Rio Tinto releases Q2 production results

(Posted on 22/07/20)

Rio Tinto has achieved a robust production performance with volumes up 1% compared with the second quarter of 2019 on a copper equivalent basis despite significant global challenges, restrictions related to COVID-19 and the impact of the earthquake at Kennecott, Utah. Pilbara iron ore shipments of 86.7 million tonnes (100% basis) were 1% higher than the second quarter of 2019 despite the impact of COVID-19 related operational controls. With 1.7 million tonnes of port sales in the second quarter, we continue to grow our portside business steadily, looking to better serve our existing customers and open opportunities to sell to new customers who do not participate in the seaborne market.  Bauxite production of 14.6 million tonnes, 9% higher than the second quarter of 2019, continued the first quarter trend following the successful ramp-up of Amrun in 2019, and higher production at the non-managed CBG joint venture in Guinea reflecting good progress on the ramp-up of the expansion. Rio Tinto Chief Executive J-S Jacques said “We delivered a strong performance, particularly in iron ore and bauxite, demonstrating the underlying resilience of our business and ability to adapt in difficult conditions. Our iron ore assets are performing well in a strong pricing environment and we are on track to meet our 2020 iron ore guidance. Despite various COVID-19 related challenges, all our assets have continued to operate, with our first priority to protect the health and safety of all our employees and communities. “Our focus is to maintain a business as usual approach with many safeguards at a very unusual time. Our operational teams are continuing to run our assets safely so we can continue to contribute to local and national economies and serve our customers. We remain even more committed to our relationship with communities, following the Juukan Gorge events in the Pilbara, and we are engaging extensively with Traditional Owners around our operations and across Australia. “We are executing our value over volume strategy to drive performance, productivity and free cash flow per share. We will remain agile and ready to adapt to the changing operating and macro environment.”

Latest News

Rio Tinto reaches four billion tonnes of iron ore shipped to China

Rio Tinto has celebrates the shipment of four billion tonnes of iron ore from the Pilbara in Western... Read more

Africa’s opportunity to build sustainable logistics networks across mining sector

Capt. Pappu Sastry, CEO of Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) has said that Africa’s mining sector... Read more

Conditions on Simandou iron ore investment now satisfied

All conditions have now been satisfied for Rio Tinto’s investment to develop the Simandou high... Read more

ADM offers segregated, traceable soybean meal to European customers

ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced that it is offering fully verified... Read more

Rio Tinto to install carbon free aluminium smelting cells

Rio Tinto will install carbon free aluminium smelting cells at its Arvida smelter in Québec,... Read more

Moonbound appoints ASL for long-term South African lithium logistics project

Moonbound Mining Ltd. has appointed Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) as its logistics contractor... Read more

ADM and Bayer collaboration help farmers achieve lower carbon emissions

 ADM and Bayer have announced an extension of their collaboration, working with farmers in a bid... Read more

US House appropriations bill includes reinstatement of NASS reports

A House appropriations subcommittee in the USA has approved its Fiscal Year 2025 bill that includes... Read more

Rio Tinto to acquire Mitsubishi’s stake in Boyne aluminium smelter

Rio Tinto has agreed to acquire Mitsubishi Corporation’s 11.65% interest in Boyne Smelters Ltd... Read more

Richards Bay Minerals’ renewable energy agreement

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has signed a renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with Khangela Emoyeni... Read more