 11.8% interest in Grasberg
and 40% interest in the expansion.
(b) Net of smelter deductions.
In the fourth quarter of 2003, copper and gold production and sales decreased
compared with the third quarter of 2003 and the fourth quarter of 2002 because
of a decrease in ore treated; this was due to the impact on mining operations at
the Grasberg open pit mine of a material slippage on 9 October 2003 and a debris
flow in the same section of the open pit on 12 December 2003. For the full year
2003, copper production and sales were lower compared with 2002 because of lower
copper ore grades and the impact of the material slippage. Gold production and
sales for full year 2003 were higher compared with 2002 because the higher gold
ore grades more than offset the impact of the material slippage. Near-term mine
sequencing operations are being directed to accelerating removal of waste
material from the south wall, where the material slippage occurred, to ensure
the restoration of safe access to the higher grades areas.
Atlantic Copper smelter
Concentrates and scrap smelted ('000 tonnes) 257.7 242.1 244.6 253.0 224.7 1,016.7 964.4
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (c) 77.2 72.4 74.3 78.6 65.0 298.0 290.3
Copper cathodes produced ('000 tonnes) 63.5 61.2 62.5 61.4 62.0 250.5 247.1
Copper cathode sales ('000 tonnes) (d) 65.0 62.9 63.6 57.7 63.8 252.4 248.0
(c) New metal excluding recycled material.
(d) Refers to copper cathode and wire rod sales.
Atlantic Copper results for full year 2003 were only slightly below full year
2002.
Kelian Equatorial Mining
Total production and sales at the Kelian gold mine (Rio Tinto 90%) in East
Kalimantan, Indonesia.
(100% basis)
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,953 1,844 1,833 1,995 2,180 7,313 7,853
Average ore grades:
Gold (g/t) 2.66 3.71 2.53 1.76 1.66 2.95 2.37
Silver (g/t) 4.55 5.83 5.11 4.39 4.40 5.11 4.90
Production:
Gold ('000 ounces) 121 184 124 79 82 539 469
Silver ('000 ounces) 75 112 96 66 73 348 347
Sales:
Gold ('000 ounces) 154 150 147 93 47 542 437
Silver ('000 ounces) 115 154 - 145 0 500 299
Ore treated during the fourth quarter of 2003 was greater than in the previous
quarter due to processing softer ore and the benefit of process improvements.
Low grade stockpiled ore was processed following exhaustion of higher grade
ex-pit ore in May 2003. Silver production was accumulated to build an economic
quantity for sale in the first quarter of 2004.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott Minerals Company
Total production at the mines of Kennecott Minerals Company in the US; Cortez/
Pipeline (Rio Tinto 40%) in Nevada; Greens Creek (Rio Tinto 70%) in Alaska and
Rawhide (Rio Tinto 51%) in Nevada.
(100% basis)
Cortez/Pipeline mine
Ore treated
Milled ('000 tonnes) 868 919 791 865 878 3,403 3,452
Leached ('000 tonnes) 2,924 2,538 3,261 5,507 6,161 10,837 17,468
Sold for roasting ('000 tonnes) 82 140 151 111 62 293 463
Average ore grade: gold
Milled (g/t) 6.14 8.92 5.83 5.55 5.61 7.43 6.53
Leached (g/t) 1.00 1.09 1.06 0.85 0.78 1.03 0.90
Sold for roasting (g/t) 8.66 7.83 6.63 5.87 5.86 8.61 6.71
Gold produced ('000 ounces) 256 317 254 249 264 1,082 1,085
Mill, roast and leach throughput increased in 2003. Total gold production in
2003 was slightly higher than in the prior year as a result of higher
throughput, although this was offset by lower grades.
Greens Creek mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 170 171 176 185 177 665 709
Average ore grades:
Gold (g/t) 6.81 6.31 6.97 6.20 6.19 6.96 6.42
Silver (g/t) 595 604 655 764 671 676 675
Zinc (%) 12.4 12.9 13.4 11.1 11.8 12.5 12.3
Lead (%) 4.4 4.6 4.7 4.3 4.7 4.7 4.6
Metals produced in concentrates:
Gold ('000 ounces) 25 23 27 25 24 103 99
Silver ('000 ounces) 2,454 2,491 2,801 3,518 2,897 10,912 11,707
Zinc ('000 tonnes) 16.9 17.3 19.0 16.6 16.1 66.5 69.1
Lead ('000 tonnes) 5.4 5.3 5.7 5.6 5.9 22.3 22.5
Mill throughput increased during 2003 as part of a five year plan to increase
mill capacity. Silver grade continued to improve in the second half of 2003
compared with the first half, as a result of mine sequencing and mining ore
zones with higher silver grade.
