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Rio Tinto releases fourth quarter production results
17 January 2023
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm, said: "We were fatality free for the fourth consecutive year, as we continue to put safety at the forefront of everything we do. A number of operational records were achieved in the second half across the Pilbara iron ore mine and rail system. Deployment of our Safe Production System resulted in improved performance at those sites and overall production was higher versus 2021 across all commodities, with the exception of aluminium and alumina.
"The acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources strengthens our copper portfolio and demonstrates our ability to allocate capital with discipline to grow in materials the world needs for the energy transition and delivering long-term value for our shareholders. Copper guidance has been increased accordingly. We continue to invest in future growth, progressing the Rincon lithium project in Argentina and are working with our partners to progress the Simandou project in Guinea.
"We continue to work hard to transform our culture and invest in genuine partnerships. I am proud that we have reached new agreements with the Yindjibarndi and Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples in Australia, and the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation in Canada.
"In line with our new purpose of finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs, we will continue to progress our four objectives and strategy to strengthen the business, which will lead to profitable growth and continue to deliver attractive shareholder returns."
Production* |
| Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Pilbara iron ore shipments (100% basis) | Mt | 87.3 | +4% | +5% | 321.6 | 0% |
Pilbara iron ore production (100% basis) | Mt | 89.5 | +6% | +6% | 324.1 | +1% |
Bauxite | Mt | 13.2 | +1% | -4% | 54.6 | +1% |
Aluminium | kt | 783 | +3% | +3% | 3,009 | -4% |
Mined copper | kt | 131 | -1% | -5% | 521 | +6% |
Titanium dioxide slag | kt | 323 | +42% | +4% | 1,200 | +18% |
IOC** iron ore pellets and concentrate | Mt | 2.5 | +1% | -9% | 10.3 | +6% |
*Rio Tinto share unless otherwise stated
**Iron Ore Company of Canada
2022 operational highlights and other key announcements
• We continue to prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of our workforce and communities where we operate. We experienced our fourth consecutive year with no fatalities at our managed operations, and continue to work hard with our partners to achieve the same results at our non-managed assets and marine operations.
• Pilbara operations produced 324.1 million tonnes (100% basis) in 2022, 1% higher than 2021. Shipments were 321.6 million tonnes (100% basis), in line with 2021. Performance improvements continued across the system and we achieved record second half performance across the mine and rail system. We expect Gudai-Darri to reach its nameplate capacity on a sustained basis during 2023.
• Bauxite production of 54.6 million tonnes was 1% higher than 2021, despite equipment reliability issues at Weipa and Gove in Australia.
• Aluminium production of 3.0 million tonnes was 4% lower than 2021 due to reduced output at our Kitimat smelter in British Columbia, Canada and Boyne smelter in Queensland, Australia. The rate of pot restarts at Kitimat picked up in the fourth quarter and Boyne smelter cell recovery efforts continued. Recovery at both smelters is progressing with full ramp-up expected to be completed during the course of 2023. All of our other aluminium smelters continued to demonstrate stable performance.
• On 1 December, we commissioned the second tunnel (T2) to carry water into the Kemano Powerhouse in British Columbia, marking the end of the Kemano T2 hydropower project. The new, 16-kilometre tunnel produced its first megawatt of electricity in July 2022 after construction was completed in May 2022. Both T1 and T2 are now operating together, ensuring the long-term reliability of the power supply for our aluminium smelter in Kitimat and neighbouring communities.
• Mined copper production of 521 thousand tonnes was 6% higher than 2021 due to higher grades at Kennecott and Escondida, partly offset by lower grades and recoveries at Oyu Tolgoi as a result of planned mine sequencing. Unplanned maintenance was required at Kennecott in the fourth quarter of 2022 in our anode furnaces leading to extended downtime and continued poor anode production, likely to result in weak cathode production in the first quarter of 2023. Refined copper production at Kennecott will continue to be challenged due to the smelter and refinery performance, until we undertake the largest rebuild in nine years which is planned for the second quarter of 2023 and is expected to take approximately three months.
• On 16 December, we completed the acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd for a consideration of approximately $3.1 billion1, simplifying ownership of the world-class Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, significantly strengthening Rio Tinto's copper portfolio, and demonstrating our long-term commitment to the project and Mongolia. We now hold a 66% direct interest in the Oyu Tolgoi project with the remaining 34% owned by the Government of Mongolia through Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi. Cash consideration of approximately $2.9 billion was paid in December 2022. Oyu Tolgoi production for 2022 remains on a 33.52% Rio Tinto share basis.
• Titanium dioxide slag production of 1,200 thousand tonnes was 18% higher than 2021, due to community disruptions at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in South Africa in 2021, and continued improved performance of operations at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT), Canada. Production constraints related to nationwide electrical power loadshedding at RBM were experienced in the fourth quarter.
• Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) production of pellets and concentrate was 6% higher than 2021. Successful deployment of the Rio Tinto Safe Production System (SPS) at the concentrator was completed in the year, with record performance metrics achieved in the year, including monthly records for concentrate production and total material moved in the second quarter. Planning for SPS deployment at the pellet plant commenced in December.
• We achieved our SPS deployment target for 2022 with 30 deployments across 16 sites. Roll-outs are ongoing to continuously improve safety, strengthen employee engagement and sustainably lift operational performance across our global portfolio.
• As reported in the first half, higher rates of inflation have increased our closure liabilities with an impact to underlying earnings. This resulted in increased charges for the year of approximately $1.3 billion pre-tax within underlying earnings (first half 2022: $0.4 billion) compared with 2021, including a $1.1 billion full year increase in amortisation of discount (first half 2022: $0.3 billion), with the remainder impacting Underlying EBITDA.
• As part of the agreement reached with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in July, we paid the ATO additional tax of A$613 million for the period from 2010 to 2021 in August 2022.
• The sale of a royalty on an area including the Cortez mine operational area, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Gold Inc., for $525 million in cash, was settled in August. This amount will be recorded in 'Sales of financial assets' in the group cash flow statement and is therefore not included in Free cash flow.
• The sale of our wholly owned Roughrider uranium development completed in October for total consideration of $150 million, including $80 million in cash, will be recorded in 'Disposal of subsidiaries' in the group cash flow statement and is therefore not included in Free cash flow.
• On 30 November, we provided a detailed update at our Investor Seminar on execution of our strategy and evolution of our culture, including SPS and decarbonisation activities, to strengthen the business, grow in a decarbonising world and continue to deliver attractive shareholder returns. Capital expenditure to decarbonise our assets of an estimated $7.5 billion to 2030 is being prioritised and phased. This remains subject to Traditional Owner and other stakeholder engagement, regulatory approvals and technology developments. New long-term power contracts will also be required for the aluminium business to meet targets. Our incremental operating expenditure on building new teams and energy efficiency initiatives remains around $200 million per annum in addition to Research and Development investment.
• On 19 December, we announced the appointment of Kaisa Hietala as a non-executive director to the Rio Tinto Board, commencing 1 March 2023. Ms Hietala, a Finnish citizen, played a central role in the commercial transformation of Neste, the world's largest and most profitable producer of renewable products, as Executive Vice President of Renewable Products. She serves on the Boards of Exxon Mobil and Smurfit Kappa Group, and is Chair of the Board at Tracegrow, a private Finnish sustainable fertilisers company.
• All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share of production, unless otherwise stated.
1Based on a value of C$43.00 per share and a USD/CAD FX rate of 1.3618 as of 15 December 2022 and includes amounts we expect to pay in 2023.
2023 guidance
Rio Tinto share, unless otherwise stated | 2022 Guidance | 2022 Actuals | 2023 |
Pilbara iron ore (shipments, 100% basis) (Mt) | 320 to 3351 | 322 | 320 to 335 |
Bauxite (Mt) | 54 to 57 | 55 | 54 to 57 |
Alumina (Mt) | 7.6 to 7.8 | 7.5 | 7.7 to 8.0 |
Aluminium (Mt) | 3.0 to 3.1 | 3.0 | 3.1 to 3.3 |
Mined copper (kt) | 500 to 575 | 521 | 650 to 7102 |
Refined copper (kt) | 190 to 220 | 209 | 180 to 210 |
Diamonds (M carats) | 4.5 to 5.0 | 4.7 | 3.0 to 3.8 |
Titanium dioxide slag (Mt) | 1.1 to 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.1 to 1.4 |
IOC3 iron ore pellets and concentrate (Mt) | 10.0 to 11.0 | 10.3 | 10.5 to 11.5 |
Boric oxide equivalent (Mt) | ~0.5 | 0.5 | ~0.5 |
1At the low end of range.
2Oyu Tolgoi production for 2022 remains on a 33.52% Rio Tinto share basis. Subsequent to Rio Tinto's acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources which completed on 16 December, 2023 mined copper guidance now includes Oyu Tolgoi on a 100% consolidated basis and continues to reflect our 30% share of Escondida.
3Iron Ore Company of Canada continues to be reported at Rio Tinto share.
• 2023 production guidance is unchanged since November 2022 with the exception of mined copper. On a Rio Tinto share basis, mined copper production guidance changed from 550 to 600 thousand tonnes to 600 to 655 thousand tonnes. This reflects our increased ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from 33% to 66%. Our headline production guidance of 650 to 710 thousand tonnes now includes 100% of Oyu Tolgoi, in line with the consolidation of Oyu Tolgoi in Consolidated sales revenue and Underlying EBITDA in our group financial statements.
