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Hoku Secures Key Materials for Polysilicon Production (Marketwire)
biz.yahoo.com | 9 hours 56 minutes ago
Hoku Secures Key Materials for Polysilicon Production. - POCATELLO, ID--(MARKET WIRE)--Nov 19, 2008 -- Hoku Materials, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NasdaqGM:HOKU - News), established to manufacture and sell polysilicon for the solar market, today announced the signing
Ajax Exerience 2008 - Google Chrome and Web Applications with Ojan Vafai (Ted On Flex)
onflash.org | Nov 17, 2008
Ted On Flash - Ted on Flash is a blog dedicated to the Flash Platform and all related technologies, Flash, Flex, and AIR. Go Flash Go!
http://onflash.org/ted/2008/11/ajax-exerience-2008-google-chrome-and.php
SADIF Analytics Assigns Positive Long-Term Outlook Rating to Barrick Gold Corp
www.topix.net | Nov 17, 2008
Mira, Portugal - November 12, 2008 - SADIF Investment Analytics SA, today announced the release of a new equity research report covering Barrick Gold Corp .
Additional $300-million investment moves Rio Tinto Alcan’s Kitimat smelter project forward –
www.joconl.com | Oct 29, 2008
An additional US$300-million investment will ensure that the Rio Tinto Alcan smelter modernization project moves forward.
Web Sites
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Measuring sustainability with ASSET, Alcan Packagings comprehensive measuring tool for packaging
www.packworld.com
The Alcan Sustainability and Stewardship Evaluation Tool (ASSET ), is the first statistical tool to comprehensively analyze and measure the sustainability impact of a packaging product.
Eggar & Co (Chemicals) Ltd
On 31st March 2008 Safic Alcan, a leader in distribution to the polymer industry, acquired Eggar & Co (Chemicals) Ltd in order to benefit from their strong coatings position in the UK.
1 Unusual items were $41 million in 2001, $(21) million in 2000, and $93 million in 1999 (see page...
www.novachem.com
1 Unusual items were $41 million in 2001, $(21) million in 2000, and $93 million in 1999 (see page 40 of the Management Discussion and Analysis for a complete listing). 2 85 million weighted average common shares outstanding in 2001 (89 million in 2000 and 93 million in 1999).
http://www.novachem.com/investorcenter/docs/2001_annual_english.pdf
DJ Rio Tinto To Invest $228M In Quebec Hydropower Upgrade - Zibb.com
www.zibb.com
Edited Press Release Rio Tinto said Tuesday that it is to invest $228 million in the construction of a new 225 megawatt high-efficiency turbine at Rio Tinto Alcan's Shipshaw power station in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. The chief executive, Tom Albanese said the project is expected to be completed in
http://www.zibb.com/article/4254867/DJ+Rio+Tinto+To+Invest+M+In+Quebec+Hydropower+Upgrade
News from Zibb.com
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Rio Tinto Alcan and BIXI, a partnership on a roll - Zibb.com
MONTREAL, Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Rio Tinto Alcan will be the title sponsor of Montreal's new BIXI self-service bicycle rental system, supplying funding for the project as well as aluminium for the construction of the bicycles. BIXI will be offered to the public as of April 2009, with 2,400 bikes available at a network of 300 stations covering central Montreal.
"It's a great way to get people out of their cars and fits very well with the Rio Tinto Group's commitment to sustainability," said Tom Albanese, Chief executive officer, Rio Tinto. "We are happy to be part of this innovative service that will contribute to making Montreal an even better place to live and work."
The new BIXI bicycles, of which 40 prototypes are currently seen on the streets of Montreal, are designed by Michel Dallaire and manufactured in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region by Cycles DeVinci. Their aluminium frames are light, strong, durable and entirely recyclable. Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without compromising its quality, and recycling aluminium only requires five per cent of the electricity necessary to produce new metal.
"Once again, Rio Tinto Alcan is showing its unwavering support for Montreal and its citizens," said Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay. "By contributing to the most economical and ecological means of transportation in town, Rio Tinto Alcan is not only producing aluminium, it's also producing a greener future for our beautiful city."
Rio Tinto Alcan supports numerous local organisations, including the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal and the Montreal Neurological Institute, and is the founding sponsor for the construction of the new Montreal Planetarium. The company is also a major contributor to Quebec and Canadian communities through the Rio Tinto Alcan Canada Fund, which last week announced its first series of community investments, totalling over C$15 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 company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is 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.
SOURCE RIO TINTO ALCAN - EN
Tags: africa asia australia business canada ceo coal community copper energy europe gold industrial jazz local london mining montreal north america nyse partnership quebec securities south america transportation
Rio Tinto to invest US$228 million in clean hydropower upgrade in Quebec - Zibb.com
MONTREAL, Oct. 28, 2008 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
Rio Tinto is to invest US$228 million in the construction of a new 225 megawatt high-efficiency turbine at Rio Tinto Alcan's Shipshaw power station in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. The project is expected to be completed in December 2012.
"This modernisation and upgrading of the Shipshaw power generating station underscores the importance we place on secure, competitively priced energy resources, which are key to realisation of the long term Quebec investment programme announced in December 2006," said Tom Albanese, Chief executive officer of Rio Tinto, speaking at the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal luncheon. "Rio Tinto remains committed to sustainable, value creating investments in Quebec and the rest of Canada."
The Shipshaw power station is a major component of Rio Tinto Alcan's extensive hydroelectric network, which has a total installed capacity of approximately 2,900 megawatts in Quebec. The new turbine is expected to replace four hydro generator units at the Chute-à-Caron power station and will thereby promote more efficient water use.
"This investment complements other projects in Quebec, such as our pilot plant using groundbreaking AP 50 smelting technology and the proposed expansion of our world class Alma smelter. The Shipshaw upgrade reinforces our longstanding commitments to Quebec," said Dick Evans, Chief executive, Rio Tinto Alcan. "This project strengthens Quebec's position as a global leader in aluminium production and clean renewable energy, with a solid network of local suppliers, world-class engineering capabilities and an exceptional foundation for innovation, research, and technology."
Rio Tinto has already committed more than US$430 million to the AP 50 pilot project. To date, there are approximately 200 construction workers on the AP 50 pilot plant site in addition to more than 150 technicians and engineers working on this project throughout Quebec. Onsite workers are currently focused on infrastructures, site preparation, and installation of the necessary substation.
The plant is currently undergoing construction of its first phase, and detailed environmental reviews are already underway for possible second and third phases. When completed, the plant will serve as the platform for future development of this new generation of Rio Tinto Alcan's proprietary AP technology, the most cost-effective, energy efficient, and environmentally-friendly smelting technology available.
Also in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, the Alma smelter is one of Rio Tinto Alcan's most modern and efficient facilities. The potential expansion project, currently in pre-feasibility, would add approximately 170,000 tonnes to the current production of slightly more than 400,000 tonnes, making it one of the largest smelters in North America.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is 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.
SOURCE: RIO TINTO ALCAN - EN
Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Canada: Stefano Bertolli, (514) 848-8151, stefano.bertolli@riotinto.com; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Saguenay: Claudine Gagnon, (418) 699-4005, claudine.gagnon@riotinto.com; www.riotinto.com/riotintoalcan
Tags: africa asia australia business canada ceo coal construction copper electricity energy engineering europe expansion foundation gold hydroelectric industrial investment local london mining montreal north america nyse pilot plant quebec renewable energy research securities south america technology trade water
Montréal Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium - Architectural Competition Launched - Zibb.com
MONTREAL, Oct. 22, 2008 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
The future Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will be a new star in Montréal's creative, design and cultural sky. The executive committee has given the go-ahead for the launch of an international architectural competition, to design this new scientific museum scheduled to open in spring 2012.