Rawhide mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,335 1,230 384 - - 5,385 1,614
Average ore grades:
Gold (g/t) 0.69 0.51 0.51 - - 0.96 0.51
Silver (g/t) 13.3 9.4 9.1 - - 14.2 9.4
Metals produced in dore:
Gold ('000 ounces) 19 14 17 17 15 82 64
Silver ('000 ounces) 134 127 158 131 114 688 530
Mining operations were completed in October 2002. Processing of stockpiled ores
was completed in May 2003. Residual gold production will continue from the leach
pads while site reclamation activities are underway.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott Utah Copper
Total production at Barneys Canyon, Bingham Canyon, and the Kennecott smelter
and refinery (all Rio Tinto 100%) in Utah, US.
Barneys Canyon mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) - - - - - 102 -
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) - - - - - 1.17 -
Gold produced in dore and concentrates ('000 ounces) 10 9 10 10 6 75 35
Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold continues to be
recovered from leach pads.
Bingham Canyon mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 10,625 10,929 11,284 11,904 11,988 40,720 46,105
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.71 0.68 0.67 0.72 0.64 0.69 0.67
Gold (g/t) 0.36 0.28 0.25 0.31 0.31 0.44 0.29
Silver (g/t) 3.02 2.99 2.67 2.88 3.53 3.42 3.02
Molybdenum (%) 0.026 0.022 0.020 0.028 0.038 0.034 0.027
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 279 282 287 298 280 992 1,147
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 24.6 22.9 23.6 25.9 25.5 26.2 24.5
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) 69.0 64.8 67.8 77.6 71.6 260.2 281.8
Gold ('000 ounces) 89 67 67 79 92 412 305
Silver ('000 ounces) 841 762 808 873 1,105 3,663 3,548
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): 2.6 2.2 2.3 2.1 2.2 11.2 8.8
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.1 6.1 4.6
Kennecott smelter & refinery
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 300 231 261 282 286 1,096 1,060
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) 79.0 53.7 53.2 69.9 66.3 293.7 243.1
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) 74.6 67.4 38.5 64.8 59.9 293.7 230.6
Gold ('000 ounces) (c) 105 96 65 66 81 488 308
Silver ('000 ounces) (c) 965 975 644 691 653 4,037 2,963
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
By-product grades for silver and molybdenum improved in the fourth quarter of
2003 but full year grades for by-products are still significantly lower than in
2002. As previously announced, lower by-product grades are expected to continue
until 2005. High arsenic levels have adversely affected recovery of molybdenum.
Higher gold recovery increased gold output in the fourth quarter, the copper
grade decreased due to mining sequence.
Anode production in both the first and second quarters of 2003 was affected by
the failure of the final absorption tower of the acid plant in March 2003, which
interrupted smelter production for three weeks. Refined copper production in the
fourth quarter of 2003 was lower than in the third quarter due to delays in
scrap remelting and ramp-up of a new production schedule.
Lihir Gold
Total production at the Lihir mine (Rio Tinto 14.5% (a)) in Papua New Guinea.
(100% basis)
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,063 933 924 987 1,082 3,828 3,926
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 5.44 4.92 4.65 4.88 5.26 5.46 4.94
Gold produced ('000 ounces) (b) 168 131 128 132 160 607 551
(a) Following an overnight placement of shares, Rio Tinto's interest in Lihir as
of 13 November 2003 was 14.5%. Further changes relating to Lihirian Trust and
Share Purchase Plan are anticipated in early 2004.
(b) Gold production represents quantity of gold poured.
Increased gold production in the fourth quarter of 2003 resulted from higher
plant throughput and improved head grade.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Northparkes Joint Venture
Total production and sales at the Northparkes mine (Rio Tinto 80%) in New South
Wales, Australia.
(100% basis)
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,331 1,306 1,315 1,284 1,263 5,364 5,168
Average ore grades:
Copper (%) 0.69 0.67 0.62 0.70 0.71 0.86 0.67
Gold (g/t) 0.31 0.31 0.32 0.45 0.70 0.35 0.44
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 20.1 20.1 18.7 18.3 17.9 103.2 75.1
Contained copper in concentrates:
Saleable production ('000 tonnes) 7.6 7.1 6.8 6.7 6.5 38.4 27.1
Sales ('000 tonnes) (a) 4.7 8.0 3.8 4.5 6.2 29.9 22.5
Contained gold in concentrates:
Saleable production ('000 ounces) 8.4 9.5 9.0 11.4 18.7 40.8 48.6
Sales ('000 ounces) (a) 6.0 13.4 6.0 6.4 12.4 30.7 38.2
(a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.