• Iron ore shipments and bauxite production guidance remain subject to weather and market conditions. Pilbara shipments guidance remains subject to progressing the ramp-up of shipments from new mines and management of cultural heritage.
Operating costs
• Our 2022 Pilbara iron ore unit cash costs are likely to end up slightly above the top end of our $19.5-21.0 per tonne guidance range, primarily due to inflation, diesel prices and labour costs.
• Guidance for 2023 Pilbara iron ore unit cash costs is unchanged at $21.0 to $22.5 per tonne, based on A$:US$ exchange rate of 0.70.
• Guidance for 2023 copper C1 unit costs is unchanged at 160 to 180 US cents/lb.
• Working capital has stabilised but remains somewhat elevated with commodity price volatility, higher raw material prices and global supply chain pressures.
Aluminium modelling
As reported in the first half of 2022, to assist with modelling of aluminium operating costs during a volatile price environment for raw materials we provide the following breakdown and sensitivities for the alumina and aluminium metal segments (Primary Metal and Pacific Aluminium). This excludes the effect of intra and inter segment eliminations on group profit. Higher raw material prices are also increasing inventory balances.
Alumina refining
Production cash cost (%) | FY 21 | H1 22 | H2 22 | FY 22 |
Bauxite | 39 | 32 | 30 | 31 |
Conversion | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 |
Caustic | 14 | 22 | 24 | 23 |
Energy | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
Total | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Input costs (nominal) | H1 21 Index price | H2 21 Index price | H1 22 Index price | H2 22 Index price | FY 22 Annual cost sensitivity impact on underlying EBITDA |
Caustic soda1 ($/t) | 274 | 535 | 675 | 595 | $10m per $10/t |
Natural gas2 ($/mmbtu) | 2.85 | 4.59 | 6.02 | 7.01 | $4m per $0.10/GJ |
Brent oil ($/bbl) | 64.6 | 76.3 | 105.9 | 93.8 | $2m per $10/bbl |
1North East Asia FOB | 2Henry Hub
Aluminum smelting
Production cash cost (%) | FY 21 | H1 22 | H2 22 | FY 22 |
Alumina | 41 | 42 | 39 | 41 |
Power | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 |
Conversion | 21 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Carbon | 15 | 19 | 23 | 21 |
Materials | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Total | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Input costs (nominal) | H1 21 Index price | H2 21 Index price | H1 22 Index price | H2 22 Index price | FY 22 Annual cost sensitivity impact on underlying EBITDA |
Alumina1 ($/t) | 288 | 369 | 395 | 328 | $64m per $10/t |
Petroleum coke2 ($/t) | 373 | 491 | 695 | 719 | $11m per $10/t |
Coal tar pitch3 ($/t) | 748 | 818 | 1,103 | 1,476 | $2m per $10/t |
1LME Australia | 2US Gulf FOB | 3North America FOB
Investments, growth and development projects
• Exploration and evaluation expense in 2022 was $897 million, $171 million (24%) higher than 2021, with continued ramp-up of activities in Guinea, Argentina and Australia. Our annual budget for greenfield exploration remains around $250 million, mainly focused on copper, with a growing battery minerals programme.
Pilbara mine projects
• We have safely completed required works and demobilised from our recently commissioned Pilbara mine replacement projects during the period. We expect Gudai-Darri to reach its nameplate capacity on a sustained basis during 2023.
• At Robe Valley, the Mesa A wet plant performance verification was successfully completed during the quarter and construction resources have demobilised from site.
• We have now received all primary environmental and Australian government approvals for the Western Range Iron Ore project (Greater Paraburdoo), a joint venture between Rio Tinto (54 per cent) and China Baowu Steel Group Co. Ltd (46 per cent). The joint venture remains subject to Chinese regulatory approvals. Rio Tinto commenced early works site mobilisation and major contracts for bulk earthworks and Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Piping, Electrical and Instrumentation have been awarded. Heritage surveying continued with final surveys planned for the first quarter of 2023.
• In addition, we continue to progress our next tranche of Pilbara mine projects including Hope Downs 1 Sustaining (Hope Downs 2 and Bedded Hilltop) and Brockman 4 Sustaining (Brockman Syncline 1). We expect to complete the Rhodes Ridge order of magnitude study in 2023.
Oyu Tolgoi underground project
• At the end of the quarter, a total of 19 drawbells had been fired. Drawbell progression accelerated as a result of improvement initiatives implemented by the Oyu Tolgoi teams, bringing projected first sustainable production from Panel 0 forward to the first quarter of 2023 (previously first half of 2023).
• At the end of December, shafts 3 and 4 sinking reached 378 metres and 507 metres below ground level, respectively. Operational safety sinking pauses have caused some delays against the 2022 reforecast1 to shaft sinking across the fourth quarter. Final depths required for shafts 3 and 4 are 1,148 and 1,149 metres below ground level, respectively. Construction of conveyor to surface works continued during the quarter with civil scope of works completed and other contractors mobilised to site.
• Study work for Panels 1 and 2 (which are required to support the ramp-up to 95,000 tonnes of ore per day) remains on track to be completed in the first half of 2023. It will incorporate any ventilation impacts due to the shaft 3 and 4 delays as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and reprioritisation of the mobilised workforce over the course of 2022, as previously reported.
• During the quarter, Rio Tinto and the Government of Mongolia continued to focus on supporting Oyu Tolgoi to reach the sustainable production milestone and continuing progress on the remaining measures contained in Mongolian Parliamentary Resolution 103 which enabled the agreement to reset the relationship and commence underground mining operations in January 2022.
• Rio Tinto now has a 66% direct interest in Oyu Tolgoi following the successful completion of the acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. This is allowing Rio Tinto to focus fully on strengthening its relationship with the Government of Mongolia and moving the project forward with a simpler and more efficient ownership and governance structure.
Other key projects and exploration and evaluation
• At the Resolution Copper project in Arizona, the US Forest Service continued work to progress the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and complete actions necessary for the land exchange. We continued to advance partnership discussions with several federally-recognised Native American Tribes who are part of the formal consultation process. We note the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision in November to re-hear the appeal before the entire bench of judges. This same court of appeal previously upheld the lower court's ruling, which denied Apache Stronghold's request for injunctive relief. While there is significant local support for the project, we respect the views of groups who oppose it and will continue our efforts to address and mitigate these concerns. Costs attributable to the Resolution project in 2022 were $122 million3.
• At the Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia, we continued to strengthen our relationships and advanced agreement making over the quarter with our host Traditional Owners, the Martu and Nyangumarta groups. Planned drilling, fieldwork and study activities continued over the period strengthening the development pathway ahead of applications for regulatory and other required approvals. Costs attributable to the Winu project in 2022 were $56 million3.
• At the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, negotiations towards the co-development of project infrastructure progressed with the December signing of a non-binding term sheet between Rio Tinto joint venture Simfer, Baowu Resources, Winning Consortium (WCS) and the Government of Guinea2. The term sheet further establishes the co-development principles following the incorporation of La Compagnie du TransGuinéen on 27 July 2022, and is a pivotal next step towards securing the shareholder agreement, cost estimates and regulatory authority approvals necessary to progress the co-development of rail and port facilities. Progress was also made on enabling works at Rio Tinto Simfer blocks 3 and 4 and the projected rail spur connection line. We also progressed land access agreements with communities and upgrade works to camp facilities. The award of contracts for key work packages continued in the quarter, including the major package tender evaluations for bulk earthworks and mine process plant equipment. Costs attributable to the Simandou project in 2022 were $189 million3.
• We continue to believe that the Jadar lithium-borate project in Serbia has the potential to be a world-class asset, that will support the development of other future industries in Serbia, acting as a catalyst for tens of thousands of jobs for current and future generations, and sustainably produce materials critical to the energy transition. We are focused on consultation with all stakeholders to explore all options related to the project's future.
• At the Rincon lithium project in Argentina, development of the three thousand tonne per annum lithium carbonate starter plant progressed. To optimise the process and recoveries, we continue to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from raw brine from the existing pilot plant operating at site. Early works construction activities progressed on phase one camp facilities with rooms for 250 persons completed. In the period, airstrip permits were received and contractors mobilised. Detailed studies for the full scale operation were advanced, and the exploration campaign progressed to further understand Rincon's basin and brine reservoir. We continue to engage with communities, the province of Salta and the Government of Argentina to ensure an open and transparent dialogue with stakeholders about the works underway.
• Costs attributable to Battery Materials were $161 million3.
1A cost and schedule reforecast was performed in June 2022 and estimates that $7.06 billion is required to complete the Hugo North 1 project (an increase of $0.3 billion beyond the 2020 Definitive Estimate). The 2022 Reforecast excludes impacts of COVID-19 restrictions arising after June 2022. The 2022 reforecast remains subject to Oyu Tolgoi Board approval.
2This followed notification to Rio Tinto and the Government of Guinea, of Baowu's earlier entry into a term sheet agreement with WCS in respect of an investment into WCS InfraCo and WCS MineCo (blocks 1 and 2) - an agreement welcomed by Rio Tinto. Baowu Resources Co. is a member of China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited.
3Costs are included in the total 2022 exploration and evaluation expense. Excludes amounts capitalised in the period.
Sustainability highlights
We are implementing the 26 recommendations of the Everyday Respect report in line with the management team's commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive Rio Tinto. We are creating an open and transparent environment which will make positive and lasting change and strengthen our workplace culture for the long term. We exceeded our leadership training target of 80% by the end of the year, achieving 91% completion. On 15 November, we announced the launch of an innovative pilot programme, 'Building Safe and Respectful Workplaces', with BHP and Fortescue, aimed at helping to eliminate disrespectful behaviour in the resources industry including sexual harassment, bullying and racism. The three companies have worked together with leading experts to design and develop the industry-first program aimed at educating new entrants to the sector.
On 30 October, we announced a partnership agreement with BHP to accelerate the development of technology that could significantly increase water recovery from mine tailings, and in turn reduce potential safety risks and environmental footprints associated with tailings storage facilities. The first project will involve testing the application of an innovative large-volume filter unit at a BHP copper mine in Chile, which would remove up to 80% of the water in the tailings stream before it is deposited in a storage facility.
On 6 December, we announced a collaboration with Oz Minerals and Boliden to unlock new and innovative technologies for managing tailings, helping the mining industry to further reduce risk while extracting the materials the world needs for the energy transition from what was previously regarded as 'waste'. The collaboration will support innovators by providing materials, funding, technical guidance and the potential for field trials at mine operations. Innovators will retain ownership of their intellectual property rights, with a licence to use those rights granted to the companies that support them.
Communities & Social Performance (CSP)
On 3 November, we announced an investment of A$5.6 million over five years into the Pilbara Cultural Land Management Project (PCLMP) that enables Pilbara Traditional Owners to work together to preserve their Country and culture and keep their people strong. The PCLMP has continued to evolve over the past two years as its members drive the design and development of a program to support cultural and conservation management across their native title determinations. On 21 November, we announced a A$250 million commitment to the State Government's new Resources Community Investment Initiative. An initial pipeline of projects has already been identified. We will work with Western Australian Government to further define the projects that we will contribute funding towards over the next 10 years.
On 27 November, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto agreed to create the Juukan Gorge Legacy Foundation after signing a remedy agreement regarding the tragic destruction of two rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in May 2020. Financial support will be provided to the Traditional Owner-led foundation to progress major cultural and social projects including a new keeping place for storage of important cultural materials. The agreement forms part of our commitment to remedying and rebuilding the relationship with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people.
On 9 November 2022, we signed an updated agreement with Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation. This agreement will deliver social and economic outcomes for future generations, and reflects our commitment to create more opportunities for Yindjibarndi people to participate in our operations.
On 15 December, Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation and Rio Tinto signed their first agreement named Kuessilueu, which means "the wind is turning" in Nelueun. This new agreement marks the beginning of a new era and sets the foundation for an innovative and sustainable partnership. Multidisciplinary teams will identify opportunities for collaboration and establish recommendations in six shared priorities areas - employment and training, business opportunities, cultural heritage and environment, partnerships, energy transition and governance. The goal is to finalise a long-term partnership agreement within 18 months to provide long-term shared benefits across the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region in Quebec.
In December, we released our revised Human Rights policy. The Policy has been developed to advance our human rights performance in line with our business objectives, values, emerging regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations. Building on our existing commitments, the revised Policy aims to strengthen our position to respect the rights of affected stakeholders and prevent and address our involvement in adverse impacts through our activities and value chain.
Key highlights from the quarter are outlined above, with further information available on our website.
Climate change, product stewardship and our value chain
On 30 November, we provided an update at our Investor Seminar on execution of our strategy and evolution of our culture, including Safe Production System (SPS) and decarbonisation activities, to strengthen the business, grow in a decarbonising world and continue to deliver attractive shareholder returns. Details were provided on projects underway to meet challenging decarbonisation targets to halve our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Six large emissions abatement programmes are focused on renewable power, process heat, diesel and the ELYSISTM zero carbon aluminium smelting technology to drive the transition to net zero by 2050, supported by high-quality nature based solutions. Capital expenditure to decarbonise our assets of an estimated $7.5 billion to 2030 is being prioritised and phased. This remains subject to Traditional Owner and other stakeholder engagement, regulatory approvals and technology developments. New long-term power contracts will also be required for the aluminium business to meet targets. Our incremental operating expenditure on building new teams and energy efficiency initiatives remains around $200 million in addition to Research and Development investment.
In the fourth quarter, we progressed initiatives to decarbonise our business and actively develop
technologies to decarbonise our value chains.
• On 22 November, we announced that we had proved the effectiveness of our low-carbon iron-making process using ores from our mines in Australia in a small-scale pilot plant in Germany. We are now planning a larger-scale pilot plant to further assess its potential to help decarbonise the steel value chain. The process, known as BioIron™, uses raw biomass instead of metallurgical coal as a reductant and microwave energy to convert Pilbara iron ore to metallic iron in the steelmaking process. BioIron™ has the potential to support near-zero CO2 steel-making, and can result in net negative emissions if linked with carbon capture and storage.
• On 30 November, we announced an intention to invest a further $600 million in renewable energy assets in the Pilbara as part of our efforts to decarbonise our Western Australian iron ore operations. The investment is intended to fund the construction of two 100MW solar power facilities as well as 200MWh of on-grid battery storage in the Pilbara by 2026. This is in addition to the 34MW of solar power installed at the recently commissioned Gudai-Darri iron ore mine.
• In November, during the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Rio Tinto and other industry participants signed various Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with the China Mineral Resources Group. Our MoU highlights areas we plan to collaborate which includes steel decarbonisation cooperation, creating long-term sustainable and efficient value chains, and mineral resource supply development including cooperation on international resource identification and development.
• In December, we signed a MoU with Mitsui & Co. to explore ways to reduce emissions across supply chains - from steel decarbonisation to alternative fuels for mining vehicles and shipping.
Our markets
Commodity prices found some support during the fourth quarter of 2022. The global economy continues to slow, but some external pressures have eased, with the change in China's stance on COVID controls, the fall in energy prices alleviating cost pressures, and markets anticipating a slower pace of interest rate hikes. Global supply chain pressures have also improved and freight rate pressures have eased. However, the Russia-Ukraine war continues to pose energy and food security risks, while fears of recession in the US and Europe remain.
• China continues to provide support to its economy on various fronts, including the infrastructure and property sectors. However, the end to COVID controls in December and the subsequent wave of COVID cases bring high volatility in the coming quarter, with increased short-term risks of supply chain disruptions and labour shortages. Although more financing is being provided, consumers remain cautious of the property market. The country's trade balance remains healthy, but slowing global demand poses downside risks to exports.
• The US economy has been more resilient than previously envisaged despite interest rate hikes. The labour market added more jobs compared to consensus forecasts, and the unemployment rate remained low. The Federal Reserve continued its tightening monetary policy with a 50 basis points hike in December, following four consecutive 75 basis point increases, and is expected to further tighten albeit at a slower pace until inflation rate is kept under control. Risk of a recession remains as consumer spending will likely be constrained by rising interest rates and depleted savings.
• The Eurozone economy showed signs of a downturn, as industrial activity contracted with persistent low demand while inflation remains high. The European Central Bank (ECB) tightened its monetary policy with the latest 50 basis point increase in December and is expected to continue into this year. Although the region reduced the chances of a winter energy crisis through rebuilding of gas inventories, uncertainty remains as the spill over impacts of the ban on Russian crude oil and refined petroleum set in.
• Iron ore Platts CFR prices rebounded 22% in the quarter, although the average price of $99/t in the fourth quarter was 4% lower than the third quarter. Market sentiment strengthened after Beijing released three stimulus packages in November to stabilise the real estate market by lifting all previously applied financing constraints on property developers. Prices trended above $110/dmt at year-end as China began dismantling its zero-COVID policy and gradually reopening the economy, while mills also started to replenish in-plant inventories ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. Steel demand recovery hinges on the country's ability to control the COVID outbreak.
• The LME cash aluminium price increased 8% in the quarter, although the average price of $2,324/t in the fourth quarter was 1% lower than the third quarter. The market was supported by low reported levels of inventories, and expectations of improving Chinese demand. In North America, shipments of extrusions and rolled products softened over the quarter, mainly on weaker extrusion shipments into the building and construction sector. Aluminium demand growth from renewables and Electric Vehicles (EVs) remains firm. LME stocks are now at their lowest level in 22 years, and Chinese warehouse stocks are at a six-year low.
• The copper LME price rose 10% in the fourth quarter to $3.80/lb, as market sentiment turned more positive on a series of supply disruptions and low and declining visible stocks, which remain at historically low levels. Price support came in the form of Chinese government policy changes such as in the property market and easing COVID-19 restrictions, together with demand growth in renewables and EVs, plus the return of the investor net long position in copper.
• The EV market continues to experience strong growth supported by China as lithium carbonate prices remain elevated on the back of strong global demand in the quarter. Short-term uncertainty is expected to remain as the global economy slows and rising interest rates dampen consumers' discretionary spending. Nonetheless, the long-term outlook remains favourable as governments continue their push for EV adoption.
Average realised prices achieved for our major commodities
| Units | H1 2022 | H2 2022 | 2022 | 2021 |
Pilbara iron ore | FOB, $/wmt | 110.9 | 86.0 | 97.6 | 132.3 |
Pilbara iron ore | FOB, $/dmt | 120.5 | 93.5 | 106.1 | 143.8 |
Aluminium* | Metal $/t | 3,808 | 2,870 | 3,330 | 2,899 |
Copper** | US c/lb | 447 | 362 | 403 | 424 |
IOC pellets | FOB $/wmt | 199.0 | 180.1 | 190.3 | 214.4 |
*LME plus all-in premiums (product and market).
**Average realised price for all units sold. Realised price does not include the impact of the provisional pricing adjustments, which negatively impacted revenues in 2022 by $175 million (2021 positive impact of $246 million).
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (Million tonnes) | Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump1 | 21.4 | +5 % | +1 % | 79.2 | +4 % |
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines1 | 35.1 | +9 % | +8 % | 123.6 | +3 % |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.6 | +43 % | +18 % | 5.3 | +3 % |
Robe Valley Fines | 2.5 | +24 % | +18 % | 8.3 | -2 % |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 15.2 | +5 % | +12 % | 56.6 | -1 % |
Total Pilbara production | 75.9 | +8 % | +7 % | 272.9 | +2 % |
Total Pilbara production (100% basis) | 89.5 | +6 % | +6 % | 324.1 | +1 % |
Rio Tinto share of shipments (Million tonnes) | Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Pilbara Blend Lump | 15.1 | +18 % | -1 % | 53.9 | +5 % |
Pilbara Blend Fines | 32.7 | +34 % | +3 % | 111.1 | +1 % |
Robe Valley Lump | 1.2 | +17 % | -3 % | 4.2 | +5 % |
Robe Valley Fines | 2.9 | +29 % | +21 % | 9.3 | -1 % |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) | 14.7 | +4 % | +8 % | 56.9 | 0 % |
SP10 Lump1 | 2.8 | -42 % | +71 % | 12.8 | -21 % |
SP10 Fines1 | 5.1 | -53 % | +34 % | 22.7 | +11 % |
Total Pilbara shipments2 | 74.4 | +6 % | +7 % | 270.8 | +1 % |
Total Pilbara shipments (100% basis)2 | 87.3 | +4 % | +5 % | 321.6 | 0 % |
Total Pilbara Shipments (consolidated basis)2, 3 | 76.3 | +6 % | +7 % | 277.6 | +1 % |
1SP10 includes other lower grade products.
2Shipments includes material shipped from the Pilbara to our portside trading facility in China which may not be sold onwards by the group in the same period.
3While Rio Tinto has a 53% net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron Associates, it recognises 65% of the assets, liabilities, sales revenues and expenses in its accounts (as 30% is held through a 60% owned subsidiary and 35% is held through a 100% owned subsidiary). The consolidated basis sales reported here include Robe River Iron Associates on a 65% basis to enable comparison with revenue reported in the financial statements.
Pilbara operations
We produced 89.5 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 75.9 million tonnes) in the fourth quarter, 6% higher than the corresponding period of 2021, and 6% higher than the prior quarter.
Fourth quarter shipments of 87.3 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 74.4 million tonnes) were 4% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021, and 5% higher than the prior quarter.
Performance improvements continued across the system during the quarter and we achieved record second half performance across the mine and rail system. We expect Gudai-Darri to reach its nameplate capacity on a sustained basis during 2023. System inventories at the end of December are healthy including strong blasted stocks, mine and port stocks.
Approximately 10% of sales in 2022 were priced by reference to the prior quarter's average index lagged by one month. The remainder was sold either on current quarter average, current month average, average of two months, forward month or on the spot market. Approximately 25% of sales in the fourth quarter were made on a free on board (FOB) basis, with the remainder sold including freight.
Achieved realised pricing in 2022 was $97.6 per wet metric tonne on an FOB basis, equivalent to $106.1 per dry metric tonne, at 8% moisture assumption. This compares to the monthly average Platts index for
62% fines converted to an FOB basis of $109.8 per dry metric tonne. In 2021, average realised pricing was
$132.3 per wet metric tonne ($143.8 per dry metric tonne).
In October, representatives of the Robe River Joint Venture partners, Rio Tinto, Mitsui and Nippon Steel, gathered in Perth to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the venture's first shipment of iron ore from the Pilbara to Japan. Since 1972, the Robe River Joint Venture has shipped more than 1.7 billion tonnes of iron ore.
China Portside Trading
Our iron ore portside sales in China were 4.8 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2022 (5.1 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2021), leading to a total of 24.3 million tonnes in 2022 (14.0 million tonnes in 2021). At the end of the December, inventory levels were 7.8 million tonnes, including 5.5 million tonnes of Pilbara product. In 2022 approximately 80% of our portside sales were either screened or blended in Chinese ports.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) | Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Bauxite | 13,181 | +1 % | -4 % | 54,618 | +1 % |
Bauxite third party shipments | 9,233 | +3 % | +2 % | 38,016 | +1 % |
Alumina | 1,941 | +2 % | +6 % | 7,544 | -4 % |
Aluminium | 783 | +3 % | +3 % | 3,009 | -4 % |
Bauxite
Bauxite production of 13.2 million tonnes was 1% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021, despite being 4% lower than the prior quarter due to equipment downtime at Amrun and Gove in Australia as well as lower production from Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG).
We shipped 9.2 million tonnes of bauxite to third parties in the fourth quarter, 3% higher than the same period of 2021.
Alumina
Alumina production of 1.9 million tonnes was 2% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021, and 6% higher than the prior quarter, as a result of the timing of shutdowns and improved processing performance at Yarwun in Queensland, partly offset by plant reliability and unplanned outages at Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL). Production at the Vaudreuil refinery in Quebec, Canada remained stable year on year.
As the result of QAL activation of a step-in process following sanction measures by the Australian Government, Rio Tinto has taken on 100% of capacity for as long as the step-in continues. This results in use of Rusal's 20% share of capacity by Rio Tinto under the tolling arrangement with QAL. This additional output is excluded from the production tables in this report as QAL remains 80% owned by Rio Tinto and 20% owned by Rusal.
Aluminium
Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 3% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021, and 3% higher than the prior quarter, as the rate of pot restarts at Kitimat picked up in the fourth quarter and Boyne smelter cell recovery efforts continued. Recovery at both smelters is progressing with full ramp-up expected to be completed during the course of 2023. All of our other smelters continued to demonstrate stable performance.
Average realised aluminium prices including both product and market premiums for value-added products
(VAP) and remelt increased by 15% to $3,330 per tonne in 2022 (2021: $2,899 per tonne). This is despite weakened pricing in the second half of 2022 with average realised pricing $2,870 per tonne versus $3,808 in the first half of 2022. The LME price increased by 9% to $2,703 per tonne (2021: $2,480 per tonne), whilst the mid-west premium duty paid increased by 12% to $655 per tonne in 2022 (2021: $584 per tonne). Our VAP sales comprised 50% of primary metal sold in 2022 (2021: 50%). Product premiums for VAP sales averaged $431 per tonne of VAP sold (2021: $230 per tonne).
The coal contracts for the Gladstone Power Station supplying power to the Boyne smelter in Australia were renewed in late 2022. We continue to support the potential development of multiple new wind and solar power projects that can, in parallel with firming solutions, start supplying power to our Gladstone assets through the Queensland grid by 2030.
COPPER
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) | Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Mined copper |
|
|
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|
|
Kennecott | 47.5 | -4 % | -6 % | 179.2 | +12 % |
Escondida | 73.0 | +5 % | -3 % | 298.6 | +7 % |
Oyu Tolgoi | 10.8 | -17 % | -11 % | 43.4 | -21 % |
|
|
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Refined copper |
|
|
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|
|
Kennecott | 36.1 | +42 % | -8 % | 148.3 | +3 % |
Escondida | 14.9 | +3 % | 0 % | 60.9 | +4 % |
Kennecott
Mined copper production was 4% lower than the fourth quarter of 2021 due to mine sequencing in an area of the pit with lower head grade.
Refined copper production was 42% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021 due to the furnace failure in September 2021 which led to the smelter being offline until the end of October. Unplanned maintenance was required in the fourth quarter of 2022 in our anode furnaces leading to extended downtime and continued poor anode production, likely to result in weak cathode production in the first quarter of 2023. Refined copper production will continue to be challenged at Kennecott due to the smelter and refinery performance, until we undertake the largest rebuild in nine years which is planned for the second quarter of 2023 and is expected to take approximately three months.
Escondida
Mined copper production was 5% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021 due to 7% higher concentrator feed grade in line with mine sequencing in the higher grade area of the pit, partly offset by lower throughput and the impact of road blockades in Northern Chile. Mined copper production was 7% higher than 2021 due to 9% higher concentrator feed grade and 18% higher copper recoverable from ore stacked for leaching due to higher volume of material stacked in both oxide and sulphide leach pads.
Oyu Tolgoi
Mined copper production from the open pit was 17% lower than the fourth quarter of 2021 due to lower copper grades and recoveries as a result of planned mine sequencing. Gold grades were significantly lower than the fourth quarter of the prior year (0.21g/t vs 0.38g/t), due to the mine sequence.
Provisional pricing
At 31 December 2022, the Group had approximately 221 million pounds of copper sales that were
provisionally priced at 368 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the first
half of 2023. This compares with 201 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2021, provisionally
priced at 436 cents per pound. Provisional pricing adjustments negatively impacted revenues in 2022 by $175 million (2021 positive impact of $246 million).
NutonTM
In December, Rio Tinto made a $15 million investment in Regulus Resources Inc. through its copper leaching technology venture, Nuton. Regulus and Nuton will jointly undertake copper sulphide leach testing utilising Nuton technologies with samples from the AntaKori copper-gold-silver project in northern Peru.
MINERALS
Rio Tinto share of production (million tonnes) | Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Iron ore pellets and concentrate |
|
|
|
|
|
IOC | 2.5 | +1 % | -9 % | 10.3 | +6 % |
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|
Rio Tinto share of production ('000 tonnes) | Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Minerals |
|
|
|
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|
Borates - B2O3 content | 141 | +20 % | +9 % | 532 | +9 % |
Titanium dioxide slag | 323 | +42 % | +4 % | 1,200 | +18 % |
|
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Rio Tinto share of production ('000 carats) | Q4 2022 | vs Q4 | vs Q3 | Full Year 2022 | vs Full Year |
Diavik1 | 1,319 | +14 % | +11 % | 4,651 | +21 % |
1Reflects 100% ownership of Diavik (previously 60%) from 1st November 2021.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
Iron ore production was 1% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021, despite the fourth quarter being 9% lower than the previous quarter, due to equipment availability at the loadout. Successful deployment of the Rio Tinto Safe Production System (SPS) at the concentrator was completed in the year, with record performance metrics achieved in the year, including monthly records for concentrate production and total material moved in the second quarter. Planning for SPS deployment at the pellet plant commenced in December.
Borates
Borates production in the fourth quarter was 20% higher than the corresponding period of 2021 with strong production rates and higher grades as well as improved equipment reliability versus the same period in 2021. There was some easing of supply chain constraints in the fourth quarter, enabling the business to achieve more than a 10% increase in container and rail shipments compared to 2021 levels. Production in 2022 was 9% higher than 2021, at its highest annual level in more than a decade.
Iron and Titanium
Titanium dioxide production was 42% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021 due to community disruptions at Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa in 2021, and continued improved performance of operations at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane, Canada. Production constraints related to nationwide electrical power loadshedding at RBM were experienced in the fourth quarter.
Diamonds
At Diavik, our share of carats was 14% higher than the fourth quarter of 2021 due to the benefit of our increased share of production since taking 100% ownership of Diavik from November 2021, partly offset by lower carats recovered due to lower throughput.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax and pre-divestment expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in 2022 was $897 million, compared with $726 million in 2021. Approximately 45% of this expenditure was incurred by Copper (includes Simandou), 28% by central exploration, 19% by Minerals, 7% by Iron Ore and 1% by Aluminium.
Our annual budget for greenfield exploration remains around $250 million, mainly focused on copper, with a growing battery minerals programme.
Exploration highlights
Rio Tinto has a strong portfolio of projects with activity in 18 countries across seven commodities in early exploration and studies stages. The bulk of the exploration expenditure in the fourth quarter of 2022 focused on copper in Australia, Colombia, Namibia, Peru, United States and Zambia diamonds in Angola and heavy mineral sands projects in Australia and South Africa. Exploration is ongoing for nickel in Canada and Finland and in lithium across all regions, with opportunities emerging in the United States and Africa. Mine-lease exploration continued at Rio Tinto managed businesses including Pilbara Iron in Australia, Diavik in Canada and Cape York in Australia.
A summary of activity for the quarter is as follows:
Commodities | Studies Stage | Advanced projects | Greenfield/ Brownfield programmes |
Bauxite |
| Amargosa, Brazil*, Sanxai, Laos* | Melville Island, Australia Cape York, Australia |
Battery Materials | Rincon Lithium, Argentina Lithium borates: Jadar, Serbia Nickel: Tamarack, US (3rd party operated) |
| Nickel Greenfield: Australia, Canada, Finland, Peru Lithium Greenfield: US, Australia |
Copper | Copper/molybdenum: Resolution, US Copper/Gold: Winu, Australia | Copper: La Granja, Peru, Pribrezhniy, Kazakhstan Calibre-Magnum, Australia | Copper Greenfield: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Finland, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Laos, Peru, Serbia, US, Zambia |
Diamonds | Falcon, Canada* |
| Diamonds Greenfield: Canada, Angola Diamonds Brownfield: Diavik |
Iron Ore | Pilbara, Australia Simandou, Guinea | Pilbara, Australia | Greenfield and Brownfield: Pilbara, Australia |
Minerals | Potash: KL262*, Canada Heavy mineral sands: Mutamba, Mozambique |
| Heavy mineral sands Greenfield: Australia, South Africa |
*Limited activity during the quarter. The Falcon Project in Saskatchewan, Canada, is currently in care and maintenance whilst Rio Tinto considers alternative commercial options, including potential exit.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Rio Tinto's financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Rio Tinto's products, production forecasts and reserve and resource positions and any statements related to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), are forward-looking statements. The words "intend", "aim", "project", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "believes", "expects", "may", "would", "should", "could", "will", "target", "set to", "seek", "risk" or similar expressions, commonly identify such forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Rio Tinto, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Rio Tinto's present and future business strategies and the environment in which Rio Tinto will operate in the future. Among the important factors that could cause Rio Tinto's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are levels of actual production during any period, levels of demand and market prices, the ability to produce and transport products profitably, the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on market prices and operating costs, operational problems, political uncertainty and economic conditions in relevant areas of the world, the actions of competitors, activities by governmental authorities such as changes in taxation or regulation, the risks and uncertainties associated with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 or other pandemic and such other risk factors identified in Rio Tinto's most recent Annual report and accounts in Australia and the United Kingdom and the most recent Annual report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or Form 6-Ks furnished to, or filed with, the SEC. The above list is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption caused by the outbreak of COVID-19. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Rio Tinto expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Rio Tinto's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Rio Tinto plc or Rio Tinto Limited will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.
Contacts | Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com |
Media Relations, UK
Matthew Klar M +44 7796 630 637
David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Americas
Simon Letendre M +1 514 796 4973
Malika Cherry M +1 418 592 7293 | Media Relations, Australia
Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739
Jesse Riseborough M +61 436 653 412 |
Investor Relations, UK
Menno Sanderse M +44 7825 195 178
David Ovington M +44 7920 010 978
Clare Peever M: +44 7788 967 877 | Investor Relations, Australia
Tom Gallop M +61 439 353 948
Amar Jambaa M +61 472 865 948
|
Rio Tinto plc 6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom
T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 |
Rio Tinto Limited Level 43, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia
T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 |
This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Steve Allen, Rio Tinto's Group Company Secretary.
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Classification: 3.1 Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State
Rio Tinto production summary
Rio Tinto share of production
|
| Quarter |
| Full Year |
| % change | |||||
|
| 2021 Q4 | 2022 Q3 | 2022 Q4 |
| 2021
| 2022
|
| Q4 22 vs Q4 21 | Q4 22 vs Q3 22 | 2022 vs 2021 |
Principal commodities |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumina | ('000 t) | 1,911 | 1,838 | 1,941 | | 7,894 | 7,544 |
| +2 % | +6 % | -4 % |
Aluminium | ('000 t) | 757 | 759 | 783 |
| 3,151 | 3,009 |
| +3 % | +3 % | -4 % |
Bauxite | ('000 t) | 13,095 | 13,680 | 13,181 | | 54,326 | 54,618 |
| +1 % | -4 % | +1 % |
Borates | ('000 t) | 117 | 130 | 141 | | 488 | 532 |
| +20 % | +9 % | +9 % |
Copper - mined | ('000 t) | 132.3 | 138.0 | 131.3 | | 493.5 | 521.1 |
| -1 % | -5 % | +6 % |
Copper - refined | ('000 t) | 40.0 | 54.1 | 51.0 | | 201.9 | 209.2 |
| +28 % | -6 % | +4 % |
Diamonds | ('000 cts) | 1,155 | 1,192 | 1,319 | | 3,847 | 4,651 |
| +14 % | +11 % | +21 % |
Iron Ore | ('000 t) | 72,561 | 73,726 | 78,415 | | 276,557 | 283,247 |
| +8 % | +6 % | +2 % |
Titanium dioxide slag | ('000 t) | 228 | 310 | 323 | | 1,014 | 1,200 |
| +42 % | +4 % | +18 % |
Other Metals & Minerals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold - mined | ('000 oz) | 73.9 | 58.2 | 55.7 | | 344.9 | 235.0 |
| -25 % | -4 % | -32 % |
Gold - refined | ('000 oz) | 31.5 | 30.5 | 30.3 | | 176.4 | 113.9 |
| -4 % | -1 % | -35 % |
Molybdenum | ('000 t) | 1.1 | 0.8 | 1.1 | | 7.6 | 3.3 |
| -1 % | +33% | -56 % |
Salt | ('000 t) | 1,471 | 1,674 | 1,458 | | 5,848 | 5,757 |
| -1 % | -13 % | -2 % |
Silver - mined | ('000 oz) | 1,108 | 1,040 | 1,042 | | 4,148 | 3,940 |
| -6 % | 0 % | -5 % |
Silver - refined | ('000 oz) | 516 | 571 | 512 | | 2,671 | 1,950 |
| -1 % | -10 % | -27 % |
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page or reported for the first time. Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures.
Rio Tinto share of production
| Rio Tinto | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | Full Year |
|
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|
ALUMINA |
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Production ('000 tonnes) |
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|
|
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Jonquière (Vaudreuil) | 100 % | 338 | 334 | 325 | 336 | 368 | 1,364 | 1,364 |
Jonquière (Vaudreuil) specialty Alumina plant | 100 % | 28 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 107 | 114 |
Queensland Alumina | 80 % | 727 | 704 | 697 | 662 | 678 | 2,964 | 2,740 |
São Luis (Alumar) | 10 % | 99 | 94 | 91 | 95 | 97 | 366 | 377 |
Yarwun | 100 % | 719 | 745 | 721 | 715 | 769 | 3,093 | 2,949 |
Rio Tinto total alumina production |
| 1,911 | 1,901 | 1,864 | 1,838 | 1,941 | 7,894 | 7,544 |
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ALUMINIUM |
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Production ('000 tonnes) |
|
|
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|
Australia - Bell Bay | 100 % | 48 | 46 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 189 | 185 |
Australia - Boyne Island | 59 % | 75 | 73 | 61 | 65 | 68 | 298 | 267 |
Australia - Tomago | 52 % | 78 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 76 | 305 | 302 |
Canada - six wholly owned | 100 % | 325 | 318 | 323 | 341 | 360 | 1,444 | 1,341 |
Canada - Alouette (Sept-Îles) | 40 % | 63 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 63 | 251 | 251 |
Canada - Bécancour | 25 % | 30 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 116 | 115 |
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) | 100 % | 52 | 50 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 203 | 202 |
New Zealand - Tiwai Point | 79 % | 67 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 264 | 267 |
Oman - Sohar | 20 % | 20 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 79 | 79 |
Rio Tinto total aluminium production |
| 757 | 736 | 731 | 759 | 783 | 3,151 | 3,009 |
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BAUXITE |
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Production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
|
|
|
|
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Gove | 100 % | 2,787 | 3,093 | 2,637 | 2,905 | 2,874 | 11,763 | 11,510 |
Porto Trombetas | 12 % | 416 | 240 | 308 | 393 | 391 | 1,366 | 1,332 |
Sangaredi | (b) | 1,704 | 1,765 | 1,946 | 1,953 | 1,588 | 7,109 | 7,252 |
Weipa | 100 % | 8,188 | 8,527 | 9,240 | 8,429 | 8,328 | 34,088 | 34,525 |
Rio Tinto total bauxite production |
| 13,095 | 13,625 | 14,131 | 13,680 | 13,181 | 54,326 | 54,618 |
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
Rio Tinto share of production
| Rio Tinto | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | Full Year |
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BORATES |
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Production ('000 tonnes B2O3 content) |
|
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Rio Tinto Borates - borates | 100 % | 117 | 123 | 137 | 130 | 141 | 488 | 532 |
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COPPER |
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Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
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Bingham Canyon | 100 % | 49.7 | 47.1 | 33.9 | 50.7 | 47.5 | 159.4 | 179.2 |
Escondida | 30 % | 69.6 | 68.2 | 82.3 | 75.1 | 73.0 | 279.5 | 298.6 |
Oyu Tolgoi (b) | 66 % | 13.0 | 10.2 | 10.2 | 12.2 | 10.8 | 54.6 | 43.4 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
| 132.3 | 125.5 | 126.4 | 138.0 | 131.3 | 493.5 | 521.1 |
Refined production ('000 tonnes) |
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Escondida | 30 % | 14.5 | 14.4 | 16.7 | 14.9 | 14.9 | 58.6 | 60.9 |
Rio Tinto Kennecott (c) | 100 % | 25.5 | 40.2 | 32.7 | 39.2 | 36.1 | 143.3 | 148.3 |
Rio Tinto total refined production |
| 40.0 | 54.7 | 49.4 | 54.1 | 51.0 | 201.9 | 209.2 |
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Production data in the table represent 33.52% ownership in Oyu Tolgoi. On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from 33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production will be updated to reflect this change. We will also separately report production from open pit and underground operations.
(c) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, including 4.8 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased concentrate in year-to-date 2022. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded from reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
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DIAMONDS |
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Production ('000 carats) |
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Diavik (a) | 100 % | 1,155 | 991 | 1,149 | 1,192 | 1,319 | 3,847 | 4,651 |
(a) On 17 November 2021, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Diavik increased from 60% to 100%. Production is reported including this change from 1 November 2021. | ||||||||
GOLD |
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Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) |
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Bingham Canyon | 100 % | 34.7 | 37.8 | 22.8 | 32.5 | 29.7 | 139.5 | 122.7 |
Escondida | 30 % | 12.9 | 10.9 | 13.7 | 11.5 | 14.5 | 48.5 | 50.6 |
Oyu Tolgoi (b) | 66 % | 26.3 | 19.8 | 16.0 | 14.3 | 11.5 | 156.9 | 61.6 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
| 73.9 | 68.5 | 52.5 | 58.2 | 55.7 | 344.9 | 235.0 |
Refined production ('000 ounces) |
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|
Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100 % | 31.5 | 32.2 | 20.9 | 30.5 | 30.3 | 176.4 | 113.9 |
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Production data in the table represent 33.52% ownership in Oyu Tolgoi. On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from 33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production will be updated to reflect this change. We will also separately report production from open pit and underground operations.
Rio Tinto share of production
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year 2021 | Full Year |
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IRON ORE |
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Production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
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Hamersley mines | (b) | 55,049 | 47,678 | 52,636 | 56,650 | 61,339 | 210,329 | 218,304 |
Hope Downs | 50 % | 6,567 | 5,830 | 6,385 | 6,264 | 5,945 | 24,642 | 24,425 |
Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59 % | 2,498 | 2,404 | 2,603 | 2,776 | 2,530 | 9,727 | 10,312 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53 % | 3,196 | 2,774 | 3,054 | 3,540 | 4,178 | 13,514 | 13,546 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53 % | 5,252 | 3,779 | 3,961 | 4,496 | 4,424 | 18,345 | 16,660 |
Rio Tinto iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
| 72,561 | 62,465 | 68,640 | 73,726 | 78,415 | 276,557 | 283,247 |
Breakdown of Production: |
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Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (c) |
| 20,374 | 17,081 | 19,309 | 21,317 | 21,443 | 76,431 | 79,152 |
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (c) |
| 32,081 | 25,658 | 30,240 | 32,592 | 35,097 | 119,947 | 123,587 |
Robe Valley Lump |
| 1,152 | 1,051 | 1,180 | 1,389 | 1,645 | 5,102 | 5,264 |
Robe Valley Fines |
| 2,044 | 1,724 | 1,874 | 2,151 | 2,533 | 8,412 | 8,281 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
| 14,412 | 14,548 | 13,433 | 13,501 | 15,168 | 56,938 | 56,650 |
Pilbara iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
| 70,063 | 60,061 | 66,037 | 70,951 | 75,886 | 266,830 | 272,934 |
IOC Concentrate |
| 1,009 | 962 | 1,282 | 1,237 | 1,186 | 3,863 | 4,667 |
IOC Pellets |
| 1,489 | 1,442 | 1,321 | 1,539 | 1,343 | 5,864 | 5,646 |
IOC iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
| 2,498 | 2,404 | 2,603 | 2,776 | 2,530 | 9,727 | 10,312 |
Breakdown of Shipments: |
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Pilbara Blend Lump |
| 12,832 | 10,809 | 12,684 | 15,301 | 15,089 | 51,522 | 53,883 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
| 24,308 | 21,698 | 25,156 | 31,597 | 32,659 | 109,569 | 111,110 |
Robe Valley Lump |
| 1,061 | 675 | 971 | 1,281 | 1,244 | 3,981 | 4,171 |
Robe Valley Fines |
| 2,237 | 1,731 | 2,309 | 2,392 | 2,896 | 9,395 | 9,329 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
| 14,121 | 14,487 | 14,201 | 13,530 | 14,661 | 56,889 | 56,880 |
SP10 Lump (c) |
| 4,841 | 3,827 | 4,456 | 1,647 | 2,824 | 16,078 | 12,753 |
SP10 Fines (c) |
| 10,684 | 7,067 | 6,775 | 3,766 | 5,062 | 20,487 | 22,672 |
Pilbara iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) |
| 70,084 | 60,295 | 66,552 | 69,515 | 74,435 | 267,921 | 270,798 |
Pilbara iron ore shipments - consolidated basis ('000 tonnes) (d) (f) | 71,972 | 61,818 | 68,114 | 71,379 | 76,303 | 275,161 | 277,613 | |
IOC Concentrate |
| 989 | 600 | 1,083 | 1,316 | 1,174 | 4,110 | 4,174 |
IOC Pellets |
| 1,711 | 1,412 | 1,484 | 1,443 | 1,036 | 5,865 | 5,375 |
IOC Iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) |
| 2,700 | 2,012 | 2,567 | 2,759 | 2,210 | 9,976 | 9,548 |
Rio Tinto iron ore shipments ('000 tonnes) (d) |
| 72,784 | 62,307 | 69,119 | 72,274 | 76,645 | 277,897 | 280,346 |
Rio Tinto iron ore sales ('000 tonnes) (e) |
| 69,489 | 66,683 | 71,263 | 74,587 | 75,337 | 273,153 | 287,871 |
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Western Turner Syncline, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass, Channar, Gudai-Darri and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Channar mine increased from 60% to 100%, following conclusion of its joint venture with Sinosteel Corporation upon reaching planned 290 million tonnes production on 22 October 2020.
(c) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(d) Shipments includes material shipped to our portside trading facility in China which may not be sold onwards in the same period.
(e) Represents the difference between amounts shipped to portside trading and onward sales from portside trading, and third party volumes sold.
(f) While Rio Tinto has a 53% net beneficial interest in Robe River Iron Associates, it recognises 65% of the assets, liabilities, sales revenues and expenses in its accounts (as 30% is held through a 60% owned subsidiary and 35% is held through a 100% owned subsidiary). The consolidated basis sales reported here include Robe River Iron Associates on a 65% basis to enable comparison with revenue reported in the financial statements.
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Rio Tinto share of production
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year 2021 | Full Year |
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MOLYBDENUM |
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Mine production ('000 tonnes) (a) |
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Bingham Canyon | 100 % | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 7.6 | 3.3 |
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
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SALT |
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Production ('000 tonnes) |
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Dampier Salt | 68 % | 1,471 | 1,595 | 1,030 | 1,674 | 1,458 | 5,848 | 5,757 |
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SILVER |
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Mine production ('000 ounces) (a) |
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Bingham Canyon | 100 % | 589 | 561 | 385 | 591 | 521 | 2,228 | 2,057 |
Escondida | 30 % | 439 | 381 | 393 | 363 | 453 | 1,591 | 1,590 |
Oyu Tolgoi (b) | 66 % | 80 | 71 | 67 | 86 | 68 | 328 | 292 |
Rio Tinto total mine production |
| 1,108 | 1,012 | 846 | 1,040 | 1,042 | 4,148 | 3,940 |
Refined production ('000 ounces) |
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Rio Tinto Kennecott | 100 % | 516 | 577 | 290 | 571 | 512 | 2,671 | 1,950 |
(a) Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or doré bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined onsite, except for the data for bauxite and iron ore which represent production of marketable quantities of ore plus concentrates and pellets.
(b) Production data in the table represent 33.52% ownership in Oyu Tolgoi. On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from 33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production will be updated to reflect this change. We will also separately report production from open pit and underground operations.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG |
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Production ('000 tonnes) |
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Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium (a) | 100 % | 228 | 273 | 293 | 310 | 323 | 1,014 | 1,200 |
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
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Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the year to date figures.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022.
Rio Tinto operational data
| Rio Tinto | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | Full Year |
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ALUMINA |
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Smelter Grade Alumina - Aluminium Group |
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Alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
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Australia |
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Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland | 80 % | 909 | 880 | 871 | 827 | 847 | 3,705 | 3,425 |
Yarwun refinery - Queensland | 100 % | 719 | 745 | 721 | 715 | 769 | 3,093 | 2,949 |
Brazil |
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São Luis (Alumar) refinery | 10 % | 993 | 940 | 910 | 946 | 975 | 3,662 | 3,771 |
Canada |
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Jonquière (Vaudreuil) refinery - Quebec (a) | 100 % | 338 | 334 | 325 | 336 | 368 | 1,364 | 1,364 |
(a) Jonquière's (Vaudreuil's) production shows smelter grade alumina only and excludes hydrate produced and used for specialty alumina.
Speciality Alumina - Aluminium Group |
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Speciality alumina production ('000 tonnes) |
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Canada |
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Jonquière (Vaudreuil) plant - Quebec | 100 % | 28 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 107 | 114 |
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022. The data represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year | Full Year |
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ALUMINIUM |
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Primary Aluminium |
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Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes) |
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Australia |
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Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania | 100 % | 48 | 46 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 189 | 185 |
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland | 59 % | 126 | 123 | 103 | 110 | 114 | 502 | 450 |
Tomago smelter - New South Wales | 52 % | 150 | 145 | 145 | 148 | 147 | 592 | 586 |
Canada |
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Alma smelter - Quebec | 100 % | 119 | 117 | 121 | 122 | 122 | 471 | 482 |
Alouette (Sept-Îles) smelter - Quebec | 40 % | 157 | 154 | 157 | 159 | 158 | 629 | 628 |
Arvida smelter - Quebec | 100 % | 43 | 42 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 168 | 171 |
Arvida AP60 smelter - Quebec | 100 % | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 60 | 58 |
Bécancour smelter - Quebec | 25 % | 119 | 111 | 117 | 116 | 116 | 463 | 459 |
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec | 100 % | 58 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 58 | 230 | 232 |
Kitimat smelter - British Columbia | 100 % | 25 | 25 | 26 | 38 | 57 | 263 | 145 |
Laterrière smelter - Quebec | 100 % | 64 | 63 | 63 | 64 | 64 | 252 | 253 |
Iceland |
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ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter | 100 % | 52 | 50 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 203 | 202 |
New Zealand |
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Tiwai Point smelter | 79 % | 85 | 83 | 83 | 85 | 85 | 333 | 336 |
Oman |
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Sohar smelter | 20 % | 100 | 97 | 98 | 100 | 100 | 395 | 395 |
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022. The data represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year | Full Year |
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BAUXITE |
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Bauxite production ('000 tonnes) |
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Australia |
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Gove mine - Northern Territory | 100 % | 2,787 | 3,093 | 2,637 | 2,905 | 2,874 | 11,763 | 11,510 |
Weipa mine - Queensland | 100 % | 8,188 | 8,527 | 9,240 | 8,429 | 8,328 | 34,088 | 34,525 |
Brazil |
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Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine | 12 % | 3,469 | 2,000 | 2,569 | 3,275 | 3,256 | 11,383 | 11,100 |
Guinea |
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Sangaredi mine (a) | 23 % | 3,786 | 3,922 | 4,323 | 4,339 | 3,530 | 15,797 | 16,115 |
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Rio Tinto share of bauxite shipments |
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Share of total bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) |
| 13,031 | 13,876 | 14,054 | 13,294 | 13,561 | 54,278 | 54,784 |
Share of third party bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) | 8,988 | 10,135 | 9,599 | 9,049 | 9,233 | 37,596 | 38,016 |
(a) Rio Tinto has a 22.95% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but benefits from 45.0% of production.
| Rio Tinto | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | Full Year |
BORATES |
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Rio Tinto Borates - borates | 100 % |
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US |
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Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) |
| 117 | 123 | 137 | 130 | 141 | 488 | 532 |
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year | Full Year |
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COPPER & GOLD |
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Escondida | 30 % |
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Chile |
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Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) |
| 35,787 | 30,235 | 34,318 | 32,894 | 33,911 | 133,872 | 131,358 |
Average copper grade (%) |
| 0.71 | 0.81 | 0.87 | 0.83 | 0.76 | 0.75 | 0.82 |
Mill production (metals in concentrates): |
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Contained copper ('000 tonnes) |
| 203.6 | 191.5 | 239.5 | 214.6 | 212.8 | 815.5 | 858.4 |
Contained gold ('000 ounces) |
| 42.9 | 36.3 | 45.8 | 38.2 | 48.4 | 161.7 | 168.7 |
Contained silver ('000 ounces) |
| 1,462 | 1,270 | 1,311 | 1,210 | 1,510 | 5,305 | 5,301 |
Recoverable copper in ore stacked for leaching ('000 tonnes) (a) | 28.4 | 35.9 | 34.8 | 35.8 | 30.4 | 116.3 | 136.9 | |
Refined production from leach plants: |
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Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) |
| 48.4 | 48.1 | 55.7 | 49.6 | 49.7 | 195.3 | 203.1 |
(a) The calculation of copper in material mined for leaching is based on ore stacked at the leach pad.
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022. The data represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year | Full Year |
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COPPER & GOLD (continued) |
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Rio Tinto Kennecott |
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Bingham Canyon mine | 100 % |
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Utah, US |
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Ore treated ('000 tonnes) |
| 9,809 | 10,130 | 6,862 | 10,125 | 10,449 | 37,776 | 37,565 |
Average ore grade: |
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Copper (%) |
| 0.55 | 0.51 | 0.55 | 0.56 | 0.52 | 0.47 | 0.53 |
Gold (g/t) |
| 0.21 | 0.19 | 0.17 | 0.16 | 0.14 | 0.21 | 0.16 |
Silver (g/t) |
| 2.55 | 2.36 | 2.39 | 2.50 | 2.20 | 2.57 | 2.36 |
Molybdenum (%) |
| 0.020 | 0.021 | 0.017 | 0.021 | 0.020 | 0.029 | 0.020 |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) |
| 187 | 176 | 136 | 192 | 184 | 648 | 688 |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) |
| 26.3 | 26.8 | 24.9 | 26.2 | 25.6 | 24.5 | 26.0 |
Production of metals in copper concentrates: |
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Copper ('000 tonnes) (a) |
| 49.7 | 47.1 | 33.9 | 50.7 | 47.5 | 159.4 | 179.2 |
Gold ('000 ounces) |
| 34.7 | 37.8 | 22.8 | 32.5 | 29.7 | 139.5 | 122.7 |
Silver ('000 ounces) |
| 589 | 561 | 385 | 591 | 521 | 2,228 | 2,057 |
Molybdenum concentrates produced ('000 tonnes): |
| 2.2 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 14.8 | 6.8 |
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
| 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 7.6 | 3.3 |
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Kennecott smelter & refinery | 100 % |
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Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) |
| 157 | 213 | 152 | 166 | 194 | 665 | 725 |
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (b) |
| 32.9 | 45.8 | 27.9 | 46.2 | 24.5 | 142.5 | 144.5 |
Production of refined metal: |
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Copper ('000 tonnes) (c) |
| 25.5 | 40.2 | 32.7 | 39.2 | 36.1 | 143.3 | 148.3 |
Gold ('000 ounces) (d) |
| 31.5 | 32.2 | 20.9 | 30.5 | 30.3 | 176.4 | 113.9 |
Silver ('000 ounces) (d) |
| 516 | 577 | 290 | 571 | 512 | 2,671 | 1,950 |
(a) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(b) New metal excluding recycled material.
(c) We continue to process third party concentrate to optimise smelter utilisation, including 4.8 thousand tonnes of cathode produced from purchased concentrate in year-to-date 2022. Purchased and tolled copper concentrates are excluded from reported production figures and production guidance. Sales of cathodes produced from purchased concentrate are included in reported revenues.
(d) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022. The data represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year | Full Year |
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COPPER & GOLD (continued) |
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Turquoise Hill Resources |
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Oyu Tolgoi mine (a) | 66 % |
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Mongolia |
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Ore Treated ('000 tonnes) |
| 10,573 | 9,581 | 9,685 | 10,685 | 9,411 | 39,124 | 39,361 |
Average mill head grades: |
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Copper (%) |
| 0.46 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.42 | 0.45 | 0.50 | 0.42 |
Gold (g/t) |
| 0.38 | 0.32 | 0.26 | 0.22 | 0.21 | 0.54 | 0.25 |
Silver (g/t) |
| 1.27 | 1.25 | 1.15 | 1.32 | 1.21 | 1.26 | 1.24 |
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) |
| 182.7 | 144.3 | 146.0 | 173.6 | 151.9 | 749.6 | 615.8 |
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) |
| 21.3 | 21.0 | 20.9 | 20.9 | 21.3 | 21.7 | 21.0 |
Production of metals in concentrates: |
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Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
| 38.9 | 30.3 | 30.6 | 36.3 | 32.3 | 163.0 | 129.5 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
| 78.6 | 59.2 | 47.6 | 42.7 | 34.2 | 468.1 | 183.8 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
| 239 | 211 | 201 | 256 | 204 | 977 | 871 |
Sales of metals in concentrates: |
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Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
| 34.4 | 29.9 | 35.3 | 41.8 | 25.3 | 139.4 | 132.3 |
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
| 102.2 | 57.4 | 67.9 | 56.0 | 26.2 | 434.7 | 207.5 |
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) |
| 192 | 179 | 224 | 282 | 152 | 783 | 836 |
(a) Production data in the table represent 33.52% ownership in Oyu Tolgoi. On 16 December 2022, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of 100% of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd, increasing our ownership in Oyu Tolgoi from 33.52% to 66%. From 1 January 2023, our share of production will be updated to reflect this change. We will also separately report production from open pit and underground operations.
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | Full Year | Full Year |
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DIAMONDS |
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Diavik Diamonds (a) | 100 % |
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Northwest Territories, Canada |
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Ore processed ('000 tonnes) |
| 596 | 496 | 537 | 590 | 535 | 2,540 | 2,158 |
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) |
| 1,356 | 991 | 1,149 | 1,192 | 1,319 | 5,843 | 4,651 |
(a) On 17 November 2021, Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Diavik increased from 60% to 100%. Production is reported including this change from 1 November 2021.
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022. The data represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | Full Year |
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IRON ORE |
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Rio Tinto Iron Ore |
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Western Australia |
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Pilbara Operations |
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Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) |
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Hamersley mines | (a) | 55,049 | 47,678 | 52,636 | 56,650 | 61,339 | 210,329 | 218,304 |
Hope Downs | 50 % | 13,133 | 11,660 | 12,771 | 12,529 | 11,891 | 49,284 | 48,850 |
Robe River - Pannawonica (Mesas J and A) | 53 % | 6,031 | 5,234 | 5,762 | 6,679 | 7,882 | 25,497 | 25,558 |
Robe River - West Angelas | 53 % | 9,909 | 7,130 | 7,474 | 8,484 | 8,347 | 34,613 | 31,435 |
Total production ('000 tonnes) |
| 84,122 | 71,703 | 78,643 | 84,342 | 89,458 | 319,724 | 324,146 |
Breakdown of total production: |
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Pilbara Blend and SP10 Lump (b) |
| 24,998 | 20,827 | 23,228 | 25,452 | 25,251 | 92,463 | 94,758 |
Pilbara Blend and SP10 Fines (b) |
| 38,681 | 31,094 | 36,220 | 38,709 | 41,158 | 144,826 | 147,180 |
Robe Valley Lump |
| 2,173 | 1,982 | 2,226 | 2,621 | 3,103 | 9,626 | 9,932 |
Robe Valley Fines |
| 3,857 | 3,252 | 3,536 | 4,058 | 4,779 | 15,871 | 15,625 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
| 14,412 | 14,548 | 13,433 | 13,501 | 15,168 | 56,938 | 56,650 |
Breakdown of total shipments: |
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Pilbara Blend Lump |
| 16,616 | 13,626 | 16,043 | 18,860 | 18,153 | 64,697 | 66,682 |
Pilbara Blend Fines |
| 31,620 | 27,915 | 32,243 | 38,186 | 38,835 | 138,203 | 137,179 |
Robe Valley Lump |
| 2,001 | 1,273 | 1,832 | 2,417 | 2,348 | 7,512 | 7,870 |
Robe Valley Fines |
| 4,221 | 3,266 | 4,357 | 4,514 | 5,464 | 17,727 | 17,602 |
Yandicoogina Fines (HIY) |
| 14,121 | 14,487 | 14,201 | 13,530 | 14,661 | 56,889 | 56,880 |
SP10 Lump (b) |
| 4,841 | 3,827 | 4,456 | 1,647 | 2,824 | 16,078 | 12,753 |
SP10 Fines (b) |
| 10,684 | 7,067 | 6,775 | 3,766 | 5,062 | 20,487 | 22,672 |
Total shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) |
| 84,104 | 71,462 | 79,907 | 82,920 | 87,347 | 321,592 | 321,636 |
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| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | Full Year |
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Iron Ore Company of Canada | 59 % |
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Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada |
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Saleable iron ore production: |
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Concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
| 1,718 | 1,638 | 2,183 | 2,106 | 2,020 | 6,578 | 7,947 |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) |
| 2,535 | 2,456 | 2,250 | 2,621 | 2,288 | 9,986 | 9,615 |
IOC Total production ('000 tonnes) |
| 4,254 | 4,094 | 4,433 | 4,727 | 4,308 | 16,564 | 17,562 |
Shipments: |
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Concentrates ('000 tonnes) |
| 1,684 | 1,022 | 1,845 | 2,241 | 1,999 | 7,000 | 7,108 |
Pellets ('000 tonnes) |
| 2,914 | 2,405 | 2,527 | 2,457 | 1,764 | 9,988 | 9,153 |
IOC Total Shipments ('000 tonnes) (c) |
| 4,598 | 3,427 | 4,372 | 4,699 | 3,763 | 16,989 | 16,261 |
Global Iron Ore Totals |
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Iron Ore Production ('000 tonnes) |
| 88,375 | 75,797 | 83,076 | 89,069 | 93,766 | 336,288 | 341,708 |
Iron Ore Shipments ('000 tonnes) |
| 88,702 | 74,889 | 84,279 | 87,619 | 91,110 | 338,581 | 337,897 |
Iron Ore Sales ('000 tonnes) (d) |
| 85,256 | 79,194 | 86,108 | 89,689 | 89,650 | 333,185 | 344,641 |
(a) Includes 100% of production from Paraburdoo, Mt Tom Price, Western Turner Syncline, Marandoo, Yandicoogina, Brockman, Nammuldi, Silvergrass, Channar, Gudai-Darri and the Eastern Range mines. Whilst Rio Tinto owns 54% of the Eastern Range mine, under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture and therefore all of the production is included in Rio Tinto's share of production. Rio Tinto's ownership interest in Channar mine increased from 60% to 100%, following conclusion of its joint venture with Sinosteel Corporation upon reaching planned 290 million tonnes production on 22 October 2020.
(b) SP10 includes other lower grade products.
(c) Shipments includes material shipped to our portside trading facility in China which may not be sold onwards in the same period.
(d) Include Pilbara and IOC sales adjusted for portside trading movements and third party volumes sold.
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022. The data represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto operational data
| Rio Tinto interest | Q4 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | Full Year |
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SALT |
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Dampier Salt | 68 % |
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Western Australia |
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Salt production ('000 tonnes) |
| 2,152 | 2,333 | 1,507 | 2,449 | 2,133 | 8,555 | 8,422 |
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE SLAG |
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Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium | 100 % |
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Canada and South Africa |
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(Rio Tinto share) (a) |
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Titanium dioxide slag ('000 tonnes) |
| 228 | 273 | 293 | 310 | 323 | 1,014 | 1,200 |
(a) Quantities comprise 100% of Rio Tinto Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto's 74% interest in Richards Bay Minerals' production. Ilmenite mined in Madagascar is being processed in Canada.
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Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 31 December 2022. The data represents production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
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