Rio Tinto: Second Quarter 2008 Operations Review
Commenting on the second quarter’s production results, chief executive Tom Albanese said: “These strong results show that we are continuing to expand to meet rapid demand growth in the developing world. We have set quarterly production records for iron ore, mined copper and alumina, thanks to increasing investment in growth projects and a management commitment to deliver more tonnes faster, while maintaining our focus on safety and costs.
“The integration of Alcan is proceeding to plan and the business continues to perform well. I am particularly pleased to see how swiftly our Australian coal operations recovered from the first quarter floods.
“Chinese GDP is continuing to grow at around ten per cent per annum, demand is strong while supply remains constrained. Fundamentals, not financial speculation, are driving the record prices we are realising across aluminium, copper, iron ore and coal and we see the same trends continuing into the future.”
— Record quarterly global production of iron ore, up 13 per cent on the second quarter of 2007, recovering some of the shortfall from the cyclones in the first quarter.
— Record quarterly iron ore production of 48 million tonnes in Australia, up 14 per cent (on a 100 per cent basis) compared with the second quarter of 2007, as the iron ore operations continue to expand their capacity.
— Weighted average iron ore price increase of 85.7 per cent negotiated with Asian customers for 2008 contract shipments from the Pilbara.
— Record quarterly mined copper production (for existing operations), up 15 per cent on the corresponding quarter of 2007.
— Rio Tinto Alcan continues to perform well with bauxite production up 100 per cent, alumina up by 231 per cent and aluminium up by 374 per cent, compared with the second quarter of 2007, reflecting the acquisition of Alcan in the fourth quarter of 2007. On a proforma basis the respective increases for bauxite, alumina and aluminium were 11 per cent, nine per cent and one per cent.
— The Sohar aluminium smelter in Oman began operating in June, on time and on budget, with first hot metal produced during the same month.
— Australian thermal and coking coal production were up by 15 per cent and 25 per cent on the second quarter of 2007, recovering well from the heavy rainfall experienced in the first quarter.
— Strong performance from the minerals businesses with borates production up 18 per cent and titanium dioxide feedstocks ten per cent higher than the second quarter of 2007.
— Agreement signed to sell the Kintyre uranium property in Western Australia for $495 million, as part of the Group’s overall $15 billion divestment target.
All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto’s share, unless otherwise stated
IRON ORE Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Hamersley 29,994 +7% +11% 57,011 +10% Hope Downs 1,732 n/a +222% 2,270 n/a Robe River 7,212 +4% +0% 14,401 +8% IOC (pellets and concentrate) 2,402 +39% +13% 4,521 +44% ———————————————————————-
Pilbara operations
Rio Tinto negotiated record benchmark pricing levels for its iron ore production in 2008. Agreement was reached with major customers for a 96.5 per cent increase for lump ore and 79.88 per cent for fines for the 2008 contract year, representing an 85.7 per cent weighted average increase.
The split of production (based on 2007 production figures) is approximately as follows:
Fines Lump Hamersley (including Yandicoogina) 70% 30% Robe River (including Mesa J) 80% 20% ———————————————————————-
During the second quarter Rio Tinto continued to sell iron ore into the spot market, and remains on track to meet its total spot sales target of up to 15 million tonnes for 2008 (two thirds 100 per cent owned operations, one third joint venture operations).
The Pilbara operations achieved record quarterly production, up 14 per cent on the corresponding quarter of 2007 (on a 100 per cent basis), following the ramp up of the Yandicoogina capacity expansion to 52 million tonnes per annum and the Hope Downs development (50 per cent owned by Rio Tinto). Hope Downs produced 3.5 million tonnes during the quarter as it continued to ramp up towards its 30 million tonnes per annum total capacity targeted for early 2009.
These records were achieved despite the significant gas outage caused by a major fire in June at Apache’s processing plant, which provided two thirds of Rio Tinto’s gas supply in the Pilbara. To date, Rio Tinto has mitigated the effect through reordering maintenance, arranging alternative suppliers and the use of higher priced diesel generation. Energy conservation was also prioritised to prevent a significant impact on shipped tonnage. Full return to gas supply is not expected for up to six months, hence management will continued to monitor the situation closely.
Expansion projects remain on schedule and on budget despite challenges posed by the Apache outage and weather conditions, in particular disruptions to the Cape Lambert wharf extension caused by cyclone-related ocean swell in the first quarter. Hope Downs South and Mesa A progressed well and the Brockman 4 development is expected to accelerate in the second half of 2008.
A number of significant capital projects were approved during the quarter, associated with the major expansion to a total capacity of 320 million tonnes per annum. An investment of $371 million (Rio Tinto share $350 million) will be made to automate the railway, which will lead to driverless trains operating on most of Rio Tinto’s rail network across the Pilbara. The early acquisition of critical infrastructure for the expansion, and funds for the advanced studies of a new mine on the Western Turner Syncline deposit, were approved as part of a $667 million package (Rio Tinto share $492 million). An investment of $503 million (Rio Tinto share $397 million) will be made in a replacement power station for port and mine operations, which will significantly reduce emissions.
HIsmelt
The second quarter saw some significant improvements and milestones as the ramp up of the HIsmelt commercial plant continued. Following extensive maintenance in the first quarter, operational stability improved and record levels of hot metal production were achieved during the period.
Iron Ore Company of Canada
Pellet and concentrate production at the Iron Ore Company of Canada continued to be strong, reflecting ongoing debottlenecking efforts at the plant, as well as the absence of the labour stoppages of 2007.
