Rio Tinto releases 2Q18 production results

Key points

• Pilbara iron ore shipments of 88.5 million t (100% basis) in the second quarter were 14% higher than the second quarter of 2017, benefiting from better weather and reflecting improved productivity across the system. Shipments in 2018 are expected to be at the upper end of the existing guidance range of 330 - 340 million t (100% basis).
• Bauxite production of 13.3 million t was 3% higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017, due to continued operational improvements. Third party shipments increased by 10% to 8.7 million t due to firm demand.
• Aluminium production of 0.9 million t was 3% lower than the second quarter of 2017 due primarily to labour disruptions at the non-managed Becancour smelter in Canada and a power interruption at the Dunkerque smelter in France.
• Mined copper production of 156 800 thousand t was 26% higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017, reflecting strong production at Escondida following a labour union strike in the first half of last year.
• Hard metallurgical coal production was 40% higher than the corresponding quarter of 2017 due primarily to the impact of Cyclone Debbie last year.
• Titanium dioxide slag production was 27% lower than the second quarter of 2017. Production was suspended at Rio Tinto Fer et Titane in Sorel-Tracy following a fatality on 26 April 2018. Production at Richards Bay Minerals has been impacted by ongoing labour disputes between contractors and their employees.
• Production at Iron Ore Company of Canada was significantly impacted in the second quarter, where operations were suspended while a new labour agreement was reached. Operations returned to normal production rates by the end of June 2018.
• Cost inflation is being experienced, particularly in the aluminium group with higher raw material costs. Disruptions during the first half have also impacted unit costs at IOC and RBM.
• The major growth projects remain on track, with first bauxite shipment from Amrun expected in the first half of 2019 and construction of the first drawbell at Oyu Tolgoi Underground anticipated in mid-2020.
• The AutoHaulTM project achieved two major milestones, with regulatory approval on 18 May 2018 and the first loaded autonomous train journey from mine to port completed on 10 July 2018.
• Divestments announced in the first half of 2018 totalling US$5.0 billion pre-tax, subject to completion conditions, are all expected to complete by the end of 2018, including the Dunkerque and ISAL smelter sales and the Group’s metallurgical coal assets.
• On 12 July 2018, Rio Tinto announced that it had signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement with PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum), and Freeport-McMoRan Inc. detailing the proposed principal terms for the sale of its entire interest in Grasberg to Inalum for US$3.5 billion. Given the terms that remain to be agreed, there is no certainty the transaction will complete and any final agreements will be subject to regulatory approvals.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/17072018/rio-tinto-releases-2q18-production-results/