Copper production continued to reflect a lower realised head grade as transition
ore was sourced from lower grade open cut material. This trend will continue
until Lift 2 commences production in mid 2004 and reaches full production in
2005.
Palabora
Total production at Palabora (Rio Tinto 49.2%) in South Africa.
(100% basis)
Palabora mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 2,648 2,453 2,726 3,398 2,838 9,933 11,415
Average ore grade: copper (%) 0.56 0.59 0.60 0.53 0.63 0.63 0.59
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 35.7 35.3 38.2 43.5 46.3 167.9 163.3
Average concentrate grade: copper (%) 31.9 31.5 32.7 32.9 31.3 31.1 32.1
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 11.4 11.1 12.5 14.3 14.5 52.2 52.4
Palabora smelter/refinery
New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes) 59.7 57.5 73.7 64.0 72.5 258.6 267.6
New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (a) 18.9 15.8 20.1 19.4 21.3 82.3 76.7
Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes) 20.4 15.9 19.2 17.4 20.9 81.6 73.4
By-products:
Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes) 40 44 51 53 68 172 215
Refined nickel sulphate (tonnes) 85 61 27 26 38 314 152
Vermiculite plant
Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes) 59.8 51.2 53.9 32.5 35.6 223.5 173.2
(a) Contained copper in anodes; anode production includes a small amount
produced from purchased material.
Production from the underground mine improved by 20% to an average of 21,983
tonnes of ore per day during the fourth quarter of 2003, compared with an
average of 18,355 tonnes of ore per day in the third quarter. During the fourth
quarter, a production rate of 31,187 tonnes in one day, and a weekly rate of
26,528 tonnes per day were achieved.
Tonnage of ore treated during the fourth quarter of 2003 was in line with the
underground output. The ramp scavanging was completed in November. Copper in
concentrate increased with the improved head grades and recoveries. Total
concentrate smelted comprised run-of-mine production, smelter secondaries and
imported concentrate. Anode stocks available to the tankhouse increased to an
acceptable level.
Refurbishment of the batch plant resulted in increased nickel production.
Vermiculite production was stable and the reconfigured plant continues to meet
market demand. Production during the third and fourth quarters of 2003 was
reduced in order to lower supply chain inventory levels.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Peak Gold Mine
Total production and sales from the Peak Gold Mine (Rio Tinto 0% (a)) in New
South Wales, Australia.
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 144 144 - - - 610 144
Average ore grades: -
Gold (g/t) 5.13 5.23 - - - 5.52 5.23
Silver (g/t) 3.09 3.16 - - - 3.05 3.16
Copper (%) 0.21 0.13 - - - 0.29 0.13
Lead (%) 0.15 0.11 - - - 0.22 0.11
Zinc (%) 0.13 0.00 - - - 0.28 0.00
Bullion produced ('000 ounces) 23 23 - - - 105 23
Containing: -
Gold ('000 ounces) 20 20 - - - 92 20
Silver ('000 ounces) 3 3 - - - 12 3
Gold recovered in concentrates ('000 ounces) 0 - - - - 5 -
Total gold production ('000 ounces) 20 20 - - - 97 20
Bullion sales (fine gold) ('000 ounces) 22 20 - - - 93 20
Copper in concentrate ('000 tonnes): -
Production 0.0 - - - - 0.4 -
Sales 0.2 - - - - 1.0 -
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its wholly owned Peak Gold Mine on 17 March
2003.
Rio Tinto Brasil Limitada
Total production at Morro do Ouro (Rio Tinto 51%) in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
(100% basis)
Morro do Ouro mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 4,544 4,530 4,586 4,655 4,640 18,364 18,411
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 0.48 0.44 0.46 0.45 0.43 0.50 0.44
Refined gold produced ('000 ounces) 52 49 53 48 51 225 201
Production in 2003 was below 2002 due to lower grade and harder ores being
mined.
Rio Tinto Zimbabwe
Total production at Rio Tinto Zimbabwe's gold operations (Rio Tinto 56%) in
Zimbabwe.