ALUMINIUM Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Rio Tinto Alcan Bauxite 8,567 +100% -2% 17,324 +103% Alumina 2,266 +231% +2% 4,486 +233% Aluminium 1,014 +374% -1% 2,039 +380% ———————————————————————-
Q2 07 Q2 08 vs H1 07 H108 vs Q2 07 H1 07 Rio Tinto Alcan proforma(1) proforma(1) proforma(1) proforma(1) Bauxite 7,713 +11% 15,063 +15% Alumina 2,078 +9% 4,095 +10% Aluminium 1,008(2) +1%(2) 2,012(2) +1%(2) ———————————————————————-
(1) Includes Alcan data from 1 January 2007.
(2) Excludes Vlissingen (Netherlands,) which was divested in the first half of 2007 and Lannemezan (France) which was closed in the first quarter of 2008.
Half year production records were set across the board in the aluminium product group, following the acquisition of Alcan. Second quarter production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium increased sharply compared with the same quarter of 2007, reflecting the Alcan acquisition. Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007 and its production is included from that date. Proforma Rio Tinto Alcan production data for 2007 was published on 12 March 2008 and can be found on the Rio Tinto website.
Bauxite
Second quarter bauxite production was 100 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2007 and 11 per cent higher on a proforma basis. Second quarter bauxite production at Weipa was 14 per cent above the same quarter of 2007, reflecting increased capacity following the commissioning of the second shiploader.
During the quarter, Rio Tinto announced the approval of a $30 million feasibility study to develop a new bauxite operation to the south of the existing Weipa bauxite mine and port. With the approval of the new operation, Weipa’s total bauxite production would increase from 18 million tonnes in 2007 to 35 million tonnes per annum.
Alumina
Second quarter alumina production was 231 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2007 and nine per cent higher on a proforma basis.
Expansion work on the Yarwun alumina refinery is progressing on budget and on track for its first shipment of alumina in the second half of 2010, with projected completion in the second half of 2011. Ramp up of production is expected to take 12 months following completion. The $1.8 billion project, announced in July 2007, will increase annual capacity from 1.4 million tonnes to 3.4 million tonnes by 2011.
The 1.8 million tonne per annum expansion of the Gove refinery is being commissioned and the ramp up continues, with 2.6 million tonnes expected to be produced in 2008. The target operating rate of between 3.4 million tonnes and 3.8 million tonnes per annum is expected to be achieved by the end of 2009.
Aluminium
Second quarter aluminium production was 374 per cent higher than the second quarter of 2007 and level on a proforma basis. During the quarter, Rio Tinto announced production cutbacks at its Tiwai Point smelter in New Zealand of up to 10%, due to low rainfall, reducing monthly output by 2,900 tonnes. This situation is expected to continue into the third quarter of 2008. In June a localised fire at the Anglesey smelter in Wales resulted in a loss of power across the smelter which is currently operating at reduced capacity. The shortfall from the above two incidents was offset by capacity creep at many of the Group’s other smelters, notably in Canada.
The Sohar smelter in Oman began operating in June, on time and on budget, with first hot metal produced during the same month.
In April, Rio Tinto announced that it will proceed with an accelerated pre-feasibility study for an expansion of the Alma smelter in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. The potential expansion would add approximately 170,000 tonnes to the current Alma smelter production of slightly more than 400,000 tonnes.
COPPER Rio Tinto share of production Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Kennecott Utah Copper Mined copper (000 tonnes) 60.2 +8% +35% 104.9 -4% Refined copper (000 tonnes) 49.3 -27% -5% 101.4 -26% Molybdenum (000 tonnes) 2.2 -41% -35% 5.7 -33% Mined gold (000 ozs) 92 -24% +34% 161 -29% Refined gold (000 ozs) 73 -50% -9% 154 -41% Escondida Mined copper (000 tonnes) 128.1 +22% +9% 245.3 +13% Refined copper (000 tonnes) 21.0 +7% +34% 36.8 -7% Grasberg JV Mined copper (000 tonnes) 7.1 +27% +10% 13.6 +19% Mined gold (000 ozs) 0 -100% n/a 0 -100% ———————————————————————-
Kennecott Utah Copper
Copper grades recovered in the second quarter leading to higher mined production compared with both the previous quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2007. Changes in the mining sequence resulted in lower gold and molybdenum grades and production compared with the same quarter of 2007.
Copper grades at Bingham Canyon are expected to return to higher levels (comparable to 2006) during the second half. It takes two to three months for higher grade ore to report through to refined production. Molybdenum production in 2008 is expected to be approximately 20 per cent below the 2007 level following a decline in grades and recoveries. Molybdenum recovery is expected to improve through the second half of 2008 as operation of the new flotation cells is optimised.
Production decreases at the smelter and refinery from 2007 to 2008 are the consequence of lower head grades and lower concentrate production in the first quarter of 2008. A 26 day refinery shutdown is scheduled for July 2008 and an 11 day smelter maintenance shutdown is scheduled for August 2008.
In June Rio Tinto approved a $270 million investment in the construction of a new Molybdenum Autoclave Process (MAP) facility. The MAP facility is scheduled to begin operating in the third quarter of 2010 with full production estimated to be reached during 2011. It will enable 21,500 additional tonnes of molybdenum to be recovered over the current mine life to 2020. Studies are under way to extend the mine life of the Bingham Canyon mine to 2036.
Escondida
Mined copper for the quarter improved by 22 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2007, attributable to higher volumes of leachate material. Production at Escondida has been impacted by haul truck and shovel maintenance and availability issues.
Grasberg
Copper grades improved at Grasberg from the previous quarter but low gold grades reduced Rio Tinto’s share of gold production to nil in the second quarter of 2008.
Mining is expected to transition to a higher grade section of the Grasberg open pit in the second half of 2008.
Other operations
Lower copper and gold production at Northparkes was due to the treatment of lower grade stockpile material sourced from the open cut. Grade is expected to increase as the underground production from E26 Lift 2 North ramps up to full production, displacing the lower grade open cut material. Northparkes production for 2008 is expected to be more than 40 per cent below 2007.
