Rio Tinto releases Q3 production results

(Posted on 18/10/19)

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said “We have delivered improved production across the majority of our products in the third quarter, with a solid result at our Pilbara mines driving increased sales of iron ore into robust markets. Our strong value over volume approach, coupled with our focus on operational performance and disciplined allocation of capital, will continue to deliver superior returns to shareholders over the short, medium and long term.”

• Highlights include:
• Pilbara iron ore shipments of 86.1 million tonnes (100% basis) in the third quarter were 5% higher than the third quarter of 2018. Pilbara iron ore production of 87.3 million tonnes (100% basis) was 6% higher than the third quarter of 2018 and 10% higher than the previous quarter, reflecting a good recovery from the operational and weather challenges experienced earlier in the year.
• Third quarter bauxite production and shipments to third parties were 9% and 23% higher, respectively, than the same period of 2018. Bauxite production from non-managed Joint Ventures was lower than planned year to date.
• Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 3% lower than the third quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting a preventive safety shutdown at one of the three pot-lines at ISAL in Iceland and earlier than planned pot relining at Kitimat in British Columbia, Canada.
• Mined copper production of 158 thousand tonnes was 1% lower than the third quarter of 2018, but 15% higher than the second quarter, reflecting higher grades at Kennecott and improved throughput at Escondida.
• At the Oyu Tolgoi underground project, the primary production shaft (shaft 2) remains on track for commissioning this month. Since July 2019, we have completed key infrastructure, including the central heating plant, the shaft 2 jaw crusher system and the surface discharge conveyor. Work continues on the mine re-design.
• Titanium dioxide slag production of 321 thousand tonnes was 8% higher than the third quarter of 2018, reflecting a continued improvement in operational performance and the restart of furnaces in 2019.
• Third quarter production at Iron Ore Company of Canada was 3% higher than the corresponding quarter of 2018 and 17% higher than the previous quarter, reflecting a return to normal operating conditions following the flooding incident which impacted June.
• Guidance is unchanged, with the exception of bauxite production, which has been revised to around 54 million tonnes (previously 56 to 59 million tonnes), and alumina production, which has been revised to around 7.7 million tonnes (previously 8.1 to 8.4 million tonnes).
• On 25 September 2019, Rio Tinto announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with China Baowu Steel Group and Tsinghua University to develop and implement new methods to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental performance across the steel value chain.
• Third quarter exploration and evaluation spend was $177 million, 62% higher than the same period of 2018, primarily reflecting increased activity on advanced projects.

Latest News

GSC launches mining advisory division, strengthening global investment capabilities

GSC (Global Strategic Commodities) has announced the launch of its dedicated mining advisory division... Read more

SSAB issues first green bonds amounting to SEK2,800m

SSAB AB has successfully issued its inaugural green bonds under its EUR 2 billion EMTN programme, dated... Read more

Anglo American publishes shareholder circular for merger with Teck

On 9 September 2025, Anglo American plc and Teck Resources Limited announced that they had reached an... Read more

Bunge closes agreement to acquire NWT grain elevator assets

Bunge has successfully closed its purchase agreement for the grain elevator assets of North West Terminal... Read more

NGFA applauds Senate committee for advancing Grain Standards Act reauthorisation

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) in the USA has applauded the Senate Agriculture Committee... Read more

Rio Tinto announces board changes.

As Rio Tinto previously reported, the size of its Board peaked at 14 Directors during a transitional... Read more

ADM advances quality capabilities with new central milling laboratory

ADM , a global leader in human and animal nutrition, has celebrated the opening of its new Central Milling... Read more

Bunge announces reporting segment changes and recast outlook

Bunge Global SA has announced that it has changed its segment and volume reporting to align with the... Read more

Open Trade Coalition calls for bold and open EU trade policy

As the European Parliament prepares for the confirmation hearings of the new Commissioners, the Open... Read more

Rio Tinto Q3 results show strong production across the portfolio

Multinational mining company, Rio Tinto, has releases its third quarter 2025 production results showing... Read more