(100% basis)
Patchway mine (a) (b)
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 15 19 19 - - 84 38
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 2.01 2.17 2.10 - - 3.19 2.13
Total gold produced ('000 ounces) 1 1 1 - - 7 2
Renco mine
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 65 49 60 64 61 253 234
Average ore grade: gold (g/t) 3.46 3.80 3.55 3.48 3.56 4.27 3.59
Total gold produced ('000 ounces) 7 5 6 6 6 31 23
Total Rio Tinto Zimbabwe
Total gold produced ('000 ounces) 8 6 7 6 6 38 25
(a) Includes low grade material.
(b) Rio Tinto Zimbabwe completed the sale of the Patchway mine in July 2003.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Somincor
Total production at Neves Corvo (Rio Tinto 49%) in Portugal.
(100% basis)
Neves Corvo mine
Total ore treated ('000 tonnes) (a) 423 425 474 354 447 1,756 1,700
of which, treated to extract tin ('000 tonnes) 2 - - - 10 16 22
Average ore grades:
Copper (%) 5.23 6.00 5.07 5.13 5.15 5.06 5.33
Tin (%) 2.87 - - - 2.46 3.31 2.16
Copper production:
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 81.7 93.8 85.5 66.2 84.0 319.4 329.6
Copper concentrate grade: copper (%) 23.7 23.9 23.5 23.2 23.4 24.2 23.5
Copper in concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 19.4 22.4 20.1 15.4 19.6 77.2 77.5
Tin production:
Tin concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 0.0 - 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.6 0.3
Tin concentrate grade: tin (%) 72.9 - 54.1 60.7 64.3 62.4 61.0
Tin in concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.2
(a) Total ore treated for both copper and tin production.
The reduction in total ore treated in 2003 was due primarily to incidents, in
July and September, in the hoisting shaft which caused shutdowns of hoisting and
of the processing plants.
DIAMONDS
Argyle Diamonds
Total production from mining operations at Argyle Diamonds (Rio Tinto 100% (a))
in Western Australia.
(100% basis)
Ore processed ('000 tonnes):
AK1 ore 2,525 2,509 2,305 2,601 2,372 10,103 9,787
Alluvial ore 348 - - - - 2,862 -
Total ore processed 2,873 2,509 2,305 2,601 2,372 12,965 9,787
Diamonds produced ('000 carats):
AK1 9,482 6,909 6,004 9,690 8,307 32,200 30,910
Alluvial 455 - - - - 1,319 -
Total produced 9,936 6,909 6,004 9,690 8,307 33,519 30,910
(a) Rio Tinto's interest in the Argyle Diamond mine increased from 99.8% to 100%
on 29 April 2002, following the purchase of the outstanding units in the Western
Australian Diamond Trust.
Ore processed and carats produced from the AK1 pit was in line with production
levels in previous quarters. Carats produced for the full year 2003 reflected
the processing of lower grade ore from the Northern Bowl, in accordance with
mining schedules. Production from the alluvial mining areas ceased in the fourth
quarter of 2002.
Diavik Diamonds
Total production from mining operations at Diavik Diamonds (Rio Tinto 60%) in
the Northwest Territories, Canada.
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) - 202 304 388 300 - 1,194
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) - 411 854 1,466 1,101 - 3,833
Ore processed and diamonds recovered during the fourth quarter of 2003 were
adversely affected by the processing of stockpiled lower grade ore from the A154
south pipe and material from the top of the A154 north pipe. The material at the
top of the north pipe appears very similar to the mud rich material encountered
at the top of the south pipe earlier in the year. Processing of ore from the
south pipe proper recommenced in the second half of December.
Merlin
Total production from the Merlin mine (Rio Tinto 100%) in the Northern
Territory, Australia.
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 217 204 33 - - 787 237
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 28 - 44 18 - 117 62
Ore mining and processing ceased during the second quarter of 2003. Mine closure
in accordance with relevant provisions set by the regulatory authorities was
progressed during the period.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
IRON ORE
Hamersley Iron
Total production and shipments for all the mines operated by Hamersley Iron (Rio
Tinto 100%). These mines are Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo,
Yandicoogina, Brockman (all Rio Tinto 100%) and Channar (Rio Tinto 60%); all in
Western Australia.