"The proposed new Planetarium is in keeping with Montréal's character as a cultural metropolis, city of knowledge and a UNESCO city of design. Architectural firms from around the world will be able to enter the competition provided that they meet the requirements of the Ordre des architectes du Québec. The new Planetarium will be built in line with our family policy and our commitment to make all our public buildings universally accessible, while meeting our sustainable development objectives by incorporating LEED standards. Once again, I salute the participation of our government partners and the exceptional involvement of Rio Tinto Alcan," said Montréal Mayor Gérald Tremblay.
There will be two phases to the architectural competition. First, a public call for tenders will be issued, inviting architectural firms to submit anonymous architectural concepts for the new Planetarium. A nine-member jury will examine the proposals and recommend five of them. The finalists will then work with a team of experts to develop and fine tune their concepts. The same jury will choose a winner next spring.
The jury members are Nils Larsson, architect and Director of iiSBE (International Initiative for Sustainable Built Environment); Lise Anne Couture, architect with Asymptote, a New York firm; Marc Boutin, architect and Associate Professor at the University of Calgary; Stéphane Roy, set designer for Cirque du Soleil; Luc Courchesne, Full Professor with the Faculty of Environmental Design at the Université de Montréal; Maya Raic, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Olympic Installations Board; Louise Bédard, architect with Stoa architecture; Pierre Lacombe, Director of the Planetarium; and Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, Director of Montréal's Nature Museums. "There is only one public planetarium in Quebec, and we want a design that reflects our uniqueness, our daring and our vision - humankind at the heart of the Universe. That is why the jury members come from different backgrounds and from different parts of North America," explained Mr. Brunelle.
The proposal for a new Planetarium, announced on December 10, 2007, is being supported financially by all three levels of government and Rio Tinto Alcan. "We are pleased to be part of creating an institution that will contribute to the social fabric and prosperity of Quebec and to advancing scientific literacy among the general public," emphasized Dick Evans, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Alcan.
Raymond Bachand, Quebec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, added: "We are taking another step on the way to completing this huge project. With a highly creative and environmentally friendly architectural concept, and drawing on its variety of spaces and different learning approaches, the new Montréal Planetarium is sure to touch all its visitors' hearts and encourage them to explore and enhance their understanding of the fascinating science of astronomy."
The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will be located on the Olympic facilities site, next to the Biodôme - the perfect location to benefit from economic, tourism, scientific and cultural synergy with its sister institution. The federal government chose to provide financial support for this project, of such importance for the east end of the city, in view of the economic spinoff it promises. This support will contribute to promoting Canadian know-how and creativity on the national and international scene.
The Planetarium is one of Montréal's Nature Museums, and its mission is to make astronomy accessible to everyone. Since it opened in 1966, the Planetarium has educated and entertained over six million visitors.
SOURCE: VILLE DE MONTREAL - CABINET DU MAIRE ET DU COMITE EXECUTIF
SOURCE: COMMUNIQUES MONTREAL
Gonzalo Nunez, Relations avec les médias, (514) 868-1127; Source: Renée Sauriol, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif, (514) 872-4894
Tags: architect architecture cabinet calgary canada environment export family government montreal museum new_york north america policy quebec science standards trade
Rio Tinto: Third Quarter 2008 Operations Review - Zibb.com
LONDON, Oct 15, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Chief executive Tom Albanese said: "The long term outlook for Rio Tinto remains positive despite the upheavals in global markets. In the third quarter, our business continued to perform extremely well, breaking yet more production records in iron ore, bauxite, hard coking coal and US coal.
"In the near term, the Chinese economy is pausing for breath. China is not completely insulated from an OECD recession and we will see an impact on Chinese exports. However, the near term slowdown of growth is substantially due to tightening of monetary policy introduced by the Chinese government last year in order to tackle inflation. Furthermore, we expect third quarter economic data to show an exaggerated slowdown, reflecting the postponement of projects during the Olympics. Looking further out, Chinese GDP will remain largely driven by the domestic economy and we expect industrialisation and urbanisation to continue apace with strengthening demand across a range of Rio Tinto products.
"With our cost competitive assets, resilient margins and strong customer base, Rio Tinto is well placed to weather the current economic weakness. Against the backdrop of the current markets, the Group is taking the opportunity to review the near term spending timelines and project costs of its capital expenditure programme, while preserving the optionality of its high quality growth pipeline overall."
-- Record quarterly global production of iron ore, up 17 per cent on the third quarter of 2007.
-- Record quarterly iron ore production in Australia of 48 million tonnes (39 million tonnes on an attributable basis), up 20 per cent (up 17 per cent on attributable basis) compared with the third quarter of 2007.
-- Rio Tinto Alcan continued to perform well with bauxite production up 93 per cent, alumina up by 222 per cent and aluminium up by 371 per cent, compared with the third quarter of 2007, reflecting the acquisition of Alcan in the fourth quarter of 2007. On a proforma basis the respective increases for bauxite and alumina were 11 per cent and two per cent while aluminium declined by one per cent, primarily due to temporary cutbacks at Tiwai Point.
-- Strong recovery in grades at Kennecott Utah Copper was offset by a decline at Escondida, which experienced operational interruptions. This led to an overall decrease in mined copper by seven per cent compared with the third quarter of 2007.
-- Strength in Australian hard coking and thermal coal, with third quarter production up by 40 per cent and eight per cent respectively on the third quarter of 2007.
-- Record production for the US coal business was achieved, up 13 per cent on the third quarter of 2007.
-- Uranium production increased 13 per cent on the same quarter of 2007
-- Continued strong performance from the minerals businesses with borates production up 24 per cent and titanium dioxide feedstocks up 11 per cent on the third quarter of 2007.
All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto's share, unless otherwise stated
CHINA OUTLOOK
There has been a deceleration in Chinese growth, which is expected to fall from nearly 12% in 2007 to less than 10 per cent this year. The slowdown is a product of tight credit policies in China that were introduced late last year to address inflationary concerns. These are only now being relaxed.
We expect to see Chinese economic data in the third quarter of this year showing an exaggerated economic slowdown because of the 'Olympics effect', with the negative impact falling away in later months. Over time, as economy-wide inventories are dissipated, industrial production and commodity demand can be expected to accelerate. Nevertheless, it now seems clear that any bounce in net demand will be delayed until next year.
The long-foreshadowed deceleration in economic activity has resulted in a marked reduction in Chinese commodity demand growth from the overheated levels we saw in 2007. But we should expect that investment, construction and therefore commodity demand in a fast growing developing economy like China's will have a cyclical pattern around a strong underlying trend.
While apparent demand for steel making raw materials, copper and aluminium has slowed, lower prices mean that Chinese producers are facing margin pressure and should be expected to cut their production. For example, it is likely that the vast majority of Chinese aluminium producers are now making operating losses.
Over 2009, the export sector is expected to come under increased pressure as OECD demand weakens in the wake of the Western credit crisis. However, Chinese investment is expected to start gaining strength on the back of substantial domestic savings and a shift in government policy toward promoting growth objectives. In this context it is worth recalling that net trade contributes only about 6 per cent to GDP while domestic investment contributes more than 40 per cent.
DIVESTMENTS
All the previously announced divestment processes are underway, and are continuing. The primary objective continues to be obtaining appropriate value from the assets highlighted for divestment. Acknowledging the reality of the currently challenging financial markets, the Group is reviewing its timeline for the announcement of the first $10 billion of divestments, which was due to be made in 2008.
FINANCIAL POSITION
The Group's financial position remains sound and its cash flow generation is strong. On 25 June 2008, Rio Tinto announced that it had termed out $5 billion of the Alcan acquisition facility through a bond issuance of fixed interest securities with durations varying from five to twenty years. The details of the rates and maturities were included in the press release at www.riotinto.com/media/5157_7883.asp
Total bonds outstanding for the Group at 30 September 2008 total $9.3 billion, including the $5 billion above. $200 million of this total matures within one year. Rio Tinto elected to extend the term of the Alcan acquisition financing Facility A to October 2009. The Group has no current drawings under any of its $2.3 billion bilateral bank facilities.