Mined copper production at Palabora increased by close to 50 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2007, attributable to increased recovery rates from reprocessed secondary material.
Provisional pricing
At the end of the quarter the Group had 273 million pounds of copper sales that were provisionally priced at US 389 cents per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined during the second half of 2008. This compared with 270 million pounds of open shipments at 31 December 2007 provisionally priced at US 304 cents per pound.
DIAMONDS Rio Tinto share of production (000 carats) Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Argyle 2,992 -32% +38% 5,164 -35% Diavik 1,513 -23% +41% 2,584 -27% ———————————————————————-
Argyle’s production in the second quarter improved from the previous quarter but was 32 per cent below the corresponding quarter of 2007. Access to the high grade areas of the pit, which had been restricted due to geotechnical issues and wet weather earlier in the year, was re-established midway through the quarter resulting in improved feed grade and higher throughput. Variability in feed grades and production rates will continue as the open pit approaches the end of its life and the mine transitions to an underground operation.
Second quarter production at Diavik recovered substantially from the first quarter but was 23 per cent below the same quarter of 2007, primarily as a result of lower grades encountered in the A154S pipe. Also contributing to lower recovered grade was the commencement of processing of ore from the top of the A418 pipe.
During the quarter, Rio Tinto approved the Diavik small diamonds project at a capital cost of $50 million (Rio Tinto share $30 million). The project comprises additions and modifications to the ore processing plant to recover very small diamonds, reflecting good market demand for this product. The first recovery of small diamonds is expected to take place towards the end of 2009.
ENERGY US thermal coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Rio Tinto Energy America 30,947 +2% +1% 61,578 +1% ———————————————————————-
Second quarter production was consistent with the preceding quarters. Increased production from the successful ramp up of the overland conveyor at Jacobs Ranch was offset by the effects of rail delays following severe flooding of the railway tracks in the Mid West.
Australian coal Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Rio Tinto Coal Australia Hard coking coal 2,038 +25% +95% 3,082 +0% Other coal 5,542 +15% +2% 10,990 +8% ———————————————————————-
Hard coking coal production from the Queensland coal operations recovered significantly from the regional flooding during the first quarter.
In the Hunter Valley, production of semi soft coal increased to take advantage of stronger prices. Vessel queues in New South Wales have reduced allowing production to be in line with allocations.
An investment programme by the owners and operators of the coal ports at Newcastle and Dalrymple Bay on the eastern seaboard of Australia is expected to modestly increase capacity in the second half of 2008 and into 2009, followed by a major expansion of coal shipping capacity at Newcastle in 2010.
Uranium Rio Tinto share of production (000 lbs) Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Energy Resources of Australia 1,643 -26% -18% 3,654 -2% Rossing 1,505 +55% +13% 2,841 +26% ———————————————————————-
Second quarter 2008 production at ERA’s Ranger mine was 26 per cent lower than the comparative quarter of 2007. Heavy rains were experienced in 2007, preventing access to higher grade ore and ERA subsequently entered the 2008 wet season with lower than normal high grade stockpiles.
Higher grades at Rossing led to a 55 per cent improvement in production in the second quarter of 2008 compared with the same quarter of 2007, when a stripping campaign was being carried out.
MINERALS Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes) Q2 08 vs Q2 07 vs Q1 08 H1 08 vs H1 07 Borates 171 +18% +12% 324 +18% Titanium dioxide 405 +10% +14% 761 +6% ———————————————————————-
Second quarter borates production rose by 18 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2007, with strong demand in Asia Pacific and Europe driving the processing plants to maximum capacity.
Titanium dioxide feedstock production increased during the quarter at both RBM and QIT.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first half of 2008 was $401 million compared with $194 million in same period of 2007 with most of the increase attributable to the advanced evaluation studies on major growth projects. Pre-feasibility or feasibility work progressed on a number of these projects including Resolution (copper/gold, US), La Granja (copper, Peru), Potasio Rio Colorado (potash, Argentina), Simandou (iron ore, Guinea) and several Pilbara iron ore deposits.
The Sulawesi nickel laterite deposit in Indonesia (162Mt of resources at 1.62% Ni and 0.08% Co, refer to Rio Tinto press release on 28 May 2008) was declared a discovery and handed over to the Rio Tinto copper group.
High priority targets have been identified within the broader Lakeview nickel copper project in Minnesota. Initial drilling has identified significant disseminated sulphide mineralisation. The final hole of the winter programme returned 138m @ 1.6% Ni, 1.1% Cu including 28m @ 3.6% Ni, 2% Cu (refer to Rio Tinto Value & Growth seminar on 29 May 2008). An Order of Magnitude Study has been established for the project.
In June Rio Tinto announced that it had lodged mining lease applications for its Bunder diamond project in India, a vital step in the development of what could be the first world class diamond mine in India. It also announced the exploration target for diamond mineralisation at the Bunder project of 40 to 70 million tonnes at a grade of between 0.3 and 0.7 carats per tonne (refer to Rio Tinto press release on 23 June 2008).
The Serbian jadar lithium borates project Order of Magnitude study increased momentum during the quarter. The targeted mineralisation for the project was released showing a target of 80 -100 Mt @ 1.8-2.2% Li2O, 13.5 – 16.5% B2O3 (refer to Rio Tinto Value & Growth seminar on 29 May 2008) from the lower mineralised zone.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group Advanced projects Greenfield programmes ———————————————————————- Aluminium Brazil, Colombia, Australia ———————————————————————- Copper & Diamonds Sulawesi nickel, Indonesia: Chile: Ongoing field Project handed over to work on CODELCO JV copper group Copper and nickel Lakeview nickel-copper, US: programmes continued Ore grade width intercept. in: Russia (Rio Nor Bunder diamonds, India: JV), Kazakhstan, US, Exploration target Mexico, Peru, released. Argentina, southern and central Africa; Diamond programmes continued in: India, Canada, Russia and Mauritania ———————————————————————- Energy & Minerals Altai Nuur coal, Mongolia: Colombia, Canada, US, Order of magnitude southern Africa, initiated Argentina, Russia and Landazuri coal, Colombia: Mongolia (coal) Coal measures intersected Australia, Canada, in drilling Turkey, Serbia Chilubane and Mutamba (industrial minerals) ilmenite Mozambique: Jadar Zambia (uranium) lithium borates, Serbia: Order of magnitude studies continued ———————————————————————- Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia: Brazil, Argentina, delineation drilling Guinea and Gabon continued at several advanced prospects ———————————————————————-
Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including Kennecott Utah Copper, Northparkes, Rossing, Argyle, Diavik and Rio Tinto Iron Ore in Australia.
DIVESTMENTS
Divestments continue on track and Rio Tinto remains committed to its $10 billion target for 2008.
In March 2008 Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 40 per cent interest in the Cortez gold mine in Nevada for $1.695 billion
In April 2008 Rio Tinto completed the sale of its 70.3 per cent interest in the Greens Creek silver, lead and zinc mine in Alaska to an affiliate of Hecla Mining Company, giving Hecla 100 per cent ownership. The sale price included cash consideration of $700 million and $50 million in Hecla stock.
On 10 July 2008, Rio Tinto announced that it had signed an agreement to sell the Kintyre uranium project located in Western Australia to a joint venture comprising Cameco Corporation and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd for $495 million.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed public company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is a public company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 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), are 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 include, among others, 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 and such other risk factors identified in Rio Tinto’s 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 the SEC. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. 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 City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Takeover Code”), the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services 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.
Subject to the requirements of the Takeover Code, none of Rio Tinto, any of its officers or any person named in this announcement with their consent or any person involved in the preparation of this announcement makes any representation or warranty (either express or implied) or gives any assurance that the implied values, anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in forward-looking statements contained in this announcement will be achieved.
Rio Tinto production summary Rio Tinto share of production QUARTER HALF YEAR % CHANGE ——————– ————- ————– Q2 Q2 H1 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 08 08 08 Q2 Q1 Q2 H1 H1 vs vs vs Principal Q2 Q1 H1 Commodities 07 08 07 ——————– ————- ————– Alumina (’000 t) 685 2,220 2,266 1,346 4,486 231% 2% 233% Aluminium (’000 t) 214 1,025 1,014 425 2,039 374% -1% 380% Bauxite (’000 t) 4,278 8,757 8,567 8,550 17,324 100% -2% 103% Borates (’000 t) 145 153 171 274 324 18% 12% 18% Coal – hard (’000 coking coal t) 1,633 1,043 2,038 3,071 3,082 25% 95% 0% Coal – other (’000 Australian t) 4,830 5,449 5,542 10,135 10,990 15% 2% 8% Coal – US (’000 t) 30,318 30,632 30,947 60,675 61,578 2% 1% 1% Copper – mined (’000 t) 186.5 185.2 214.9 384.6 400.1 15% 16% 4% Copper – (’000 refined t) 100.7 78.3 82.8 202.3 161.1 -18% 6% -20% Diamonds (’000 cts) 6,413 3,296 4,557 11,446 7,853 -29% 38% -31% Iron ore (’000 t) 37,117 37,371 41,860 69,361 79,231 13% 12% 14% Titanium (’000 dioxide t) feedstock 367 356 405 718 761 10% 14% 6% Uranium (’000 lbs) 3,207 3,346 3,149 6,006 6,495 -2% -6% 8% ——————– ————- ————– Other Metals & Minerals ——————– ————- ————– Gold – mined (’000 ozs) 255 93 114 476 207 -55% 23% -57% Gold – refined (’000 ozs) 147 81 73 262 154 -50% -9% -41% Molybdenum (’000 t) 3.8 3.4 2.2 8.5 5.7 -41% -35% -33% Pig Iron (’000 t) 0 11 41 13 52 n/a 282% 307% Salt (’000 t) 958 1,257 1,276 2,075 2,534 33% 1% 22% Silver – mined (’000 ozs) 1,853 1,184 1,477 3,459 2,661 -20% 25% -23% Silver – (’000 refined ozs) 1,014 929 903 1,884 1,831 -11% -3% -3% Talc (’000 t) 326 342 337 679 679 3% -1% 0% ——————– ————- ————–
Throughout this report, figures in italics indicate adjustments made since the figure was previously quoted on the equivalent page. Production figures are sometimes more precise than the rounded numbers shown, hence small differences may result between the total of the quarter figures and the half year figures.
Rio Tinto share of production Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- ALUMINA Production (’000 tonnes) Gardanne (a) 100% – – 21 21 5 – 26 Gove (a) 100% – – 405 554 589 – 1,143 Jonquiere (a) 100% – – 252 327 327 – 655 Queensland Alumina (a) (b) 80% 362 377 662 756 773 727 1,529 Sao Luis (Alumar) (a) 10% – – 29 38 39 – 77 Yarwun 100% 323 301 339 348 327 619 675 Speciality alumina plants (a) 100% – – 144 176 206 – 382 ————————————— Rio Tinto total alumina production 685 679 1,853 2,220 2,266 1,346 4,486 ———————————————————————- ALUMINIUM (c) Refined production (’000 tonnes) Australia – Bell Bay 100% 44 45 45 44 45 88 89 Australia – Boyne Island 59% 82 81 82 82 82 162 164 Australia – Tomago (a) 52% – – 50 66 67 – 133 Cameroon – Alucam (Edea) (a) 47% – – 9 9 10 – 19 Canada – seven wholly owned (a) 100% – – 270 360 356 – 716 Canada – Alouette (a) 40% – – 44 57 57 – 114 Canada – Becancour (a) 25% – – 20 25 26 – 51 China – Ningxia (Qingtongxia) (a) 50% – – 15 20 20 – 41 France – three wholly owned (a) 100% – – 80 102 98 – 200 Iceland – ISAL (Reykjavik) (a) 100% – – 35 46 46 – 93 New Zealand – Tiwai Point (a) 79% 69 70 70 69 65 138 134 Norway – SORAL (Husnes) (a) 50% – – 16 21 21 – 43 UK – two wholly owned (a) 100% – – 42 55 55 – 111 UK – Anglesey 51% 19 19 19 19 16 37 35 USA – Sebree (a) 100% – – 37 49 49 – 98 ————————————— Rio Tinto total aluminium production 214 215 834 1,025 1,014 425 2,039 ———————————————————————-
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q interest 2007 2007 2007 ———————————————————————- BAUXITE Production (’000 tonnes) Awaso (a) (d) 80% – – 173 Sangaredi (a) (e) – – 1,248 Gove (a) 100% – – 985 Porto Trombetas (a) 12% – – 407 Weipa (f) 100% 4,278 4,676 4,984 ——————– Rio Tinto total bauxite production 4,278 4,676 7,797 ———————————————————————- BORATES Production (’000 tonnes B2O3 content) Rio Tinto Minerals – borates 100% 145 134 151 ———————————————————————- COAL – HARD COKING Rio Tinto Coal Australia (’000 tonnes) Hail Creek Coal 82% 1,032 864 1,090 Kestrel Coal 80% 601 700 454 ——————– Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production 1,633 1,564 1,544 ———————————————————————- COAL – OTHER * Rio Tinto Coal Australia (’000 tonnes) Bengalla 30% 324 422 417 Blair Athol Coal 71% 1,580 1,374 1,023 Hunter Valley Operations 76% 1,818 1,774 2,047 Kestrel Coal 80% 271 261 145 Mount Thorley Operations 61% 252 396 625 Warkworth 42% 584 756 504 ——————– Total Australian other coal 4,830 4,983 4,760 ——————– Rio Tinto Energy America (’000 tonnes) Antelope 100% 7,682 7,601 8,292 Colowyo (g) 1,342 1,280 1,232 Cordero Rojo 100% 9,034 8,622 9,996 Decker 50% 784 833 809 Jacobs Ranch 100% 8,478 8,750 8,801 Spring Creek 100% 2,999 3,938 4,254 ——————– Total US coal 30,318 31,024 33,384 ——————– Rio Tinto total other coal production 35,148 36,006 38,144 ———————————————————————- 1Q 2Q 1H 1H 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- BAUXITE Production (’000 tonnes) Awaso (a) (d) 164 128 – 292 Sangaredi (a) 1,770 1,511 – 3,281 Gove (a) 1,327 1,529 – 2,856 Porto Trombetas (a) 491 518 – 1,009 Weipa (f) 5,005 4,881 8,550 9,886 —————————- Rio Tinto total bauxite production 8,757 8,567 8,550 17,324 ———————————————————————- BORATES Production (’000 tonnes B2O3 content) Rio Tinto Minerals – borates 153 171 274 324 ———————————————————————- COAL – HARD COKING Rio Tinto Coal Australia (’000 tonnes) Hail Creek Coal 663 1,429 2,156 2,092 Kestrel Coal 380 609 915 990 —————————- Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production 1,043 2,038 3,071 3,082 ———————————————————————- COAL – OTHER * Rio Tinto Coal Australia (’000 tonnes) Bengalla 319 487 722 805 Blair Athol Coal 1,808 1,719 3,248 3,527 Hunter Valley Operations 2,139 2,201 3,822 4,340 Kestrel Coal 110 197 423 308 Mount Thorley Operations 432 284 749 716 Warkworth 641 653 1,170 1,294 —————————- Total Australian other coal 5,449 5,542 10,135 10,990 —————————- Rio Tinto Energy America (’000 tonnes) Antelope 7,958 7,951 15,374 15,909 Colowyo 1,001 1,045 2,566 2,045 Cordero Rojo 9,200 8,077 18,094 17,276 Decker 740 765 1,528 1,505 Jacobs Ranch 7,904 9,255 17,015 17,159 Spring Creek 3,829 3,855 6,099 7,684 —————————- Total US coal 30,632 30,947 60,675 61,578 —————————- Rio Tinto total other coal production 36,080 36,488 70,810 72,568 ———————————————————————-
* Coal – other includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- COPPER Mine production (’000 tonnes) ** Bingham Canyon 100% 55.6 49.5 53.0 44.7 60.2 109.7 104.9 Escondida 30% 105.2 101.2 103.8 117.2 128.1 216.7 245.3 Grasberg – Joint Venture (h) 40% 5.6 7.5 9.4 6.5 7.1 11.4 13.6 Northparkes 80% 9.9 5.6 5.3 4.1 4.4 23.6 8.5 Palabora 58% 10.2 8.7 9.3 12.8 15.1 23.2 27.8 —————————————— Rio Tinto total mine production 186.5 172.5 180.8 185.2 214.9 384.6 400.1 —————————————— Refined production (’000 tonnes) Escondida 30% 19.7 16.1 15.8 15.7 21.0 39.6 36.8 Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 67.9 68.7 59.3 52.1 49.3 137.6 101.4 Palabora 58% 13.2 13.8 13.8 10.5 12.4 25.2 23.0 —————————————— Rio Tinto total refined production 100.7 98.7 89.0 78.3 82.8 202.3 161.1 ———————————————————————- DIAMONDS Production (’000 carats) Argyle 100% 4,414 4,865 5,995 2,172 2,992 7,884 5,164 Diavik 60% 1,975 1,874 1,766 1,071 1,513 3,526 2,584 Murowa 78% 24 31 46 52 52 36 105 —————————————— Rio Tinto total diamond production 6,413 6,770 7,807 3,296 4,557 11,446 7,853 ———————————————————————- GOLD Mine production (’000 ounces) ** Barneys Canyon 100% 3 3 2 2 1 5 3 Bingham Canyon 100% 117 86 88 67 91 223 158 Escondida 30% 14 14 14 12 11 28 23 Grasberg – Joint Venture (h) 40% 97 149 103 0 0 171 0 Northparkes 80% 17 12 13 8 6 38 14 Rawhide 51% 3 2 2 2 2 6 4 Others – 3 3 3 2 2 5 5 —————————————— Rio Tinto total mine production 255 269 225 93 114 476 207 —————————————— Refined production (’000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 147 128 133 81 73 262 154 ———————————————————————-
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q interest 2007 2007 2007 ———————————————————————- IRON ORE & IRON Production (’000 tonnes) ** Corumba 100% 424 528 365 Hamersley – six wholly owned mines 100% 24,617 23,990 25,799 Hamersley – Channar 60% 1,743 1,554 1,448 Hamersley – Eastern Range (i) 1,670 1,562 1,535 Hope Downs(j) 50% 32 Iron Ore Company of Canada 59% 1,730 2,376 2,248 RobeRiver 53% 6,932 6,381 7,529 ——————– Rio Tinto total mine production 37,117 36,390 38,956 ——————– Pig iron production (’000 tonnes) HIsmelt(R) 60% 0 29 27 ———————————————————————- MOLYBDENUM Mine production (’000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 100% 3.8 3.5 3.0 ———————————————————————- SALT Production (’000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals – salt (k) 68% 958 1,480 1,686 ———————————————————————- SILVER Mine production (’000 ounces) ** Bingham Canyon 100% 981 757 892 Escondida 30% 592 670 536 Grasberg – Joint Venture (h) 40% 114 210 154 Others – 166 127 121 ——————– Rio Tinto total mine production 1,853 1,765 1,703 ——————– Refined production (’000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 1,014 1,164 1,317 ———————————————————————- TALC Production (’000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals – talc 100% 326 318 284 ———————————————————————- TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK Production (’000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100% 367 356 384 ———————————————————————- 1Q 2Q 1H 1H 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- IRON ORE & IRON Production (’000 tonnes) ** Corumba 508 519 885 1,027 Hamersley – six wholly owned mines 23,731 26,113 44,777 49,844 Hamersley – Channar 1,484 1,686 3,328 3,171 Hamersley – Eastern Range 1,801 2,195 3,836 3,996 Hope Downs(j) 538 1,732 0 2,270 Iron Ore Company of Canada 2,119 2,402 3,144 4,521 RobeRiver 7,189 7,212 13,392 14,401 —————————- Rio Tinto total mine production 37,371 41,860 69,361 79,231 —————————- Pig iron production (’000 tonnes) HIsmelt(R) 11 41 13 52 ———————————————————————- MOLYBDENUM Mine production (’000 tonnes) Bingham Canyon 3.4 2.2 8.5 5.7 ———————————————————————- SALT Production (’000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals – salt (k) 1,257 1,276 2,075 2,534 ———————————————————————- SILVER Mine production (’000 ounces) ** Bingham Canyon 616 855 1,838 1,470 Escondida 494 507 1,155 1,001 Grasberg – Joint Venture (h) 0 0 114 0 Others 74 115 353 189 —————————- Rio Tinto total mine production 1,184 1,477 3,459 2,661 —————————- Refined production (’000 ounces) Kennecott Utah Copper 929 903 1,884 1,831 ———————————————————————- TALC Production (’000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Minerals – talc 342 337 679 679 ———————————————————————- TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK Production (’000 tonnes) Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 356 405 718 761 ———————————————————————-
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- URANIUM Production (’000 lbs U3O8) Energy Resources of Australia 68% 2,236 1,980 2,288 2,011 1,643 3,743 3,654 Rossing 69% 971 1,126 1,216 1,335 1,505 2,263 2,841 —————————————– Rio Tinto total uranium production 3,207 3,105 3,504 3,346 3,149 6,006 6,495 ———————————————————————-
** Mine production figures for metals refer to the total quantity of metal produced in concentrates, leach liquor or dore bullion irrespective of whether these products are then refined on-site, except for the data for iron ore which represent production of saleable quantities of ore plus pellets.
Production data notes
(a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name.
(b) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; this increased to 80.0% following the Alcan acquisition
(c) Following a review of the basis for reporting aluminium smelter production tonnes, the data reported now reflects hot metal production rather than saleable product tonnes.
(d) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases the additional 20% of production
(e) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45% of production under the partnership agreement.
(f) Includes beneficiated and calcined bauxite production.
(g) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America’s responsibilities under a management agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo’s output is included in Rio Tinto’s share of production.
(h) Through a joint venture agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX), Rio Tinto is entitled to 40% of additional material mined as a consequence of expansions and developments of the Grasberg facilities since 1998. Rio Tinto’s share of production reflects actual production for the first half of 2008.
(i) Rio Tinto’s share of production includes 100% of the production from the Eastern Range mine. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Hamersley Iron manages the operation and is obliged to purchase all mine production from the joint venture.
(j) Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007
(k) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals – salt to 68.4% at the beginning of July 2007.
The Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2008.
Where Rio Tinto’s beneficial interest in an operation has changed, as footnoted above, the share of production has been calculated using the weighted average interest over the relevant periods.
Where Rio Tinto has wholly divested an operation, no data is included in the Share of Production tables.
Rio Tinto operational data Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- ALUMINIUM Rio Tinto Alcan (a) Bauxite Mines Bauxite production (’000 tonnes) Australia Gove mine – Northern Territory (a) 100.0% – – 985 1,327 1,529 – 2,856 Weipa mine – Queensland (b) 100.0% 4,278 4,676 4,984 5,005 4,881 8,550 9,886 Brazil Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine (a) 12.0% – – 3,392 4,093 4,314 – 8,407 Ghana Awaso mine (a) (c) 80.0% – – 216 205 160 – 365 Guinea Sangaredi mine (a) (d) 22.9% – – 2,774 3,934 3,357 – 7,291 Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipments Share of bauxite shipments (’000 tonnes) 4,157 4,774 6,682 8,171 8,515 8,421 16,686 Smelter-Grade Alumina Refineries Alumina production (’000 tonnes) Australia Gove refinery – Northern Territory (a) 100.0% – – 405 554 589 – 1,143 Queensland Alumina Refinery – Queensland (a) (e) 80.0% 938 977 956 945 967 1,882 1,911 Yarwun refinery – Queensland 100.0% 323 301 339 348 327 619 675 Brazil Sao Luis (Alumar) refinery (a) 10.0% – – 288 379 387 – 766 Canada Jonquiere refinery – Quebec (a) 100.0% – – 252 327 327 – 655 France Gardanne refinery (a) 100.0% – – 21 21 5 – 26
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- Specialty Alumina Plants Speciality alumina production (’000 tonnes) Canada Brockville plant – Quebec (a) 100.0% – – 3 4 4 – 9 Jonquiere plant – Quebec (a) 100.0% – – 22 31 32 – 63 France Beyrede plant (a) 100.0% – – 6 7 7 – 14 Gardanne plant (a) 100.0% – – 102 116 149 – 265 La Bathie plant (a) 100.0% – – 5 9 8 – 17 Germany Teutschenthal plant (a) 100.0% – – 6 8 5 – 14
(a) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name.
(b) For Weipa, beneficiated and calcined production, previously shown separately, are now shown on one row
(c) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases the additional 20% of production
(d) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but receives 45% of production under the partnership agreement.
(e) Rio Tinto held a 38.6% share in QAL until 24 October 2007; this increased to 80.0% following the Alcan acquisition
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- Aluminium Smelters (a) Primary aluminium production (’000 tonnes) Australia Bell Bay smelter – Tasmania 100.0% 44 45 45 44 45 88 89 Boyne Island smelter – Queensland 59.4% 137 137 139 138 138 272 276 Tomago smelter – New South Wales (b) 51.6% – – 97 127 131 – 258 Cameroon Alucam (Edea) smelter (b) 46.7% – – 19 20 21 – 42 Canada Alma smelter – Quebec (b) 100.0% – – 80 107 104 – 211 Alouette (Sept-Iles) smelter – Quebec (b) 40.0% – – 109 142 142 – 284 Arvida smelter – Quebec (b) 100.0% – – 32 42 43 – 85 Beauharnois, smelter – Quebec (b) 100.0% – – 10 13 12 – 25 Becancour smelter – Quebec (b) 25.1% – – 80 101 103 – 204 Grande-Baie smelter – Quebec (b) 100.0% – – 40 52 53 – 105 Kitimat smelter – British Colombia (b) 100.0% – – 47 63 61 – 124 Laterriere smelter – Quebec (b) 100.0% – – 44 58 58 – 116 Shawinigan smelter – Quebec (b) 100.0% – – 18 25 25 – 49 China Ningxia (Qingtongxia) smelter (b) 50.0% – – 31 41 40 – 81 France Dunkerque smelter (b) 100.0% – – 49 62 65 – 127 Lannemezan smelter (b) (c) 100.0% – – 5 5 – – 5 St-Jean-de Maurienne smelter (b) 100.0% – – 25 34 33 – 67 Iceland ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter (b) 100.0% – – 35 46 46 – 93 New Zealand Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 87 89 89 87 82 174 169 Norway SORAL (Husnes) smelter (b) 50.0% – – 32 43 42 – 85 United Kingdom Anglesey Aluminium smelter 51.0% 37 37 37 37 32 73 69 Lochaber smelter (b) 100.0% – – 8 11 11 – 22 Lynemouth smelter (b) 100.0% – – 33 44 44 – 89 ———————————————————————-
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- USA Sebree smelter – Kentucky (b) 100.0% – – 37 49 49 – 98 Rio Tinto Alcan share of metal sales Share of primary aluminium sales (’000 tonnes) 226 211 1,031 1,287 1,348 421 2,634
(a) Following a review of the basis for reporting aluminium smelter production tonnes, the data reported now reflects hot metal production rather than saleable product tonnes.
(b) Rio Tinto acquired the operating assets of Alcan with effect from 24 October 2007; production is shown as from that date. The Rio Tinto assets and the Alcan assets have been combined under the Rio Tinto Alcan name.
(c) The Lannemezan smelter closed in 1Q 2008
BORATES Rio Tinto Minerals – borates 100.0% California, US and Argentina Borates (’000 tonnes) (a) 145 134 151 153 171 274 324
(a) Production is expressed as B2O3 content.
COAL Rio Tinto Coal Australia Bengalla mine 30.3% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,070 1,394 1,376 1,053 1,607 2,385 2,659 Blair Athol Coal mine 71.2% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 2,218 1,929 1,436 2,538 2,413 4,559 4,951 Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0% Queensland, Australia Hard coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,259 1,054 1,329 808 1,743 2,629 2,551 Hunter Valley Operations 75.7% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 2,020 1,883 2,046 2,143 1,830 4,336 3,972 Semi-soft coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 381 460 657 683 1,078 713 1,760 Kestrel Coal mine 80.0% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 339 326 181 138 247 528 385 Hard coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 751 875 567 475 762 1,143 1,237
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- Mount Thorley Operations 60.6% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 280 261 731 382 428 937 809 Semi-soft coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 137 393 302 332 41 300 373 Tarong Coal mine (a) 0.0% Queensland, Australia Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,021 872 881 262 – 2,757 262 Warkworth mine 42.1% New South Wales, Australia Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,172 1,663 1,197 1,522 1,507 2,515 3,030 Semi-soft coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 216 133 0 1 46 267 46 ———————————————— Total hard coking coal production (’000 tonnes) 2,010 1,929 1,896 1,284 2,504 3,773 3,788 ———————————————— Total hard coking coal sales (’000 tonnes) 1,605 1,580 1,962 1,245 2,133 3,381 3,378 ———————————————— Total other coal production (’000 tonnes) (b) 8,854 9,314 8,808 9,052 9,196 19,297 18,248 ———————————————— Total other coal sales (’000 tonnes) (c) (d) 9,762 9,322 9,892 9,459 8,888 20,889 18,347 ———————————————— ———————————————— Total coal production (’000 tonnes) 10,864 11,243 10,704 10,336 11,700 23,070 22,036 ———————————————— Total coal sales (’000 tonnes) 11,368 10,902 11,854 10,703 11,021 24,271 21,725 ———————————————— Rio Tinto Coal Australia share ———————————————— Share of hard coking coal sales (’000 tonnes) 1,306 1,285 1,600 1,015 1,740 2,753 2,755 ———————————————— Share of other coal sales (’000 tonnes) (c) (d) 6,453 5,937 6,285 5,994 5,459 13,976 11,453 ————————————————
(a) Rio Tinto sold its 100% share in Tarong with an effective date of 31 January 2008 and production data are shown up to that date.
(b) Other coal production includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
(c) Other coal sales includes thermal coal, semi-soft coking coal and semi-hard coking coal (a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal).
(d) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded coal.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 1H 1H interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- Rio Tinto Energy America Antelope mine 100.0% Wyoming, US Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 7,682 7,601 8,292 7,958 7,951 15,374 15,909 Colowyo (a) mine Colorado, US Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,342 1,280 1,232 1,001 1,045 2,566 2,045 Cordero Rojo mine 100.0% Wyoming, US Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 9,034 8,622 9,996 9,200 8,077 18,094 17,276 Decker mine 50.0% Montana, US Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 1,568 1,666 1,618 1,480 1,530 3,056 3,010 Jacobs Ranch mine 100.0% Wyoming, US Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 8,478 8,750 8,801 7,904 9,255 17,015 17,159 Spring Creek mine 100.0% Montana, US Thermal coal production (’000 tonnes) 2,999 3,938 4,254 3,829 3,855 6,099 7,684 Total coal production (’000 tonnes) 31,103 31,857 34,192 31,372 31,711 62,204 63,083 Total coal sales (’000 tonnes) 31,103 32,165 33,891 31,393 31,301 62,204 62,694
(a) In view of Rio Tinto Energy America’s responsibilities under a management agreement for the operation of the Colowyo mine, all of Colowyo’s output is included in Rio Tinto’s share of production.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 June 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q interest 2007 2007 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- COPPER & GOLD Escondida 30.0% Chile Sulphide ore to concentrator (’000 tonnes) 23,064 22,406 21,777 22,029 Average copper grade (%) 1.58 1.63 1.72 1.56 Mill production (metals in concentrates): Contained copper (’000 tonnes) 305.6 305.2 316.8 284.7 Contained gold (’000 ounces) 48 48 45 39 Contained silver (’000 ounces) 1,973 2,234 1,786 1,647 Ore to leach (’000 tonnes) 8,435 7,329 3,723 19,156 Average copper grade (%) 0.53 0.44 0.78 0.55 Contained copper in leachate/mined material (’000 tonnes) 45 32 29 106 Refined production from leach plants: Copper cathode production (’000 tonnes) 66 54 53 52 Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold 0.0% (40.0% of the expansion) Grasberg mine (a) Papua, Indonesia Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 19,568 18,267 19,195 16,363 Average mill head grades: Copper (% 0.82 0.58 0.65 0.70 Gold (g/t) 1.63 0.70 0.52 0.61 Silver (g/t) 3.56 2.91 2.77 3.28 Production of metals in concentrates: Copper in concentrates (’000 tonnes) 145.9 90.8 107.1 100.8 Gold in concentrates (’000 ounces) 916 336 254 253 Silver in concentrates (’000 ounces) 1,397 693 875 979 Rio Tinto 2Q 1H 1H interest 2008 2007 2008 ———————————————————————- COPPER & GOLD Escondida 30.0% Chile Sulphide ore to concentrator (’000 tonnes) 24,491 46,514 46,520 Average copper grade (%) 1.55 1.60 1.56 Mill production (metals in concentrates): Contained copper (’000 tonnes) 312.7 624.7 597.5 Contained gold (’000 ounces) 38 93 77 Contained silver (’000 ounces) 1,691 3,850 3,338 Ore to leach (’000 tonnes) 28,570 23,944 47,726 Average copper grade (%) 0.40 0.41 0.46 Contained copper in leachate/mined material (’000 tonnes) 114 98 220 Refined production from leach plants: Copper cathode production (’000 tonnes) 70 132 123 Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold 0.0% Grasberg mine (a) Papua, Indonesia Ore treated (’000 tonnes) 16,546 40,131 32,909 Average mill head grades: Copper (% 0.81 1.02 0.75 Gold (g/t) 0.52 1.82 0.57 Silver (g/t) 2.55 4.17 2.91 Production of metals in concentrates: Copper in concentrates (’000 tonnes) 115.6 371.5 216.4 Gold in concentrates (’000 ounces) 212 2,098 465 Silver in concentrates (’000 ounces) 759 3,670 1,738
(a) Through a joint vent