(100% basis)
Saleable iron ore produced ('000 tonnes):
Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price,
Marandoo, Yandicoogina and Brockman 13,121 13,616 15,900 16,079 17,462 57,563 63,056
Channar 3,233 2,832 2,442 2,713 2,361 10,594 10,347
Total production 16,354 16,448 18,341 18,792 19,823 68,157 73,404
Total shipments ('000 tonnes) 19,029 17,762 17,948 18,636 19,987 68,475 74,333
Operational efficiencies lifted Hamersley to new production records in the
fourth quarter of 2003, up 21% against the equivalent quarter of 2002 and 7.7%
higher than the full year total for 2002. Continued strong demand for the full
range of Hamersley products, driven by strong sales to China (up 20% on the same
quarter in 2002), and helped by some shipments through Robe's Cape Lambert port,
saw annual shipments also increase to a new record.
Iron Ore Company of Canada
Total production and shipments from the Carol Lake operations (Rio Tinto 58.7%
(a)) in Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada.
(100% basis)
Carol Lake operations
Saleable production:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 494 272 712 958 706 3,183 2,648
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 2,816 2,820 2,908 2,823 3,026 9,575 11,577
Shipments:
Concentrate ('000 tonnes) 605 290 570 664 1,093 3,151 2,617
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 3,461 1,963 3,761 2,820 3,767 11,537 12,311
(a) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in IOC from 56.1% to 58.7% on 20
December 2002.
The seaborne market for both pellets and concentrates remains tight on the back
of strong growth in Chinese iron ore imports. Pellet shipments for both the
fourth quarter of 2003 and for the full year were significantly higher than in
2002, driven by stronger seaborne demand and higher production. Concentrate
demand was also strong with fourth quarter 2003 shipments higher than in the
fourth quarter of 2002; full year 2003 shipments were lower than in 2002 due to
concentrate diversion to pellet production and production constraints in the
first quarter of 2003. All excess saleable product inventory was drawn down.
Saleable concentrate production was higher in the fourth quarter of 2003
compared with the fourth quarter of 2002, driven by higher crude ore production
resulting from improved mining and automatic train operations, better recovery
and on-going concentrator improvements. Pellet production in the fourth quarter
of 2003 was also higher than in the fourth quarter of 2002, mainly due to
productivity improvements and no furnace shutdowns. Total pellet production was
higher in 2003 than 2002 due to operational improvements and a very much shorter
plant maintenance shutdown (three days versus five weeks).
Rio Tinto Brasil
Total production at Corumba (Rio Tinto 100%) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Corumba mine
Total iron ore production ('000 tonnes) (a) 271 221 282 292 279 858 1,074
(a) Production includes by-product fines.
Production increased in 2003 compared with 2002 in line with increased sales to
Argentina and Europe.
Robe River Iron Associates
Total production and shipments from Robe River Iron Associates operations (Rio
Tinto 53%) in Western Australia.
(100% basis)
Pannawonica mine
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 8,639 8,055 8,361 7,583 8,035 31,306 32,034
Sales ('000 tonnes) 7,612 7,054 8,137 8,413 7,470 31,973 31,073
West Angelas mine
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) 1,847 2,917 2,678 2,996 4,510 4,554 13,102
Sales ('000 tonnes) 1,532 2,908 2,943 2,585 4,350 3,440 12,785
Production of Robe River ore from the Pannawonica mine was slightly higher in
2003 compared with 2002, with fourth quarter production 7% higher than in the
third quarter 2003, reflecting continued strong demand. Sales were lower than
in the previous quarter due to deferral of some shipments into 2004 as a result
of congestion at receiving ports.
Production at West Angelas reached a rate of 18 million tonnes per year in
December, and the mine is on schedule to reach its design rate of 20 million
tonnes per year by the end of the first quarter of 2004. Sales growth for West
Angelas product focused primarily on Japan, where all customers exercised their
tonnage options, and on further penetration of the Chinese market.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
NICKEL
Rio Tinto Brasil
Total nickel in matte production at the Fortaleza (Rio Tinto 100% (a))
in Brazil.
Fortaleza mine
Production (tonnes) 2,410 2,619 523 1,284 1,524 6,273 5,950
(a) Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 100 % interest in the Fortaleza nickel
mine on 16 January 2004.
Production in 2003 was affected by an alterations to mining methods.
Rio Tinto Zimbabwe
Toll refined metal production at the Empress Nickel (Rio Tinto 56%) in Zimbabwe.
(100% basis)
Empress Nickel refinery
Production (tonnes) 1,479 1,078 1,481 1,836 1,804 6,412 6,199
SALT
Dampier Salt
Total production of salt from Dampier, Lake MacLeod and Port Hedland (Rio Tinto
64.9%) in Western Australia.