Alcan acquisition facility
US$ billion Original Interest rate Total facility Amount drawn Maturity
amount available at at 30
30 September September
2008 2008
Facility A -- 15.0 30 basis points 8.9 8.9 22/10/2009
term loan over LIBOR
Facility B -- 10.0 35 basis points 10.0 10.0 25/10/2010
revolving over LIBOR
credit
Facility C -- 5.0 40 basis points 5.0 0.4 25/10/2012
revolving over LIBOR
credit
Facility D -- 10.0 40 basis points 10.0 10.0 27/12/2012
term loan over LIBOR
Total 40.0 33.9 29.3
A complete filing of the US$ 40 billion Facility Agreement was made on 12 July 2007 with the SEC: www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/4285/000104746907005826/a2178944zex-99 _b1.htm (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
IRON ORE
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Hamersley 30,822 +14% +3% 87,832 +11%
Hope Downs 1,536 n/a -11% 3,807 n/a
Robe River 6,979 +9% -3% 21,381 +8%
IOC (pellets and concentrate) 2,493 +5% +4% 7,014 +27%
Pilbara operations
By the end of the third quarter, Rio Tinto had sold 12.5 million tonnes of iron ore (on a 100 per cent basis) on the spot market during 2008 (three quarters 100 per cent owned operations, one quarter joint venture operations). Further sales into the spot market will depend on the level of prices available.
Total third quarter production of 48 million tonnes (39 million tonnes on an attributable basis) was a 20 per cent increase (17 per cent on an attributable basis) on the same quarter of 2007, demonstrating progress in de-bottlenecking and the start up of expansion projects. The new Hope Downs mine produced more than three million tonnes for the second consecutive quarter, and, with the rapid advance of the Hope Downs South expansion, is ramping up towards 30 million tonne per annum capacity (15 million tonnes on an attributable basis).
These results were achieved despite significant disruption caused by the major shutdown of Car Dumper 2 at Cape Lambert port for almost three weeks. The safe and rapid recovery of the dumper curtailed production losses to less than one million tonnes.
Evidence of the success of debottlenecking projects was seen with rail operations consistently performing at a 200 million tonne per annum run-rate. With the expansion of Cape Lambert port operations ahead of schedule, these rates should provide the ability for early improvements in shipped tonnages.
Expansion projects are proceeding well. The Hope Downs South mine expansion, the engineering for the new Mesa A mine, the early construction and earth works at the future Brockman 4, the power systems upgrade and the automated train operations project are all on or ahead of schedule. The 220 million tonne per annum upgrade is approaching the last stage, with work on the Cape Lambert wharf extension being finalised. Commissioning of the new reclaimer commenced, and the new shiploader is expected in the next month.
Expected production in the Pilbara in 2008 is between 190 and 195 million tonnes on a 100 per cent basis.
HIsmelt
HIsmelt returned to production on 22nd September to 3rd October after the installation of significant modifications.
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
In September 2008 Rio Tinto approved the $193 million (Rio Tinto share $102 million) expansion of the magnetite plant at IOC to an annual capacity of 22.8 million tonnes. A further approval of $75 million (Rio Tinto share $44 million) was granted for completion of a feasibility study on the third-phase expansion, to extend annual capacity to 26 million tonnes, and to purchase long-lead items. A total of $768 million has now been committed to the IOC expansions (Rio Tinto share $451 million).
Rio Tinto Brasil
In July Rio Tinto approved an investment of $2.15 billion in a major expansion of its iron ore mine in Corumba, Brazil, boosting annual capacity of the mine from two million tonnes per annum to 12.8 million tonnes, with new production commencing in the fourth quarter of 2010. This is a project capable of further expansion and opening up the Atlantic basin to Corumba's high quality, direct reduction lump product.
ALUMINIUM
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Rio Tinto Alcan
Bauxite 9,023 +93% +5% 26,347 +99%
Alumina 2,187 +222% -3% 6,673 +230%
Aluminium 1,012 +371% -0% 3,051 +377%
Q3 07 Q3 08 vs 9 mths 07 vs 9 mths 07
Q3 07
Rio Tinto Alcan proforma(1) proforma(1) proforma(1) proforma(1)
Bauxite 8,102 +11% 23,165 +14%
Alumina 2,151 +2% 6,246 +7%
Aluminium 1,020(2) -1%(2) 3,032(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.
Third quarter production records were set across the board in the aluminium product group, and 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
Third quarter bauxite production was 93 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2007 and 11 per cent higher on a proforma basis. Third quarter bauxite production at Weipa was six per cent above the same quarter of 2007, reflecting increased capacity to support external demand as well as additional internal requirements.
Alumina
Third quarter alumina production was 222 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2007 and two per cent higher on a proforma basis.
A temporary blockage in the residue pipeline at the Yarwun alumina refinery during the quarter resulted in curtailed operations and 113 thousand tonnes of lost production. Opportunistic maintenance was conducted on the refinery which resumed full production by the end of August. At Gove slower commissioning has led to a revision of the 2008 production target to 2.4 million tonnes.
Aluminium
Third quarter aluminium production was 371 per cent higher than the same quarter of 2007 and one per cent lower on a proforma basis. Capacity creep at many of the Group's smelters, particularly in Canada, largely offset production cutbacks at the Tiwai Point smelter in New Zealand due to low rainfall and at Anglesey Aluminium due to a localised fire in June. Full power output is expected to be restored at Tiwai Point within eight to ten weeks and the restart of Anglesey Aluminium is well underway. The Sohar start-up is proceeding on budget.
In light of current market weakness, whilst most of the Rio Tinto Alcan smelters are in the lower end of the cost curve, the Group is reviewing production rates at the higher cost smelting units, which may lead to production curtailment.
COPPER
Rio Tinto share of production
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mined copper (000 tonnes) 69.3 +40% +15% 174.2 +9%
Refined copper (000 tonnes) 40.6 -41% -18% 142.0 -31%
Molybdenum (000 tonnes) 2.9 -15% +32% 8.6 -28%
Mined gold (000 ozs) 111 +26% +21% 272 -14%
Refined gold (000 ozs) 77 -40% +5% 231 -41%
Escondida
Mined copper (000 tonnes) 73.2 -28% -43% 318.5 +0%
Refined copper (000 tonnes) 18.6 +15% -12% 55.3 -1%
Kennecott Utah Copper
A return to higher copper grades in the third quarter, as planned, resulted in significantly higher mined production compared with both the previous quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2007. Gold and silver grades recovered from previous quarters in line with copper.
Changes in the mining sequence resulted in lower molybdenum grades and production compared with the same quarter of 2007. Molybdenum production for the full year 2008 is expected to be approximately 30 per cent below 2007 following a decline in grades and recoveries.
Decreases in copper and gold refined production followed a 19 day scheduled refinery shutdown in July 2008 and an 11 day scheduled smelter maintenance shutdown in August 2008. The improvement in mined copper is expected to provide greater availability of concentrate with the smelter and refinery therefore expected to operate at higher rates in the fourth quarter. Higher mined grades take approximately three months to flow through to refined production.
Escondida
Mined copper for the quarter declined by 28 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2007, following a significant decline in ore grade.
During the third quarter the Laguna Seca SAG mill suffered a number of shut downs due to electrical problems affecting the mills drive mechanism. Force majeure was declared on some deliveries of copper concentrate on 10 October. The shut down resulted in ten days of downtime of the mill and adversely impacted copper production by approximately 10,000 tonnes (100 per cent basis). The electrical issues will require a reduction in the voltage of the motor which will translate into a loss of production of about 15 per cent until the long term solution to the electrical issues can be implemented, which is currently expected to take nine months. Escondida has established changes to the mill operations to allow for rapid maintenance and minimise the impact of further production stoppages.
Grasberg
Third quarter Grasberg production numbers are estimates. The year to date numbers include first and second quarter actual production and third quarter estimates. Freeport releases its actual 100 per cent operating data for the third quarter on 21 October 2008.
Other operations
Copper grades at Northparkes recovered as the underground E26 Lift 2 North ramped 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.
Copper in concentrate produced at Palabora was 14 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2007 and 35 per cent lower than the second quarter. The variance with the second quarter is due to a combination of a reduction in smelter secondary material processed and no reclaimed low grade concentrate.
DIAMONDS
Rio Tinto share of production (000 carats)
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Argyle 4,659 -4% +56% 9,823 -23%
Diavik 1,393 -26% -8% 3,977 -26%
Third quarter production at Argyle declined slightly on the same quarter of 2007 but was 56 per cent higher than the previous quarter following the re-establishment of access to the high grade areas of the pit. This resulted 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.
Third quarter production at Diavik was 26 per cent below the same quarter of 2007, primarily as a result of the overall reduction in grade that commenced in the fourth quarter of 2007, with the introduction of low grade, mud rich ore from the opening levels of the A418 pipe, as well as a higher volume of A418 ore being processed. The ongoing optimisation programme at Diavik continues to add value to this high quality asset.
ENERGY
US thermal coal
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Rio Tinto Energy America 35,139 +13% +14% 96,717 +5%
Record third quarter US coal production was the result of strong customer demand for Powder River Basin coal supported by incremental expansion in Rio Tinto Energy America's mines. Coal shipments recovered from the severe weather conditions experienced in the second quarter
Australian coal
Rio Tinto share of production (000 tonnes)
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Hard coking coal 2,187 +40% +7% 5,268 +14%
Other coal 5,367 +8% -3% 16,357 +8%
Hard coking coal production from the Queensland coal operations increased by 40 per cent compared with the same quarter of 2007 when severe port constraints were experienced. In addition, higher production was achieved at Kestrel following focused operational improvements.
In the Hunter Valley, production of semi soft coal increased compared with the third quarter of 2007 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 increase capacity modestly in the remainder 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)
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Energy Resources of 1,905 -4% +16% 5,559 -3%
Australia
Rössing 1,601 +42% +6% 4,442 +31%
Access to higher grade ores at ERA was re-established during the quarter with a resultant recovery in production levels compared with the second quarter.
Higher grades at RAssing led to a 42 per cent improvement in production in the third 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)
Q3 08 vs Q3 07 vs Q2 08 9 mths 08 vs 9 mths 07
Borates 166 +24% -3% 490 +20%
Titanium dioxide 394 +11% -3% 1,155 +7%
Third quarter borates production rose by 24 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 production increased by 11 percent compared with the same quarter of 2007 as the UGS plant reached record production levels.
Third quarter salt production of 1.9 million tonnes set a quarterly record.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Pre-tax expenditure on exploration and evaluation charged to the profit and loss account in the first nine months of 2008 was $661 million compared with $348 million in the 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. This continues the momentum of the Group's organic growth pipeline in its iron ore business in Western Australia.
In August 2008 Rio Tinto approved an investment of $652 million (Rio Tinto share $341 million) to support continued pre-feasibility studies on a large, Tier 1 copper deposit at its Resolution Copper operation in Arizona. Pre-feasibility studies are expected to be completed by 2012 with production at the new mine expected to start by 2020, with a targeted maximum production rate of 500,000 tonnes per annum of copper.
Delineation drilling continued on the Tamarack South nickel copper prospect at Lakeview in Minnesota. The programme is on-track to publish an inferred resource by year-end.
Drilling commenced at the Crowsnest coking coal property in British Columbia with two holes completed to date. Seismic surveys suggest minimal disruption of the multiple coal seams intersected in the two holes.
Potash exploration drilling commenced at Regina in Saskatchewan with two holes completed during the quarter. All three potash beds mined elsewhere in Saskatchewan are present in the drill holes. Assay results are awaited and the drilling programme continues.
A summary of activity for the period is as follows:
Product Group Advanced projects Greenfield programmes
Aluminium Australia, Brazil, Guyana
Copper and Tamarack nickel-copper, US: Order of Magnitude Study on-track for Copper: Ongoing field work on the CODELCO JV in Chile, the RioNor JV
Diamonds year-end completion at Tamarack South. in Russia and in Kazakhstan, the US, Mexico, Peru and Argentina.
Bunder diamonds, India: Handover to Rio Tinto Diamonds on-track Diamonds: Early-stage exploration continued in India, Canada,
for fourth quarter. Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Energy & Minerals Altai Nuur coal, Mongolia Coal: Drilling programmes planned or underway in Argentina,
Order of Magnitude Study ongoing. Colombia, Canada, South Africa, Russia and Mongolia.
Chilubane and Mutamba ilmenite, Mozambique; Jadar lithium borates, Industrial minerals: Ongoing potash and trona exploration in
Serbia: Order of Magnitude Studies on-track for year-end Australia, Canada and Turkey.
completion.
Iron Ore Pilbara, Australia: Delineation drilling continued at several Brazil.
advanced prospects.
Mine-lease exploration continued at a number of Rio Tinto businesses including Kennecott Utah Copper, Northparkes, Energy Resources of Australia, RAssing, Diavik and Pilbara Iron. A major new exploration programme commenced on Rio Tinto Coal Australia properties.
In August 2008, Rio Tinto completed the sale of 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 9 MONTHS % CHANGE
Principal 2007 2008 2008 2007 2008 Q3 08 Q3 08 9 mths 08
Commodities Q3 Q2 Q3 vs vs vs
Q3 07 Q2 08 9 mths 07
Alumina ('000 t) 679 2,266 2,187 2,024 6,673 222% -3% 230%
Aluminium ('000 t) 215 1,014 1,012 640 3,051 371% 0% 377%
Bauxite ('000 t) 4,676 8,567 9,023 13,225 26,347 93% 5% 99%
Borates ('000 t) 134 171 166 408 490 24% -3% 20%
Coal - hard coking coal ('000 t) 1,564 2,038 2,187 4,635 5,268 40% 7% 14%
Coal - other Australian ('000 t) 4,983 5,542 5,367 15,117 16,357 8% -3% 8%
Coal - US ('000 t) 31,024 30,947 35,139 91,699 96,717 13% 14% 5%
Copper - mined ('000 t) 172.5 210.2 160.0 557.1 551.3 -7% -24% -1%
Copper - refined ('000 t) 98.7 82.8 68.9 301.0 230.0 -30% -17% -24%
Diamonds ('000 cts) 6,770 4,557 6,110 18,216 13,962 -10% 34% -23%
Iron ore ('000 t) 36,390 41,860 42,404 105,751 121,635 17% 1% 15%
Titanium dioxide feedstock ('000 t) 356 405 394 1,075 1,155 11% -3% 7%
Uranium ('000 lbs) 3,105 3,149 3,507 9,112 10,001 13% 11% 10%
Other Metals & Minerals
Gold - mined ('000 ozs) 269 114 130 745 337 -51% 14% -55%
Gold - refined ('000 ozs) 128 73 77 390 231 -40% 5% -41%
Molybdenum ('000 t) 3.5 2.2 2.9 11.9 8.6 -15% 32% -28%
Pig Iron ('000 t) 29 41 2 42 55 -92% -94% 30%
Salt ('000 t) 1,480 1,276 1,879 3,555 4,412 27% 47% 24%
Silver - mined ('000 ozs) 1,765 1,477 1,603 5,224 4,264 -9% 9% -18%
Silver - refined ('000 ozs) 1,164 903 743 3,048 2,575 -36% -18% -16%
Talc ('000 t) 318 337 290 997 969 -9% -14% -3%
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 nine month figures.
Rio Tinto share of production
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
ALUMINA
Production ('000 tonnes)
Gardanne (a) 100% - 21 21 5 11 - 37
Gove (a) 100% - 405 554 589 567 - 1,710
Jonquiere (a) 100% - 252 327 327 357 - 1,012
Queensland Alumina (a) (b) 80% 377 662 756 773 754 1,104 2,284
Sao Luis (Alumar) (a) 10% - 29 38 39 35 - 111
Yarwun 100% 301 339 348 327 269 920 944
Speciality alumina plants (a) 100% - 144 176 206 193 - 575
Rio Tinto total alumina production 679 1,853 2,220 2,266 2,187 2,024 6,673
ALUMINIUM (c)
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Australia - Bell Bay 100% 45 45 44 45 44 132 133
Australia - Boyne Island 59% 81 82 82 82 83 243 247
Australia - Tomago (a) 52% - 50 66 67 69 - 202
Cameroon - Alucam (Edea) (a) 47% - 9 9 10 12 - 31
Canada - seven wholly owned (a) 100% - 270 360 356 358 - 1,074
Canada - Alouette (a) 40% - 44 57 57 57 - 171
Canada - Becancour (a) 25% - 20 25 26 27 - 77
China - Ningxia (Qingtongxia) (a) 50% - 15 20 20 20 - 61
France - three wholly owned (a) 100% - 80 102 98 97 - 297
Iceland - ISAL (Reykjavik) (a) 100% - 35 46 46 47 - 139
New Zealand - Tiwai Point (a) 79% 70 70 69 65 61 208 195
Norway - SORAL (Husnes) (a) 50% - 16 21 21 21 - 64
Oman - Sohar (d) 20% - - - - 1.5 - 1.5
UK - two wholly owned (a) 100% - 42 55 55 55 - 166
UK - Anglesey 51% 19 19 19 16 9 56 44
USA - Sebree (a) 100% - 37 49 49 50 - 148
Rio Tinto total aluminium production 215 834 1,025 1,014 1,012 640 3,051
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
BAUXITE
Production ('000 tonnes)
Awaso (a) (e) 80% - 173 164 128 168 - 460
Sangaredi (a) (f) - 1,248 1,770 1,511 1,610 - 4,891
Gove (a) 100% - 985 1,327 1,529 1,734 - 4,590
Porto Trombetas (a) 12% - 407 491 518 565 - 1,574
Weipa (g) 100% 4,676 4,984 5,005 4,881 4,947 13,225 14,833
Rio Tinto total bauxite production 4,676 7,797 8,757 8,567 9,023 13,225 26,347
BORATES
Production ('000 tonnes B2O3
content)
Rio Tinto Minerals -- borates 100% 134 151 153 171 166 408 490
COAL -- HARD COKING
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
Hail Creek Coal 82% 864 1,090 663 1,429 1,361 3,020 3,453
Kestrel Coal 80% 700 454 380 609 825 1,615 1,815
Rio Tinto total hard coking coal production 1,564 1,544 1,043 2,038 2,187 4,635 5,268
COAL -- OTHER (h)
Rio Tinto Coal Australia ('000 tonnes)
Bengalla 30% 422 417 319 487 393 1,144 1,198
Blair Athol Coal 71% 1,374 1,023 1,808 1,719 1,799 4,622 5,326
Hunter Valley 76% 1,774 2,047 2,139 2,201 1,722 5,596 6,062
Operations
Kestrel Coal 80% 261 145 110 197 226 684 534
Mount Thorley 61% 396 625 432 284 730 1,145 1,446
Operations
Warkworth 42% 756 504 641 653 496 1,926 1,791
Total Australian other coal 4,983 4,760 5,449 5,542 5,367 15,117 16,357
Rio Tinto Energy America ('000 tonnes)
Antelope 100% 7,601 8,292 7,958 7,951 8,374 22,975 24,283
Colowyo (g) 1,280 1,232 1,001 1,045 1,190 3,846 3,235
Cordero Rojo 100% 8,622 9,996 9,200 8,077 9,709 26,716 26,985
Decker 50% 833 809 740 765 785 2,361 2,290
Jacobs Ranch 100% 8,750 8,801 7,904 9,255 10,772 25,764 27,931
Spring Creek 100% 3,938 4,254 3,829 3,855 4,311 10,037 11,994
Total US coal 31,024 33,384 30,632 30,947 35,139 91,699 96,717
Rio Tinto total other coal production 36,006 38,144 36,080 36,488 40,506 106,817 113,074
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
COPPER
Mine production ('000 tonnes) (j)
Bingham Canyon 100% 49.5 53.0 44.7 60.2 69.3 159.2 174.2
Escondida 30% 101.2 103.8 117.2 128.1 73.2 317.9 318.5
Grasberg - Joint Venture (k) 40% 7.5 9.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 18.9 7.2
Northparkes 80% 5.6 5.3 4.1 4.4 5.2 29.2 13.8
Palabora 58% 8.7 9.3 12.8 15.1 9.9 31.9 37.7
Rio Tinto total mine production 172.5 180.8 185.2 214.9 165.9 557.1 566.0
Refined production ('000 tonnes)
Escondida 30% 16.1 15.8 15.7 21.0 18.6 55.7 55.3
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 68.7 59.3 52.1 49.3 40.6 206.3 142.0
Palabora 58% 13.8 13.8 10.5 12.4 9.8 39.0 32.8
Rio Tinto total refined production 98.7 89.0 78.3 82.8 68.9 301.0 230.0
DIAMONDS
Production ('000 carats)
Argyle 100% 4,865 5,995 2,172 2,992 4,659 12,749 9,823
Diavik 60% 1,874 1,766 1,071 1,513 1,393 5,399 3,977
Murowa 78% 31 46 52 52 58 67 163
Rio Tinto total diamond production 6,770 7,807 3,296 4,557 6,110 18,216 13,962
GOLD
Mine production ('000 ounces) (j)
Barneys Canyon 100% 3 2 2 1 1 8 4
Bingham Canyon 100% 86 88 67 91 110 309 268
Escondida 30% 14 14 12 11 9 42 32
Grasberg - Joint Venture (k) 40% 149 103 - - - 320 -
Northparkes 80% 12 13 8 6 6 50 20
Rawhide 51% 2 2 2 2 2 8 6
Others - 3 3 2 2 2 8 6
Rio Tinto total mine production 269 225 93 114 130 745 337
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 128 133 81 73 77 390 231
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
IRON ORE & IRON
Production ('000 tonnes) (j)
Corumba 100% 528 365 508 519 575 1,413 1,602
Hamersley - six wholly owned mines 100% 23,990 25,799 23,731 26,113 26,653 68,767 76,496
Hamersley - Channar 60% 1,554 1,448 1,484 1,686 1,880 4,881 5,050
Hamersley -- Eastern Range (i) 1,562 1,535 1,801 2,195 2,289 5,397 6,286
Hope Downs(m) 50% 32 538 1,732 1,536 - 3,807
Iron Ore Company of Canada 59% 2,376 2,248 2,119 2,402 2,493 5,520 7,014
RobeRiver 53% 6,381 7,529 7,189 7,212 6,979 19,773 21,381
Rio Tinto total mine production 36,390 38,956 37,371 41,860 42,404 105,751 121,635
Pig iron production ('000 tonnes)
HIsmelt® 60% 29 27 11 41 2 42 55
MOLYBDENUM
Mine production ('000 tonnes)
Bingham Canyon 100% 3.5 3.0 3.4 2.2 2.9 11.9 8.6
SALT
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Minerals -- salt (n) 68% 1,480 1,686 1,257 1,276 1,879 3,555 4,412
SILVER
Mine production ('000 ounces) (j)
Bingham Canyon 100% 757 892 616 855 1,011 2,595 2,481
Escondida 30% 670 536 494 507 406 1,825 1,408
Grasberg - Joint Venture (k) 40% 210 154 - - - 323 -
Others - 127 121 74 115 109 480 298
Rio Tinto total mine production 1,765 1,703 1,184 1,477 1,603 5,224 4,264
Refined production ('000 ounces)
Kennecott Utah Copper 100% 1,164 1,317 929 903 743 3,048 2,575
TALC
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100% 318 284 342 337 290 997 969
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK
Production ('000 tonnes)
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100% 356 384 356 405 394 1,075 1,155
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
URANIUM
Production ('000 lbs U3O8)
Energy Resources of Australia 68% 1,980 2,288 2,011 1,643 1,905 5,723 5,559
Rössing 69% 1,126 1,216 1,335 1,505 1,601 3,389 4,442
Rio Tinto total uranium production 3,105 3,504 3,346 3,149 3,507 9,112 10,001
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) Production at the Sohar smelter commenced in the third quarter of
2008.
(e) Rio Tinto Alcan has an 80% interest in the Awaso mine but purchases
the additional 20% of production
(f) Rio Tinto has a 22.9% shareholding in the Sangaredi mine but
receives 45% of production under the partnership agreement.
(g) Includes beneficiated and calcined bauxite production.
(h) Coal - other includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking coal.
(i) 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.
(j) 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.
(k) 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 an estimate of production for the first nine months of 2008
since the allocation to Rio Tinto is still under review following
the September small scale failure in the pit.
(l) 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.
(m) Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007
(n) 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 September 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 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 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 1,734 - 4,590
Weipa mine - Queensland (b) 100.0% 4,676 4,984 5,005 4,881 4,947 13,225 14,833
Brazil
Porto Trombetas (MRN) mine (a) 12.0% - 3,392 4,093 4,314 4,706 - 13,113
Ghana
Awaso mine (a) (c) 80.0% - 216 205 160 209 - 574
Guinea
Sangaredi mine (a) (d) 22.9% - 2,774 3,934 3,357 3,578 - 10,869
Rio Tinto Alcan share of bauxite shipments
Share of bauxite shipments ('000 tonnes) 4,774 6,682 8,171 8,515 9,125 13,195 25,811
Smelter-Grade Alumina Refineries
Alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Gove refinery - Northern Territory (a) 100.0% - 405 554 589 567 - 1,710
Queensland Alumina Refinery - Queensland (a) (e) 80.0% 977 956 945 967 943 2,860 2,855
Yarwun refinery - Queensland 100.0% 301 339 348 327 269 920 944
Brazil
Sao Luis (Alumar) refinery (a) 10.0% - 288 379 387 347 - 1,113
Canada
Jonquiere refinery - Quebec (a) 100.0% - 252 327 327 357 - 1,012
France
Gardanne refinery (a) 100.0% - 21 21 5 11 - 37
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
ALUMINIUM (continued)
Specialty Alumina Plants
Speciality alumina production ('000 tonnes)
Canada
Brockville plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - 3 4 4 4 - 13
Jonquiere plant - Quebec (a) 100.0% - 22 31 32 30 - 93
France
Beyrede plant (a) 100.0% - 6 7 7 7 - 21
Gardanne plant (a) 100.0% - 102 116 149 137 - 402
La Bathie plant (a) 100.0% - 5 9 8 8 - 25
Germany
Teutschenthal plant (a) 100.0% - 6 8 5 7 - 20
(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 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
ALUMINIUM (continued)
Aluminium Smelters (a)
Primary aluminium production ('000 tonnes)
Australia
Bell Bay smelter - Tasmania 100.0% 45 45 44 45 44 132 133
Boyne Island smelter - Queensland 59.4% 137 139 138 138 140 409 416
Tomago smelter - New South Wales (b) 51.6% - 97 127 131 133 - 391
Cameroon
Alucam (Edea) smelter (b) 46.7% - 19 20 21 25 - 67
Canada
Alma smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - 80 107 104 104 - 315
Alouette (Sept-Iles) smelter - Quebec (b) 40.0% - 109 142 142 143 - 428
Arvida smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - 32 42 43 43 - 129
Beauharnois, smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - 10 13 12 12 - 37
Becancour smelter - Quebec (b) 25.1% - 80 100 103 106 - 309
Grande-Baie smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - 40 52 53 53 - 158
Kitimat smelter - British Colombia (b) 100.0% - 47 63 61 61 - 186
Laterriere smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - 44 58 58 59 - 175
Shawinigan smelter - Quebec (b) 100.0% - 18 25 25 25 - 75
China
Ningxia (Qingtongxia) smelter (b) 50.0% - 31 41 40 41 - 122
France
Dunkerque smelter (b) 100.0% - 49 62 65 64 - 191
Lannemezan smelter (b) (c) 100.0% - 5 5 - - - 5
St-Jean-de Maurienne smelter (b) 100.0% - 25 34 33 33 - 100
Iceland
ISAL (Reykjavik) smelter (b) 100.0% - 35 46 46 47 - 139
New Zealand
Tiwai Point smelter 79.4% 89 89 87 82 77 263 245
Norway
SORAL (Husnes) smelter (b) 50.0% - 32 43 42 43 - 128
Oman
Sohar smelter (c) 51.0% - - - - 8 - 8
United Kingdom
Anglesey Aluminium smelter 51.0% 37 37 37 32 18 110 86
Lochaber smelter (b) 100.0% - 8 11 11 11 - 33
Lynemouth smelter (b) 100.0% - 33 44 44 44 - 133
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
ALUMINIUM (continued)
USA
Sebree smelter - Kentucky (b) 100.0% - 37 49 49 50 - 148
Rio Tinto Alcan share of metal sales
Share of primary aluminium sales 211 1,031 1,273 1,320 1,282 632 3,875
('000 tonnes)
(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) Production at the Sohar smelter commenced in the third quarter of
2008.
BORATES
Rio Tinto Minerals - borates 100.0%
California, US and Argentina
Borates ('000 tonnes) (a) 134 151 153 171 166 408 490
(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) 1,394 1,376 1,053 1,607 1,296 3,779 3,956
Blair Athol Coal mine 71.2%
Queensland, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,929 1,436 2,538 2,413 2,525 6,488 7,476
Hail Creek Coal mine 82.0%
Queensland, Australia
Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,259 1,054 1,329 808 1,743 1,660 3,683
Hunter Valley Operations 75.7%
New South Wales, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,883 2,046 2,143 1,830 1,645 6,219 5,618
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 381 460 657 683 1,078 629 1,173
Kestrel Coal mine 80.0%
Queensland, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 326 181 138 247 283 854 668
Hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 875 567 475 762 1,032 2,019 2,269
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
COAL (continued)
Mount Thorley Operations 60.6%
New South Wales, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 261 731 382 428 919 1,198 1,728
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 393 302 332 41 287 693
Tarong Coal mine (a) 0.0%
Queensland, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 872 881 262 - - 3,629 262
Warkworth mine 42.1%
New South Wales, Australia
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,663 1,197 1,522 1,507 965 4,178 3,994
Semi-soft coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 133 - 1 46 215 400 262
Total hard coking coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,929 1,896 1,284 2,504 2,692 5,702 6,480
Total hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) (a) 1,580 1,962 1,245 2,133 2,618 4,962 5,996
Total other coal production ('000 tonnes) (c) 9,314 8,808 9,052 9,196 8,765 28,611 27,012
Total other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (d) (e) 9,322 9,892 9,459 8,888 9,173 30,211 27,520
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 11,243 10,704 10,336 11,700 11,457 34,312 33,493
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 10,902 11,854 10,703 11,021 11,792 35,172 33,517
Rio Tinto Coal Australia share
Share of hard coking coal sales ('000 tonnes) 1,285 1,600 1,015 1,740 2,129 4,038 4,883
Share of other coal sales ('000 tonnes) (c) (d) 5,937 6,285 5,994 5,459 5,630 19,912 17,082
(a) Some Kestrel thermal coal is blended with and sold as coking coal.
(b) 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.
(c) Other coal production includes thermal coal and semi-soft coking
coal.
(d) Other coal sales includes thermal coal, semi-soft coking coal and
semi-hard coking coal (a mixture of thermal coal and coking coal).
(e) Sales relate only to coal mined by the operations and exclude traded
coal.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
COAL (continued)
Rio Tinto Energy America
Antelope mine 100.0%
Wyoming, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 7,601 8,292 7,958 7,951 8,374 22,975 24,283
Colowyo mine (a)
Colorado, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,280 1,232 1,001 1,045 1,190 3,846 3,235
Cordero Rojo mine 100.0%
Wyoming, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 8,622 9,996 9,200 8,077 9,709 26,716 26,985
Decker mine 50.0%
Montana, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 1,666 1,618 1,480 1,530 1,570 4,722 4,579
Jacobs Ranch mine 100.0%
Wyoming, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 8,750 8,801 7,904 9,255 10,772 25,764 27,931
Spring Creek mine 100.0%
Montana, US
Thermal coal production ('000 tonnes) 3,938 4,254 3,829 3,855 4,311 10,037 11,994
Total coal production ('000 tonnes) 31,857 34,192 31,372 31,711 35,924 94,060 99,007
Total coal sales ('000 tonnes) 32,165 33,891 31,393 31,301 35,904 94,369 98,598
(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 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
COPPER & GOLD
Escondida 30.0%
Chile
Sulphide ore to concentrator ('000 tonnes) 22,406 21,777 22,029 24,491 20,416 68,920 66,935
Average copper grade (%) 1.63 1.72 1.56 1.55 1.32 1.61 1.48
Mill production (metals in concentrates):
Contained copper ('000 tonnes) 305.2 316.8 284.7 312.7 208.6 929.9 806.1
Contained gold ('000 ounces) 48 45 39 38 31 141 108
Contained silver ('000 ounces) 2,234 1,786 1,647 1,691 1,355 6,084 4,693
Ore to leach ('000 tonnes) 7,329 3,723 19,156 28,570 5,064 31,273 52,791
Average copper grade (%) 0.44 0.78 0.55 0.40 0.70 0.41 0.48
Contained copper in leachate/ mined material 32 29 106 114 35 130 256
('000 tonnes)
Refined production from leach plants:
Copper cathode production ('000 tonnes) 54 53 52 70 62 186 184
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold 0.0% (40.0% of the expansion)
Grasberg mine (a)
Papua, Indonesia
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 18,267 19,195 16,363 16,683 17,755 58,398 50,801
Average mill head grades:
Copper (% 0.58 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.82 0.88 0.76
Gold (g/t) 0.70 0.52 0.61 0.54 0.61 1.47 0.59
Silver (g/t) 2.91 2.77 3.28 3.24 3.14 3.78 3.22
Production of metals in concentrates:
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 90.8 107.1 100.8 111.1 128.9 462.3 340.7
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 336 254 253 228 273 2,435 754
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 693 875 979 1,024 1,102 4,362 3,105
Sales of payable metals in concentrates: (b)
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 96.9 91.5 101.1 110.3 128.2 448.5 339.6
Gold in concentrates ('000 ounces) 383 220 253 235 271 2,371 760
Silver in concentrates ('000 ounces) 598 585 784 819 873 3,372 2,476
(a) 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. The 3Q 2008 results are estimates
and the nine months 2008 results include the 1Q 2008 and 2Q 2008
actuals and 3Q 2008 estimates. FCX is not releasing its actual 100%
operating data for 3Q 2008 until the release of its 2008 third
quarter and nine month results on 21 October 2008.
(b) Net of smelter deductions.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott Minerals Company
Cortez/Pipeline mine (a) 0.0%
Nevada, US
Ore treated
Milled ('000 tonnes) 914 648 491 - - 2,375 491
Leached ('000 tonnes) 4,775 8,510 1,839 - - 21,738 1,839
Sold for roasting ('000 tonnes) - - - - - - -
Average ore grade: gold
Milled (g/t) 2.83 4.18 3.40 - - 2.71 3.40
Leached (g/t) 0.50 0.50 0.50 - - 0.51 0.50
Sold for roasting (g/t) - - - - - - -
Gold produced ('000 ounces) 134 138 72 - - 400 72
Greens Creek mine (a) 0.0%
Alaska, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 178 172 153 18 - 492 171
Average ore grades:
Gold (g/t) 4.85 4.86 5.20 4.38 - 4.63 5.11
Silver (g/t) 533 416 465 374 - 570 456
Zinc (%) 9.6 10.3 10.3 10.2 - 9.5 10.3
Lead (%) 3.7 3.5 3.7 3.7 - 3.7 3.7
Metals produced in concentrates:
Gold ('000 ounces) 19 18 16 1 - 50 18
Silver ('000 ounces) 2,287 1,672 1,668 147 - 6,974 1,815
Zinc ('000 tonnes) 13.7 13.9 12.3 1.6 - 36.9 13.9
Lead ('000 tonnes) 4.6 4.3 4.0 0.6 - 12.7 4.6
Rawhide mine (b) 51.0%
Nevada, US
Metals produced in dore:
Gold ('000 ounces) 4 4 3 4 5 16 12
Silver ('000 ounces) 34 21 26 36 40 139 102
(a) On 5 March 2008 (effective end of February) Rio Tinto completed the
sale of its interest in the Cortez joint venture to its partner and
on 16 April 2008 Rio Tinto completed the sale of its interest in the
Greens Creek joint venture to its partner. Production data for these
mines are shown up to those dates.
(b) Mining operations were completed in October 2002 and processing of
stockpiled ores was completed in May 2003. Residual gold and silver
production continues from the leach pads.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Kennecott Utah Copper
Barneys Canyon mine (a) 100.0%
Utah, US
Gold produced ('000 ounces) 3 2 2 1 1 8 4
Bingham Canyon mine 100.0%
Utah, US
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 10,988 12,116 10,867 12,918 13,228 35,409 37,013
Average ore grade:
Copper (%) 0.52 0.51 0.49 0.57 0.62 0.54 0.56
Gold (g/t) 0.36 0.31 0.30 0.34 0.37 0.41 0.34
Silver (g/t) 2.87 2.93 2.43 2.94 3.14 3.03 2.86
Molybdenum (%) 0.050 0.043 0.050 0.045 0.043 0.052 0.046
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 222 230 193 225 262 659 680
Average concentrate grade (% Cu) 22.2 23.0 23.0 26.6 26.4 24.1 25.5
Production of metals in copper concentrates:
Copper ('000 tonnes) (b) 49.5 53.0 44.7 60.2 69.3 159.2 174.2
Gold ('000 ounces) 86 88 67 91 110 309 268
Silver ('000 ounces) 757 892 616 855 1,011 2,595 2,481
Molybdenum concentrates produced 6.2 5.4 6.2 4.0 5.4 21.2 15.7
('000 tonnes):
Molybdenum in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 3.5 3.0 3.4 2.2 2.9 11.9 8.6
Kennecott smelter & refinery 100.0%
Copper concentrates smelted ('000 tonnes) 263 272 237 208 216 832 661
Copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) (c) 61.8 56.7 49.7 47.9 39.9 204.5 137.5
Production of refined metal:
Copper ('000 tonnes) 68.7 59.3 52.1 49.3 40.6 206.3 142.0
Gold ('000 ounces) (d) 128 133 81 73 77 390 231
Silver ('000 ounces) (d) 1,164 1,317 929 903 743 3,048 2,575
(a) Mining operations ceased in the first quarter of 2002. Gold
continues to be recovered from leach pads
(b) Includes a small amount of copper in precipitates.
(c) New metal excluding recycled material.
(d) Includes gold and silver in intermediate products.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
COPPER & GOLD (continued)
Northparkes Joint Venture 80.0%
New South Wales, Australia
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 1,264 1,304 1,234 1,330 1,343 3,994 3,908
Average ore grades:
Copper (%) 0.65 0.59 0.49 0.49 0.55 1.02 0.51
Gold (g/t) 0.50 0.51 0.35 0.25 0.23 0.65 0.28
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 21.4 19.6 16.1 18.4 19.9 96.0 54.4
Contained copper in concentrates:
Saleable production ('000 tonnes) 7.0 6.6 5.1 5.5 6.6 36.6 17.2
Sales ('000 tonnes) (a) 9.5 8.2 2.7 3.3 7.2 39.4 13.3
Contained gold in concentrates:
Saleable production ('000 ounces) 15.1 16.3 10.0 7.7 7.4 62.5 25.1
Sales ('000 ounces) (a) 23.3 16.7 6.0 8.5 9.8 58.6 24.3
(a) Rio Tinto's 80% share of material from the Joint Venture.
Palabora 57.7%
Palabora mine
South Africa
Ore treated ('000 tonnes) 3,046 3,958 3,181 3,027 3,096 8,957 9,303
Average ore grade: copper (%) 0.68 0.69 0.71 0.71 0.66 0.70 0.69
Copper concentrates produced ('000 tonnes) 48.6 52.5 73.9 89.4 56.5 186.7 219.8
Average concentrate grade: copper (%) 31.0 30.7 29.9 29.2 30.3 29.6 29.7
Copper in concentrates ('000 tonnes) 15.0 16.1 22.1 26.1 17.1 55.2 65.3
Palabora smelter/refinery
New concentrate smelted on site ('000 tonnes) 73.9 74.1 66.4 72.3 52.5 221.7 191.3
New copper anodes produced ('000 tonnes) 24.0 22.7 18.1 22.3 14.9 68.0 55.3
Refined new copper produced ('000 tonnes) 24.0 24.0 18.3 21.6 17.0 67.7 56.8
By-products:
Magnetite concentrate ('000 tonnes) 361 363 446 475 562 943 1,482
Nickel contained in products (tonnes) (a) 43 45 42 26 13 59 81
Vermiculite plant
Vermiculite produced ('000 tonnes) 50 50 50 50 50 150 150
(a) Nickel production is now reported as contained nickel in product.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
DIAMONDS
Argyle Diamonds 100.0%
Western Australia
AK1 ore processed ('000 tonnes) 2,362 1,917 1,549 1,794 1,660 6,708 5,003
AK1 diamonds produced ('000 carats) 4,865 5,995 2,172 2,992 4,659 12,749 9,823
Diavik Diamonds 60.0%
Northwest Territories, Canada
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 656 581 437 716 692 1,819 1,845
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 3,123 2,944 1,785 2,522 2,321 8,999 6,628
Murowa Diamonds 77.8%
Zimbabwe
Ore processed ('000 tonnes) 55 72 88 92 103 131 283
Diamonds recovered ('000 carats) 40 59 67 67 75 86 209
IRON ORE & IRON
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Pilbara Operations
Western Australia
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes):
Hamersley - Paraburdoo, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo, 100.0% 23,990 25,799 23,731 26,113 26,653 68,767 76,496
Yandicoogina, Brockman and Nammuldi
Hamersley - Channar 60.0% 2,589 2,413 2,474 2,810 3,133 8,136 8,417
Hamersley - Eastern Range (a) 1,562 1,535 1,801 2,195 2,289 5,397 6,286
Hope Downs (b) 50.0% - 64 1,076 3,465 3,072 - 7,613
Robe River - Pannawonica 53.0% 5,608 6,812 6,811 6,680 7,102 18,677 20,593
Robe River - West Angelas 53.0% 6,432 7,393 6,753 6,928 6,067 18,630 19,749
Total production ('000 tonnes) 40,180 44,016 42,646 48,191 48,316 119,607 139,154
Total sales ('000 tonnes) (c) 40,271 43,971 43,083 46,033 48,715 116,815 137,831
(a) 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.
(b) Hope Downs started production in the fourth quarter of 2007
(c) Sales represent iron ore exported from Western Australian ports.
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
IRON ORE & IRON (continued)
Iron Ore Company of Canada 58.7%
Newfoundland & Labrador and Quebec in Canada
Saleable iron ore production:
Concentrates ('000 tonnes) 723 505 360 939 1,017 1,418 2,316
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 3,323 3,324 3,249 3,151 3,228 7,982 9,628
Sales:
Concentrate ('000 tonnes) 820 855 262 563 1,147 1,552 1,972
Pellets ('000 tonnes) 3,327 3,146 2,547 4,018 3,294 7,845 9,859
Rio Tinto Brasil
Corumba mine 100.0%
Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Saleable iron ore production ('000 tonnes) (a) 528 365 508 519 575 1,413 1,602
Sales ('000 tonnes) 401 112 369 462 699 993 1,531
(a) Production includes by-product fines.
HIsmelt® 60.0%
Western Australia
Pig iron production ('000 tonnes) 49 45 18 69 4 70 90
SALT
Rio Tinto Minerals - salt (a) 68.4%
Western Australia
Salt production ('000 tonnes) 2,165 2,467 1,840 1,867 2,748 5,360 6,455
(a) Rio Tinto increased its shareholding in Rio Tinto Minerals - salt to
68.4% at the beginning of July 2007.
TALC
Rio Tinto Minerals - talc 100.0%
Australia, Europe, and North America
Talc production ('000 tonnes) 318 284 342 337 290 997 969
TITANIUM DIOXIDE FEEDSTOCK
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium 100.0%
Canada and South Africa
(Rio Tinto share)
Titanium dioxide feedstock production ('000 tonnes) 356 384 356 405 394 1,075 1,155
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
Rio Tinto 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 9 MTHS 9 MTHS
interest 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2007 2008
URANIUM
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Ranger mine 68.4%
Northern Territory, Australia
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) 2,895 3,346 2,940 2,403 2,786 8,368 8,129
Rössing Uranium Ltd 68.6%
Namibia
Production ('000 lbs U3O8) 1,641 1,773 1,947 2,195 2,335 4,941 6,477
Rio Tinto percentage interest shown above is at 30 September 2008. The data represent full production and sales on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
SOURCE: Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto Media Relations, Australia Amanda Buckley Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3627 Mobile: +61 (0) 419 801 349 or Ian Head Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3620 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 360 101 or Media Relations, London Christina Mills Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1154 Mobile: +44 (0) 7825 275 605 or Nick Cobban Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 1138 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 041 003 or Media Relations, Americas Nancy Ives Mobile: +1 619-540-3751 or Investor Relations, Australia Dave Skinner Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628 Mobile: +61 (0) 408 335 309 or Simon Ellinor Office: +61 (0) 7 3867 1607 Mobile: +61 (0) 439 102 811 or Investor Relations, London Nigel Jones Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2049 Mobile: +44 (0) 7917 227365 or David Ovington Office: +44 (0) 20 7781 2051 Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 010 978 or Investor Relations, North America Jason Combes Office: +1 801-204-2919 Mobile: +1 801-558-2645 or Email: questions@riotinto.com Website: www.riotinto.com High resolution photographs available at: www.newscast.co.uk
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