(100% basis)
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 1,933 1,493 1,731 2,186 1,725 7,186 7,135
TALC
The Luzenac Group
Total talc production from Luzenac Group operations in Australia (Rio Tinto
100%), Europe (Rio Tinto 99.9%), and North America (Rio Tinto 100%).
(100% basis)
Talc production ('000 tonnes) 318 358 329 350 321 1,328 1,358
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
Rio Tinto share of titanium dioxide feedstock production in Canada and South
Africa.
(Rio Tinto share)
Titanium dioxide feedstock production ('000 tonnes) 319 290 319 291 293 1,274 1,192
Titanium dioxide feedstock production in the fourth quarter of 2003 was 8% below
that of 2002. Overall, owing to softer market demand, total output in 2003 was
6% lower compared with 2002.
OPERATIONAL DATA
FULL FULL
4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q YEAR YEAR
2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2003
URANIUM
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Total uranium production at Ranger (Rio Tinto 68.4%) in the Northern Territory,
Australia.
(100% basis)
Ranger mine
Production (tonnes U3O8) 1,428 1,256 1,490 1,133 1,255 4,486 5,134
Production of U3O8 in the fourth quarter of 2003 was higher than in the third
quarter of 2003 due to increased plant availability.
Rossing Uranium Ltd
Total uranium production at the Rossing Uranium mine (Rio Tinto 68.58%) in
Namibia.
(100% basis)
Production (tonnes U3O8) 488 20 678 904 799 2,751 2,401
The Rossing plant did not operate during the first quarter of 2003, while a new
coarse tailings conveyor was installed. During the first quarter, shipments and
sales were made from stock as planned. Since restarting in April the plant has
moved to a higher production rate in order to rebuild inventory.
ZINC
Zinkgruvan Mining AB
Total production at the Zinkgruvan mine (Rio Tinto 100%) in Sweden.
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 163 167 189 191 227 735 774
Average ore grades:
Zinc (%) 8.6 9.5 9.1 8.8 9.8 7.2 9.3
Lead (%) 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.8 5.0 3.8 4.7
Silver (g/t) 104 99 101 102 105 90 103
Production of zinc concentrate ('000 tonnes) 23.3 26.3 28.2 27.5 37.1 86.8 119.2
Production of lead concentrate ('000 tonnes) 8.5 9.1 11.0 11.3 14.4 36.0 45.8
Production of metal in concentrates:
Zinc ('000 tonnes) 12.9 14.7 15.6 15.1 20.3 48.0 65.7
Lead ('000 tonnes) 6.0 6.2 7.5 8.0 10.0 24.7 31.7
Silver ('000 ounces) 383 363 447 460 566 1,554 1,836
Zinc production in the fourth quarter of 2003 improved strongly as ore
production and grade increased. Lead concentrate production achieved a record
level.
EXPLORATION
Expenditure
Total pre-tax exploration expenditure charged to the profit and loss account for
the quarter ending 31 December 2003 was US$30 million compared with US$37
million in the comparable quarter of 2002. Total expenditure for the twelve
months of 2003 was US$127 million compared with US$127 million in 2002.
Ongoing Programmes
Country Commodity Programme Summary
Turkey Copper - Gold Rio Tinto passed its interest in the Copler gold project in Turkey
to joint venture partner Anatolia Minerals Development Ltd for a
consideration of 4 million shares, bringing Rio Tinto's
shareholding in Anatolia to 15% of issued and outstanding shares.
Exploration on several other properties in Turkey continued as
part of a continuing joint venture with Anatolia.
Peru - Chile - Copper Exploration drilling continued on copper porphyry targets in
Argentina southern Peru, northern Chile and Argentina. Invitations for
offers of interest to acquire Rio Tinto's interest in the Marcona
copper deposit in Peru were made to several companies.
USA Nickel Metallurgical testwork, environmental studies and community
relations work continue at the Eagle Project in Michigan in
preparation for an Order of magnitude study in 2004
Iran Gold Exploration drilling, metallurgical test work and resource
evaluation continued at the Dashkasan gold project in Iran.
Africa Diamonds Further drilling was completed on targets in Botswana.
Canada Diamonds Exploration continued on kimberlite targets in Ontario and
Nunavut.
India Diamonds Exploration drilling was carried out on granted reconnaissance
permits in Andhra Pradesh.
Australia Iron Ore - Bauxite Drilling of iron ore targets continued in the Hamersley Basin of
Western Australia and on bauxite targets elsewhere in the State.
Guinea Iron Ore Evaluation work continued at the Simandou project and an Order of
Magnitude study was initiated.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange